Increased Pasture Profits through South African Dorper Sheep

Increased Pasture Profits through South African Dorper Sheep

Summary

Superior growth and carcass quality can enhance profits from grasslands and grazing systems.

Objective: To determine economic feasibility of introducing South African Dorper Sheep genetics into a pasture-based farm flock.

Methods: The project coordinator planned to utilize Laproscopic Artificial Insemination to introduce Dorper genetics into a polypay flock and compare gain and carcass quality of pasture-finished Dorper cross lambs with purebred polypay lambs.

Results: Due to extremely dry conditions, lambs were fed 0.5 lb per day of grain for the last 60 days. However, Dorper cross lambs were 5 lbs heavier at slaughter, with 1 percent higher dressing pct, 0.01 inch lower backfat, larger loin eye and a higher leg score.

North Central Region SARE 1998 Annual Report.