Smart as a Sheep?

Perhaps sheep are smarter than we give them credit for. USU researchers found that sheep can choose the correct remedy to cure what ails them. In the study, lambs were given various mild toxins that made them unwell then fed a substance to alleviate their symptoms. When lambs ingested the different toxins in subsequent tests, they repeatedly showed a preference for the substances that offered relief.

For more information, contact Juan Villalba, research assistant professor, Department of Forest, Range and Wildlife Sciences, College of Natural Resources, Utah State University, 435-797-2539.