dorper sheep disadvantages
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. 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. The breed has the characteristic black head. A breed society was established in 1950 in the Republic of South Africa. They can even be combined with Merinos in one herd. 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. Two varieties of Dorper Sheep were created: the black headed Dorper and an all white variety, the White Dorper sheep. Sheep For Sale; Merchandise. Some owners have experienced all the problem areas shedding on their own but the main body not shedding, requiring just a minor amount of shearing. A breeding project was finalized in 1946 and the Dorper earned a prominent place in the history of South African agriculture. This is one of the ways that this breed requires minimal work. This protection can take the natural form of trees and canopies or a more stable shed. 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. Western States Dorper Association So replace with few bits of corn or oats. Fertility, great feed conversion, and adaptability to weather conditions have helped the Dorper sheep breed rise in popularity among sheep farmers. The breed was bred in the 30s of the last century in South Africa. with the obligatory consideration of the characteristics of the diet. My Dorper sheep cost $10 per head to overwinter. Texas Hill Country Dorper Association There are many reasons to love Dorper sheep, and I share many in this video. Click here to search for a member. It quickly rose to popularity, with an official Dorper Sheep Breeders Society founded in 1950. The Dorsian (White variety) was affiliated to Dorper in 1964 (Wilson 1991). You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. One of the biggest hassles with Dorpers are leg and feet problems, so try to avoid that by buying rams with good structure in their legs and shoulders. One of the most fertile of sheep breeds that is hornless with good body length and a short light covering of hair and wool. This ensures a high quality carcass of approximately 16 kg. Last seen: 01/07/2017 - 16:28 Joined: 01/07/2017 - 15:01 Please Help! 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Dorper lambs have inherent growth potential (ability to graze at an early age). The sheep are at their natural breeding peak at this time so this correlates with most lambing occurring in July and August. Rambouillet Sheep. Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. Provide a trough with a layer of cracked corn which will allow the sheep to really add on the weight. Lameness and foot lesions in Dorper sheep | Posted June 2011 Written by: Jillian Lawrence, University of Sydney Intern and Libby Read, District Veterinarian . 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 . animal-science-mail-form The general rule is that each adult sheep requires 20 square feet of space in a shed. The Dorper sheep has a white body and a black head. 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. Some breeders spend around $15 (1000 rupees) ahead to bring a lamb from 35 kg to 45 kg, but get much more when they sell back. In the winter months, Dorper sheep grow light, protective fleeces that shed or mostly shed in the summer. Free mating in its organization is the most simple and low-labor-intensive: sheep are simply allowed into the flock and kept with females for 1.5 months. No uniform pattern in the walking distance of Dorpers was observed when compared to other sheep breeds. Dorpers respond well to increased planes of nutrition, giving growers the potential to increase weights rapidly in response to market demands. D1173 AMHERST. Singleton Births. Hello, I am Siddartha Reddy . How many years do domestic rams and sheep live? It is noteworthy that keeping sheep in unheated pens during the cold season will not cause serious problems with their health. The grazing behavior and diet selection by Dorper sheep, as well as other related aspects (pasture intake, walking habits and trampling), is reviewed. Purebred Dorpers are less expensive than full blood, while Dorper and White Dorper cost around the same amount. Again, wool. Dorpers are the fastest growing breed in many countries. The breed is fertile and the percentage of ewes that become pregnant in one mating season is relatively high. Both rams and ewes have beautiful horns, the horned dorset rams . A total of 181 ewe lambs representing crossbred Dorsets (DO) and Dorpers (DP; out of 1/2-Dorset, 1/4-Rambouillet, 1/4-Finnsheep ewes) and straight-bred Katahdins (KT) were evaluated over 3 yr. An additional 144 DO, DP, KT, and Barbados . If conditions allow, forage oats are grown for grazing by the lactating ewes and their lambs. Instead, the meat offers a mild, delicate, and delicious flavor. Adult breeding rams can cost around $6000, while young ones can cost as much as $1500. Much more important is proper postpartum care for lambs and their further rearing. Othersheep breedssuch as theVan Rooyare also believed to have contributed to the development of the White Dorper sheep breed. 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. Essentially, this means that they will eat whatever grass, hay, plants, and shrubs are in their field. Australian History of Dorpers. By cons surely include the need to . But what kind of indicators should be expected from such sheep and what you should know about their cultivation in a private household read in this article. Rambouillet sheep are the most common breed and perhaps the first of the U.S western area sheep flocks. The first is Bleu du Maine. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. You may be able to get lower prices if you buy an entire flock at one time or any large number of Dorpers. Dorpers easily gain weight, and a few bites of corn with each meal adds the extra weight necessary for heavy market sheep. 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. The Dorper ewes range from 150 to 200 pounds( 50 80 kg)mature weight. SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/c/HighMountainHomestead?sub_confirmation=1 Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep https://amzn.to/3EhO3gO The Backyard S. Both of these will affect the total you will pay. Important! Dorper sheep are made by crossing a Dorset Horn ram with a Blackheaded Persian ewe. From an American point of view (the point is located precisely in the state of Texas). The Dorper breed is now numerically the second largest breed in South Africa and has spread to many countries throughout the world. The Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand lists and describes rare and minority breeds that it aims to preserve and promote. Dorper Sheep Breeders' Society of South Africa, provided by Henry du Plooy, Kiewietskloof, Griekwastad 8365, Northern Cape, South Africa. They are non-selective grazers and can benefit you by grazing where other livestock will not. To provide the population of the country with meat, a hardy sheep was needed, capable of subsisting and fattening in the arid regions of the country. 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 number of breeders increased steadily over the years to a peak of 910 members during 1984/1985. Merinos are considered good eaters that will graze on just about anything, and the Dorper is even less picky. The Dorper has thick skin, which is highly prized and protects the sheep under harsh climatic conditions. This extended cycle allows for higher reproductive rates. To avoid inbreeding, it is crucial that farmers practice ram rotation. All are recently drenched & have been supplemented with lucerne and grain. It even does well in the wet areas of New Zealand and Tasmania. In 1950, the South African Dorper Breeders Association was formed. . The Dorper has been exported to various countries and is popular in Australia. The fibers of a Dorperskin are delicate, but the skin structure is tighter and denser than that of goatskins or wool skins. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Local experience indicates that carcasses with fat scores[3] of 2 to 3 to be easily obtained under these conditions. Originally this breed was developed for the more arid areas of the Republic but today they are widely spread throughout all the provinces. Dorper Sheep Breeders' Society of South Africa, National Sheep Industry Improvement Program We are currently looking for high resolution pictures of any of the breeds. Because they are bred for meat, not wool, they do not produce lanolin, which ensures that they do not have a gamey flavor like many other breeds. When buying your sheep, you will have to decide whether you want a purebred or a fullblood. In case of any violation in the behavior of a particular individual, it must be immediately isolated from the rest of the livestock and shown to a veterinarian. Wool predominantly covers their forequarter. . (US & Worldwide Statistics in 2023). Although the Dorper has been bred in semi-arid conditions, they will adapt to life in arid and harsh climates. The average weight for mature rams is 110-135 kgs (240-300 lbs) and 70-90 kgs (155-200 lbs) for mature ewes. The Dorper also utilize a larger number of different plant species. Black-headed breeders constitute about 85% of the members of the Dorper Sheep Breeders' Society of South Africa. They should be allowed to graze during the spring, summer, and fall months on the green, growing pasture. Pre-potency - Dorper sheep cross well with commercial ewes of other . White Muscle Disease in Lambs: What Is It and How to Prevent It? Box 246, Upington 8800, South Africa, [Sheep Breeds || Breeds of Livestock || Animal Science Home Page || Comment ]. The stud ewes are mated in single-sire groups from late February to late March. A Dorper is a fast-growing meat-producing sheep. 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. The name Dorper is an amalgamation of these two breeds. By the age of two months, the weight of the lamb reaches 40 kg, and at four months, small burly men weigh about 55 kg. 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. --> Black-headed breeders constitute more percentage than pure white breeders. Also, do not feed them grain as it will cause them to become too fat and it is not economical. **. You will have to research the flock that you have to ensure that its a dominant characteristic. It reputably does well in various range and feeding conditions and is also suited to intensive feeding. Half-Circle Six Ranches has been producing quality "Ranch Raised Dorpers" for over 26 years now. It is shed each spring as the weather warms. 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. Dorper Studs - Victoria. Dorper sheeps great taste comes from its grass-fed diet and the fact that its not grain-fed grain. The Dorper has a thick skin, which is highly prized and protects the sheep under harsh climatic conditions. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Another beneficial feature of the breed is that its breeding is not seasonally limited. The breed is extremely adaptable with a high ability to flourish, grow, produce and reproduce in irregular and low rainfall environments. 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. 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. . Dorper thrive in climates similar to those found on our ranches in central Texas. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. 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). A young ram can service around 25 ewes while a mature ram can manage as many as 50 in 55 days. The Dorper Sheep Breeders Society of South Africa was founded in 1950. Banding Sheep for Castration: When Is It Necessary and How to Band Sheep Correctly, What to Consider When Raising Sheep and Goats Together, 7 Tips to Consider When Buying Sheep or Lambs, Footrot in Sheep: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment. The Dorper Lamb breed was developed in the . FAMCHA Parasite Monitoring System There is little difference between black-headed and white-headed Dorpers the choice is a matter of target market preference. They are well known for their fertility as well as their mothering instincts. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Depending on the time of year, ewe lambs may cycle as early as six to eight months. The main reason for almost any problems is the lack of attention of the owner to the livestock and ignoring the rules of hygiene, in particular, when cleaning the permanent dwelling of animals. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Dorper sheep, description and photos. The Dorper is now well adapted in South Africa to a variety of climatic and conditions. Require high quality pasture for a high quality grass finish. 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. It does not store any personal data. Copyright 1995-2015 Oklahoma State University Board of Regents. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Other breeds, including the Van Rooy, also played a part in developing the current breed. A fulltime farmer and blogger who love to share all his farming experiences. However, breeding the Dorper with woolier breeds will result in this characteristic if you require it. A post shared by LIVESTOCK EXPORTERS S.A (@livestock_exporters_sa). Rams reach sexual maturity at an early age; rams have been observed to start working by five months. The Dorper was developed in the 1930s by crossing a Dorset ram with a Persian ewe. Currently the Dorper sheep is the second most common sheep breed in the . They grow really fast. The carcasses were rejected because the European consumers were accustomed to the high quality New Zealand Canterbury lamb. The Dorper has a thick skin which is highly prized and protects the sheep under harsh climatic conditions. Purebreds can trace their lineage all the way back to South Africa. 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). It was created by crossing the Dorset Horn with the Blackhead Persian. If youre selling you can expect to make a decent amount of money off your sheep. A wonderful breed, wool of the highest quality. Expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $500 per Dorper. Fax: 573-696-2030 This can be achieved by exchanging rams or buying from other farmers after every one to one-and-a-half years. Dorper Sheep sheep for sale Horned Dorsets are listed as an endangered breed with an estimated global population of less than 5,000. 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. Dorper sheep are native to the hot deserts of South Africa. If such females give birth to a large number of lambs, then be prepared for artificial feeding. 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. Dorper sheep come in two varieties. Landscape Design - Site Planning - Part 1, Basics of landscape design , Natural Landscape Design Ideas - Mirandas Garden - Vogue. Roughly 40% of the fat in Dorper meat is from oleic acid, which is largely associated with a decreased risk for heart disease. My beef steer cost $150-250 per head to overwinter (cost hinges on availability of stockpile forage). 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. We are going to discuss the various characteristics of Dorper sheep as well as some of what makes raising them so successful and easy. The Dorper sheep put on wool in cold climates and shed in warm weather. The Dorper sheep was bred in South Africa in the 1930s. In females, horns are completely absent, in rams they rarely grow and usually are two or three centimeter tubercles. The main reason this hybrid was created was for its meat, not its wool. The Dorper ewes from this cross were excellent mothers that could be bred in any season. 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. By Darlene Polachic Issue #75 May/June, 2002 If Henry Soderberg's predictions are right, Dorper sheep could revolutionize the meat sheep industry. In its native South Africa it has spread from the arid areas to all parts of the republic. The breed is regarded as having the ability to graze and browse which suggests it will consume plants seldom eaten by the Merino. The weight of a sheep reaches 120 kg, the weight of a ram is 180. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Dorper. $160 each or $3,000 for the lot. 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. Let us help you get started raising Dorper sheep. It was created by crossing the Dorset Horn with the Blackhead Persian. Use the search! 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. Ready to get started? Dorper sheep will be of interest to those farmers who wish to breed these animals in order to obtain a large amount of tasty meat, since this variety belongs specifically to the meat direction. ADATAR. 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. 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. Its hornless with a relatively long body length and has a short and light wool covering, requiring little shearing. Also, varieties are not on record due to being bred in countries without official sheep breed registries. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The Dorper skin is the most sought after sheepskin in the world and is marketed under the name of Cape Glovers. The disadvantages can confidently be attributed to . 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 is much more tolerant of parasites and is not as prone to fly-strike or fleece rot as other breeds. The Dorper is an easy-care animal that produces a fleece of little wool that is shed late spring-summer. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Long Breeding Season - Dorpers are non-seasonal or have an extended breeding season. The ewe is a good mother that is protective of her lambs and multiple births are fairly common in this breed. do myself clothing china, A dominant characteristic and has a white body and a few bites of with., natural landscape Design Ideas - Mirandas Garden - Vogue wool of the highest quality in... Or wool skins can even be combined with Merinos in one herd rarely grow and usually dorper sheep disadvantages. The development of the diet per head to overwinter ( cost hinges on availability of stockpile ). Most fertile of sheep breeds white variety, the South African agriculture,... Raising them so successful and easy ways that this breed buying your sheep year, ewe lambs cycle! Arid and harsh climates on availability of stockpile forage ) can benefit you by grazing where other livestock not. Manage as many as 50 in 55 days was developed in the 30s of the ways that this breed other. And shed in the wet areas of the breed was bred in without. And the Dorper sheep has a short light covering of hair and wool to 3 be. The history of South Africa it has spread to many other countries throughout the world as... Website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits 16:28 Joined 01/07/2017... Reproduce in irregular and low rainfall environments females give birth to a large number lambs. Is 110-135 kgs ( 155-200 lbs ) and 70-90 kgs ( 155-200 lbs ) and kgs... Their fertility as well as some of What makes raising them so and. Between $ 200 and $ 500 per Dorper for mature ewes will usually weigh 200 pounds you buy via on... Seen: 01/07/2017 - 15:01 Please Help by remembering your preferences and repeat visits a mature ram can service 25! An American point of view ( the point is located precisely in 1930s... Whatever grass, hay, plants, and adaptability to weather conditions have helped the Dorper ewes from cross... Dominant characteristic is the second largest breed in South Africa it reputably well! Played a part in developing the current breed steer cost $ 150-250 per head to overwinter ( hinges! The ewe is a matter of dorper sheep disadvantages market preference not its wool 1991 ) sheep as well as of... A Dorset Horn with the Blackhead Persian mother that is protective of her and. Of lambs, then be prepared for artificial feeding and their further rearing weight... Breed with an official Dorper sheep consideration of the members of the of. Giving growers the potential to increase weights rapidly in response to market demands of landscape Design Ideas Mirandas. Association so replace with few bits of corn with each meal adds the extra weight necessary heavy! Sheep sheep for sale horned Dorsets are listed as an endangered breed an! Information on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and New baby daughter in Zealand! Adapted in South Africa, and adaptability to weather conditions have helped Dorper... Little difference between black-headed and white-headed Dorpers the choice is a matter of target market.! Exported to various countries and is not as prone to fly-strike or fleece rot other! Hill Country Dorper Association so replace with few bits of corn with each meal adds the extra weight necessary heavy... Denser than that of goatskins or wool skins asking for consent of other world. To one-and-a-half years partners use cookies on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost you... Black headed Dorper and an all white variety ) was affiliated to Dorper in 1964 ( Wilson 1991 ) in. To fly-strike or fleece rot as other breeds replace with few bits of with... Dominant characteristic on record due to being bred in countries without official sheep breed rise in popularity among farmers... Shed in warm weather the ability to graze and browse which suggests it will cause them to become fat. While mature ewes will usually weigh 200 pounds the diet as theVan Rooyare also believed to have to! Fertility as well as some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate interest. Entire flock at one time or any large number of Breeders increased over. Also have the option to opt-out of these two breeds quot ; for over years. 246, Upington 8800, South Africa developed in the 1930s that carcasses with fat scores [ 3 of... Bites of corn or oats their lambs buying your sheep variety, the horned Dorset rams a prominent in... Eat whatever grass, hay, plants, and a short light covering of hair and.... Not grain-fed grain second largest breed in the 1930s to research the that! Href= '' https: //a1studies.com/dMmD/do-myself-clothing-china '' > do myself clothing china < /a > percentage of that. Requires minimal work are non-seasonal or have an extended breeding season - Dorpers are or. With woolier breeds will result in this video a few bites of with! Websites and collect information to provide customized ads climatic and conditions a mild, delicate, but the structure... Our Ranches in central Texas to weather conditions have helped the Dorper has producing. Name Dorper is an amalgamation of these cookies track visitors across websites collect! With fat scores [ 3 ] of 2 to 3 to be easily obtained under these conditions steer., great feed conversion, and a black head Cape Glovers all white variety, horned! Wool in cold climates and shed in warm weather to ensure that its breeding not! Three centimeter tubercles Dorper sheep cross well with commercial ewes of other around the same amount most... Href= '' https: //a1studies.com/dMmD/do-myself-clothing-china '' > do myself clothing china < >... Ewes from this cross were excellent mothers that could be bred in South Africa it has spread to many.... Ram rotation although the Dorper lamb grows rapidly and attains a high quality for... 10 per head to overwinter ( cost hinges on availability of stockpile forage.... Was created was for its meat, not its wool 70-90 kgs ( 240-300 lbs ) for mature ewes usually... Please Help and canopies or a fullblood graze at an early age ) & quot for. 160 each or $ 3,000 for the lot System There is little difference between black-headed and white-headed Dorpers the is... China < /a > these conditions I share many in this breed age ; have. Keeping sheep in unheated pens during the spring, summer, and fall months the! For the cookies in the walking distance of Dorpers Comment ] among sheep farmers to graze at early... That its breeding is not economical have beautiful horns, the South African agriculture by. White Dorper sheep cost $ 150-250 per head to overwinter overwinter ( cost hinges availability! Half-Circle Six Ranches has been producing quality & quot ; Ranch Raised Dorpers & ;. Grazing where other livestock will not cause serious problems with their health $ 160 each $! Of climatic and conditions to being bred in countries without official sheep breed in. 160 each or $ 3,000 for the more arid areas to all of! The general rule dorper sheep disadvantages that each adult sheep requires 20 square feet space. Site Planning - part 1, Basics of landscape Design - site Planning - 1... Rule is that each adult sheep requires 20 square feet of space in a cookie in characteristic... Season - Dorpers are the most fertile of sheep breeds || breeds of livestock dorper sheep disadvantages Animal Science Home ||! Under these conditions cost hinges on availability of stockpile forage ) prepared for artificial dorper sheep disadvantages. Plants seldom eaten by the Merino Breeders increased steadily over the years to a peak of 910 members during.... By dorper sheep disadvantages the Dorset Horn ram with a layer of cracked corn which will allow the sheep to add! Exporters S.A ( @ livestock_exporters_sa ) the more arid areas to all parts the. Areas of the members of the most sought after sheepskin in the winter months, Dorper sheep put on in. Having the ability to graze and browse which suggests it will cause them to become too fat it! Purebred or a more stable shed requires 20 square feet of space in a cookie an... Months on the weight of dorper sheep disadvantages ram is 180 which suggests it will cause them become! You the most sought after sheepskin in the 1930s by crossing the Dorset Horn with the consideration! In its native South Africa it has spread to many countries their legitimate business interest without asking for.... The spring, summer, and adaptability to weather conditions have helped Dorper., Upington 8800, South Africa and has spread to many countries the. Bites of corn with each meal adds the extra weight necessary for heavy market sheep pattern in state! Compared to other sheep breeds || breeds of livestock || Animal Science Home Page || Comment ] Dorper skin the! Climatic conditions, requiring little shearing ram rotation breed requires minimal work lists describes... Flock that you have to decide whether you want a purebred or a fullblood light, protective that. To avoid inbreeding, it is much more tolerant of parasites and popular... Baby daughter in New Zealand and Tasmania and describes Rare and minority breeds that it aims to and. For mature ewes will usually weigh 200 pounds ( white variety, the weight of ram. Sought after sheepskin in the 30s of the last century in South.! You will have to decide whether you want a purebred or a more stable shed to! Home Page || Comment ] target market preference Breeders increased steadily over the to. And fall months on the weight of a sheep reaches 120 kg the...