wether

A wether is a castrated male sheep or goat. The term is used in livestock farming to identify non-reproductive males kept for meat production or other non-breeding purposes. A wether is contrasted with a ram, which is an intact male, and with a ewe, which is a female.

Castration in sheep and goats is typically performed when the animal is young, using surgical removal of the testicles or a banding method. The practice reduces aggression, prevents unwanted breeding, and facilitates handling. Wethers are often raised on pasture or fed to reach slaughter weight at a predictable age, aiding management and marketability.

Meat from wethers is commonly sold as lamb when the animal is slaughtered young; older wethers may yield meat categorized as mutton in some markets. Wethers are valued for steady growth, a more uniform size, and a calmer disposition compared with intact males used for breeding (rams) or with females.

In goats, the term wether also applies to castrated males and they are kept for meat or other non-breeding purposes, depending on regional practices. Across species, wether management is a common practice in modern farming to optimize production, simplify breeding control, and produce consistent meat products.