|
|
Dorper History |
HISTORY OF THE DORPER |
In the 1930's the Dorper was developed to produce a sheep breed that could produce a high quality carcass under a wide range of extreme conditions. The Dorper was originally bred for the more arid regions of South Africa and originated from the crossing of the Dorset Horn and the Black Headed Persian. The name "Dorper" is a coupling of the first syllables of the parent breeds Dorset and Persian. The black head Persian ewe was chosen for grazing, coat shedding, hardiness and good mothering skills while the Dorset horned ram was chosen for its rapid growth rates and its good meat production. The first large-scale importation of embryos to Australia began in 1996. The Dorper Sheep Breeders Society of Australia Inc, was founded in April 1997 and is now one of the largest sheep societies in this country. Dorpers (black head) and White Dorpers (white head) are a fast growing high producion meat sheep that is particularly known for its ability to adapt and survive in a variety of climatic and grazing conditons. The difference between the two is purely a matter of personal preference however there is some suggestion that with the impact of "global warming" resulting in longer hotter periods, the animal with greater pigmentation around the face will enjoy a reduced risk of skin cancer. The ram of this breed is an ideal sire for prime lamb production. Inbuilt characteristics of the breed such as rapid growth rates, good muscling and ability to produce low fat scores make them ideal for the domestic and export trade. Dorpers have a very early maturing rate and also have a long breeding season which if not seasonally limited, so under intensive management three lambings in two years may be possible. Ewes and rams can start breeding at 9 months. Dorpers have small lambs then rapid growth and will graze by 2 days. A live weight of 36kg can be reached by 3.5 - 4 months of age. This ensures a high quality carcass of around 20kg. Further growth up to seven months produces heavy weight rams from 22-26+kg suited to export. Dorpers are covered with a light covering of hair and "wool" which will shed in spring and summer and grow again for autumn and winter. The "wool" is organic matter which breaks down in the soil ATTRIBUTES OF THE DORPER * Dorpers are low MAINTERNANCE - no shearing, no crutching or mulesing, no flystrike and no lice treatment - ie major $ savings from other breeds * Hardiness - thrive in arid to semi-tropical areas * Robust and drought tolerant * Fertile-long breeding season * Long lived and good temperament * Non-selective grazing habits - like goats they eat everything, weeds and all * Excellent maternal qualities * Fast growing, high survival lambs,early maturity * Known for high twinning rates * Early marketing, more meat = more$$$$ |