A tup is a male sheep, also known as a ram, that is used for breeding purposes. In Scotland, the word "tup" is used more commonly than "ram". The mating season for sheep is called tupping season, during which the tups are introduced to the ewes for breeding. The tups are carefully selected and prepared for tupping season, and they are kept separate from the ewes until the time is right. During tupping season, each tup is allowed to mate with a group of 60-70 ewes for about 6 weeks. The gestation period for ewes is 5 months, so tupping is carefully planned for the new lambs to be born in the following April and May.