HISTORY
Dorpers were bred in South Africa during the 1930's. The South African Department of Agriculture and a group of progressive farmers decided to develop a new breed of sheep able to produce a maximum number of lambs with good meat qualities, which could be marketed directly off arid and extensive grazing conditions.
Many different crosses were tried, with the most successful being the cross of the Dorset Horn Ram over the black headed Persian Ewe. The Dorper breed is fixed giving a reliable reproduction of selected characteristics.
The first Dorpers arrived in Australia in 1996 and have gained popularity based on their ability to thrive in diverse conditions, their low maintenance requirement and on their performance in carcase competitions.
Due to their adaptability to a large range of conditions, Dorpers have sine become a popular breed in a number of countries around the world.
Many different crosses were tried, with the most successful being the cross of the Dorset Horn Ram over the black headed Persian Ewe. The Dorper breed is fixed giving a reliable reproduction of selected characteristics.
The first Dorpers arrived in Australia in 1996 and have gained popularity based on their ability to thrive in diverse conditions, their low maintenance requirement and on their performance in carcase competitions.
Due to their adaptability to a large range of conditions, Dorpers have sine become a popular breed in a number of countries around the world.