10/01/2025
Folks are asking so I thought I’d just make a post. The lambs will be available. BUT, this year we are dam raising them to 12-16 weeks before we sell them as I don’t have the ability to milk this year. They will be made available once weaned. Rams/wethers will be $100 and ewes will be $200. They will have had their vaccines and received their first wormer before they leave. Keep in mind, we only have four pregnant dorper ewes so this will be a HIGHLY limited selection of babies. We will be retaining 1 or 2 ewe lambs to grow out and breed so that clients can see the does in action. We will slowly expand the flock of sheep over the next couple of years but we won’t have more than 10 adult ewes. Next year we will be offering a limited supply of purebred Romanovs. Below are photos of our sheep. The white one are dorper and the black ones are Romanov.
Now, what type of lambs will thos cross create? We are breeding Dorper x romanov crosses this year. Why is this a good cross?
A Romanov x Dorper mix (or "Dorpanov") is a crossbred sheep that combines the Romanov's high prolificacy and reproductive traits with the Dorper's meat production, growth rate, and hair coat. These crosses are often developed to improve overall lamb production and can result in year-round breeding and hardy, fast-growing lambs.
Key Characteristics
Prolificacy: The Romanov parent contributes high fertility and the ability to have multiple lambs, making these mixes very productive, especially as ewes.
Maternal Instinct: Romanov sheep are known for their strong mothering instincts and their ability to raise multiple offspring, traits that are passed on to the cross.
Hair Coat: Dorpers have a natural hair coat, which is passed on to the crossbred lambs. This coat sheds and does not require shearing like a wool breed.
Growth and Meat Production: The Dorper brings desirable traits for meat production, such as rapid growth rates and a good carcass.
Hardiness: Both breeds are hardy, and their cross often results in a robust sheep that is resistant to parasites and adapted to different environments.
Temperament: Some breeders note that the cross can have a more easy-going temperament than some other hair breeds.
Uses and Purpose
Meat Production: The primary goal is to produce market lambs with good growth rates and meat quality.
Commercial Ewes: Romanov x Dorper ewes are particularly valued for their high reproductive rates, making them excellent replacements for commercial flocks.
Hybrid Vigor: Crossbreeding leverages hybrid vigor, leading to stronger, healthier, and more vigorous offspring.
Year-Round Breeding: The Dorper's ability to breed year-round is combined with the Romanov's extended breeding season, making these crosses highly productive throughout the year.
If you would like to be put on a no commitment interest list for the lambs, please let me know and I will start the list.
