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Breed: Dorper
Sheep, Dorper breed
1 listingAbout this section
The Dorper is a South African meat breed created by crossing the Dorset Horn with the Blackhead Persian. It carries no fat tail and it sheds its fleece by itself, which takes shearing off the work calendar altogether. Rams usually weigh 90 to 110 kg and ewes 60 to 75 kg; lambs grow quickly and give a carcass with an even cover of fat. The breed is undemanding about feed and handles heat well, so it is used on feeding units and for adding growth to local flocks. Purebred animals are not numerous in the country and are sold for breeding more often than for slaughter, so origin and age matter in every listing. There are two varieties, the black-headed Dorper and the White Dorper; colour does not change productivity, though fashion sometimes moves the price.
Is it true that Dorpers need no shearing?
Yes, the fleece sheds on its own. That saves the labour and the cost of shearing, but it also means the breed brings no income from wool at all.
Why is the Dorper crossed with local breeds?
For growth rate and meat conformation in the offspring. Crosses grow faster than the local flock while keeping its hardiness, which is why purebred rams are usually bought as sires.
Does the Dorper have a fat tail?
No. Fat is laid down in the carcass instead, so a buyer looking for tail fat for the table will not find it here and should consider the fat-tailed types.
Is there a difference between the black and white varieties?
Not in productivity: both are meat animals of the same type. The difference is colour, and any price gap comes from buyer preference rather than from performance.