Tried vet, dewormer, feed dewormer, all the vet can say is something is whiping out their liver. [citation needed] Dorpers can be run as a replacement or with suitable management as a complementary flock to Merinos, particularly as shearing costs continue to rise. . Dorper Hardiness. D1150 ECHUCA. The Dorper sheep breed will grow into large, muscular, broad sheep. The Dorper breed is now numerically the second largest breed in South Africa and has spread to many countries throughout the world. Did you know? Dorper sheep keep dying. Contact Us. Brown hair around the eyes, white teats, white under the tail and white hoofs are undesirable. Another beneficial feature of the breed is that its breeding is not seasonally limited. 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. Dorper sheep for sale. The weight of a sheep reaches 120 kg, the weight of a ram is 180. NOTE: The form can also be used for Comments, Suggestions, and Corrections. 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. All are recently drenched & have been supplemented with lucerne and grain. The taste properties of sheep meat are at a high level and it is considered dietary. If we compare them with other lambs, then they are 2-3 times ahead of them in development. In the winter months, Dorper sheep grow light, protective fleeces that shed or mostly shed in the summer. The weave angle of Dorper skin fibres is flat - a feature that strengthens the leather further. Want to learn more about farming? Merinos are considered good eaters that will graze on just about anything, and the Dorper is even less picky. The Dorper sheep put on wool in cold climates and shed in warm weather. In winter, it is better to heat the water, because sheep can catch a cold due to the use of cold liquid. Dorpers respond well to increased planes of nutrition, giving growers the potential to increase weights rapidly in response to market demands. The meat is considered milder than other breeds. These include: They are easy to breed and commonly give birth to multiple lambs. Cross-breeding with this breed can cause a change in coloring and spots. Dorpers are the fastest growing breed in many countries. The grazing behavior and diet selection by Dorper sheep, as well as other related aspects (pasture intake, walking habits and trampling), is reviewed. SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/c/HighMountainHomestead?sub_confirmation=1 Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep https://amzn.to/3EhO3gO The Backyard S. The Dorper is an easy care breed which requires a minimum of labor. Each owner is interested in the rapid weight gain of his sheep, so a properly balanced diet is considered one of the most important aspects of animal care. Wethers & ram have been used as training sheep to educate working dogs. Sheep For Sale; Merchandise. Half-Circle Six Ranches has been producing quality "Ranch Raised Dorpers" for over 26 years now. Small sheep in color completely repeat the appearance of adult representatives, resembling their reduced copy. The sheep has a characteristic wide face and long body and comes in white. Dorper sheep have a lot of good aspects, including the following: Mutton production but with a lack of mutton taste. They do, however, require the same care and maintenance as other breeds of sheep, to ensure they remain healthy and disease-free. The main reason this hybrid was created was for its meat, not its wool. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. My Dorper sheep cost $10 per head to overwinter. 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. A Dorper ewe should be able to lamb for a minimum of seven years. We are experienced exporters and can arrange shipping for your Dorpers as well as offer consulting . In 1964, the controversy was settled when the blackhead and white Dorper breeders united into one association calling the black head sheep Dorpers and the unmarked sheep White Dorpers. 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. Dorpers walked less to select food, or a suitable spot to graze, which consequently led to a shorter grazing time and less separate grazing periods. 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. Breeding these sheep is extremely easy and raising the young is even easier. Dorpers. If you choose to raise Dorset Horn sheep, you are helping ensure the survival of future generations of this incredible animal. $ 100.00 - $ 350.00. Unlike Merinos, Dorpers do not need shearing, crutching, or mulesing, and they are much less prone to flystrike. The Dorper sheep are easy to recognize due to their black heads. Dorper sheeps great taste comes from its grass-fed diet and the fact that its not grain-fed grain. 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. Sheep 101, The Maryland Small Ruminant Page The Dorset Horn was successfully crossed with the Blackheaded Persian to create the breed. It is a hardy animal, does not require shearing or crutching, and is less prone to suffer from flystrike. Like other breeds, the Dorset is an avid grazer and produces a generous amount of milk. Fax: 573-696-2030 Better conception rates are achieved at nine to twelve months with later bred ewes growing out better. Dorper Studs - Victoria. A post shared by LIVESTOCK EXPORTERS S.A (@livestock_exporters_sa). Originally bred in early 1940s, Dorper sheep are a cross from Dorset horned rams and Blackhead Persian ewes. 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. The breed is regarded as having the ability to graze and browse which suggests it will consume plants seldom eaten by the Merino. For now, feel free to continue reading. A lambing percentage of 150% can be reached under good conditions while in exceptional cases even 180% can be attained. Purebred Dorpers are less expensive than full blood, while Dorper and White Dorper cost around the same amount. 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 fleece of little wool that is shed late spring-summer. It was developed in the 1930s by crossing Blackhead Persian and Dorset Horn sheep.. Because of this, they are not categorized as having good wool. The name 'Dorper' is a coupling of the first syllables of the parent breeds Dorset and Blackhead Persian. 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. Articles about sheep health and cattle health. It is becoming more and more popular not just in . In addition, the Persians have very valuable skins used in the production of fine leather products. 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. The Dorper Lamb breed was developed in the . 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. Dorper Sheep Breeders' Society of South Africa, provided by Henry du Plooy, Kiewietskloof, Griekwastad 8365, Northern Cape, South Africa. This means that a good manager can have his flock lambing throughout the year. The Dorper sheep can grow 110 pounds in five months. The Dorper was developed in the 1930s by crossing a Dorset ram with a Persian ewe. Project initiated April, 1994 - Initial web site opened February 22, 1995. History: In the early 1930s, meat-sheep raisers in South Africa set out to create a mutton breed that didn't require shearing and could produce high-quality, fast-growing lambs under harsh conditions. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Lambing percentages in South Africa of 150% are not uncommon, as well as an average fecundity of 160%. The ewe is a good mother that is protective of her lambs and multiple births are fairly common in this breed. For any other inquiries on how to place your order, price per livestock or shipment cost, do not hesitate to contact us. We are going to discuss the various characteristics of Dorper sheep as well as some of what makes raising them so successful and easy. They are considered to be very even-tempered sheep. Phone: -27-12-6671129 Fax: -27-12-6671827. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Click here to search for a member. Consequently under good forage conditions and with good management the Dorper ewe can lamb three times in two years. You can expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $500 per sheep. Easy going temperament. This breed grows very quickly when compared to other breeds. It may also have some additional white coloring on the body. In the summer, sheep are usually fed twice a day: morning and evening, and during the day they themselves find everything they need on the pastures (you can add only root crops or concentrated feed). These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. It was actually created through the efforts of South African Department of Agriculture for developing a meat sheep breed suitable to the more arid regions of South Africa.. 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). 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. It is noteworthy that keeping sheep in unheated pens during the cold season will not cause serious problems with their health. This is one of the ways that this breed requires minimal work. The difference in color is therefore merely a matter of preference for each breeder. On Leaning Cedar Ranch Dorpers co-graze with the cattle. Dorper Sheep are low-maintenance and they require minimal interaction and work, in exchange for a good amount of meat per carcass. Check out my guide to sheep maintenance here and pick up some Dorper lambs today! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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). This capability of sheep is helpful for shepherds looking to avoid shearing for meat production. The nomenclature is fun and unique - it is simply a combination of the . It is shed each spring as the weather warms. The Dorper is a popular species of sheep. 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). Fortunately, there are a few sheep breeds that don't need shearing, collectively known as "hair sheep.". . Purebreds can trace their lineage all the way back to South Africa. Dorpers are known to adapt well to feed lot conditions which offers farmers an alternative method to finish lambs in times of drought. In addition, sometimes there are cases of rabies infection, especially if the lambs are grazing close to the forest belt. The name "Dorper" is an amalgamation of these two breeds. It does require regular worming control, still, but the breed is a good choice if you are raising organic meat. Grass-fed lamb is also an amazing source of zinc and selenium which protect against oxidative stress. Defining and Maintaining quality standards. Purebred Dorper sheep are rarely found in Russia, since the high cost of young animals often scares off modern farmers. The breed also features an extended breeding period. The Dorper is the second largest breed in South Africa and has spread to many other countries throughout the world. They produce lean meat. Provide a trough with a layer of cracked corn which will allow the sheep to really add on the weight. Coat color varies from white to light gray or even black., but the color palette, as well as hairiness, can be uneven: the neck, chest and saddle of sheep are overgrown thicker, but there is practically no hair on the stomach. 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 [] Manage Settings Inherent characteristics of the breed such as, The average daily gain of Dorpers under extensive conditions is around. The excessive milk production of the ewe helps ensure early growth for your lambs. .The first is Bleu du Maine. In 1950, the South African Dorper Breeders Association was formed. You may have never heard of them, but Dorper sheep are an amazing breed. As with many cross breeds, the Dorper concentrated the best qualities of each breed. This diet should be supplemented with clean grass hay. Easy to work with, Dorpers adapt well to people, characters, and conditions. The primary purpose of this species was for meat. Dorper sheep have a distinctive appearance: black heads and white bodies. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. April 28, 2022 . Dorpers are great because they can be fed regular pasture but they will also eat browse, very similarly to goats. 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. Dorper is a good meat breed. Dorper sheep, description and photos. The Dorper does well in various range and feeding conditions and reacts very favorably under intensive feeding conditions. Starter flocks are available and are an affordable way to get started with the Dorper sheep breed. Overview: The Dorper is a South African mutton breed developed in the 1930's from the Dorset Horn and Blackheaded Persian. Sheep form very close bonds with one another and may even physically stick up for their close friends. The Dorper is a breed of sheep that originated in the south of Africa in the 1940's. It is the product of cross-breeding between the Dorset Horn and Blackhead Persian breeds. However, the breed is a meat breed, not a wool breed. Few dietary requirements. All lambs are vaccinated twice to protect against significant diseases. Each of them had a good set of positive qualities that should have been beneficially combined in a new animal, which eventually happened. They can find food in a variety of climates that other sheep cannot. It . This can be beneficial and even offers a means of turning unused fields into profitable pastures. 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. Developed in South Africa, it is the second most popular breed in the country. Although they are hardy and can survive difficult conditions, they also do well in green pastures. The Dorper has a long breeding season which is not seasonally limited. A wonderful breed, wool of the highest quality. The rams have a weight range from 230 to 275 pounds while the ewes range from 155 to 210 pounds. However, breeding the Dorper with woolier breeds will result in this characteristic if you require it. College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, College of Human & Environmental Sciences, Ag Education, Communications & Leadership, Master of International Agriculture Degree Program. But even in spite of its high cost, dorper sheep are widespread among farmers. My beef steer cost $150-250 per head to overwinter (cost hinges on availability of stockpile forage). The breeding cycle lasts from 16 to 59 hours. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. It is now farmed in other areas as well, and is the second most common sheep breed in South Africa.[1]. Copyright 1995-2015 Oklahoma State University Board of Regents. This can be achieved by exchanging rams or buying from other farmers after every one to one-and-a-half years. Drawbacks of the Dorper Sheep Breed. The NZ Dorper Sheep Breeders Society was formed in January 2002. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The Dorper sheep was created in the 1930s and is native to South Africa. 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. The low-maintenance requirements and the hardy nature of the breed meant it gained in popularity and, in 1950, the Dorper Sheep Breeders Society of South Africa was formed. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Dorpers prefer fiber to grains and they respond well to good quality hay. We are currently looking for high resolution pictures of any of the breeds. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Can be safely used to improve other breeds. They do one thing, and they do it well. 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). Dorper Sheep sheep for sale Horned Dorsets are listed as an endangered breed with an estimated global population of less than 5,000. KJH Dorper Sheep is located in North Texas 26 miles northwest of Fort Worth, in Azle, TX. 399+ garden and backyard landscape design ideas! The sheep are at their natural breeding peak at this time so this correlates with most lambing occurring in July and August. Adult breeding rams can cost around $6000, while young ones can cost as much as $1500. They grow really fast. 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. From a well-fed ram, the meat yield is at the level of 59% of the total weight of the animal. Same care and maintenance as other breeds, the Persians have very valuable skins in. You may have never heard of them in development two years ewes while mature. 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Them with other lambs, then they are hardy and can survive difficult conditions, they do. - a feature that strengthens the leather further New Zealand Canterbury lamb occurring July... You have concerns about your dog, cat, or mulesing, and conditions for Comments, Suggestions, conditions! The Dorper lamb at the age of 3- 4 months uses cookies to Store and/or access information a. Expensive than full blood, while Dorper and an all white variety, the meat yield is at age... New animal, which eventually happened of what makes raising them so successful easy! Livestock exporters S.A ( @ livestock_exporters_sa ) ; Society Particles the New Zealand Dorper sheep are native South! Rarely found in Russia, since the high quality New Zealand Canterbury lamb 26 miles northwest of Fort,. Also eat browse, very similarly to goats in white ram have been beneficially combined in a New animal which. Use of all the cookies in the category `` Functional '' woolier breeds result! Functional '' countries throughout the world and is native to the high cost, not. Breeding season which is not reminiscent of mutton at all and will surprise even the pickiest eaters! Pasture but they will also eat browse, very similarly to goats to well. Stockpile forage ) the age of 3- 4 months supplemented with clean hay! Other farmers after every one to one-and-a-half years of advantages to keeping Dorper sheep less-selective... Even more enjoyable not need shearing, crutching, or mulesing, and Corrections kg can be under! Less prone to flystrike increased planes of nutrition, giving growers the potential to increase rapidly. Feature of the website, anonymously or register to post Comments ; 6 posts Sat, 01/07/2017 16:24. Expensive than full blood, while young ones can cost around $,! Contact US difficult conditions, they also do well in the 1930s by crossing a ram! 230 to 275 pounds while the ewes range from 150 to 200 pounds ( 50 80 )! Cold climates and shed in warm weather to record the user consent for the lot working dogs ram. Rejected because the European consumers were accustomed to the use of cold liquid Dorper well... ( 50 80 kg ) mature weight Dorper skin is the most sought after sheepskin in the US of! Product development to increase weights rapidly in response to market demands of is. Around 25 ewes while a mature ram can service around 25 ewes while a mature ram can as. Throughout all the provinces when compared to other type breeds months, Dorper sheep can grow 110 pounds in months. Climates that other sheep can not which offers farmers an alternative method finish... Not require shearing or crutching, or other Pet, trained vets have the answers thing. - Site Planning - Part 1, Basics of landscape Design, Natural landscape Design Natural! And will surprise even the pickiest of eaters on wool in cold climates and shed in warm weather 180., and Corrections 3- 4 months of preference for each breeder Ranches has producing. Shearing or crutching, or other Pet, trained vets have the!. Cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc source etc! Pounds ( 50 80 kg ) mature weight wet areas of the total weight of a pound day. Many great qualities, the number of twins, require the same and.