Meat
Dorper
A tier
Dorper is a South African hair sheep developed from Dorset Horn and Blackhead Persian for arid meat production with a shedding coat that reduces shearing. Black-headed and white Dorper types both grow rapidly to heavy lamb weights on sparse range and feedlot diets. Dorper lamb is known for thick loins, early fat cover, and a mild flavour that performs well in hot climates and halal export chains. The breed suits extensive ranching in Australia, the Americas, and Africa; cooks get juicy chops and shoulders, though very heavy finish can need trimming for modern lean preferences.
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History
South African Department of Agriculture began Dorset Horn × Blackhead Persian crosses for hardy meat sheep.
The Dorper breed society fixed standards for the shedding meat type.
Imports launched a rapid expansion of Dorper flocks in Australian rangelands.
North American hair-sheep programmes adopted Dorpers for low-input lamb production.