DORPER SHEEP
The Dorper breed was originally bred in the 1930s for the arid areas of South Africa. It was first imported into Australia in the mid-1990s and is now one of the largest sheep breeds in Australia.
They are well known for their ability to adapt to a variety of climates and grazing conditions. They are low maintenance, easy-care sheep that are non-selective graziers and are one of the few breeds that can thrive in harsh conditions. The Dorper is resistant to parasites and diseases which reduces the need to use treatments for protection.
They are not required to be sheared as they shed their own fleece from late spring and through summer. The wool simply falls off the skin and onto the ground where it gradually breaks down over time. They naturally start to regrow their fleece in Autumn as the temperature starts to cool. Not only do they not need to be sheered but they also don’t need crutching or mulesing resulting in a stress-free environment.
The Dorper sheep is a highly fertile breed with a high lamb turnover and birthing rate. The ewes are fantastic mothers and are very protective of their young. They have a natural flocking instinct and multiple births are common, with triplets being recorded in the past. The Dorper ewes produce large quantities of milk which aids the survival of the lamb and early growth.
The carcasses have good conformation and fat distribution. The breed has good muscling and the ability to produce low-fat scores which makes great tasting, juicy lamb. It has a thin layer of fat with even distribution that leaves your lamb tender and full of flavour.
