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The Dorper Breeds were created to produce a quality product from
unimproved forage in low rainfall areas of South Africa.
Importation of British breeds to use in the South African
environment proved futile, as they did not adapt to the harsh
conditions. Crossbreeding studies were conducted during the
1940’s.The most successful cross was the Horned Dorset ram X the
Blackhead Persian ewe. Consumer satisfaction of the end product was
a major goal of the breed development.
The Persian Blackhead is a native to Somalia
and contributed its fertility, hardiness, thriftiness, adaptability,
pigmentation and hair covering. Its ability to breed out of
season and prolificacy added to the same traits of the Horned
Dorset. This has resulted in a breed that fits many management and
environmental options. The Horned Dorset additionally contributes a
faster growth rate and improved muscling over the Persians. The
major goal of satisfactory economic returns from a wide range of
environmental conditions is achieved. The ewes made outstanding
mothers that can be successfully bred to produce three lamb crops in
two years. They have beautiful bags that produce a copious amount of
milk.
The Dorper Breeds have a light mix of wool and
hair that sheds spontaneously, eliminating the need for shearing.
This quality is a benefit in eliminating the labor and the costs
involved in shearing.
Two color phases occur and are considered as
two breeds. The majority are black headed sheep and called Dorpers.
The totally white sheep are called White Dorpers. Breed Standards
and an inspection system have been developed to identify the top
quality animals.
Dorpers and White Dorpers have proven to be as
adaptable in the New World as in their country of origin. Dorpers
are being raised from coast to coast and from Mexico to Canada. The
climatic conditions vary from desert, to well watered prairies, to
the Rocky Mountains. Several research studies in the U.S. indicate
that Dorper sired lambs are more tender than some other breeds.
Further studies on other qualities will be completed over the next
few years. During the recent drought in Australia, Dorper sheep
hardiness has been proven to exceed that of common wool breeds and
Dorper sheep are consequently becoming increasingly popular.
Currently the modern Dorper constitutes over
1/3 of the South African sheep population of 30,000,000. Since the
late 1990’s the breeds have spread into the Middle East, Canada,
China, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Mexico and the United
States.
The first fullblood Dorper lambs were born in
the U.S. in 1995. In December of the same year the American Dorper
Sheep Breeders’ Society was organized. The first business meeting
was held in 1996 and a board of directors elected. A grading up
program was formulated to allow progression to Purebred status with
sufficient top crosses. The ADSBS established its own office in 2001
for registration and promotion of all Dorper sheep and White Dorper
sheep. Several national shows, sales and inspection seminars have
been sponsored.
With your purchase of Dorpers and White Dorpers
you too can experience the satisfaction of raising low maintenance
sheep and producing a product that is a pleasure to eat.
This Web site is provided as
a service by the American Dorper Sheep Breeders’ Society for its
members and their customers. Although every effort is made to insure
that the contents of this Web site are accurate, the ADSBS assumes
no responsibility for individual listings. Any issues regarding
fertility, or lack thereof, or any other pertinent matters are to be
established between the buyer and seller solely. |
