It was in the end of the 18th century when the breed became famous for accelerated lambing. Dorsets Sheep is commonly found in the Australia that is basically known due to its horn. It is said that centuries ago, Merino sheep were brought from Spain into southwest England and were crossed with a Welsh meat sheep, which produced the desirable all-purpose sheep with medium-soft wool and muscled carcasses of the Dorset. The Dorset Horn Sheep Breeders' Association was established in 1891 for "the encouragement of the breeding of Dorset Horn Sheep at home and abroad and the maintenance of the purity of the breed". WOOL The exact history of the Dorset sheep is found wanting for some positive record of origin. Dorset Horn Sheep | Breed Profile. Fish It is known simply as Dorset in the United States. The Dorset Horn sheep is a meat sheep breed. Sitemap The Horned Dorset sheep breed was first introduced into the United States of America in 1885 and in 1948 there was a dominant gene for polledness. It is probably available from the seventeenth century. During the late 1950's hornless Dorset sheep, developed in Australia, were introduced to the UK and rapidly grew in popularity. Today the breed is raised mainly for meat production. The Polled  Dorset is descended from the Horned Dorset, which has been one of the most popular breeds in Southern England and Wales since the 16th century. The ewes can produce lambs at up to 10-12 years old, and lambing percentages vary between 140 and 200 percent. Like the extinct Pink-nosed Somerset to which it is related, it probably derived from cross-breeding of Merinos imported from Spain with local tan-faced sheep similar to the modern Portland. Standard of Excellence for Polled Dorset Sheep. Pigeon Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Dual Purpose Sheep Breeds: 3: Lincoln Sheep: This sheep breed remains popular worldwide and weights between 260 to 350 pounds. It is now one of Canada’s most popular breeds. It has an economically produced carcass. If you prefer cross breeding, choose a ewe or ram that will pass many of the above characteristics on to its first cross females, thereby improving your profit margins on your existing stock. However, review full breed profile of this sheep in the following chart. Averaging a five to nine pound clip with a two to four inch staple, it measures in the 26 to 32 micron range. If this is your aim, look no further than the Polled Dorset Sheep. Privacy Policy Mature rams live body weight is between 100 and 120kg, and the mature ewe’s body weight vary from 70 to 90 kg. The exact history of the Dorset is a bit unclear. The most appropriate sheep breed depends upon environmental conditions, the producer’s desired management intensity, and personal preference. It was in the end of the 18th century when the breed became famous for accelerated lambing. About Dorset Sheep. Medium length, well placed at the four quarters and free moving, straight between the joints, with strong bone, well woolled to the knees and hocks with pasterns well set up and straight. Turkey, About Us Fine “down” type wool, dense and firm handling, free from kemp and colour. The Dorset Horn sheep are large sized animals. Fleece of good quality and staple, compact and firm to the touch. 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