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Submitted to: American Dorper Sheep Breeder's Association Newsletter
Publication Type: Popular Publication Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2004 Publication Date: 12/1/2004 Citation: Burke, J.M. 2004. Dorper research at the ars station in booneville, arkansas. American Dorper Sheep Breeder's Association Newsletter. 8(Issue 2):24-26. Interpretive Summary: Hair breeds of sheep are relatively new to the American sheep industry and as therefore defined management practices for optimal production are lacking. The objective was to compare growth and carcass traits and lambing production of hair breeds (Dorper, Katahdin and St. Croix). Results indicate that many growth and carcass traits were similar between Dorper and Suffolk lambs and a season of lambing can affect fertility and lamb production. This information is important to a growing number of producers raising hair sheep and extension agents with an interest in hair sheep. Technical Abstract: Hair breeds of sheep are relatively new to the American sheep industry and therefore management practices for optimal production are lacking. The objective was to compare growth and carcass traits, and lambing production of hair breeds (Dorper, Katahdin and St. Croix) to that of a wool breed, Suffolk. Results indicate that many growth and carcass traits were similar between Dorper and Suffolk lambs, and the season of lambing affected lamb production. This information is important to a growing number of producers raising hair sheep and extension agents with an interest in hair sheep. |
