The Dormer is one of the leading terminal sire sheep breeds in South Africa, widely used in commercial and stud breeding operations, Liezel Grobler, secretary of the Dormer Sheep Breeders’ Society of South Africa, and Marius Eksteen, head of the society’s marketing portfolio.
The breed is particularly valued in the meat industry for producing uniform, high-value lambs.
According to the society, there are currently 160 registered Dormer breeders running 17 763 female animals and 6 957 rams.
“Several sales are hosted annually with great success, and demand for Dormers is reflected in positive sales prices,” say Grobler and Eksteen.
The society’s role in Dormer improvement
With the Dormer growing in popularity, the role of the Dormer Sheep Breeders’ Society of South Africa becomes ever more important.
“The Dormer Sheep Breeders’ Society serves as the custodian of the breed, ensuring breed standards are maintained, facilitating performance testing, and representing breeders’ interests nationally and internationally.
“In addition, it plays an important role in connecting breeders and the registering authority, SA Stud Book, as well as facilitating communication between stud and commercial breeders.
“The society assists with the compilation of sales catalogues and care of technical concerns. It also assists with arrangements for national sales, shows, farmers’ days, training and courses, meetings, and exhibits,” they explain.
According to Eksteen and Grobler, the society’s objective is to uphold and improve the breed standards, promote performance-based selection, support breeders with technical and genetic resources, and ensure the Dormer remains relevant to the evolving needs of the meat industry.
“The [society’s] council also plays an important role by holding regular meetings throughout the year to discuss matters relating to the improvement of the breed. Selector and inspector courses are also presented, while existing inspectors undergo regular refresher training and courses.”
In terms of breed improvement, the society has strict regulations in place.
“Production recording of 100-day weights is compulsory. Animals for which these weights are not submitted are automatically cancelled from the system,” they explain.
“Animals must then undergo inspection at 10 months and again at 24 months. Those that pass inspection are registered as stud animals, and those that fail are cancelled from the system.”
Key areas for improvement which the society focuses on are as follows:
- Enhanced feed efficiency
- Improved parasite resistance
- Continued refinement of carcass traits
- Greater emphasis on reproductive performance and lamb survival rates
Eksteen and Grobler urge Dormer breeders and farmers to consider joining the society.
“Membership connects breeders to a network of expertise, resources, and marketing platforms. It gives them access to official performance recording, stud book registration, and industry representation, all of which support profitability and breeding excellence,” they explain.
Only breeders who are registered members of the society are permitted to register their animals.
The society’s initiatives
The society is currently running several initiatives, including ongoing genetic improvement programmes, breeder training workshops, youth involvement projects, and partnerships with research institutions to explore new technologies for sheep production.
For Eksteen and Grobler, some of the standout awards, initiatives, and events are the Dormer National Championships, where top genetics are showcased, and the annual sales where top rams and ewes are auctioned off.
Another highlight for them is when breeders are recognised for achieving outstanding performance records, as well as collaborations with agricultural shows to promote the breed.
“The Dormer has proven itself as a world-class meat sheep bred specifically for South African conditions. With committed breeders and a strong society, the future of the breed looks exceptional,” they conclude.
