They have less subcutaneous fat on average and are a bit leaner because there is less feathering in the muscles. But the pasture littered with wool as I had feared just did not happen. They were significantly more reasonably priced and for practical matters were the same. Hello! What happens if you leave the ram out all year round? I had on occasion lambs butchered that exceeded 110 pounds. Because of their hair, they do not produce the lanolin that can lend gaminess to the meat, giving it a milder flavor. In our operation, that sheep breed is the Katahdin sheep. But what about the market lambs getting too fat? "Dorper sheep are barrel-shaped with a well-muscled back end. Most Muslims prefer intact ram lambs without tails being docked. In conclusion, based on RT and RR, resilience to high HLI conditions ranked St. Croix > Katahdin > Dorper, with lowest . Yes, you can milk Dorper sheep! People converting to hair sheep breeds all notice certain things. Glenn Land Farm Dexter Cattle & Dorper Sheep Weve found that while genetics play an important role in weight gains, flock management, parasite control, forage quality and forage availability seem to be more important when it comes to the bottom line. They started with an idle, tired farm and through years of blood, sweat and tears have transformed it into a vibrant . This, alongside their easy-going dietary needs, really cut down the cost of keeping them. Publication : USDA ARS The Dorper Sheep is a hardy resilient South African breed of sheep that can withstand various harsh climates, environments and intensive operations. When I look out in the paddock it looks like hell on earth but at the same time beautiful. Sheep will eat woody vegetation but prefer grass and weeds on the ground. These include: Dorper sheep dont produce much milk or wool, which means raising them for meat is your only option. Wondering whether to add Dorper or Katahdin sheep to your homestead? The majority of ewe lambs are sold as registered breeding stock; the majority of ram lambs are sold for slaughter. The breed was created by crossing Dorset and Blackheaded Persian sheep. It improves from year one to year two of age but can again be reduced by external factors like disease or weight loss. As a bit of trivia, the majority of cull ewes the U.S. exports go to the Mexico City area. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can overcome this by making sure your walls are high enough, and that there is nothing in their enclosure that they can climb onto. I had heard all the negatives about them such as The lambs get too fat, The lambs sell for less money at auctions, The pasture will be littered with wool as these sheep shed, and They get too cold in the winter. You will find the occasional larger patch of wool in your pasture and you will definitely find wool and hair on the trees where the sheep rub. Why Choose St. Croix Hair Sheep? However, as the challenge escalated, parasite resistance was greatest in St. Croix lambs, followed by Katahdin and Dorper lambs. You must log in or register to reply here. How to Use Goats and Sheep to Clear Brush - Modern Farmer Breed is mainly free of wool and do not normally require shearing. This site is owned and operated by Wild Wire Media, LLC. Sheep for Meat: 10 Best Sheep Breeds for Meat - Savvy Farm Life Of the ewe lambs exposed, 95 percent gave birth at the age of 11-13 months. They do produce wool, and will need to be shorn annually. Katahdin ewes weigh around 125-185 pounds, and rams average around 200 pounds. Ewes will weigh an average of 190 pounds, with rams reaching up to 300 pounds. Typically, the 75 percent Dorper crosses will exhibit the Dorper coloration and conformation. Dries Wiese, the owner and Studbreeder, was 9 years old when his father bought him his first . Some of the ancestors of these breeds originated in Africa and were brought to the Caribbean Islands, Central America and northern South America during the 18th and 19th century. The breed has a thick, well muscled carcass and extended period of fertility. The Blackbelly is a smaller breed of sheep, with ewes maturing at around 100 pounds, and rams weighing on average 120 pounds. My friend also mentioned his Katahdin-Dorper lambs are much fatter when born than Polypays. Moreover, RT was slightly less for Katahdin vs. Dorper in period 4 at 13:00 and 17:00 however, RR was less for Katahdin than for Dorper in periods 3 and 4. 1. Our spring lambs require 4-5 pounds of dry matter forage to produce each pound of gain. Suffolk meat is hailed as lean and somewhat sweet, with a good muscle to fat ratio. However, Texel sheep breed strongly seasonal, are heat sensitive, have at times problems lambing due to the broad head and shoulders, and they need shearing. Lamb meat is known to be more tender and tasty. The Katahdin Sheep is a domestic breed developed in Maine in the United States and named after the highest peak in Maine, Mount Katahdin. They will definitely get too fat. The reproductive rate of true hair sheep is excellent. These include: The fact Dorper sheep are easy to breed is a huge advantage. Shear force values were greatest, tougher, for Dorset-sired than Dorper-sired or Katahdin lambs. Baby Sheep: What a Baby Sheep is Called & Other Fun Facts. It is actually a hybrid which is bred for producing more meat, less fat and less wool with the goal of producing lean tender meat. Katahdins are alert, protective mothers. Dorpers grow a combination of hair and wool, and shed naturally meaning no shearing is required. Originally publishedin sheep! In addition, there is almost no incidence of flystrike with hair sheep breeds. His information is given at the conclusion of the article, pasted below. The Katahdan tend to be a little more "active", in general not quite as docile, though many would disagree but they are still quiet. But the dorpers always have say ten % that need shearing still. Due to their superior conformation and shedding characteristics, they have become one of the most popular breeds of sheep in the U.S. With a high rate of multiple births and a gentle temperament, this is a good choice for people looking to start a hair sheep business, particularly in warm climates. Just like the Katahdin, you do not have to shear them as they shed their winter coat in the spring. What is worse, however, is the fact that there are breeders who do not select for shedding ability and for the show ring instead. Hi currently running flock of 600. Have good flocking instinct. ByBasil Bactawar, UF/IFAS Duval County Extension Service. What sheep breeds are best for meat? Tunis sheep are known to have an excellent flavor of meat. If you consider hairsheep like White Dorpers in the future dont forget to ask the breeder about the shedding ability of their flock! Katahdins often breeding out of season. Breeding stock is selected under rigorous criteria, including parasite resistance, hair coat, growth characteristics on grass alone and general thriftiness. Originally bred for their meat, the Katahdin tends to have a wider variation of milk production - some ewes producing significantly more (or significantly less) than the average. As one of the most populous sheep breeds in America, the Suffolk is a popular choice for meat producers. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The entire belly is black including areas between the legs, nose and forehead. Ultimate Guide. Coat & Color: Has a variety of color ranging from black and tan through yellow with variegated mottled pattern. Suffolk ewes are excellent mothers and prolific breeders. A large-framed, late-maturing breed will not have the necessary carcass quality at these weights, whereas Katahdin sheep or Dorpers will. Ulf owns and operates White Clover Sheep Farm and breeds and raises grass-fed White Dorper sheep and Kiko goats without any grain feeding and offers breeding stock suitable for grazing. oklahoma city farm & garden "dorper" - craigslist I can only put this down to past genetics. Some of the main pros of keeping Katahdin sheep include: Katahdin sheep are one of the easiest breeds of sheep to care for. Environmental Adaptability:They are adaptable to all climates. Katahdin meat tends to be leaner than many other breeds. The thickness of a Katahdin sheeps winter coat will vary among individuals, but it needs to shed completely for an A or AA coat classification, which is the norm. Nitrogen retention by lambs fed oscillating dietary protein concentrations. Katahdin Sheep - Kiko and Boer Goats How often do dorpers have breeding problems and we will then have to pull the lambs? 13 Hair Sheep Breeds You Should Know About - The Homesteading Hippy Compared to other breeds, these sheep are relatively new, dating back to the 1950s. They also are not limited to a breeding season, conceiving year round. If there were a hair Hampshire or Suffolk that would do a better job, wed be raising them. Disposition & Mothering Ability: Extremely reactive to dogs and cats usually as though they wish to flee. Youll find these sheep to have an easy-going temperament, and they tend to produce leaner meat with even fat distribution. They also have a fat rump, short legs, and a compact body. Katahdin is probably the more economical choice, however, namely because they can produce both meat and milk. Feeding these breeds too much grain can result in an overabundance of internal fat. We have members from Mexico to Northern Canada and have exported to Ecuador, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, United Kingdom, Chile, and Central America. I saw that the author is from Central Missouri, which is where we live. I am new to the sheep business so I am concerned that she will never be large enough to breed. In many cases, farmers are adding hair sheep to pastures with cattle to maximize efficiency and for parasite control. However, they have been cross-bred with other breeds over the years to develop the modern breed we see today. Making Natural Clothing Dye From Vegetables. It was bred from West African hair sheep and is extremely well-adapted to hot, humid conditions. Mexicans prefer a larger lamb, and let nothing go to waste. The Dorper has a high rate of lambing and is tolerant of the arid conditions it was developed for in South Africa. The best genetics wont keep an animal from starving to death. Dorset ewes weigh approximately 150-200 pounds, with the rams weighing on average 275 pounds. Dorper-sired. Sheep for sale: young grass-fed butcher ram lambs (Dorper & Katahdin) Our first lamb - Katahdin Dorper Cross - Farm Homestead It should be kept in mind that performance varies greatly with genetic . While Im sure Ill rile a lot of Dorper breeders, Ive seen too many that had been sheared before a sale, which defeats the purpose of a hair animal. Tunis are solid breeders and excellent mothers. The Dorper sheep has gained popularity in the last decade for meat production, with ewes reaching a weight of 170-250 pounds, and rams up to 250 pounds. study was done that showed the parasite resistance. There are black headed Dorpers (most common) and white Dorpers (harder to find). Generally, hair breeds are more heat tolerant than wool breeds. A qualityregistered lamb will bring triple the fat lamb price. The St Croix are also quiet, but seem to be next on the ladder. Black color covers belly, inside legs and thighs and extends up to the neck. They can mature to be up to 6 tall, can reach over 400 pounds, and they dont back down Goats vs Sheep: Profit, Care & Behavioral Differences. In terms of lambing, youll find Katahdins mostly give birth to multiple lambs. Everything You Need to Know About Hair Sheep - Cross S Ranch Dorper vs Katahdin sheep? | Homesteading Forum Two varieties of Dorper Sheep were created: the black headed Dorper and an all white variety, the White Dorper sheep. I forgot to ask for notification via e-mail, so I am reposting my questions. It is a very hardy breed and is disease resistant. Two weeks later, the ewes hadnt lost any body condition. As mentioned earlier, hair sheep breeds are considerably more heat-tolerant than wool breeds. Farmersville. Mature Weight (Lb): Ewe = 130 140 (Average is 136), Ram = 170 - 200. As mentioned earlier, theres no price discount for Katahdin sheep or Dorper sheep in central Missouri. Thanks, I am considering starting a small Dorper and or Katahdin herd to raise meat for the Western New York market. Thank you. He can be reached at 585-554-3313 or by e-mail at ulf@whitecloversheepfarm.com. Hope this helps! Despite being a hairsheep, White Dorpers do not lack winter hardiness Photographer: Ulf Kintzel. Dorper Sheep - Sheep Breed Series - YouTube Well, at least Katahdins, St Croix and barbs. In a second study, Dorper or Dorset sired lambs were compared to Barbados Blackbelly x St. Croix or Katahdin lambs. Market Weight/Live/Age: 70 90 lbs / 7 8 months. No wool to deal with makes perfect economic sense. Lambs can also take a little longer to reach their market weight than some other breeds of sheep. Disposition & Mothering Ability: Ewes have good mothering ability and lamb easily unassisted. Ewes will weigh an average of 190 pounds, with rams reaching up to 300 pounds. The hair sheep breeds lamb easily in the pasture and the lambs gain weight rapidly and develop to maturity quickly. Katahdin Sheep work very well in a variety of production situations as a low-maintenance, easy care sheep. A maternal breed, Katahdin ewes breed well with the Dorper rams to produce a meaty but feminine lamb. Since hair sheep dont have a heavy wool coat, they cant take the cold. This information may be used to compare breeds of hair sheep. Required fields are marked *. FLAVOR It is also exceptionally low-maintenance. Several Polypay owners in the area worm all animals 6-8 times during the summer and still lose animals to stomach worms. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. They grow quickly and reach market weight early. Thirty percent of the ewes were first-time lambers, having an average of 1.2 lambs/ewe. As a result, the Katahdin is the most common hair sheep in America. Ron remembers raising wool sheep as a teenager. I'll be using my Barbados Blackbelly ram on my BB ewes and also a few Kathadin ewes. Dorper Sheep: Characteristics, Origin & Uses - ROYS FARM For example, cold wind and warm sun quickly result in herd finding shelter under conditions when woolen sheep remain in the open. Secrets of Raising Katahdin Sheep - Countryside Dorper Sheep Breed Information, History & Facts - RaisingSheep.net There are very few disadvantages of keeping Katahdin sheep. Hi Mary. We began our Katahdin Sheep herd with non-registered sheep but have added registered Katahdin ewes to our farm. Hi..I have a merino female sheep and I would like to know if its possible to cross it with male dorper sheep to get pregnant .. Do Dorpers only breed seasonally ? Katahdin sheep and Dorper are bred as meat sheep breeds. Our flock is content to sleep outside in the coldest weather and will have unmelted snow on their backs like a wool animal. There is the wool type and the hairtype with the hairtype being slightly less meaty but far better shedding. Katahdins tend to birth twins, with triplets and quadruplets occurring often with good flock management. They also benefit from a long productive life, giving you maximum bang for your buck. Between their size and their courage, llamas may seem intimidating at first. Im sure by now you have an answer. Hi just wondering it may be a silly question anyways can you milk Dorper sheep. Why they are Crossed Waco Childbirth Education 74 subscribers Subscribe 127 Share. Lamb chops from Barbados Blackbelly x St. Croix lambs were similar to those from Dorset-sired, Dorper-sired, or Katahdin. or you can contact me at- Katahdin would adapt best under humid, warm conditions, while Dorper would be best suited for dry arid and semiarid rangeland conditions. We are currently running 130 registered ewes with 10 commercial ewes that will be dispersed this year. The mild and yet rich flavor of these culled ewes is remarkable and does not at all remind anyone of mutton. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Though not year-round breeders, Tunis often breed out of season, with the occasional lamb (or two) born in late Summer / Fall. While weve missed out on export sales the last several years because of retaining ewes to increase flock numbers, Mexican buyers will be coming by this spring. Many ethnic groups want a much different lamb or goat than has been marketed in the past. Lambing Interval:It ranges from 6 to 8 months. The Dorper X Katahdin are very popular and providing you use a good quality ram, I would suggest fullblood or purebred, they do tend to really stamp the babies with their type. To learn more about baby sheep, check out my article Baby Sheep: What a Baby Sheep is Called & Other Fun Facts. Sheep are like lawnmowers, while goats are more like Bush Hogs (for the uninitiated, that's the brand name for a machine designed to clear heavy brush). ~Ann, Your email address will not be published. Some European sheep genetics were incorporated into the African sheep to arrive at the existing hair breeds mentioned above. We both work off thefarm; therefore time is a commodity in short supply. Dorper sheep Revolutionizing the meat sheep industry He can be reached at 585-554-3313 or by e-mail at ulf@whitecloversheepfarm.com. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. While you can make a great profit selling meat, if you are looking for multiple income streams from your flock then the Dorper may not be the right breed for you. Ewes weight approximately 200 pounds, and rams average out to around 260 pounds. we really enjoy that black baby lamb and she is 9 months old now. Some Ideas About Crossbreeding Sheep | Oklahoma State University Dorper sheep are exceptionally popular amongst both hobbyists and commercial homesteads. Characteristics - St Croix Hair Sheep Breeders The low maintenance qualities of Katahdins allow us the time to do so. 4 1. A unique characteristic about the Dorper is that they do not breed seasonally, instead they are able to breed year-around. Fact: In central Missouri, raising sheep for wool has been a losing proposition for a number of years. Dorper's are by far the closest hair sheep to the wool breed. Here is a list of the top 10 sheep breeds for meat:if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'savvyfarmlife_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-savvyfarmlife_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Sheep are one of the most versatile livestock animals you can find when it comes to the number of different products they are able to produce. The Katahdin and the St Croix give the dogs a little more run for their money, but they are not silly and bounce off fences like some other breeds can even with a lot of handling. Cheviots produce alert, strong lambs who are efficient foragers. for info and videos along with books and much more! Just weaned 530 lambs .If we can get some weight on them worth $200+ in current market. Last but not least on our list is the Cheviot breed. WHY I DON'T RAISE ST. CROIX SHEEP | DORPER vs. ST. CROIX as Meat Breeds We feel that our time must be used where it will improve our operation, rather than maintaining status quo. As mentioned earlier, the Katahdin breed has served us well. One of the oldest breeds of sheep, the Tunis is still a favorite breed for meat production. A caution when breeding is to choose the right size ram for the ewe. HARDINESS Katahdins are awesome and productive mothers plus they are a very hardy breed and the Dorper will put more size on the meat sheep. For the Katahdin vs Dorper analysis (Table 1), 8 SNPs under selection were observed in SOCS2, NOS2, TGFB2 and IL2RA genes within OAR3, 11, 12 and 13, respectively. A year and many dollars later, they cant understand why the rams offspring doesnt grow any faster than the rest of their animals. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The Dorper is a mutton breed of hair sheep developed in the 1930s. The American Sheep Industry recognizes 47 different sheep breeds in the US, with hundreds more recognized internationally. The Dorper has a high rate of lambing and is tolerant of the arid conditions it was developed for in South Africa. Its also possible that some pieces of wool or hair remain along the back or on the hind quarters or arm pits. I used purebred as opposed to full blood White Dorper rams to upgrade my flock. At 90 days, weve had November-December lambs on pasture, hay and whole grain (corn or milo) average 75 pounds. Unlike meat goats, hair sheep are resistant to many of the parasites shed by cattle. Origin: Developed in the Virgin Islands for crosses of West African hair sheep and Wiltshire Horn. The ewes produce vigorous, healthy, robust lambs that have a high survivability. The Royal White produces more mea t than Katahdin sheep and Dorper sheep. Animal Breeding Abstracts. Fact: While its true that Barbados and St. Croix are small animals (ewes 80-110 pounds), few commercial breeders raise them. As hair sheep breeds become more popular, it will be important for breeders to ensure the future integrity of the breeds. I shear myself and since I wanted to increase the size of my flock I was not looking forward to shearing even more sheep. They grow quickly and reach market weight early. I have found that the Katahdin can be a little taller than many of the Dorper but then it will also depend on what bloodlines. let me know! While mutton and lamb may seem like more of a rarity in America, it is more popular as a main dish in other parts of the world. The Dorpers get so quiet and even a little lazy that the dogs really have to work hard to make them move much. Interested in raising sheep for wool? Environmental Adaptability: Well adapted to hot, dry, humid and wet conditions. This is not a true hair sheep. Some hair breed rams are long-bodied which can create a lengthy birthing scenario for the ewe. Sales of sheep meat and sheep breeding stock are on the rise in the United States and Canada. Quite a few meat producers are finding better success with the hair breeds of meat sheep than with meat goats. Non selective grazers that perform well under both extensive and intensive production systems. Environmental Adaptability: Withstand heat and cold well, and part of this adjustment to extremes is behavioral. Consider the pros and cons featured above before making your decision. Often, when a new breed or type is rising in popularity, careful breeding can fall to the wayside in the haste to have stock to sell. When selecting breeding stock, choose animals with good feet. The Dorper has been very effective in increasing the growth rate, carcass size and quality of all the typical hair-type breeds such a the Barbados, Katahdin, St. Croix, the Mexican Pelibuey and other breeds that are considered exotic types. It is now farmed in other areas as well, and is the second most common sheep breed in South Africa. The cross breeding results in the best of both breeds but also in the benefits of heterosis, commonly known as hybrid vigor. Updated: Monday, February 06, 2023 02:46 PM. We are fortunate that buyers for the large ethnic market in St. Louis often attend sales. Subsequent generations with higher percentage shed better and better although shedding is not a black and white thing. Disposition & Mothering Ability: Breed is docile and calm with good flocking instinct. Do you have to go around picking it up out of the pasture? Katahdin ewes weigh around 125-185 pounds, and rams average around 200 pounds. One needs to do a detail review of the information related to the hair breed one wishes to raise. Environmental Adaptability: Withstand higher heat and humidity than British sheep breeds. We currently manage between 45-60 ewes per year with about 70% of our flock being registered. To avoid the coloring and spots that come along with first and second generation cross breeding with Dorper sheep, I decided to go with White Dorper sheep (WD). We are currently using rams with high shedding scores, while culling heavily on production traits. including sheepamong them an extra-special Dorper-Katahdin lamb named Mopple. 100 Dorper - Bred Ewes. My question is, how much should he weigh. Secondly at what age are you removing lambs from mothers . 2022 Cornell Small Farms. Purebred Dorper rams can reach a live-weight of 90-120 kg and ewes 50-80kg. The Gayogoh:n are members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, an alliance of six sovereign Nations with a historic and contemporary presence on this land. A common lamb on good pasture will perform better than Super Lamb on poor pasture. That's interesting! The Dorper is a breed of sheep that originated in the south of Africa in the 1940's. It is the product of cross-breeding between the Dorset Horn and Blackhead Persian breeds. They are also highly resistant to many parasites that can become bothersome to other breeds of sheep. Mating season for Suffolk sheep usually happens in the Autumn or Winter of each year, as it is for most sheep breeds. Thank you for stopping by, and best of luck with your farm! Sheep Breeds - UF/IFAS Extension