Dormer sheep are a cross between Dorset Horn rams and German
Merino ewes (presently known as the South African Mutton Merino). They were developed
through a series of extensive slaughter lamb experiments carried out at the
Elsenburg Research Station of the Department of Agriculture since 1927 over a
period of more than ten years. The name Dormer is shortening of the name
Dorset-Merino.
The main object with the development of the Dormer was to
breed a mutton breed which could adapt to conditions in the winter rainfall
area of South Africa (cold and wet) and from which suitable rams could be
produced for cross breeding purposes. The Dormer is well known for its high
fertility, excellent mothering abilities, long breeding season and easy
lambing.
About Dormer Sheep
