The Dorper is one of the newest sheep breeds to be introduced to North America and originates from South Africa, It was developed by crossing the Dorset Horn with the Blackhead Persian, with the intention of producing a sheep that would have a high quality carcasss but producing it with a minimum of inputs. The Dorper has been so successfull it is now numerically the second largest breed in South Africa and has been exported to many other countries. There are two colour variations of the breed--- one is all white and the other is white with the characteristic black head.
To compliment our Katahdin sheep operation a fullblood Dorper ram was bought in 1998. He was bred to Katahdin ewes to produce crossbred females that combine the attributes from both breeds--- the smooth haircoat of the Katahdins with the increased size and rate of gain from the Dorper bloodlines. Since then we have purchased some Dorper embryos from South Africa and additional fullblood Dorper rams. While still maintaining a flock of crossbred ewes (1/2 to 31/32 Dorper) we also have a fullblood Dorper flock.
We are excited about the Dorper and Katahdin sheep as both breeds are low maintenance and easy care sheep, efficient grazers, economical to keep and both produce a lean tender carcass.
Please contact us for information on current breeding stock prices and availability of animals.