FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long have White Dorper sheep been in the US?

The first lambs were born in 1995.

Why are the full-blood sheep expensive?

Since our government does not have an import protocol for South Africa, all embryos must go through the Canadian import system and regulations and be implanted into Canadian receipts. Additionally live lamb/embryo ratio normally is in the 30-40% range prior to any selection for soundness. Small numbers of embryos were initially imported and most purebreds have been multiplied by natural means. When the protocol opens for the United States, embryo programs will still be costly.

Are Dorper sheep immune to internal parasites?

On intensive operations Dorper sheep need internal parasite monitoring and treatment like any other meat breed. There are possibilities that there are animal differences in susceptibility as you find in other sheep breeds.

Are Dorper sheep resistant to disease?

Vaccinations are more important on intensive than extensive operations as with any sheep.

Do Dorper sheep need to be sheared?

Complete fleece shedding appears to be influenced by a number of factors. One may need to shear the top on mature sheep if you desire them to look their very best.

Do Dorpers respect fences?

Well-constructed fences are important. Dorper sheep will search for feed if pasture gets short. They do respect electric fences once trained.

How long do Dorper sheep live?

In South Africa longevity is dependant on the range conditions. Very short grass results in more tooth wear due to greater sand ingestion. With longer grass many animals are still in use at 8-10 years.

Do Dorpers have horns?

Females and most rams are polled. Some rams may have scurs and a few may have light horns.

How big are Dorper sheep?

Their size is deceptive due to their short legs. Ewes will mature at 175-200 pounds and Rams over 225. These are practical sizes for a forage-based system.

What color are the Dorper sired crossbred lambs?

White Dorper sired lambs are totally white with rare spotted individuals. Dorper sired lambs are commonly spotted or black dependent upon the breed of dam.

Are the lambs vigorous at birth?

Dorper lambs are born hungry. It is not uncommon to see lambs nursing within 10 minutes of delivery and trying to hop within an hour.

Is the meat palatable?

One United States research study found Dorper sired lambs significantly more tender and palatable than those sired by a common sire breed, when tested mechanically and with a taste panel.

Are Dorper sheep registered?

The American Dorper Sheep Breeders Society was initiated in 1996 with a registry system. Two categories exist for White Dorpers and Dorpers. Those animals of 100% South African blood are full-bloods. Sheep that are a result of the grading-up program are American purebreds when ewes are 7/8 and rams15/16 pure. This is accomplished by using rams of your color selection on non-Dorper ewes and the resulting generations of increasing Dorper blood. Three crosses are needed to reach the 7/8 and four are needed for the 15/16.

How old are they before breeding?

South African recommendations are to wean rams at 100 days to prevent them from breeding their dams. If well grown, they can be bred to a limited number of ewes at 6-7 months of age. Ewes should weigh 100+ and be 7 months of age. They will be more fertile if bred at 9-10 months of age.

How many ewes can a ram serve?

This is age and animal dependant with additional variables. Ram lambs can serve 15-20 ewes. Mature rams can cover 75 ewes. See the Ewe Settler biography for an example of a productive, Dorper ram.

 


Fullblood lambs watching the red boots

 

Copyright 2000 by Darrol & Irene Grant