Dorset Sheep Breed Information, History and Facts
Dorset sheep are famous for their lambing abilities since they are a breed which can lamb up to two times each year. It is also possible for Dorset sheep to lamb year-round as many Dorset ewes don't pause their estrus cycle during the warmer months the way other sheep do. This makes them the ideal breed of sheep to use as the foundation for commercial ewe flocks - providing farmers with the flexibility to lamb at any time of year and to maximize profits by producing more crops of lambs each year. The Dorset sheep breed is a mix of Wale’s Horned Sheep and Spanish Merino sheep, but Dorset sheep have been around as a distinct breed for years. Today Dorsets can be found in Wales, Dorset, Devon and Somerset. In 1885, Horned Dorsets were first introduced to the United States where polled Dorsets (Dorsets without horns) were later developed due to dominant polled genes. Polled Dorset sheep have emerged as the preferred variety in many commercial operations in farm states in the U.S. Prolific mothers, Dorset ewes provide a lot of milk and produce lambs that grow and mature at a moderate rate, providing carcasses which are suitable to most commercial market lamb operations. This beautiful breed is common throughout the United States and many 4-Hers begin their 4-H sheep project with a Dorset ewe lamb.
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Horned Dorset Ram
Polled Dorset Ewes
Dorset Sheep Breed Information
Mature Body Weight
Ram: 225-275 pounds Ewe: 150-200 pounds Average Fiber Diameter Micron 26-32 USDA Wool Grade 48's-58's Grease Fleece Weight 5-8 pounds Staple Length 3-4.5 inches |
