The Dorpers require little grain (I do give some through the very harsh winters), and maintain condition on poorer pasture. There is good reason for the popularity of the Dorper sheep breed. Significant populations exist in South America, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand, as well. Eyes large and widely placed. Medium size sheep; body long, deep and wide. The Dorper is very effective in increasing the growth rate, carcass size and quality of all the typical hair-type breeds such as the Katahdin. Originally bred in early 1940s, Dorper sheep are a cross from Dorset horned rams and Blackhead Persian ewes. May 23, 2011 #3 Beekissed Herd Master. Ears horizontally set. BREEDING DORPER SHEEP Dorper sheep originated in South Africa and were the result of crossing Dorset Horn with Blackheaded Persian sheep. A sheep skin with a lot of hair closely resembles a goatskin. Conformation: Dorper sheep are large, broad, muscular sheep. Dorper sheep farming is a result of the breed being developed in South Africa. Ewes will mature at 175-200 pounds and Rams over 225. The breed is aimed to get adjusted to arid regions of South Africa, with efforts from the South African Department of Agriculture.Dorper sheep farming is the most profitable business. The Dorper and Katahdin hair breeds, both developed in modern times, are now among the most common sheep in America. Dorper sheep mainly raised for meat.A South Africa fast-growing meat breed developed around 1930 by crossing the Dorset Horn and Blackheaded Persian. As with many cross breeds, the Dorper concentrated the best qualities of each breed. The first purebred Dorper lambs were born in the U.S. in 1995. The weave angle of Dorper skin fibres is flat – a feature that strengthens the leather further. These are practical sizes for a forage-based system. How big are Dorper sheep? Size and fat distribution when determining type, while colour and covering are of secondary importance. The fibers of a Dorperskin are delicate, but the skin structure is tighter and denser than that of goatskins or wool skins. Joined Aug 3, 2008 Messages 3,051 Reaction score 3,706 Points 413 Location mountains of WV. What color are the Dorper sired crossbred lambs? Average weights of Dorper ram lambs and rams as well as ewe lambs and ewes in good condition note: some of the ewes might have been pregnant. Dorper sheep are now the fastest growing sheep breed in North America. Although the breed was created in the 1930s, it is still fairly new to the US. Covered with short dullish black hair (White dorpers have white hair) Neck: Medium length and broad. White Dorper sired lambs are totally white with rare spotted individuals. Well Muscled. Head: Strong, long and medium in width. The white dorper sheep are a very fast growing, heavily muscled sheep that have a high feed conversion and are extremely easy keepers. Dorper Sheep Characteristics Average mature weights; rams 225 to 275 pounds, ewes 155 to 210 pounds. Two varieties of Dorper Sheep were created: the black headed Dorper and an all white variety, the White Dorper sheep. Their size is deceptive due to their short legs. They are a fast growing meat producing sheep that is a well-proportioned breed with heavy muscled hindquarters. (For pointing details, refer to Dorper Sheep Breeders’ Society of South Africa. Katahdins are awesome and productive mothers plus they are a very hardy breed and the Dorper will put more size on the meat sheep.