Dormer Sheep
(Dorset Horn and Merino)

 

The dormer breed is from a cross between Dorset Horn rams with German Merino ewes. The name DORMER is an abbreviation of the linkage Dorset-Merino. They were bred in South Africa.

The reason the two were crossed was to blend the excellent mutton qualities and growth rate of the Dorset Horn and the resistance to the lung parasite of the S A Mutton Merino. The qualities of fertility and fecundity, good milk production and a relatively long breeding season are present to a large extent in both these breeds.

An attempt to register the Dormer as a breed was made during 1967. However many setbacks and problems were encountered with the registration of the Dormer. Towards 1970 a measure of progress was achieved when on 17 April 1970 the Dormer was acknowledged by the S A Stud Book Association as a developing sheep breed.

The Dormer is well known for its high fertility, excellent mothering abilities, long breeding season and easy lambing. As a result of abovementioned characteristics the Dormer is one of the most efficient mutton sheep breeds in South Africa.

 

 

 

 

 

Credits: Information and photos from the Dormer Sheep Society of South Africa

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