The Dorper sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from South Africa. It was developed in the 1930s by crossing Persian Blackhead and Dorset Horn sheep.
In fact, it was created through the efforts of the South African Department of Agriculture to develop a breed of mutton suitable for the drier regions of South Africa.
Dorper sheep are currently the second most common breed of sheep in the country and are also bred in several other countries.
Other breeds of sheep such as the Van Rooys are also believed to have contributed to the development of the White Dorper breed of sheep.
Breed name’Dorperis a combination of the first syllables of the parent breeds of Dorset and Persian sheep.
The Dorper Sheep Society of South Africa was founded in 1950. Today the breed is bred primarily for meat production. Learn more about this breed of South African sheep below.
Characteristics of the Dorper Sheep
Dorper sheep are medium-sized animals. They are mostly white with a black muzzle, but some animals can also be black.
The breed is actually well known for its thick, muscular carcass and long period of fertility.
They have wool in addition to the hair that covers their body, but they do not need to be shorn. Usually rams and ewes are polled. Photos and information from Wikipedia.
Advantages
Dorper sheep are a breed of mutton. It is grown mainly for meat production.
Special Notes
Dorper sheep are very hardy animals. They are well adapted to a variety of climatic and grazing conditions. They are also well adapted to survive in the vast arid regions of South Africa.
The sheep are very prolific and have good maternal instincts combined with high growth rates and hardiness. The percentage of lambing in the country of origin is around 150% and can also reach 160%.
Today, the breed is grown primarily for meat production. Lambs aged 36 days weigh on average about 100 kg.
Dorper sheep do well in a variety of housing and feeding conditions, and are also suitable for intensive feeding. In fact, this is an easy-to-maintain breed that requires minimal work.
Today, the breed is also available in many countries outside of its region of origin. He gained a lot of popularity mainly due to his resilience and endurance. However, check out the full profile of this breed in the following table.
| Breed name | Dorper |
| another name | everything |
| Purpose of the breed | Mainly meat |
| Special Notes | Very hardy and strong animals, well adapted to a variety of climatic and grazing conditions, well adapted to survive in the vast arid regions of South Africa, ewes are very prolific and have good maternal instincts, growth rate high, lambs reach a weight of around 36 kg in their 100 days, easy to care for, requires minimal labour, very well suited for meat production |
| Breed size | medium |
| horns | Not |
| climatic tolerance | Virtually all climates |
| Color | Rather white and also black |
| scarcity | general |
| Country/place of origin | Republic of South Africa |
