Besides hardwood, animal bone was the principal material used in making lace bobbins in the early days of bobbin/pillow lace in England. It was more often called bone lace.
Horse leg bones were probably used in as much they were readily available and large enough for bobbins. Sheep bones are very hard, but small and very likely unusable for bobbins.
Most likely the cattle of the 16th and 17th century were much smaller than the cattle that is bred today and their bones were probably thinner than the hybrid cattle of the modern world.
Most Pet Stores carry large steer shin bones which is suitable for turning.(Look at a few for the best size) Cut the bone up in 1/4" X 4" pieces. You will yield maybe 4 to 8 pieces. Most bone bobbins are 3/16" X 3.5".