This is especially important for pregnant females, as they are always deficient in nutrients and vitamins. This is one reason, in addition to a high lambing percentage and the fact that the Dorper sheep shed of hair makes maintenance easy, that this is one of the top breeds for meat production. It does not store any personal data. If you are raising organic meat, the Dorper is a good choice because they are more tolerantofintestinal parasites than some other breeds. The breed is fertile and the percentage of ewes that become pregnant in one mating season is relatively high. The Dorper is considered an even-tempered sheep. Although the breed does require the same care as others, the Dorper is not known to get ill. 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. These sheep can lamb up to three times every two years with the lambing intervals lasting around eight months each. Katum smooth-haired sheep: description, advantages and disadvantages of the breed, Average weight of a sheep: a live adult, how much does a lamb carcass weigh, Who is considered the ancestor of domestic sheep: theories of origin, Fine-wool sheep breeding: the most famous breeds, breeding, Sheep milk cheese: types of cheese, how to make at home, Sheep breeding in the countries of the world, Areas of application of lamb fat, how to choose when buying, benefits and harms. Despite originating in the warmer temperatures of South Africa, they will grow a thicker coat in colder temperatures. They are barrel-shaped and typically have black feet. The breed was developed for the arid extensive regions of South Africa. Dorper Sheep Breeders' Society of South Africa, provided by Henry du Plooy, Kiewietskloof, Griekwastad 8365, Northern Cape, South Africa, Henry du Plooy, Kiewietskloof, Griekwastad 8365, Northern Cape, South Africa Mr P J Cilliers (Jnr), P.O. The breed has a thick, well muscled carcass and extended period of fertility. 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. Dorper sheep are native to the hot deserts of South Africa. Their bodies are covered in both short hair and coarse wool. Articles about sheep health and cattle health. Better conception rates are achieved at nine to twelve months with later bred ewes growing out better. The flavor of it is not reminiscent of mutton at all and will surprise even the pickiest of eaters. Say No to Chemicals and plastics. But even in spite of its high cost, dorper sheep are widespread among farmers. This ensures a high quality carcass of approximately 16 kg. The usual economies of scale apply, so you might be able to enjoy lower prices if buying a full flock or a large number of Dorpers. The breed was bred in the 30s of the last century in South Africa. Australian Dorper and White Dorper Association Inc, Dorper Sheep Association of Czech Republic, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dorper&oldid=1130165072, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2013, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2011, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 December 2022, at 22:27. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. D1150 ECHUCA. Dorpers utilize shrubs and bushes to a greater extent, but grass to a lesser extent in relation to Merino sheep. Ages vary. Breeders report that even older culled ewes can be sold for meat. OJD in Sheep: What Is It, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment. The Dorper was first created in the 1930s. It . 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. Katum smooth-haired sheep: description, advantages and disadvantages of the breed . A wonderful breed, wool of the highest quality. Continue with Recommended Cookies. College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, College of Human & Environmental Sciences, Ag Education, Communications & Leadership, Master of International Agriculture Degree Program. Made from the combination of the Dorset Horn ram and the Blackheaded Persian ewe, they feature either a black or white head with their white bodies. 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. By the age of nine months, young males often reach 70 kg, due to which they are often sought to be crossed with smaller females of other breeds. The most visible characteristics of any breed of animal are the conformation data, however, from the point of view of farmers, it is much more important to learn about the productive qualities, as well as the general advantages and disadvantages of the representatives of the selected breed variety. Please provide a description of this breed as well You may have never heard of them, but Dorper sheep are an amazing breed. The Dorper skin is the most sought after sheepskin in the world and is marketed under the name of Cape Glovers. The modern day Dorper is numerically the second largest breed in South Africa with over 10 million head (over 1/3 of the total number of sheep). A primary characteristic of Dorper Sheep is their heat tolerance. Essentially, this means that they will eat whatever grass, hay, plants, and shrubs are in their field. Lead Time : Varies. Dorper ewes can be bred any time of year. As with many cross breeds, the Dorper concentrated the best qualities of each breed. Fullbloods have been upgraded from American stock and have at least 93% Dorper genetics. These sheep can lamb up to three times every two years with the lambing intervals lasting around eight months each. Learn more. There are a lot of advantages to keeping Dorper sheep in the US. Dorper sheep are made by crossing a Dorset Horn ram with a Blackheaded Persian ewe. D1173 AMHERST. The Dorper sheep thrive in arid to semi-tropical climate and are suitable for areas with rainfall of only 100 to 760 mm. 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. This can be eliminated by breeding with White Dorpers and will also better create the shedding characteristic. Contact Us. Lameness and foot lesions in Dorper sheep | Posted June 2011 Written by: Jillian Lawrence, University of Sydney Intern and Libby Read, District Veterinarian . Additionally, this thick skin protects the Dorper in tough weather conditions. If it is assumed that the lambing percentage is 150% and that management is at such a level that ewes can lamb about three times in two years, a Dorper ewe will produce 2.25 lambs on an annual basis. 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. The South African farmers began developing a new breed and were . If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. AMHERST. It also means that you can combine Dorpers with other breeds that are more selective, leaving the Dorper to feed on what is left. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Select Genes Ltd., Irene 1675, Republic of South Africa. The Dorper sheep can grow 110 pounds in five months. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. 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. 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. As for drinking, water should be in the stalls at all times, moreover, if the pasture is far from the premises, then drinkers should be placed there as well. ). So if youre looking for a single lamb-producing breed that is easy to raise, the Dorper breed may be right for you. When buying your sheep, you will have to decide whether you want a purebred or a fullblood. The reason for the emergence of a new breed of sheep in the Republic of South Africa in the 30s of the last century was the high demand for dietary meat, and given the small amount of greenery for grazing existing animals, farmers needed a new meat and unpretentious breed in growing, which would be enough local meager fodder. Instead, the meat offers a mild, delicate, and delicious flavor. This breed grows very quickly when compared to other breeds. No uniform pattern in the walking distance of Dorpers was observed when compared to other sheep breeds. Fiber from the outer coats of wild sheep, technically known as hair, is not suitable for spinning into wool . The average daily gain of Dorpers under extensive conditions is around 200 g per day. Since that time the DSSA has managed and maintained a registry of pedigree and breeding information for both sires and dams, maintaining high genetic integrity. We are currently looking for high resolution pictures of any of the breeds. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The breed was bred in the 30s of the last century in South Africa. Sheep need up to 5 gallons of fresh water per day. Dorper rams are typically ready to breed at five months. Located East Kurrajong . The fleece regrows in Autumn when the temperature becomes cooler. Females are always very caring, and they usually have enough milk for the normal feeding of all born cubs. The Dorper Lamb breed was developed in the . Again, wool. 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). . American Sheep Industry Association The Dorper ewes from this cross were excellent mothers that could be bred in any season. The growth rate is incredible reaching 36 kg [~80 lbs] at three and a half to four months, this ensures a high-quality carcass of approximately 16 kg. All lambs are vaccinated twice to protect against significant diseases. The lambs grow quickly, reaching a weight of 80 to 90 pounds in four months. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Overview: The Dorper is a South African mutton breed developed in the 1930's from the Dorset Horn and Blackheaded Persian. From a well-fed ram, the meat yield is at the level of 59% of the total weight of the animal. Phone: -27-12-6671129 Fax: -27-12-6671827. 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. In addition, sometimes there are cases of rabies infection, especially if the lambs are grazing close to the forest belt. They grow really fast. The Dorper breed of sheep is famous for its numerous advantages, including simplicity in care and maintenance, rapid growth, good productivity, high quality meat and leather. Inherent characteristics of the breed such as, The average daily gain of Dorpers under extensive conditions is around. It even does well in the wet areas of New Zealand and Tasmania. The Dorper Sheep Breeders Society of South Africa was founded in 1950. Dorpers prefer fiber to grains and they respond well to good quality hay. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The African origin of dorpers does not in the least prevent them from breeding them in Europe and Russia, after all, despite the absence of a warm fur covering of the body, animals perfectly adapt even to sub-zero temperaturesthat scientists still cannot explain scientifically. The breed is extremely adaptable with a high ability to flourish, grow, produce and reproduce in irregular and low rainfall environments. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In the historical homeland of Dorper sheep, free mating of individuals is practiced, and upon reaching puberty, individual members of the herd find partners for themselves. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Fertility, great feed conversion, and adaptability to weather conditions have helped the Dorper sheep breed rise in popularity among sheep farmers. This study was designed to evaluate breed differences in resistance to Haemonchus contortus in lambs. Some breeds are characterized by the fiber of their wool, but not the Dorper as it cant be spun. During the early 1930s, South African farmers exported a surplus of mutton and lamb, from the fat tailed indigenous breeds, to Londons prestigious Smithfield Market. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. After the Dorper breed was established in 1942 in South Africa, various breeders continued to focus on breeding white sheep and crossed Dorset Horn x Blackhead Persian and Dorset Horn x Van Rooy to develop a separate breed known as "Dorsian". Unlike Merinos, Dorpers do not need shearing, crutching, or mulesing, and they are much less prone to flystrike. It costs you nothing extra, and all recommended products are ones that I personally vouch for. SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/c/HighMountainHomestead?sub_confirmation=1 Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep https://amzn.to/3EhO3gO The Backyard S. Empty the trough if the corn gets rained on to prevent digestive issues from moldy corn. Dorper sheep are considered to be an easy breed to raise. The breed has the characteristic black head (Dorper) as well as white heads (White Dorper). The Dorper has a combination of wool and hair, and it sheds every year, which means that it will not need shearing. If you believe the reviews of breeders, then a standard non-insulated corral as a shelter, when growing dorpers in the middle zone, will be more than enough, and if you add to this the low demands on feed, you get an almost ideal animal for breeding. Providing a information network for breeders. Furthermore the breed shows exceptional adaptability, hardiness, reproduction rates and growth (reaching 36 kg [~80 lbs] at three and a half to four months) as well as good mothering abilities. Sheep Breeds. While in representatives of other breeds of sheep, body weight depends on the quality of nutrition, Dorper sheep quickly gain weight even on poor feed, often reaching up to 9095 kg. Once you submit your order, full details for payment will be sent to you by email or sent via text using the phone number you are to provide . From an American point of view (the point is located precisely in the state of Texas). Dorper sheep originated in South Africa and were the result of crossing Dorset Horn with Blackheaded Persian sheep. Trials and producer experience in Australia indicate that it should be possible to breed Dorper-Merino F1 lambs with a bodyweight of 36kg at 105-120 days, to produce a carcass of about 16kg. Hello, I am Siddartha Reddy . dorper facts: In the 1930s, the South African Department of Agriculture decided to develop a new sheep breed, which had good lambing percentages and produced a high quality carcass. From an American point of view (the point is located precisely in the state of Texas). In 1950, the South African Dorper Breeders Association was formed. Temperament in all sheep is being selected for, so we expect . Parent breeds included ultra-hardy, fat-tailed Blackhead Persian hair sheep and wool-bearing British Dorset . You will have to research the flock that you have to ensure that its a dominant characteristic. Each of them had a good set of positive qualities that should have been beneficially combined in a new animal, which eventually happened. Lambs are fast growing early maturing with an excellent carcass and can reach 45 kgs (100 lbs) in 100 days. You will have to perform regular worming control maintenance. In the winter months, Dorper sheep grow light, protective fleeces that shed or mostly shed in the summer. Shearing is completely optional but it is important to note that some variations of Dorpers shed better than others. 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. $ 100.00 - $ 350.00. In 1964 the two breeds merged into one society to include Dorper and White Dorper sheep. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The Dorper sheep was bred in South Africa in the 1930s. Cross-breeding with this breed can cause a change in coloring and spots. In Australia, Dorpers are now farmed throughout the arid and tropical areas as well as the high rainfall southern states, thriving even in the extreme cold and wetness of Tasmania. Ewes have been running with Dorper ram. 2022 Editions. The Dorper sheep is a fast-growing meat producing sheep.The breed was developed for the arid extensive regions of South Africa.The Dorper is a South African mutton breed developed in the 1930s from the Dorset Horn and Blackhead Persian. You can expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $500 per sheep. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Dorpers are the fastest growing breed in many countries. In the winter season, the diet of animals changes somewhat and the number of feedings increases up to 3-4 times a day. The Dorper has been exported to various countries and is popular in Australia. https://fermer.ru/comment/121131#comment-121131, Small Landscape Design Ideas (10 Secrets), Landscape Design Ideas - Garden Design for Small Gardens, How To Design The Perfect Landscape | Landscape Design 101. The South African Department of Agriculture bred this sheep because they wanted a meat sheep that was better able to stand up to the areas arid climate. Stay tuned for the first newsletter in the morning, straight to your inbox. White Dorper genetics have also contributed to the development of the Australian White sheep breed.[4]. I often link to Amazon when recommending certain products, and if you choose to purchase, I may earn a small percentage of the sale. The breed is well adapted to survive in the arid extensive regions of South Africa. Dorper sheep were first bred in South Africa and were bred to cope with the semi-arid climate of the region. Purchase a well-muscled ram to produce great meat that produces as quickly as possible. The Dorper also utilize a larger number of different plant species. The Dorper ewes range from 150 to 200 pounds( 50 80 kg)mature weight. Until the age of three months, feeding with mothers milk is mandatory for them, after which the young can be taken away from the uterus and transferred to a separate pen. Dorper sheep have a lot of good aspects, including the following: Mutton production but with a lack of mutton taste. They should be allowed to graze during the spring, summer, and fall months on the green, growing pasture. The two are considered identical, other than the coloring, so there is no preference when it comes to meat, rearing, breeding, or other factors. Be sure to check out these featured articles! The breed also has very thick skin to deal with the cold weather, and this makes it one of the most popular breeds for producing sheepskin. The meat produced from a Dorper flock seems very popular. Like other breeds, the Dorset is an avid grazer and produces a generous amount of milk. Member for 6 years JessicaYbarra. It has been exported to the US as well as around Europe, thanks to its unique combination of beneficial features. As a strong and non-selective grazer the Dorper can advantageously be incorporated into a well planned range management system. It is much more tolerant of parasites and is not as prone to fly-strike or fleece rot as other breeds. Black-headed breeders constitute about 85% of the members of the Dorper Sheep Breeders' Society of South Africa. But with a limited amount of hay, switching to grains is still possible, but this is highly undesirable if you only need quality lamb (meat can change its taste). Some factors will affect the price, like genetics and quantity. The Dorper Lamb is a fast growing, meat producing sheep breed that thrives in a variety of grazing conditions. A South African breed developed in the 1930's from Dorset Horned and Blackheaded Persians, Dorper sheep are prized for their mild-flavored meat, their hardiness under extreme climate conditions, and above all, their capacity [] Dorper is a good meat breed. In addition, the Persians have very valuable skins used in the production of fine leather products. The weight of a sheep reaches 120 kg, the weight of a ram is 180. Member Name: AMHERST DORPERS Contact Name: MARCUS RYAN Phone Number . Hallsville, MO 65255-0259, Telephone: 573-696-2550 Individual sheep can grow up to 130-140 kg, but this is more the exception than the rule. It has been exported to other countries, including the USA, where it can survive in semi-arid conditions and has minimal care requirements. The Dorper is the second largest breed in South Africa and has spread to many other countries throughout the world. Mature rams will weigh around 230 pounds, while mature ewes will usually weigh 200 pounds. However, available nutrition largely affects the conception rates. The Dorper is a South African breed of domestic sheep developed by crossing Dorset Horn and the Blackhead Persian sheep. 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. Wethers & ram have been used as training sheep to educate working dogs. Well, the second is Border Leicester, a serious breed. 2022 Winter; 2022 Autumn; . The Dorset Horn rams crossed with Blackhead Persian ewes produced fast growing and heavily muscled lambs yielding very satisfactory economic returns under a variety of environmental conditions. The breed was developed for the arid extensive regions of South Africa. To avoid inbreeding, it is crucial that farmers practice ram rotation. They are well known for their fertility as well as their mothering instincts. The Dorper adapts well to a variety of grazing conditions. These lambs tend to be healthy, self-sufficient, and fast-growing. Dorpers are known to adapt well to feed lot conditions which offers farmers an alternative method to finish lambs in times of drought. 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 main reason this hybrid was created was for its meat, not its wool. Pet Keen is reader-supported. 1. This is not common and should not be expected. Despite the common dry conditions, the ewes prove their high fertility by conceiving quickly, as the majority lamb over a four week period. For this reason, biomaterial or sheep embryos are more often imported into the country, which is important not only for the Russian Federation, but also for Canada, Australia and the USA, where the described breed is quite popular. The primary purpose of this species was for meat. The outflow of this was the even colour distribution of today Dorpers. This is important when raising a breed for the market. It is now farmed in other areas as well, and is the second most common sheep breed in South Africa. Pre-potency - Dorper sheep cross well with commercial ewes of other . Dorpers were developed in South Africa in the 1950s and come in two varieties - the black-headed (Dorset Horn x Persian) and . Additionally, you will need to know how many heads you want to buy. The Dorper sheep is a fast-growing meat producing sheep. Few dietary requirements. The NZ Dorper Sheep Breeders Society was formed in January 2002. Dorper is a sheep breed with a short and extremely clear history of origin. It was developed in South Africa and is now the second most popular breed in that country. Dorper is a breed of sheep with a short and very clear history of origin. Lambing intervals can be eight months. It is noteworthy that keeping sheep in unheated pens during the cold season will not cause serious problems with their health. You can make sure that the young are in good health through regular observation: if up to the age of five days the cubs sleep more, and wake up only to eat, then everything is in order with them and they are quite full. This is because of the natural mothering instincts of the ewes. It does require regular worming control, still, but the breed is a good choice if you are raising organic meat. Dorper sheep keep dying. Rare Breeds livestock of New Zealand. The grazing behavior and diet selection by Dorper sheep, as well as other related aspects (pasture intake, walking habits and trampling), is reviewed. Can be safely used to improve other breeds. The sheep are at their natural breeding peak at this time so this correlates with most lambing occurring in July and August. White Dorper sheep have white bodies and white heads. Local experience indicates that carcasses with fat scores[3] of 2 to 3 to be easily obtained under these conditions. Beginning in the 1930s, a group of South African sheepmen set out to create a breed of easy-care, shedding sheep capable of thriving in South Africa's harsh, arid climate while still producing fine-grained, succulent meat. In addition, the meat of representatives of this breed does not have a specific mutton taste, and the level of cholesterol in such products is minimized, so it is recommended to use it for children and people suffering from problems with the digestive system or cardiovascular ailments. Dorper. The Dorper is an easy-care breed which requires minimal input of labour. The parent breeds involved in creating these hardy animals means that they are excellent for meat production, particularly if you are interested in raising organic meat in harsh climatic conditions. However, people don't often. While developed for arid environments, they are well adapted to a variety of climatic and grazing conditions, even arid extensive regions. Use: Dorper sheep are a large, hardy meat sheep breed from South Africa. Its skin covering which is a mixture of hair and wool, will drop off if not shorn to keep it tidy. The Dorper sheep breed will grow into large, muscular, broad sheep. Wool predominantly covers their forequarter. Western States Dorper Association The Dorper sheep was bred in South Africa in the 1930s. Bred in the 1930s in South Africa, it was designed to thrive in challenging climates. It will also produce up to 9 pounds of medium-grade wool annually. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The name Dorper is a coupling of the first syllables of the parent breeds Dorset and Persian . They are non-selective grazers and can benefit you by grazing where other livestock will not. 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. Let us help you get started raising Dorper sheep. We are currently looking for high resolution pictures of any of the breeds. Rambouillet Sheep Breed Information: Will This Dual-Purpose Breed Suit Your Farm? Happy homesteading. Dorper sheep keep dying.
