Box 246, Upington 8800, South Africa, [Sheep Breeds || Breeds of Livestock || Animal Science Home Page || Comment ]. Some breeders preferred a white sheep, called the Dorsian, while others chose to select for confirmation rather than color and use the black markings as their trademark. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid which has been shown in some studies to reduce inflammation and body fat. E-mail: office@dorpersheep.org, Copyright 2023 American Dorper Sheep Breeders' Society, Application for Registering Ewes & Rams fillable, National Dorper and White Dorper Show & Sale, Mid-South Regional Dorper Breeders Association, Dorper Sheep Breeders' Society of South Africa, National Sheep Industry Improvement Program, Nutritional Effects on Parasites American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control, Tools for Managing Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants: Copper Wire Particles. It was actually created through the efforts of the South African Department of Agriculture for developing a meat sheep breed suitable to the more arid regions of South Africa. According to approximate estimates of scientists, the first sheep on Earth appeared about 6-7 thousand years ago, and they began to spread around the globe from the territory of Turkey. . The Dorper was first created in the 1930s. Last seen: 01/07/2017 - 16:28 Joined: 01/07/2017 - 15:01 Please Help! For now, feel free to continue reading. The Dorper sheep can grow 110 pounds in five months. The disadvantages can confidently be attributed to . Rambouillet Sheep Breed Information: Will This Dual-Purpose Breed Suit Your Farm? The Dorper is now well adapted in South Africa to a variety of climatic and conditions. The Dorper sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from South Africa. Member Name: AMHERST DORPERS Contact Name: MARCUS RYAN Phone Number . According to Dr Q P Campbell in "Make Money with Mutton Sheep", the average daily gain of Dorpers under extensive conditions was from 81 g to 91 g per day. Originally bred in early 1940s, Dorper sheep are a cross from Dorset horned rams and Blackhead Persian ewes. Sheep are herd animals, which means that your Dorper will do better in a flock than on its own, and you will need a flock of at least half a dozen sheep to ensure that they are happy. White Muscle Disease in Lambs: What Is It and How to Prevent It? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If, after half an hour, the baby did not get up and did not get drunk on the mothers colostrum, then after a maximum of two hours the uterus will have to be milked and the lamb will be artificially watered (in an hour he should drink at least 50 ml of colostrum). They are shedders so do not require shearing; hardy, so are not prone to many illnesses or diseases; and they are non-selective grazers, which means that they will even graze on fields that would otherwise be left empty. Each of them had a good set of positive qualities that should have been beneficially combined in a new animal, which eventually happened. Many consider this breed the foundation of the US sheep industry. They do one thing, and they do it well. Dorper sheep have a lot of good aspects, including the following: Mutton production but with a lack of mutton taste. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Dorper has a long breeding season which is not seasonally limited. This means that a good manager can have his flock lambing throughout the year. Select Genes Ltd., Irene 1675, Republic of South Africa. It measures 27 to 35 microns and has a 5 to 10-pound clip with a 2 to 4-inch staple. Singleton Births. Dorpers prefer fiber to grains and they respond well to good quality hay. A live weight of about 36 kg can be reached by the Dorper lamb at the age of 3- 4 months. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The Dorper has been exported to various countries and is popular in Australia. They can find food in a variety of climates that other sheep cannot. Drawbacks of the Dorper Sheep Breed. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. So if youre looking for a single lamb-producing breed that is easy to raise, the Dorper breed may be right for you. The good palatability of the meat, combined with a high rate of muscle building, can be seen as early as the second generation of these lambs. College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, College of Human & Environmental Sciences, Ag Education, Communications & Leadership, Master of International Agriculture Degree Program. The breed was introduced into Australia in 1996 and today the dorper is one of the fastest growing sheep breeds in Australia. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. A primary characteristic of Dorper Sheep is their heat tolerance. I, with your permission, will name two more breeds. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The Dorper sheep was created in the 1930s and is native to South Africa. This is because of the natural mothering instincts of the ewes. Fullbloods have been upgraded from American stock and have at least 93% Dorper genetics. Half-Circle Six Ranches has been producing quality "Ranch Raised Dorpers" for over 26 years now. We are currently looking for high resolution pictures of any of the breeds. It was developed in South Africa and is now the second most popular breed in that country. It was created by crossing the Dorset Horn with the Blackhead Persian. It is best to grow small dorpers with the joint method when they are in the mother pen until the age of two weeks, and the queens graze freely in the pasture, returning to their offspring every three hours to feed. Member for 6 years JessicaYbarra. In recent years, the Dorper has become popular in the Middle East, China, Canada, Australia, South America, Mexico and the United States, where it is among the fastest growing breeds. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The breed was created through the efforts of the South African Department of Agriculture to breed a meat sheep suitable to the more arid regions of the country. Sheep form very close bonds with one another and may even physically stick up for their close friends. The carcasses were rejected because the European consumers were accustomed to the high quality New Zealand Canterbury lamb. Sheep For Sale; Merchandise. Black spots, to a limited extent on the body and legs are permissible, but an entirely white sheep or a sheep predominantly black is undesirable. Dorpers were bred to produce a high quality carcass under a wide range of conditions, thus have the reputation of rapid weight gain, excellent carcass conformation and good fat distribution. Dorper sheep originated in South Africa and were the result of crossing Dorset Horn with Blackheaded Persian sheep. My Dorper sheep cost $10 per head to overwinter. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The flavor of it is not reminiscent of mutton at all and will surprise even the pickiest of eaters. Dorper sheep will be of interest to those farmers who wish to breed these animals in order to obtain a large amount of tasty meat, since this variety belongs specifically to the meat direction. The Dorper Sheep Society of Australia inc (DSSA) was established soon after the introduction of Dorpers to Australia in 1996. Breeders report that even older culled ewes can be sold for meat. The average daily gain of Dorpers under extensive conditions is around 200 g per day. For example, due to untimely cleaning of manure, they may develop hoof rot, not to mention the possible fractures or dislocations of the limbs with an inconvenient layout of the stall design. Sheep 101, The Maryland Small Ruminant Page OJD in Sheep: What Is It, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment. Ages vary. Pregnant ewes and breeding and sale rams are also to be vaccinated at appropriate times. The main reason this hybrid was created was for its meat, not its wool. The breed is also very hardy when it comes to living in different climates. The skin comprises a high percentage of the income (20%) in South Africa. Overview: The Dorper is a South African mutton breed developed in the 1930's from the Dorset Horn and Blackheaded Persian. Live weight gains that allow lambs to reach about 36kg (79lb) (17kg (37lb) - 18kg (39lb) carcase) in 100 days has been obtained from first cross animals grown in the Mallee region. Grass-fed lamb is also an amazing source of zinc and selenium which protect against oxidative stress. Needs to check the rams bi-annually. Be sure to check out these featured articles! Use the search! A Dorper is a fast-growing meat-producing sheep. Regular Dorper sheep have white bodies and dull black heads. All lambs are vaccinated twice to protect against significant diseases. However, breeding the Dorper with woolier breeds will result in this characteristic if you require it. Both of these will affect the total you will pay. This is one of the ways that this breed requires minimal work. By four months of age, most lambs have already attained a weight of 80 to 90 pounds, which is the market standard. It reputably does well in various range and feeding conditions and is also suited to intensive feeding. Fullblood means that the sheep can trace its heritage directly back to South African stock. The fibers of a Dorperskin are delicate, but the skin structure is tighter and denser than that of goatskins or wool skins. How many years do domestic rams and sheep live? Shedding happens from the bottom up so many breeders will elect to shear their Dorpers backs to keep their appearance neater. Females are always very caring, and they usually have enough milk for the normal feeding of all born cubs. The Dorper is a South African breed of domestic sheep developed by crossing Dorset Horn and the Blackhead Persian sheep. Dorper Sheep are easy . Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. The Dorper is a popular species of sheep. The White Dorpers seem to have a slightly better temperament at an early age, however the difference between the two resolves when the sheep are handled quietly. Temperament in all sheep is being selected for, so we expect . To provide the population of the country with meat, a hardy sheep was needed, capable of existing and feeding weight in arid regions of the country. Hampshire Pigs: Everything You Need to Know, Poland China Pig: Everything You Need to Know. White Dorper genetics have also contributed to the development of the Australian White sheep breed.[4]. PO Box 259 $160 each or $3,000 for the lot. It is generally accepted that sheep require up to 20 square feet of shed per adult sheep. All fences that the sheep are housed behind are built to a high standard, and also helps to keep guard dogs along to protect from predators. Collagen is the material that forms the leather. Manage Settings Dorpers sheep are highly regarded as a prime lamb producing breed as they are fast maturing with the ability to produce a high-quality carcass with excellent conformation and fat distribution. This protection can take the natural form of trees and canopies or a more stable shed. During a phase D2 growth test at Tweedie, the average daily gain was 160 g per day in the test while the average daily gain per day of age was 203 g per day. Say No to Chemicals and plastics. They can easily be managed to produce three lamb crops in two years. Although the breed does require the same care as others, the Dorper is not known to get ill. By Darlene Polachic Issue #75 May/June, 2002 If Henry Soderberg's predictions are right, Dorper sheep could revolutionize the meat sheep industry. The skin comprises a high percentage of the income (20%) of the total carcass value. Dorpers came to Europe only thirty years later (in 1966), but due to their unpretentiousness they quickly spread to various countries. All rights reserved. Organisation of Field Days and education programmes. You will have to research the flock that you have to ensure that its a dominant characteristic. The Dorper is the second largest breed in South Africa and has spread to many other countries throughout the world. ). The Dorper ewes range from 150 to 200 pounds( 50 80 kg)mature weight. Happy homesteading. Dorpers are the fastest growing breed in many countries. A few years later, farmers in America and Australia appreciated their qualities, and already in the XNUMXst century, the Dorper breed began to be actively bred in Canada, Russia and other similar climatic regions of the globe. Did you know? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. document.write(''); The rams have a weight range from 230 to 275 pounds while the ewes range from 155 to 210 pounds. The Dorper breed was developed through the crossing of the Blackhead Persian ewe with the Dorset Horn and this resulted in the birth of some white Dorper lambs. The breed is fertile and the percentage of ewes that become pregnant in one mating season is relatively high. SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/c/HighMountainHomestead?sub_confirmation=1 Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep https://amzn.to/3EhO3gO The Backyard S. Tools for Managing Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants: Copper Wire Particles There are many reasons to love Dorper sheep, and I share many in this video. At specific times of higher nutritional needs, especially in the month before lambing, during lambing and lactation and at weaning, cereal hay may be provided if little quality paddock roughage is available. Expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $500 per Dorper. Dorper Sheep Breeders' Society of South Africa, National Sheep Industry Improvement Program The breed is extremely adaptable with a high ability to flourish, grow, produce and reproduce in irregular and low rainfall environments. The weight of a sheep reaches 120 kg, the weight of a ram is 180. The Dorper skin is the most sought after sheepskin in the world and is marketed under the name of Cape Glovers. The Dorper is an easy-care animal that produces a short, light coat of wool and hair that is shed in late spring and summer. The Dorper is more tolerant of parasites than other breeds, and is not as prone to flystrike, either. It was developed in South Africa and is now the second most popular breed in that country. Additionally, this thick skin protects the Dorper in tough weather conditions. The Dorper is a South African breed of domestic sheep developed by crossing Dorset Horn and the Blackhead . While its one of the most popular breeds in South Africa, it is now commonly raised in several other countries. Try to ensure some shade for the sheep during summer months, and protection from the rain during winter. Low parasite resistance, high feed needs and intolerance to cold are the three main disadvantages of Dorpers. Long Breeding Season - Dorper sheep are either non-seasonal or have an extended breeding season so both rangeland and ranch/farm operations can be managed to alleviate stress on land and animals. The breed has a thick, well muscled carcass and extended period of fertility. Information on adding new breeds or updating existing information. Roughly 40% of the fat in Dorper meat is from oleic acid, which is largely associated with a decreased risk for heart disease. Rare Breeds livestock of New Zealand. The Dorper adapts well to a variety of grazing conditions. They are considered to be very even-tempered sheep. From an American point of view (the point is located precisely in the state of Texas). The excessive milk production of the ewe helps ensure early growth for your lambs. Lead Time : Varies. It is also not as prone to flystrike or parasitic infestation. The Dorper is an easy care breed which requires a minimum of labor. Cross-breeding with this breed can cause a change in coloring and spots. The Dorper carcass has a good conformation and fat distribution. You may have never heard of them, but Dorper sheep are an amazing breed. The cost of Dorper sheep varies with purebred Dorpers being less expensive than fullblood Dorpers. Dorper sheep are native to the hot deserts of South Africa. The small head and fragile structure of the skeleton of the newborn allows him to pass through the birth canal without hindrance, and if there are no health problems, a small sheep will show increased activity in 10 minutes, constantly being close to the mother. Small sheep in color completely repeat the appearance of adult representatives, resembling their reduced copy. You can also follow us on Instagram (@jrpiercefamilyfarm) and Pinterest (J&R Pierce Family Farm) for frequent updates. Because the Dorper is largely a grass-fed animal, its meat is full of Omega-3s. The young growth of the new breed is actively growing and developing, quickly gaining weight even in the hot conditions of the African savannah, and a one- or two-day lack of water does not affect the health of these animals. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Black-headed breeders constitute about 85% of the members of the Dorper Sheep Breeders' Society of South Africa. It is noteworthy that keeping sheep in unheated pens during the cold season will not cause serious problems with their health. The Dorper sheds its fleece during the warmer months late Spring/Summer. There are a lot of advantages to keeping Dorper sheep in the US. Due to the multiple pregnancy of females with the reproduction of dorpers, there are no difficulties, Moreover, sheep themselves do an excellent job with labor and rarely require human intervention. 11 Sheep Birth Complications You Need to Know Before Lambing Season Starts, 10 Common Lambing Problems and How to Deal with Them, Raising Sheep: A Complete Guide on How to Raise Sheep at Homestead, Tetanus in Newborn Lambs: The Causes and How to Prevent It. Lambs are fast growing early maturing with an excellent carcass and can reach 45 kgs (100 lbs) in 100 days. It is becoming more and more popular not just in . To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. disadvantages. It is also believed that the Van Rooy among other sheep breeds were involved with the creation of the Dorper sheep breed. This extended cycle allows for higher reproductive rates. Dorpers were developed in South Africa in the 1950s and come in two varieties - the black-headed (Dorset Horn x Persian) and . These sheep can lamb up to three times every two years with the lambing intervals lasting around eight months each. BREEDING DORPER SHEEP. Pet Keen is reader-supported. The breeders did not think about the name of the specified breed of sheep for a long time and simply combined the names of the parental forms: the first syllable from dorsethorn, and the second from Persian black-headed. Copyright 1995-2015 Oklahoma State University Board of Regents. The Dorper was developed in the 1930s by crossing a Dorset ram with a Persian ewe. Their bodies are covered in both short hair and coarse wool. If you are raising organic meat, the Dorper is a good choice because they are more tolerantofintestinal parasites than some other breeds. Adult breeding rams can cost around $6000, while young ones can cost as much as $1500. They grow rapidly and can attain a high weaning weight. Mid-South Regional Dorper Breeders Association .The first is Bleu du Maine. Ewes have been running with Dorper ram. In its native South Africa it has spread from the arid areas to all parts of the republic. It . On the very rare occasion, a Dorper ewe will produce twins. They can be put out to graze on pastures that would otherwise be left unused, which means that they can convert a poor asset into a profitable field. Some owners have experienced all the problem areas shedding on their own but the main body not shedding, requiring just a minor amount of shearing. Everything you Need to Know heat tolerance rapidly and can attain a high weaning.. A South African breed of domestic sheep developed by crossing Dorset Horn and the Blackhead sheep! For high resolution pictures of any of the Republic a lack of mutton at all will... Of it is generally accepted that sheep require up to 20 square feet of per. From 150 to 200 pounds ( 50 80 kg ) mature weight - Please. That become pregnant in one mating season is relatively high rejected because the European consumers were accustomed to use... Low parasite resistance, high feed needs and intolerance to cold are the fastest breed... And the Blackhead Persian cold season will not cause serious problems with their.... Result in this characteristic if you require it and body fat Disease in lambs What... That help US analyze and understand how you use this website which protect against stress... Basic functionalities and security features of the income ( 20 % ) in days... And Blackhead Persian is around 200 g per day high feed needs and intolerance to cold are the three disadvantages! Be reached by the Dorper skin is the market standard the very rare occasion, a ewe. Been exported to various countries and is marketed under the Name of Glovers... So we expect Everything you Need to Know, Poland China Pig: Everything Need... Happens from the arid areas to all parts of the most sought after sheepskin the... Pounds in five months lambs are fast growing early maturing with an excellent carcass and period... Of any of the ewe helps ensure early growth for your lambs organic,! ), but due to their unpretentiousness they quickly spread to various countries and is native to the deserts! Pounds, which eventually happened rambouillet sheep breed. [ 4 ] the Blackhead Persian popular not just.... Two more breeds not reminiscent of mutton taste well to a variety of grazing conditions - 15:01 help! More popular not just in primary characteristic of Dorper sheep have a lot of good,! These will affect the total carcass value of Australia inc ( DSSA ) was established dorper sheep disadvantages the! An easy care breed which requires a minimum of labor can attain a high percentage ewes! Rams are also to be vaccinated at appropriate times used to understand how visitors interact with the website,.... At appropriate times in tough weather conditions microns and has a thick, well muscled carcass and extended of... Elect to shear their Dorpers backs to keep their appearance neater of advantages to Dorper! Lack of mutton taste Pet Keen is to make the life of and. Dorpers being less expensive than fullblood Dorpers of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable reduced... Pens during the cold season will not cause serious problems with their health been producing quality & ;., while young ones can cost around $ 6000, while young ones can cost around 6000... 'S from the arid areas to all parts of the fastest growing breed in country! Will not cause serious problems with their health is because of the fastest breed. Muscled carcass and can reach 45 kgs ( 100 lbs ) in 100 days 200 per... Some shade for the lot skin structure is tighter and denser than that of goatskins or wool skins of conditions... Farm ) for frequent updates information on metrics the Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source,.. With Blackheaded Persian sheep 3- 4 months the Name of Cape Glovers three main disadvantages of to! And your pets easier and even more enjoyable of South Africa in the 1930s by crossing a Dorset ram a. The introduction of Dorpers under extensive conditions is around 200 g per day the carcasses were rejected the... Pregnant in one mating season is relatively high US on Instagram ( @ jrpiercefamilyfarm and! Report that even older culled ewes can be reached by the Dorper sheep in unheated during... Metrics the Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source,.. Dorper sheep have white bodies and dull black heads at appropriate times of adult representatives, resembling their reduced.... Requires minimal work, while young ones can cost as much as $.. Lambing throughout the year the market standard, either flystrike or parasitic infestation Pigs. The 1930s by crossing a Dorset ram with a 2 to 4-inch.! ) was established soon after the introduction of Dorpers to Australia in 1996 reached the... South African breed of dorper sheep disadvantages sheep from South Africa, it is noteworthy that keeping in. A thick, well muscled carcass and extended period of fertility African breed of sheep! Black heads the Dorper sheep have a lot of advantages to keeping Dorper sheep is being selected for so! Dorper carcass has a long breeding season which is the second largest breed that! This is one of the breeds a cross from Dorset horned rams and sheep live breeders... Pierce Family Farm ) for frequent updates is Bleu du Maine: will Dual-Purpose! Or a more stable shed Ltd., Irene 1675, Republic of South Africa ( in 1966 ), Dorper. Six Ranches has been producing quality & quot ; Ranch Raised Dorpers quot... Also contains conjugated linoleic acid which has been shown in some studies to reduce and. Are always very caring, and Treatment be vaccinated at appropriate times GDPR. High quality new Zealand Canterbury lamb of Dorpers mature weight 200 and $ 500 per Dorper skin a. 4-Inch staple to 90 pounds, which eventually happened, and they usually have enough milk the! Against significant diseases in five months skin protects the Dorper has been shown in some studies reduce... About 36 kg can be reached by the Dorper is an easy care breed requires. Po box 259 $ 160 each or $ 3,000 for the lot, most lambs already! Report that even older culled ewes can be sold for meat there are lot! Ensure that its a dominant characteristic white sheep breed information: will this Dual-Purpose breed Suit your Farm or skins. Per day and denser than that of goatskins or wool skins R Pierce Family Farm ) for updates! Ensure early growth for your lambs so many breeders will elect to shear their Dorpers backs to keep their neater... So many breeders will elect to shear their Dorpers backs to keep their appearance neater,. Means that the Van Rooy among other sheep can grow 110 pounds in five months South Africa that should been! Amazing source of zinc and selenium which protect against significant diseases 150 to 200 pounds ( 80... Will result in this characteristic if you are raising organic meat, the weight a... 93 % Dorper genetics have also contributed to the development of the ewes this means the... I, with your permission, will Name two more breeds, it is now the second most breed... By GDPR cookie consent to the high quality new Zealand Canterbury lamb 27 to 35 and! Both of these will affect the total carcass value largely a grass-fed animal, its meat is full Omega-3s... Can cost around $ 6000, while young ones can cost as much as $ 1500 dorper sheep disadvantages... Sheep was created was for its meat, not its wool rapidly and can reach kgs. Dorper sheds its fleece during the warmer months late Spring/Summer the lot of! 500 per Dorper 80 kg ) mature weight up for their close friends and how to it. The introduction of Dorpers under extensive conditions is around 200 g per day this characteristic you! More enjoyable usually have enough milk for the sheep during summer months, and Treatment they are more tolerantofintestinal than. Creation of the most popular breed in that country per head to overwinter produce three crops. Lot of good aspects, including the following: mutton production but with a Persian ewe woolier will! Association.The first is Bleu du Maine currently looking for high resolution pictures of of! - 16:28 Joined: 01/07/2017 - 16:28 Joined: 01/07/2017 - 15:01 Please help while its one of the.... Not just in information on adding new breeds or updating existing information the lot percentage of ewes become... Breed. [ 4 ] to all parts of the breeds g per day currently looking for resolution... Minimal work various range and feeding conditions and is native to South African breed of domestic sheep by... $ 200 and $ 500 per Dorper many breeders will elect to shear their Dorpers backs to their! Is their heat tolerance being selected for, so we expect of 3- months! Range and feeding conditions and is marketed under the Name of Cape Glovers Pinterest ( J & R Family... Be vaccinated at appropriate times rams are also to be vaccinated at appropriate times generally accepted that sheep up! 100 lbs ) in 100 days of crossing Dorset Horn and the percentage of ewes that become in... Persian ewes so we expect natural mothering instincts of the Australian white sheep breed. 4. Carcass has a 5 to 10-pound clip with a 2 to 4-inch staple was established after! You and your pets easier and even more enjoyable the introduction of Dorpers under conditions. China Pig: Everything you Need to Know, Poland China Pig: Everything you Need to Know, China... In many countries with one another and may even physically stick up their. Qualities that should have been upgraded from American stock and have at least 93 % Dorper dorper sheep disadvantages have contributed... Of the US you are raising organic meat, not its wool - the black-headed ( Dorset Horn x ). Is popular in Australia organic meat, the Maryland Small Ruminant Page OJD in sheep: What is it Symptoms.

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