Roughly 40% of the fat in Dorper meat is from oleic acid, which is largely associated with a decreased risk for heart disease. You also need to ensure that they are well-hydrated as they are heavy eaters. The breed is regarded as having the ability to graze and browse which suggests it will consume plants seldom eaten by other sheep. There is the possibility with some variations of the breed that some light shearing will be necessary. Dorpers were developed in South Africa in the 1950s and come in two varieties - the black-headed (Dorset Horn x Persian) and . Problems with the amount of milk are more often observed in older individuals, after the age of eight. Under such conditions, the mass of lambs increases rapidly and at 1 month they weigh 3-4 times more than at birth. Subscribe to our email newsletter for regular tips and tricks on homesteading wherever you are. 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. disadvantages. Fat in the muscle layer is distributed evenly, and not in thick plates as in other varieties of lamb. The skin comprises a high percentage of the income (20%) in South Africa. A live weight of about 36 kg can be reached by the Dorper lamb at the age of 3- 4 months. (US & Worldwide Statistics in 2023). Dorset Horn Uses. It measures 27 to 35 microns and has a 5 to 10-pound clip with a 2 to 4-inch staple. The breed is fertile and the percentage of ewes that become pregnant in one mating season is relatively high. So if youre looking for a single lamb-producing breed that is easy to raise, the Dorper breed may be right for you. They grow rapidly and can attain a high weaning weight. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Nutritional Effects on Parasites American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control Its hornless with a relatively long body length and has a short and light wool covering, requiring little shearing. [2] Other breeds such as the Van Rooy are also believed to have contributed to the development of the White Dorper breed. Dorper rams are typically ready to breed at five months. Due to its hardiness, the Dorper can feed on almost any pasture, making it extremely versatile. The Dorper ewes range from 150 to 200 pounds( 50 80 kg)mature weight. Lead Time : Varies. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. 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. The Dorper has a thick skin which is highly prized and protects the sheep under harsh climatic conditions. 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. Like other sheep breeds, Dorper has its advantages and disadvantages, although the latter are not so significant. Due to the good adaptability of dorpers to a dry and hot climate with a limited amount of vegetation, even young individuals have enough of this food and they do not need grain during fattening. 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. The Dorper was developed in the 1930s by crossing a Dorset ram with a Persian ewe. 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. Ready to get started? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The flavor of it is not reminiscent of mutton at all and will surprise even the pickiest of eaters. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $500 per Dorper. It does not store any personal data. The name Dorper is an amalgamation of these two breeds. The Dorper lamb grows rapidly and attains a high weaning weight which again is an economically important characteristic in the breeding of mutton sheep. Low parasite resistance, high feed needs and intolerance to cold are the three main disadvantages of Dorpers. A breed society was established in 1950 in the Republic of South Africa. with the obligatory consideration of the characteristics of the diet. This capability of sheep is helpful for shepherds looking to avoid shearing for meat production. The Blackhead Persian sheep, a hardy, fat-tailed desert breed from Arabia, brings to the Dorper its hardiness, thriftiness, adaptability, pigmentation and hair covering. As a strong and non-selective grazer the Dorper can advantageously be incorporated into a well planned range management system. The disadvantages can confidently be attributed to . Othersheep breedssuch as theVan Rooyare also believed to have contributed to the development of the White Dorper sheep breed. 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. The Dorper sheep thrive in arid to semi-tropical climate and are suitable for areas with rainfall of only 100 to 760 mm. 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. 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. The Dorper adapts well to a variety of grazing conditions. Although this breed was developed originally for the more arid areas of the . Merinos are considered good eaters that will graze on just about anything, and the Dorper is even less picky. Easy going temperament. 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). (With Pictures). Lambing rates of 180% can be achieved per lambing. Essentially, this means that they will eat whatever grass, hay, plants, and shrubs are in their field. Few dietary requirements. In a flock containing a large number of maiden ewes, the lambing percentage will be in the region of 120% as these ewes usually drop single lambs. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Texas Hill Country Dorper Association Check out my guide to sheep maintenance here and pick up some Dorper lambs today! 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. 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. In general, such sheep are found in various countries, because they are equally well adapted to both the hot conditions of their native Africa and the frosty winters of the northern regions. Use the search! Despite the common dry conditions, the ewes prove their high fertility by conceiving quickly, as the majority lamb over a four week period. Hello. 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. You can expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $500 per sheep. Select Genes Ltd., Irene 1675, Republic of South Africa. The Dorper sheep breed is the second most commonly bred sheep in South Africa.