I’ll never forget when I first heard the sounds of two rams hitting their horns together. It was the middle of the summer; both males were on the roads, licking minerals. One was pushing the other, when both looked at each other before their heads collided. Even though it was not with the same force that would have taken place during the rut season, it was still very loud. As if two large boulders had collided. Rams can weigh over 300 pounds and their horns can exceed 30 pounds. The force that is used when two male collide during the rut, scientists using the equation Force = mass x acceleration, 800lbs of force. A collision between two rams can be heard over a mile away. With their thick skulls, the rams are well protected from this force and it has been found that the volume of blood pumped to the brain increases before the collision occurs. This helps to create a “bubble wrap effect”. Just for comparison, an NHL player puts 100lbs of force when hitting the puck with a slap shot. And these horns for females and males, are made out of the same material as our nails are made of, keratin. A type of protein. I get my keratin when consuming eggs.
