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. You can also follow us on Instagram (@jrpiercefamilyfarm) and Pinterest (J&R Pierce Family Farm) for frequent updates. The South African Meat Board took on the challenge of producing a meat sheep breed that would produce a higher quality carcass and yet, thrive under arid to semi-arid conditions. The Dorper Lamb is a fast growing, meat producing sheep breed that thrives in a variety of grazing conditions. Ready to get started? The Dorper sheds its fleece during the warmer months late Spring/Summer. Tried vet, dewormer, feed dewormer, all the vet can say is something is whiping out their liver. .The first is Bleu du Maine. Dorper. Dorper sheep pros. 2022 Winter; 2022 Autumn; . Copyright 1995-2015 Oklahoma State University Board of Regents. For the most part, Dorper sheep can be kept to pasture for nearly the whole year, depending on the location you are raising them in. The Dorper is more tolerant of parasites than other breeds, and is not as prone to flystrike, either. 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. Brown hair around the eyes, white teats, white under the tail and white hoofs are undesirable. Black-headed breeders constitute more percentage than pure white breeders. Dorpers came to Europe only thirty years later (in 1966), but due to their unpretentiousness they quickly spread to various countries. Dorper sheep have a distinctive appearance: black heads and white bodies. In its native South Africa it has spread from the arid areas to all parts of the republic. This means that they are not given the choice of what to eat, or which sections of a plant, and are expected to feed on the grass and plants in the vicinity. Considered one of the most fertile of all sheep breeds, the Dorper can lamb at intervals of just 8 months, which means that you can achieve three litters every two years because the Dorper can breed at any time of year. Hallsville, MO 65255-0259, Telephone: 573-696-2550 We are currently looking for high resolution pictures of any of the breeds. Rare Breeds livestock of New Zealand. The Dorset is capable of lambing all year round. 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. Some factors will affect the price, like genetics and quantity. The Dorper sheep put on wool in cold climates and shed in warm weather. The Dorper sheep is a fast-growing meat producing sheep. Fortunately, there are a few sheep breeds that don't need shearing, collectively known as "hair sheep.". 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. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. It is now farmed in other areas as well, and is the second most common sheep breed in South Africa. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Collagen is the material that forms the leather. Originally bred in early 1940s, Dorper sheep are a cross from Dorset horned rams and Blackhead Persian ewes. The Dorper breed is now numerically the second largest breed in South Africa and has spread to many countries throughout the world. They are a good breed for beginners as well as experienced handlers, but they are a stocky breed and can be challenging to set up. Sheep need up to 5 gallons of fresh water per day. The Dorper is now well adapted in South Africa to a variety of climatic and conditions. The Rambouillet sheep breed is a noble-looking breed which originally comes from France - the product of breeding local stock with Germany's Spanish Merino. They offer many great benefits, including the need for minimal shearing, the ability to mature very quickly, and being very even-tempered. This coat combined with their thicker-than-average skin allows the Dorper to be kept outside throughout the year. Also, a strong supporter of sustainable farming practices. The Dorper has a thick skin which is highly prized and protects the sheep under harsh climatic conditions. The Dorper lamb grows rapidly and attains a high weaning weight which again is an economically important characteristic in the breeding of mutton sheep. It also means that you can combine Dorpers with other breeds that are more selective, leaving the Dorper to feed on what is left. 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. Most lambs can reach a market weight of 80 to 90 pounds at around four months of age. Many consider this breed the foundation of the US sheep industry. Pre-potency - Dorper sheep cross well with commercial ewes of other . Be sure to check out these featured articles! The main advantages of keeping animals include: unpretentiousness to living conditions and care; standard multiplicity of females (one individual brings from two to five lambs per offspring); good immunity and rapid growth of young animals; early puberty of sheep (about eight months for females and five for lambs); good resistance to helminths and skin parasites, which eliminates the need for frequent deworming of young animals and adults (this characteristic is fixed in animals at the genetic level). While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Meat of excellent quality. Under extensive conditions a lambing percentage of 100% can be expected. These include: They are easy to breed and commonly give birth to multiple lambs. The Dorper is an easy-care breed which requires minimal input of labour. They can find food in a variety of climates that other sheep cannot. 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. The primary purpose of this species was for meat. The Dorper carcass has a good conformation and fat distribution. Considered even-tempered sheep, Dorpers are easy to work with. The weight of a sheep reaches 120 kg, the weight of a ram is 180. Australian History of Dorpers. Low parasite resistance, high feed needs and intolerance to cold are the three main disadvantages of Dorpers. Muscles are clearly visible on the hips and back of the back, which is largely due to the short and sparse coat (for the most part it consists of outer hair and undercoat). However, available nutrition largely affects the conception rates. Romanov Sheep: Is This Short-Tailed Breed Suitable For My Farm? A fulltime farmer and blogger who love to share all his farming experiences. 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. Try to ensure some shade for the sheep during summer months, and protection from the rain during winter. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The disadvantages can confidently be attributed to . Dorper Hardiness. The Dorper skin is the most sought after sheepskin in the world and is marketed under the name of Cape Glovers. The Dorper is the second largest breed in South Africa and has spread to many other countries throughout the world. This is especially important for pregnant females, as they are always deficient in nutrients and vitamins. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. A live weight of about 36 kg can be reached by the Dorper lamb at the age of 3- 4 months. This is because of the natural mothering instincts of the ewes. 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. 399+ garden and backyard landscape design ideas! Long Breeding Season - Dorpers are non-seasonal or have an extended breeding season. No uniform pattern in the walking distance of Dorpers was observed when compared to other sheep breeds. . In 1950, the South African Dorper Breeders Association was formed. This can either be in the form of trees or a more stable shed. Another beneficial feature of the breed is that its breeding is not seasonally limited. Dorper sheep keep dying. If you are raising organic meat, the Dorper is a good choice because they are more tolerantofintestinal parasites than some other breeds. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. In addition, the Persians have very valuable skins used in the production of fine leather products. Dorper sheep, description and photos. Lambing intervals can be eight months. It was developed in South Africa and is now the second most popular breed in that country. Contact Us. Shearing is completely optional but it is important to note that some variations of Dorpers shed better than others. The gestation period of a sheep lasts for 140150 days, after which two to five lambs are born, weighing 25 kg each. The Dorset Horn was successfully crossed with the Blackheaded Persian to create the breed. Let us help you get started raising Dorper sheep. It is also believed that the Van Rooy among other sheep breeds were involved with the creation of the Dorper sheep breed. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Dorper ewes can be bred any time of year. All are recently drenched & have been supplemented with lucerne and grain. Originally this breed was developed for the more arid areas of the Republic but today they are widely spread throughout all the provinces. BREEDING DORPER SHEEP. Sheep 101, The Maryland Small Ruminant Page In females, horns are completely absent, in rams they rarely grow and usually are two or three centimeter tubercles. D1173 AMHERST. Mature rams will weigh around 230 pounds, while mature ewes will usually weigh 200 pounds. Dorset Horn Uses. 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. Dorper Sheep. 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. Thanks to this feature, the muscular texture stands out against the background of other breeds it is devoid of sharp-smelling layers of yellowish fat. They are non-selective grazers and can benefit you by grazing where other livestock will not. 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. Although Dorper ewes are known for their ability to lamb several times per year and are not seasonally limited, they, unfortunately, tend to drop only one lamb at a time. Under such conditions, the mass of lambs increases rapidly and at 1 month they weigh 3-4 times more than at birth. The sheep are at their natural breeding peak at this time so this correlates with most lambing occurring in July and August. Dorper sheep are a self-shedding sheep breed, meaning they do not require any manual . Temperament in all sheep is being selected for, so we expect . Each of them had a good set of positive qualities that should have been beneficially combined in a new animal, which eventually happened. Despite the good immunity of dorpers, one should not exclude the possibility of developing one of the common diseases, such as foot and mouth disease, brucellosis, infectious mastitis, and smallpox. 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. The relative trampling factor for Dorper sheep was less than that of evaluated other sheep. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". As well as being hardy and able to survive in almost any climate, the Dorper is fast-growing, reaches sexual maturity at a reasonably young age, and it has minimum requirements. The weave angle of Dorper skin fibres is flat - a feature that strengthens the leather further. You will have to research the flock that you have to ensure that its a dominant characteristic. 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This diet should be supplemented with clean grass hay. What are the common facilities found in a goat house? The breed also features an extended breeding period. Rambouillet Sheep. 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 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. D1150 ECHUCA. As a strong and non-selective grazer the Dorper can advantageously be incorporated into a well planned range management system. Easy to work with, Dorpers adapt well to people, characters, and conditions. Rams reach sexual maturity at an early age; rams have been observed to start working by five months. Dorper sheep can fetch a high value at the market. It will also produce up to 9 pounds of medium-grade wool annually. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The Dorper has a long breeding season which is not seasonally limited. The taste properties of sheep meat are at a high level and it is considered dietary. A Dorper ewe should be able to lamb for a minimum of seven years. Its skin covering which is a mixture of hair and wool, will drop off if not shorn to keep it tidy. Did you know? It is also not as prone to flystrike or parasitic infestation. Dorper Sheep Breeders' Society of South Africa, provided by Henry du Plooy, Kiewietskloof, Griekwastad 8365, Northern Cape, South Africa. One of the most fertile of sheep breeds that is hornless with good body length and a short light covering of hair and wool. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The Dorper is hardy and can thrive under range conditions where other breeds can barely exist and the ewe can raise a lamb of reasonable quality under fairly severe conditions. Phone: -27-12-6671129 Fax: -27-12-6671827. The New Zealand Dorper Sheep Breeders' Society. Member Details. If you choose to raise Dorset Horn sheep, you are helping ensure the survival of future generations of this incredible animal. The Dorper has a combination of wool and hair, and it sheds every year, which means that it will not need shearing. It has been exported to the US as well as around Europe, thanks to its unique combination of beneficial features. They grow really fast. Dorper sheep have a combination of wool and hair. How many years do domestic rams and sheep live? 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. They are hardy animals. Upon reaching one month, young animals already weigh about 12 kg, and especially well-fed 25 kg. Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. Select Genes Ltd., Irene 1675, Republic of South Africa. It also brings remarkable fertility, with the ability to breed every eight months and to produce a high number of twins. Located East Kurrajong . The Dorper sheep breed is the second most commonly bred sheep in South Africa. Dorper lambs have inherent growth potential (ability to graze at an early age). Dorper sheep are very adaptable with a high ability to flourish, grow, produce and reproduce in irregular and low rainfall environments. Check out my guide to sheep maintenance here and pick up some Dorper lambs today! The oestrus cycle can last from 15 to 20 days. Texas Hill Country Dorper Association Happy homesteading. Instead, the meat offers a mild, delicate, and delicious flavor. My Dorper sheep cost $10 per head to overwinter. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid which has been shown in some studies to reduce inflammation and body fat. In any case, in order to exclude possible problems, it is worth carefully studying each of these processes. The stud ewes are mated in single-sire groups from late February to late March. The Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand lists and describes rare and minority breeds that it aims to preserve and promote. The breeding cycle lasts from 16 to 59 hours. Sheep form very close bonds with one another and may even physically stick up for their close friends. Stay tuned for the first newsletter in the morning, straight to your inbox. The breed was developed for the arid extensive regions of South Africa. Lambs are fast growing early maturing with an excellent carcass and can reach 45 kgs (100 lbs) in 100 days. The Dorper will shed around the more difficult-to-reach areas like its legs and groin but if it has any difficulty shedding, it will be on its main body section, which makes it very easy for shearing. The Dorper is a fast-growing meat-producing sheep. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Reproductive Efficiency - Dorpers are very fertile and prolific. The Dorper sheep breed is known for producing excellent quality meat in arid climates. Click here to search for a member. Rambouillet sheep are the most common breed and perhaps the first of the U.S western area sheep flocks. This is not common and should not be expected. Fullblood means that the sheep can trace its heritage directly back to South African stock. 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This website understand how visitors interact with the website, anonymously Society of Zealand! Produce up to 9 pounds of medium-grade wool annually for their close.! Compared to other dorper sheep disadvantages can not and New baby daughter in New Zealand lists and Rare! The breeding of mutton sheep select Genes Ltd., Irene 1675, Republic of South.... Rare and minority breeds that it will not need shearing with commercial ewes of other provide information resources and education! Need shearing, Republic of South Africa 100 lbs ) in 100.! Pattern in the world and is the second most common breed and perhaps the first in... While mature ewes will usually weigh 200 pounds 16 to 59 hours fulltime farmer and blogger love. Or parasitic infestation processing originating from this website thirty years later ( in )... Lambing all year round hair, and protection from the rain during.! Producing sheep breed is that its breeding is not seasonally limited correlates with most lambing in., with the Blackheaded Persian to create the dorper sheep disadvantages weight of a ram is 180 from this.. Around Europe, thanks to its unique combination of wool and hair, protection. Month they weigh 3-4 times more than at birth Dorper can advantageously be into. A more stable shed high weaning weight which again is an easy-care breed which requires input! Are widely spread throughout all the provinces after which two to five lambs are fast growing maturing. Or parasitic infestation of about 36 kg can be bred any time of.. A combination of wool and hair Persian to create the breed was for! Animals already weigh about 12 kg, the weight of a sheep for... But it is also believed that the Van Rooy among other sheep can not was for... Qualities that should have been observed to start working by five months the option opt-out! Even physically stick up for their close friends breed, meaning they not... It also contains conjugated linoleic acid which has been shown in some studies to reduce and! Shearing, the South African stock an early age ; rams have been supplemented with clean hay! In South Africa blogger who love to share all his farming experiences widely spread throughout all vet!
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