The Dorper sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from South Africa. It was developed in the 1930s by crossing Blackhead Persian and Dorset Horn sheep. 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. Currently the Dorper sheep is the second most common sheep breed in the country, and it is also raised in some other countries as well.
Other sheep breeds such as the Van Rooy are also believed to have contributed to the development of the White Dorper sheep breed. Name of the breed ‘Dorper‘ is a coupling of the first syllables of the parent sheep breeds the Dorset and Persian. The Dorper Sheep Breeders Society of South Africa was founded in 1950. Today the breed is raised mainly for meat production. Read some more information about this South African sheep breed below.
Origin And History Of Dorper Sheep
The dorper breed was developed in South Africa in the 1930s. The breed was created by crossing two different sheep breeds which are Black-headed Persian sheep and the Dorset Horn sheep. The main goal was to create a sheep that could adapt to hot climate, produce good meat, and at the same time be very easy to care for. Today the breed is popular and known mainly for its hardiness, fast growth rate, and high quality meat. The breed also produce unique type wool, with most of the body covered in hair instead of wool. These features make it very easy to manage. Now, the breed is found in many countries around the world.
Dorper Sheep Special Characteristics
The Dorper sheep are medium sized animals and they have special characteristics. They are mainly white in coloration with black face, but some animals can also be of black color. The breed is actually well known for it’s thick, well muscled carcass and extended period of fertility. They have wool in addition to hair covering their bodies, but they don’t need to be sheared. Both rams and ewes are usually polled.
Color Of Dorper Sheep
Dorper sheep have a unique color pattern, and this is the most distinctive feature of these sheep. They are mostly white in coloration. But their heads are typically black or dark brown in color. The black or dark brown color covers their face, ears, and part of the neck. And rest of the body is white or light-colored. Some sheep can also have a completely white coat, but the black-headed animals are more common.
Feeding/Dietary Requirements
Like many other domestic sheep breeds, feeding these sheep with very good quality and nutritious food is very important. Arrange good quality pasture for them and provide them some grains occasionally. And always provide them enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
Breeding
For successful breeding, keep good ratio of males and females in your flock. One mature buck is generally enough for breeding around or up to 20 to 25 females.
Uses
The Dorper sheep is a meat sheep breed. It is raised mainly for meat production.
Dorper Sheep 3 Fun Facts
There are some fun facts about this sheep breed. Here we are listing the most important 3 fun facts about this breed.
- Dorper sheep don’t need to be sheared, because they have hair over their body instead of wool. And this feature makes them very easy to take care.
- They typically grow very quickly and can be ready for meat at a young age.
- These sheep are very hardy and they are able to survive in hot and dry climates. They are perfect for places with warm weather.
Special Notes
The Dorper sheep are very hardy animals. They are well adapted to a variety of climatic and grazing conditions. They are also well suited to survive in the arid extensive regions of South Africa. The ewes are highly fertile and have very good maternal instinct, combined with high growth rates and hardiness. The lambing percentage is around 150 percent in the native country, and also can reach 160 percent.
Today the breed is raised mainly for meat production. The lambs on average weight around 36 kg within their 100 days of age. The Dorper sheep reputably do very well in various range and feeding conditions and are also suited to intensive feeding. It is actually an easy-care breed which requires minimal input of labor.
Today the breed is also available in many countries outside it’s native area. It has gained much popularity mainly because of it’s resiliency and hardiness. However, review full breed profile of this breed in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Dorper |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly meat |
| Special Notes | Very hardy and strong animals, well adapted to a variety of climatic and grazing conditions, well suited to survive in the arid extensive regions of South Africa, ewes are highly fertile and have good maternal instinct, high growth rate, lambs reach around 36 kg within their 100 days of age, easy to care for, requires minimal input of labor, very good for meat production |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Horns | No |
| Climate Tolerance | Almost all climates |
| Color | Mainly white, and also black |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | South Africa |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
People often ask several questions regarding this sheep breed. Here we are trying to list the most common and frequently asked questions and trying to answer them. Hope these answer will help you. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have more questions.
What is a dorper sheep?
Dorper is a breed of sheep which is popular and known for its hardiness, quick growth, and high quality meat. It can do very well in extreme hot weather.
What is a dorper sheep mature female weight?
Average weight of a female Dorper is typically between 60 to 80 kg.
What is a dorper sheep mature male weight?
Average body weight of the male Dorper is typically between 90 and 110 kg.
How long do dorper sheep breed for?
Generally, the Dorper sheep can breed for several years. They typically start breeding at around 7-8 months of age, and continue for 5-7 years.
What are dorper sheep used for?
These sheep are mainly used meat production purpose.
Are dorper sheep good eating?
Yes, their meat is of very high-quality. The meat is tender and is highly regarded for its taste.
Are dorper sheep hair sheep?
Yes, it is considered hair sheep, because they grow hair instead of wool.
Are dorper sheep profitable?
Yes, raising these sheep is very profitable mainly due to their fast growth rate, high meat quality, and relatively low maintenance.
Do dorper sheep have horns?
No, it is a polled breed. That means Dorper sheep have no horns.
Do dorper sheep have twins?
Yes, Dorper sheep often give birth to twins or sometimes even triplets (especially under good management conditions).
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