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STATUS New Zealand: Rare Importation: 2001 |
Dorper Sheep
A Rare Breed of South African Origin
 Black-headed Dorpers, North Canterbury (Photo by Michael Trotter) |
An extremely recent arrival from South Africa is the Dorper, billed as the ultimate mutton breed. Hardy and adaptable to a wide range of conditions, it is noted for its fertility – and like the » Dorset Horn which was one of its progenitors, it can lamb twice yearly, producing lambs with an extremely fast growth rate. It is also possessed of a self-shedding fleece.
 Dorper lambs with Coopworth and Romney embryo recipient ewes, Cornwall Park (Photo by Grant Latimer) |
Dorpers were developed in South Africa in the 1950s and come in two varieties – the black-headed (Dorset Horn x Persian) and white-headed (Dorset Horn x van Rooey). Embryos of purebred Dorpers were imported from Australia in February 2001 and purebred Dorper rams are also used as terminal sires – producing fine first-cross lambs.
The Rare Breeds Conservation Society thanks Grant Latimer of Cornwall Park Stud for assistance with this page.• » Breeders Directory listing •
