Sheep : DORSET DOWN

Origin: Dorset, county of Devon, England

Australian Status:

International Status:

Arrived In Australia:

Australian Population: Ewes: 168     Rams: 19 (2018)

Distribution:

History: One of the black face downs breeds, the breed was formed during the nineteenth century with local sheep crossed to Southdowns and Hampshire Downs. Despite the name, they are not closely related to the Dorset breed with white faces.

Breed traits: A sturdy breed with black noses and black around the eyes, ears, and legs - the colour on the face and legs may range from black through to light brown shades. The body wool is white, although may contain some black strands. There is longer (white) wool on the face around the eyes and on the poll although the black mask is clear of long wool, and vision is thus not restricted before shearing. The breed matures very quickly - ready for sale at 10 to 12 weeks old, and both genders make great prime lamb carcasses - and all this on grass. The 'downs wool' is typically short, measuring 25-29 microns, often used in hosiery, it has enough crimp in the raw wool to be elastic and is hard-wearing, used in socks and blankets too. Staple is 5 to 10 cm ( 2 - 4 in.) It is suitable for spinning although longer staple breeds are preferred. Lambs have tightly curled wool which keeps them warm - the breed is hardy in cold weather areas. The short dense nature of the wool makes it resistant to poor weather. The meat is well flavoured, the shoulder being particularly flavoursome and robust, and the loins have generous meat. 
Dorset Downs make a top terminal sire.

Uses: meat, short wool

Breed Organisation: Dorset Down Sheep Society, Secretary ; Dr Colin Chapman, New Gisborne, Victoria, colin.chapman@monash.edu

Additional Notes:

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