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. Fortunately, there are a few sheep breeds that don't need shearing, collectively known as "hair sheep.". Dorper sheep can be a great option for those wanting to raise mutton as they fetch a great price at the market. 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. This is associated with the inherent growth potential of the Dorper lamb and its ability to graze at an early age. The breed is fertile and the percentage of ewes that become pregnant in one mating season is relatively high. 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. A unique experiment to create a hardy and unpretentious breed was crowned with success . Starter flocks are available and are an affordable way to get started with the Dorper sheep breed. A post shared by Rebanho Matuto (@rebanhomatuto). Fiber from the outer coats of wild sheep, technically known as hair, is not suitable for spinning into wool . It is generally accepted that sheep require up to 20 square feet of shed per adult sheep. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Developed in South Africa, it is the second most popular breed in the country. Breeding these sheep is extremely easy and raising the young is even easier. 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. 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. Local experience indicates that carcasses with fat scores[3] of 2 to 3 to be easily obtained under these conditions. White Dorper sheep have white bodies and white heads. Tried vet, dewormer, feed dewormer, all the vet can say is something is whiping out their liver. The Dorper sheep breed is known for producing excellent quality meat in arid climates. This can be provided in buckets, troughs, stock tanks, or automatic waterers. Katum smooth-haired sheep: description, advantages and disadvantages of the breed . The gestation period of a sheep lasts for 140150 days, after which two to five lambs are born, weighing 25 kg each. The skin on the legs, torso and neck is white, but on the head and in the area of the upper neck it is black and often folded. Located East Kurrajong . 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. Easy going temperament. Be sure to check out these featured articles! (With Pictures). The breed is regarded as having the ability to graze and browse which suggests it will consume plants seldom eaten by other sheep. Reproductive Efficiency - Dorpers are very fertile and prolific. It was developed in South Africa and is now the second most popular breed in that country. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Few dietary requirements. 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. On Leaning Cedar Ranch Dorpers co-graze with the cattle. The Dorper is considered an even-tempered sheep. They should be allowed to graze during the spring, summer, and fall months on the green, growing pasture. Search our database of over 11517 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. 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. 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. Easy to grass-finish on low-moderate pasture quality. Dorper is a breed of sheep with a short and very clear history of origin. Check out my guide to sheep maintenance here and pick up some Dorper lambs today! The breeding cycle lasts from 16 to 59 hours. AMHERST. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' know, Ram vs Sheep: Whats the Difference? $160 each or $3,000 for the lot. 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. 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. We are currently looking for high resolution pictures of any of the breeds. In the early 1950s, a controversy arose concerning black markings vs. a pure white sheep. Most lambs can reach a market weight of 80 to 90 pounds at around four months of age. If we compare them with other lambs, then they are 2-3 times ahead of them in development.