How do mother sheep adopt an orphaned lamb?

Mother sheep, or ewes, can adopt orphaned lambs through a process that often involves scent recognition. When a ewe loses her own lamb or has not given birth, she may accept an orphaned lamb if it is introduced to her properly, usually by rubbing the orphan with the fleece or fluids from her own lamb to mask its scent. This helps the ewe recognize the orphan as her own. Additionally, allowing the orphaned lamb to nurse soon after the introduction can further solidify the bond.