Born to be wild but only if it's mild

A SEVENTEEN-YEAR study of wild sheep has found that having an early advantage in life is no guarantee of success.

Researchers from Edinburgh University studying Soay sheep on the island of St Kilda discovered that male lambs that grow big horns – and would therefore be expected to be the strongest males as adults – are more likely to die if their first winter is a harsh one.

Matthew Robinson of the university's School of Biological Sciences said: "Young rams are taking a gamble by putting lots of energy into growing horns, which may pay off if their first winter is mild.

"However, if the winter is a difficult one, lambs with big horns are most at risk."