Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Dorpers and White Dorpers?
The Dorper has a white body with a black head, while the White Dorper is
all white. Otherwise the two types are identical but
considered separate breeds. The coloration is a preference as all
other traits are basically equal. Often a White Dorper ram is used in
cross-breeding programs with solid white ewes. The resulting offspring
tend to be solid white. Out crosses using Dorpers may be colorfully
spotted for the first few generations.
Are all Dorpers polled?
Most Dorpers are without horns but many rams have scurs, and some will
have horns, but this should not disqualify a Dorper ram from being stud
quality. Experience has shown that horned rams tend to be more masculine
and have a stronger libido.
How much does
a Dorper weigh?
Mature rams typically average around 230 pounds. Mature ewes range
between 180-210 lbs. However, one should not be obsessed with mature
weights. Feed efficiency is more important than mature weight. The
Dorper breeds excel at producing fast growing lambs.
What is the
productive life of a Dorper?
Under good management, a Dorper ewe should produce lambs for 7 years or
more.
Do they have
a lot of twins and triplets?
This depends on available nutrition and genetics. Under good range
conditions, a 150 percent lamb crop is typical and rates more like 180
percent with improved nutrition can be achieved.
Can you breed
Dorper ewes any time of year?
Yes. Again, available nutrition has a major role in conception rates.
Lambing intervals of 8 months, three lamb crops every two years, is a
common practice.
At what age
can you start breeding ewe lambs?
Depending on the time of year, ewe lambs between 6-8 months may cycle,
but better conception rates will be achieved at 9-12 months and the
later bred ewes will grow out better.
How many ewes
can a Dorper ram cover?
Ram lambs can frequently cover 20-25 ewes in a 51-day exposure. Yearling
rams can usually cover 50 ewes.
Do Dorpers
have to be sheared?
No. A Dorper should shed its covering each summer. Shedding ability is a trait that should be selected for in your breeding stock. Because Dorpers are a meat breed, they are
shown fully shorn to emphasize their meat traits and excellent skin.
Are Dorpers
parasite resistant?
Studies have shown that Dorpers tend to tolerate a parasite burden
better than other breeds. Many other factors influence parasite problems
but with proper management techniques, deworming can be minimized even
in higher rainfall areas.
How is the
taste of Dorper meat?
Superb! Dorper lamb does not have the “mutton taste” that causes so many
Americans to avoid eating lamb. It is succulent and fine textured. The
purpose of the Dorper breed is to produce prime lamb.
What about
crossing a Dorper ram with wool-type ewes?
Early university trials have shown that the Dorper influence will
improve the meat qualities and growth rate of lambs from popular
commercial ewe breeds. However, the F1 lambs will have a diminished wool
conformation.
What about
crossing Dorper Rams with hair-type ewes?
The Dorper has been very effective in increasing the growth rate,
carcass size and quality of all the typical hair-type breeds such a the
Barbados, Katahdin, St. Croix, the Mexican Pelibuey and other breeds
that are considered exotic types. Typically, the 75 percent Dorper
crosses will exhibit the Dorper coloration and conformation.
What is the Difference between Purebred and Fullblood?
The term "fullblood" means the sheep can trace it's genetic background
only to sheep originally imported from South Africa. "Purebred"
means the sheep has been upgraded from American stock and is at least
93% or 15/16ths Dorper genetics. Upgrading was allowed in order to
increase the numbers of Dorper sheep after South Africa experienced an
outbreak of hoof and mouth disease and importation was no longer
possible. The sheep are shown together in the show ring with no
preference for either designation.
Can
percentage Dorpers be registered?
Yes. The Dorper registry regulations allow for a
"breeding-up" program. Ewes and rams are considered purebred at 15/16ths
(93%) Dorper.
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