But what about the market lambs getting too fat? Cheviots produce alert, strong lambs who are efficient foragers. We have members from Mexico to Northern Canada and have exported to Ecuador, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, United Kingdom, Chile, and Central America. These breeds are called hair sheep because the coat consists of hair more like that of cattle and many goats rather than wool. About - stoneheartfarm 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. They are easy care sheep that divert most of their energy into producing meat instead of wool. Rams generally have horns. Katahdins are awesome and productive mothers plus they are a very hardy breed and the Dorper will put more size on the meat sheep. The main differences between these two breeds are the colors available, and what they can be used for. Sheep for Meat: 10 Best Sheep Breeds for Meat - Savvy Farm Life Your email address will not be published. Coat & Color: Solid white or white with black head. Also, much of the flavor ( good or bad) comes from the fat. Yes, you can milk Dorper sheep! As far as winter hardiness is concerned, I have my sheep out in zero degree weather. In terms of temperament, cost, and maintenance, they are both excellent options. We have a dispute between the members about feeding sheep after working them. There are very few disadvantages of keeping Katahdin sheep. The number of feedings can be reduced over time to twice a day by 3-4 weeks of age. Bred sheep/ewes (Dorper and Katahdin), bred to a show ram. Feeding Practices in Sheep - Merck Veterinary Manual Reaching maturity earlier than many breeds, the Suffolk lamb will reach an average of 116 pounds by 100 days of age. Since these breeds are so adaptable, when found in colder climates, the hair sheep adapt by growing a thicker undercoat. Thirty percent of the ewes were first-time lambers, having an average of 1.2 lambs/ewe. Dorset lambs, like the Suffolk and Dorper, mature quickly and are market-ready earlier than many other breeds. Dorpers tend to be a little larger, and Katahdins are excellent mothers, so a Dorper /Kathadin cross is nearly perfect. Due to their superior conformation and shedding characteristics, they have become one of the most popular breeds of sheep in the U.S. Because of their hair, they do not produce the lanolin that can lend gaminess to the meat, giving it a milder flavor. It is common to have ewes lambing twice per year. They naturally shed their wool throughout the seasons. Sheds coat as temperature and day length increase. Why Katahdin x Dorper Crosses. As we train border collies for sheep and cattle trials and we need a few different types of sheep. The Dorper Sheep is a hardy resilient South African breed of sheep that can withstand various harsh climates, environments and intensive operations. Staking livestock to a rope and expecting them to clear vegetation is ineffective and can result in . Just like the Katahdin, you do not have to shear them as they shed their winter coat in the spring. The breed is actually very good for meat production, and it produce more meat than Dorper and Katahdin sheep. We are interested purchasing Katahdin sheep and found this article very helpful. We also sell breeding stock locally. We saw their ad and went to look at their Dorper rams. Origin: This breed was developed or evolved on the Eastern Caribbean Island of Barbados. Animal Breeding Abstracts. They grow quickly and reach market weight early. I had on occasion lambs butchered that exceeded 110 pounds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you have a disability and are having trouble accessing information on this website or need materials in an alternate format, please contact Cornell University via email at web-accessibility@cornell.edu for assistance. Another goodproductfromhair sheep is leather. Several myths still surround hair sheep. 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). That applies to purebred WD market lambs as well. Dorpers are well-known to mature early as well, with most lambs considered market-ready in as little as 4 months old. Farmersville. The shedding ability of this breed varies greatly. There are a few characteristics you will want to look for when choosing a meat-producing sheep. Market Weight/Live/Age: 70 90 lbs / 7 8 months. These White Dorper female replacement lambs already look very much like purebred White Dorpers Photographer: Ulf Kintzel. Unsave Save. Photo courtesy of: Dr. Stephan A. Wildeus. The St Croix are also quiet, but seem to be next on the ladder. Mutton is meat that comes from mature sheep over the age of 1 year old. The wool and hair comes mainly off in such small pieces that it is like a cow or a goat shedding you dont worry about their hair littering the pasture either. The only things to consider include: The fact Katahdin sheep dont produce wool isnt necessarily a disadvantage. 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. Ewes will breed back before the lambs are weaned. Our spring lambs on pasture alone (17-20 percent protein and 65-72percentdigestible organic matter-DOM) will average 55-60 pounds. Have good flocking instinct. American Blackbelly Katahdins are awesome and productive mothers plus they are a very hardy breed and the Dorper will put more size on the meat sheep. They grow quickly and reach market weight early. Its important to have an animal thats pure or unaltered for sacrifice in observance of many holidays. Well, at least Katahdins, St Croix and barbs. Disposition & Mothering Ability: This breed is a bit flighty. The purpose of the breed is to efficiently produce meat. They do produce wool, and will need to be shorn annually. PDF Productive Performance of F Dorper vs. Katahdin Ewes Under Semi This behavior causes problems with maintaining desirable trees unless protection is provided. The second reason I chose Dorper over St. Croix is desirability. Two varieties of Dorper Sheep were created: the black headed Dorper and an all white variety, the White Dorper sheep. Most Muslims prefer intact ram lambs without tails being docked. Disposition & Mothering Ability: Ewes are docile with good mothering ability. Four years ago we began converting all our cropland into pasture and expanded the flock. This is inconvenient since you must pasture ram lambs separately from ewes to prevent unplanned pregnancies. As mentioned earlier, hair sheep breeds are considerably more heat-tolerant than wool breeds. (Icelandic sheep grow a double coat.) Non selective grazers that perform well under both extensive and intensive production systems. Materials and methods Arguments exist concerning the exact origin of the Barbados Blackbelly evidence is shown for both Africa or Barbados. Sheep will eat woody vegetation but prefer grass and weeds on the ground. Icelandic Sheep are excellent and reliable breeders, breeding seasonally in the Fall to Winter. I think that we are asking for bloat. In colder zones they produce a very heavy winter coat that is shed in spring. Keep reading to learn more about the best sheep breeds for meat. The ancestry is believed to be of both African hair sheep and European breeds. Dorper-sired. Ewe's Dorper/Katahdin Cross | Mysite Can someone tell me a few of the pros and cons for both dorper sand katahdin. Hair sheep primer . Mexicans prefer a larger lamb, and let nothing go to waste. 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. Dorper sheep do well in warm, arid climates, but can tolerate cold as well. A Katahdin ewe will average between 140-180 pounds, while Dorper ewes will average 160-200 pounds. The outside temp is above 85* sheep are heaving and panting rapidly. I have a very small Dorper ewe, she is 7 months old but very small. Posted 11/18/2019 21:09 (#7854689) Subject: Dorper Sheep vs. Katahdin Sheep. It should be kept in mind that performance varies greatly with genetic, management, climate, etc. They were called Africans at the time. Thirdly how long after separation to market. At that weight the fat cover did indeed get too much. Making Natural Clothing Dye From Vegetables. All Rights Reserved | Website by Maple Creative, God Save the Beef: Trials of Sustainable Farming in the UK . Why Katahdin Sheep - stoneheartfarm They are also well suited to survive in the arid extensive regions of South Africa. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'savvyfarmlife_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-savvyfarmlife_com-leader-1-0');Katahdins are a popular meat breed for sheep farmers. Instead, I get raving reports back and I never seem to have enough market lambs to make everyone happy. You can check my blog at Merino sheep for sale. Coat & Color: The coat can be reddish brown, tan or yellow. I belong to a herding club in Hawaii. Origin: This mutton breed was developed in South Africa in the 1930s from Dorset Horn and Blackheaded Persia for the extensive regions of South Africa. To properly flush a ewe, she should be on an upward nutritional plane and gaining weight. 100 Dorper - Bred Ewes. Katahdin can be used for both meat and milk, whereas Dorper sheep are only good for meat production. In this useful guide, youll discover the pros and cons of both Dorper and Katahdin sheep, alongside advice on choosing the best type for your farm or homestead. Now meat sheep producers are lucky if wool prices cover . The ewes produce vigorous, healthy, robust lambs that have a high survivability. 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. ), more intense selection for increased body length and a ewe flock of around 160-175 ewes. We are currently using rams with high shedding scores, while culling heavily on production traits. Katahdins have hair and not wool, which means they are a low-maintenance breed that will shed their hair naturally. Glenn Land Farm Dexter Cattle & Dorper Sheep Feeding these breeds too much grain can result in an overabundance of internal fat. You can find out more about lambing Dorper sheep through the American Dorper Sheep Breeders Society. 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. 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 One of the oldest breeds of sheep, the Tunis is still a favorite breed for meat production. Thanks, I am considering starting a small Dorper and or Katahdin herd to raise meat for the Western New York market. The Dorper is highly adaptable and does well in harsh conditions. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Lambing %: Given an average lambing percent of 150 and 3 lambing in 2 years, Dorper will produce 2.25 lambs on an annual basis. If ewes are fed well, lambing rate approaches the higher end. The Katahdin hair sheep is the fastest growing breed in the United States. This, alongside their easy-going dietary needs, really cut down the cost of keeping them. Vet. Disposition & Mothering Ability: Extremely reactive to dogs and cats usually as though they wish to flee. One of the first breeds to be recognized for its commercial production, the rams can reach more than 250 lbs. In South Africa, the Dorper is likewise most commonly found in arid and semi . He farms in the Finger Lakes area in upstate New York. This information may be used to compare breeds of hair sheep. However, since Dorpers can also be found further North in colder climates, I am sure that a lack of winter hardiness is not a trait applying to Dorper sheep. Libyans prefer old worn out buck goats for their stronger flavor. Today I have 1/2, 3/4, 7/8th, and 15/16th White Dorper sheep. Mature Weight (Lb): Ewe = 120 - 160, Ram = 180 250. The Dorper is a good example of this interbreeding. If breeding your own sheep for sustainable meat production, you will also want to know the breeding habits of each breed, and whether the sheep produces wool or grows hair this is helpful to know when it comes to maintenance. Katahdin Dorper The Dorper is a mutton breed of hair sheep developed in the 1930s. Dorper Sheep. A maternal breed, Katahdin ewes breed well with the Dorper rams to produce a meaty but feminine lamb. Suffolk ewes have an excellent lambing rate of 180%, making them a solid choice for breeding. Katahdin meat tends to be leaner than many other breeds. In California prices for hair sheep have surpassed prices for wool sheep and in New Holland they are catching up. He seems pretty big to me, but since he is my first sheep, I dont know what he should weigh. Since hair sheep dont have a heavy wool coat, they cant take the cold. In many cases, farmers are adding hair sheep to pastures with cattle to maximize efficiency and for parasite control. PDF Factors Affecting the Palatability of Lamb Meat The saving grace are our Dorpers. The phrases youll hear most often is either mutton or lamb. We have an 18-cell planned grazing system with 10,000 feet of electric fence and 5,000 feet of underground waterline on 35 acres. Im Carmella. I am trying to locate a couple of nice ewe lambs now. link to Are Llamas Dangerous? This breed was imported in the US in 1904 and was crossed with Mouflon (wild sheep), Rambouillet and other European breeds to produce what is known as American Blackbelly. Despite being a hairsheep, White Dorpers do not lack winter hardiness Photographer: Ulf Kintzel. If my product would be poorly finished or wouldnt taste good, I surely would lose customers. Dorper sheep are exceptionally popular amongst both hobbyists and commercial homesteads. Vigorous growers, the Icelandic produce lambs that are market-ready at 70-100 pounds in as little as 4-5 months. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. How do you decide which breed is right for your needs? 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. Dorper Sheep vs. Katahdin Sheep. Why they are Crossed The breed has a thick, well muscled carcass and extended period of fertility. 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. Signatures of selection for resistance to - BMC Genomics Fact: In central Missouri, raising sheep for wool has been a losing proposition for a number of years. BREEDING DORPER SHEEP Katahdins are a popular meat breed for sheep farmers. When comparing weights, keep in mind we live in north central Missouri. These include: Dorper sheep dont produce much milk or wool, which means raising them for meat is your only option. 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. There is the wool type and the hairtype with the hairtype being slightly less meaty but far better shedding. Dorpers DO NOT shed their coats as well and consistently as katahdins. Breeding stock is selected under rigorous criteria, including parasite resistance, hair coat, growth characteristics on grass alone and general thriftiness. In another study conducted by Gamble and Zajac for the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA and Virginia Tech, the scientists found that St. Croix "demonstrated high levels of acquired resistance to Haemonchus contortus under conditions of experimental or natural infection." If you combine all traits I have not found a better breed for a farming system based on pasture and direct marketing. The reproductive rate of true hair sheep is excellent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Differences in the taste of sheep breeds - BC Boards Benefits of This Breed The Dorper are preferred for their excellent feed utilisation and conversion: they don't need shearing, crutching and mulesing, and they are disease resistant. Have been buying in feed since the start of 2018. Weight Gain/Daily: 1 pound under intensive production. Lambing Interval:It ranges from 6 to 8 months. There are three main reasons to raise hair sheep. Unfortunately, as the percentage of Dorper increases, more wool is found in their coat and some animals lose some of their shedding ability. Dorper sheep Revolutionizing the meat sheep industry Lambing %: Lambing rates vary from 150% to 250% with 3 lambing every 2 years not uncommon. No wool to deal with makes perfect economic sense. I bottle fed him for three months and give him grain 2x a day, and free choice hay as well as pasture grass. "Dorper sheep are barrel-shaped with a well-muscled back end. This breed tolerates both heat and cold making them a good choice for most climates. The Dorper carcass has a good conformation and fat distribution. east TX farm & garden "dorper sheep" - craigslist