Animals can be compared by means of the so called relative trampling index, which uses body weight, sleeping length, spoor size and distance walked to determine the potential ability to disturb the soil surface. They are bigger than most wool sheep, but they consume less herbage per metabolic size and can actually be used to improve veld conditions. They will avoid going through barbed wire fences. I have around 5 hectares of land that is not sutable for crops, only grass and lucerne. Im at the moment leaning to the Il the France because meat quality and percentage and it doesn’t need much of a space. I was hoping they could be ‘lawnmowers’ around my saplings but, will have to rethink that. It is therefore our obligation to future generations, not to breed these characteristics out or select them out. It has no wrinkles and a smooth grain. Dorper sheep mainly raised for meat.A South Africa fast-growing meat breed developed around 1930 by crossing the Dorset Horn and Blackheaded Persian. • Economical. Sitemap Under these conditions the animal must be able to survive and resist health hazards and diseases. The Dorper sheep adapts well to a variety of climatic and grazing conditions. Disclaimer Today the breed is raised mainly for meat production. One of the most fertile of sheep breeds that is hornless with good body length and a short light covering of hair and wool. 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. Obviously, the farmers’ stocking rate must be correct. The weave angle of Dorper skin fibres is flat – a feature that strengthens the leather further. The Dorper Sheep Breeders Society of South Africa was founded in 1950. It is used in the manufacture of high quality leather clothes and gloves. These skins are a sought-after export product, and few Dorper skins are used locally in the leather industry. Dorpers utilize shrubs and bushes to a greater extent, but take in less grass than Merino-types. 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One final question (sorry). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Dorper Sheep Characteristics The breed was created through the efforts of the South African Department of Agriculture to breed a meat sheep suitable to the more arid regions of the country. The Dorper has a long breeding season but also has a short, low-conception period, which varies from area to area. Turkey, About Us Learn how your comment data is processed. Furthermore, they will give you a good return on your investment. Pickled Dorper skins are mostly sold for export at good prices. Fertility of an ewe is influenced by the conditions in the first 12 weeks of her life cycle. Yes, they will be able to survive in such conditions. These important characteristics are essential for proper selection. Can they survive (healthily) on dried grass for deven months of the year? The mortality rate in the Dorper is low. The Dorper sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from South Africa. Assorted fruit and tree saplings, l am concerned the sheep will eat all my hard work. Breed Characteristics • Adaptable.Dorper Sheep are able to thrive in a wide variety of climatic conditions; from arid to semi tropical areas. Now also farmed in ultra cold, snow and wet conditions. There are various aspects you need to observe before deciding that such as : the level of parasite infestation( this is high normally in wet and hot conditions), the condition of the veld( ensure that you don’t over graze your veld), the climatic condition( if you are experiencing drought, it is advisable to supplement your feed) and above all your financial capability( affording complete feed, vaccination and dosing programs) It is claimed that the Dorper can lamb three times in two years. It is an absolute fallacy that the Dorper “tramples” the pastures (veld). The Dorper sheep are very hardy animals. In its native South Africa it has spread from the arid areas to all parts of the republic. The Dorper is a South African breed of domestic sheep developed by crossing Dorset Horn and the Blackhead Persian sheep. Hi Rather, it's succulent and fine-textured. However, review full breed profile of this breed in the following chart. The Dorper ewe will nourish her lambs under difficult conditions. Goat Duck Read some more information about this South African sheep breed below. The lambing percentage is around 150 percent in the native country, and also can reach 160 percent. Many thanks. Read some more information about this South African sheep breed below. Having jus planted 2,000. Dorper Sheep Characteristics. It is actually an easy-care breed which requires minimal input of labor. So quality feeding is not problem for me. To achieve this, remember the following: This is measured by the well being of the animal and the ability to produce and reproduce under any condition, and is determined by the following: The ewe should keep reasonable condition while raising her lamb to be ready for the next mating cycle. Today the breed is raised mainly for meat production. Hello. The Dorper is outstanding in this aspect and being non-selective in its grazing habits, means that it will fully utilize virtually any type of grazing or roughage. They are also well suited to survive in the arid extensive regions of South Africa. Pigeon Thanks! Subscribe ROY'S FARM newsletter for news, updates and receiving notifications of new posts by email. This trait also makes the breed excellent when participating in any controlled grazing improvement program. Do not mate ewes during the lowest conception time. Glands are not well developed in the grain, as the grain consists of a network of strong collagen fibres. You should however bare in mind that adaptation success is greatly influenced by the nutritional diet of the animal. My questions are: Dorper skins are regarded among the best in the world. About roaming around, its a matter of you deciding on the type of system( extensive or intensive) that will be best for your animals. The concept behind the development of the Dorper Sheep was to develop a The weave angle of Dorper skin fibres is flat – a feature that strengthens the leather further. The fibers of a Dorperskin are delicate, but the skin structure is tighter and denser than that of goatskins or wool skins. I live in Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina and I own around 60 hectares of cultivated land (corn,wheat,soy beans). I am grateful for any help and advice you can offer. They have wool in addition to hair covering their bodies, but they don’t need to be sheared. It reputably does well in various range and feeding conditions and is also suited to intensive feeding. 2. I live in North East Thailand. Cow The Dorper sheep are medium sized animals. Tim. I hope you can help. Furthermore the breed show… Neither goat nor sheep will just eat grass. And it’s not possible to train the sheep to eat only grass. The lambs on average weight around 36 kg within their 100 days of age. This can be checked by observing the type of the veld which your grass grew on( sweetveld, sourveld or mixedveld) and the grass species( there are a variety of grass species that have different nutrient content and palatability). Ostrich Overview: The Dorper is a South African mutton breed developed in the 1930's from the Dorset Horn and Blackheaded Persian. 1. Hello Thank you for the very helpful advice. The purpose of the Dorper breed is to produce prime lamb. Name of the breed ‘Dorper‘ is a coupling of the first syllables of the parent sheep breeds the Dorset and Persian. I am very grateful for your advice. They are well adapted to a variety of climatic and grazing conditions.