Dorper sheep were developed in South Africa to meet the need of a quality meat animal that could survive in harsh conditions. Due to the natural shedding of their winter coat, shearing is not required. They are year-round breeders, and efficient grazers, producing tremendous gains on grass alone. They are easy lambers, excellent milkers with good udder conformation, and are tremendously matemal.

They adapt to all climate conditions. They are early maturing, requiring ram lambs to be weaned at least by 100 days. It is not unusual to wean a 90 - 120 pound lamb at three months of age. But perhaps the greatest asset of the Dorper is in his hind quarter where the most expensive meat is produced. 90 percent of well-grown Dorper lambs will have carcass qualities that grade Choice (USDA) or better. Research indicates Dorper genetics greatly improve tenderness and juiciness. Research also shows the meat is lean, and higher in HDL (the "good" cholesterol) and lower in LDL (the "bad" cholesterol).

Dorper sheep in summary:

• Easy keepers / low maintenance costs
• Shed fleece/hair - shearing not required
• Non selective grazers
• Hardy - able to survive in marginal conditions
• Do well in a variety of climates
• Year-round breeders / enabling reaching a particular market
• Three lamb crops in two years is easily achieved
• Early maturing
• Top rates of gain possible on grass alone
• Excellent mothers/good milkers/easily raising twins/ triplets
• Gentle to handle
• Tremendous hind leg development
• Superb carcass characteristics/lean, juicy, tender meat