Dormer Sheep Breeders Society of SA P O Box 506 Bloemfontein ...

Dormer Sheep Breeders Society of SA 

P O Box 506 

Bloemfontein 

9300 

Tel: 051 410 0958 

Fax: 051 448 4220 

Email: dormer@studbook.co.za 

Webpage: www.studbook.co.za/Society/dormer/ 

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1. THE ESTABLISHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE DORMER BREED 

The Dormer is a South African bred white woolled mutton sheep developed after 

years of intensive research at the Elsenburg Agricultural College from the crosses of 

Dorset Horn rams and German Merino ewes. 

The purpose of the development of the breed was to breed an early maturing sheep 

breed that can produce affordable meat at an early age; that would be well adapted to 

conditions in the winter rainfall area and that could compete with Australian and New 

Zealand lambs at the Smithfield market in England. The further purpose was to 

produce suitable rams for cross breeding, especially with the Merino and it was 

therefore decided to create a white woolled mutton breed, free of kemp and coloured 

fibres. 

2. SLAUGHTER LAMB TRIALS AT ELSENBURG 

Since 1927, for more than 10 years, rams of the following breeds were mated to 

Merino ewes which were the most readily available at the time: Dorset Horn, Border 

Leicester, Ryeland, Romney Marsh, South Down, Suffolk Down, (British mutton 

breeds) as well as Texel, Corriedale, German Merino and Blackhead Persian. 

Thereafter German Merino X Merino ewes were mated to Dorset Horn rams and it 

was found that the progeny were heavier than any other cross lambs. The above 

results gave rise to the mating of German Merino ewes to Dorset Horn rams. In 

addition to the unique traits of German Merino ewes, they could also, like the Merino 

and Dorset Horn, easily lamb in the fall with an acceptable lambing percentage. 

Experiments carried out proved that Dorset Horn X German Merino lambs excelled 

as slaughter lambs. 

3. COOPERATIVE EXPERIMENTS IN THE WINTER RAINFALL REGION 

The excellent results obtained from the Elsenburg slaughter lamb trials gave rise to 

the decision to carry out similar trials at a cooperative level and to develop it amongst 

farmers in the region, with the view of establishing a profitable slaughter lamb 

industry, directed at the overseas market. 

During 1936 and 1937 a couple of hundred mutton rams were imported from 

Australia and England and primarily crossed with Merino ewes. In excess of 6000 

lamb carcasses were thereafter exported to the Smithfield market. Extensive trials 

proved the Dorset Horn ram to be the best mutton ram for slaughter lamb production. 

The small Meullerius lungworm was however causing problems. The Dorset Horn 

and German Merino studs founded in 1923 and 1932 respectively and which were 

kept at Elsenburg under similar conditions, could be compared in respect of its 

susceptibility and resistance to lungworm. It was concluded that the German Merino 

had a stronger resistance against lungworm and that in the case of the Dorset Horn, it 

could possibly be hereditary. 

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4. PLANNING OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW BREED 

Mr LH Bartel who actively strived towards the establishment of a slaughter lamb 

industry in the winter rainfall region, came with the suggestion that a new breed must 

be established from the Dorset Horn and German Merino, to replace the Dorset Horn 

as slaughter lamb producer. 

Attempts were made to combine the mutton traits and growth ability of the Dorset 

Horn with the strong resistance against lungworm of the German Merino and to fuse 

it into the proposed new breed. Both breeds possessed the much sought after 

characteristics of high fertility, fecundity, milk production and an extended breeding 

season. 

On 18 October 1940 ten Dorset Horn rams were imported from Australia, sponsored 

by the Control Board for the Sheep Stock industry. Subsequent to strict screening on 

conformation and type, only four rams were selected to be mated to stud and grade 

German Merino ewes at Elsenburg. 

Only the two top performing rams were used in the subsequent mating season. No 

further cross breeding of Dorset Horn X German Merino were done subsequent to 

1941. The first generation (F1) ram and ewe lambs were to serve as basic material 

for building the new breed. 

5. PROGENY TESTING OF RAMS 

Rams render the most significant contribution towards the improvement of a flock 

and for this reason it was decided to first test the F1 ram lambs prior to using them in 

the new flock. 

In 1941 eight of the best F1 ram lambs representatives of the said four Dorset Horn 

rams were selected. At 7 months they were each put with 20 grade German Merino 

ewes for the purpose of mating. In this way their breeding value for slaughter lamb 

production could be determined. The main selection criteria from the outset were an 

early maturing slaughter lamb with excellent conformation. 

The best two rams from the initial eight were then identified for use in the flock on 

account of their breeding performance with regard to growth, carcass quality, grading, 

fat distribution, conformation and lung worm resistance. To avoid inbreeding it was 

agreed to mate F1 rams, the progeny of ram no. 4, with selected F1 ewes of ram 

no. 37 and vice versa. Attempts were made at all times to avoid close inbreeding. 

6. EXCELLENT BREEDING PERFORMANCE 

Notwithstanding a considerable workload and substantial record keeping the testing 

of young rams on grade ewes prior to being used in the flock was maintained for 

many years and generations. The new breed was less susceptible to lungworm – 

thanks also to research that was carried out on the lungs of lambs slaughtered for 

progeny testing. Results obtained from cooperative trials and farmers in the winter 

rainfall area proved that the breed was convincingly suited to the winter rainfall 

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egion and that, in a cross breeding program, it will produce the type of slaughter 

lamb sought after by breeders. 

Mr LH Bartel, the architect of the new breed, passed away in 1944 upon which this 

project was passed on to Mr JF du Toit. He in turn passed away in 1947 where after 

Mr IL Ferreira took over. Mr Ferreira was the master builder of the breed and until 

his retirement in 1981, he executed this task with loyalty, purposefulness and in an 

ever-humble fashion. 

After 25 years of careful record keeping, strict selection, unsurpassed dedication, 

production recording and without introducing any new or foreign blood, the breed 

traits and type were established to such an extent that the Dormer was in 1975, after 

seven generations, registered with the SA Stud Book as an independent breed. 

7. DORMER TODAY 

Although the Dormer was primarily bred for use in the winter rainfall region, it 

proved to be highly adaptable to other regions and is therefore being used in all 

regions of South Africa for slaughter lamb production. 

In an attempt to promote and improve the breed, courses are regularly being presented 

and breeders participate at shows and exhibitions as well as slaughter lamb 

competitions. The National Dormer sale takes place annually during September in 

Bloemfontein. 

Stud breeders are compelled to participate in production recording and the Dormer 

Society was the very first to rule that only production recorded animals may be sold 

at the National Dormer Sale. 

8. THE DORMER HOLDS ALL THE ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT 

TRAITS TO BE CATEGORIZED AS THE IDEAL MUTTON BREED 

8.1 CONFORMATION 

The Ideal Dormer is an energetic, smooth bodied, white woolled sheep with good 

muscling, good length, width, and depth, well filled hindquaters, well developed 

loins, strong topline, a head displaying good character, with strong bones and well 

pigmented eyelids, with stong well places legs, strong pasterns and healthy hooves. 

The animal should stand reasonably high for ease of movement. 

8.2 FERTILITY AND UNLIMITED BREEDING CYCLE 

Fertility is one of the breed’s strong points and breeders specifically select for 

multiple births. Twins are preferable although triplets are common; quadruplets, 

quintuples and even sextuplets have been recorded. A lambing percentage of 150% 

and higher is quite common (lambs born in comparison with ewes mated). Large 

numbers of surplus lambs ensure the profitability of the industry. This also broadens 

the selection base which in turn speeds up genetic improvement. The unlimited 

breeding cycle facilitates more than one harvest per year and the lambing season can 

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e managed in order to utilize maximum pastures. 

8.3 MOTHERING TRAITS, MILK PRODUCTION, GROWTH RATE 

Outstanding mothering traits ensure a high growth rate and weaning percentage. 

Dormer lambs generally maintain an average daily gain of 400gr up to 100 days, but 

gains of up to 500gr are not uncommon. The weight of the lamb at 42 days is a true 

reflection of the milk production of the dam while the mass from 42 - 100 days 

indicate the inherent growth ability of the lamb. 

8.4 EARLY MATURITY 

Early maturity ensures a slaughter lamb ready for market at an early age which 

produces a quality carcass of 16 – 22 kg at 3 months. This characteristic is also 

sought after where cross breeding is done for slaughter lamb production with late 

maturing breeds such as the Merino. The benefits of early maturity are that lambs 

may be marketed at an early age, that ewes can be rested more often and can produce 

more wool, that more ewes can be kept per hectare and that it is only necessary to 

carry mature animals when pastures are poor. 

Young ewes are able to lamb from 12 – 18 months which results in an increased 

turnover and which limits the generation interval. 

8.5 SLAUGHTER LAMB PRODUCTION AND CROSS BREEDING 

Outstanding conformational traits, carcass qualities, early maturity, growth speed, 

fertility, mothering abilities, milk production, unlimited breeding cycle and its ability 

to adapt puts the Dormer first as the ideal breed for slaughter lamb production. 

Because the Dormer is able to transfer its conformational traits to late maturing 

breeds and the relatively small lamb at birth, this breed is very well suited to cross 

breeding with other breeds. Because it is a white woolled breed, free of kemp and 

colored fibres the breed is recommended for cross breeding with the Merino for 

slaughter lamb production. 

With both the champion and reserve champion at the National Slaughter lamb 

competition in Moorreesburg were sired by a Dormer ram and this once more 

confirmed the popularity of the Dormer ram as cross breeding sire. The champion 

lamb (Dormer X S A Mutton Merino) with a live mass of 40 kg at three months, a 

carcass mass of 22.8kg and a slaughter percentage of 57% also displayed the ideal 

conformation with good muscling and smooth far distribution. 

8.6 WOOL PRODUCTION 

Meat production being the main aim wool is considered a bonus and pay for 

expenses in respect of shearing, inoculations, dosing and other running costs. (at 12 

months 4-5kg wool per mature sheep is shorn with a length of 10cm, a fibre diameter 

of 27 micron and a clean yield of ± 60%. 

The white wool free of kemp and colored fibres facilitates cross breeding with other 

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white woolled breeds. Interesting to note that Dormer ewes generally do not lose 

their belly wool during lactation. 

8.7 ADAPTATION AND FEED CONVERSION 

The Dormer was initially bred for the intensive conditions of the winter rainfall 

region but has since been established in all areas of South Africa and is indeed 

thriving even under extensive conditions. 

Dormers are calm non selective eaters and will not damage the veldt unnecessarily. 

The ability of the breed to convert low quality roughage to quality meat makes it a 

very adaptable breed also under extensive conditions and therefore a very efficient 

user of roughage. Efficient feed conversion under intensive conditions makes the 

Dormer the ideal breed for economic slaughter lamb production. 

8.8 ENERGY AND LIFE SPAN 

Dormer lambs are relatively small at birth (4kg) but they are energetic and increase 

their mass very quickly. The survival of lambs from birth to weaning influences to a 

large extent the net reproduction performance of a breeding flock and therefore also 

the profit margin. Survival rate is not highly heritable and good management and 

care are therefore very important to ensure the highest possible weaning percentage. 

8.9 EASY CARE AND TEMPERAMENT 

The calm and peaceful nature of the Dormer makes it easy to handle and manage and 

fits in well with modern farming techniques. The smooth bodies and legs and open 

faces minimizes attacks from flies and blowflies. Dormers are easily shorn because 

of its smooth body and if machine shorn; they present a very handsome picture with a 

wool growth of 6-8 weeks. In respect of shows and sales wool must not be longer 

than 3 cm. 

On account of small lambs at birth, Dormer ewes find it easy to lamb and are 

excellent mothers. 

8.10 GENERAL 

Courses are presented regularly to introduce and promote the breed and members 

participate at slaughter lamb competitions, shows and exhibitions. The National 

Dormer sale is presented annually in Bloemfontein. 

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9. DORMER – MINIMUM BREED STANDARDS 

1. Head 

Ideal Deviations Cull faults 

Fine head, fine jaw, wool 

on head(crest) not lower 

than the eye-line; too little 

pigment on the eyes, dull 

expression in the eyes and 

strong fixed heavy horns 

on rams(less than 3cms). 

Kemp on the face is 

permissible. 

Displaying good character, 

hornless, strong, moderate 

length, with a broad strong 

mouth, and well-formed 

teeth and jaw; pigmented 

eyelids, with alert eyes and 

ears of medium size with a 

soft white covering on both 

ears and face. 

Broad, well attached with 

the head, shoulders and 

breast, with good length; 

no neck pleats nor vertical 

or horizontal dewlap on the 

neck. 

Jaw faults: too short or too 

long lower-jaw; skew jaw, 

abnormal teeth (feed-jaw 

more than 3mm); folded-in 

eyelids, excess pink around 

eyes and ears without 

pigmentation (red-face 

appearance); no pigmentation 

on both rams and ewes; 

excessive heavy horns (base 

3 cm and length 3cm.); horn 

nobs on ewes; wool on head 

(crest) lower than eye-line. 

2. Neck 


Moderate dewlap and neck 

pleats 

Broad, deep and better 

developed in the rams than 

in the ewes. 

Too short or too long neck 

with a weak attachment with 

the shoulders (u-shaped). 

Diagonal pleats on the neck 

down to the chest. 

3. Fore quarter 


Moderate deviation from 

the ideal. 

Too small and lack of depth 

and breadth; poor 

development of the fore 

quarter. 

4. Withers and shoulders 


Moderate loose shoulders. 

Broad, full, even and well 

attached to the middle 

piece and neck. 

Loose shoulders, sharp or 

pinched shoulders (devil’s 

grip) 

5. Middle piece 

5.1 Back and loins 


Straight back (top line), 

strong and broad. Loins in 

line with back and rump, 

with good muscling over 

the back and loins. 

Lack of length, breadth and 

depth as well as lack of 

muscling. 

Hollow or crooked back, 

weak muscling and lack of 

muscling and breadth. 

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5.2 Rib and flank 


Slightly weaker spring of 

ribs 

Good spring of ribs 

(capacity), deep and full in 

the flanks. Ewes wedgeshaped. 

Flat ribs, lack of depth and 

breadth and cut up in the 

flanks(cylindrical) 

6. Hind quarter 

6.1 Rump 


Good length of rump 

(between thurls and pinbones), 

well muscled and 

broad between hipbones, 

Outer- as well as inner 

twist well and deeply 

fleshed (muscling), broad 

back and sides with good 

muscling. 

Too flat, too short and 

sloping rump. Moderate 

localised fat deposition in 

older ewes. 

Extreme sloping or roof 

shaped rump. Tapered rump 

with fat localisation on and 

between the sit-bones. 

6.2 Buttocks and thighs 

Ideaal Deviations Cull faults 

Slightly lacking in fleshing 

in outer and inner twist 

(poorer muscling), fat 

localisation especially on 

inner twist. 

Legs strong and squarely 

placed, of medium length, 

Hooves strong and amber 

coloured; pasterns short 

and strong. 

Poor muscling in inner- and 

outer-twist, excess fat 

localisation, especially in the 

inner twist. 

6.3 Legs and hooves 


Hooves slightly open on 

the front legs. Slightly 

straight hocked. Slightly 

cow-hocked (hind legs). 

Slightly X-legged or bowlegged 

(front legs). Black 

hooves with white stripes 

through the hooves. 

Pasterns moderately long 

or weak. 

Hind legs thin, narrow 

stance, cow hocks, sickle 

shaped or too perpendicular. 

Front legs thin, narrow or X- 

shaped. Excessively cloven 

black hooves (eight black 

hooves), grown out too long, 

pasterns too long and/or too 

weak. 

7. Genital organs - ewes 


Little pigment on genital 

organs, udder and teats. 

Well formed udder with 

normal sized teats. 

Pigmentation on female 

genital organs. 

Absence of one or both teats, 

dry teat, abscess in udder. 

Udder of which only one side 

is functional. Excessively 

large or too small teats. 

Poorly formed udders 

(drooping). 

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8. Genital organs - Rams 


Scrotum slightly too short, 

too long, too small or 

cloven 

Both testicles present, of 

normal and even size, 

scrotum without split. 

Scrotum circumference: 

12 - 15 months - 30cm 

15 - 18 months - 32 cm 

19 months & older- 33cm 

9. Fat covering 

Use discretion with pregnant ewes and older animals 

The absence of one or both 

testicles, or that differ in size. 

Abnormally or too deeply 

cloven scrotum (more than 

3 cm). Enlarged epididymus 

and abscesses in the scrotum. 

Scrotum circumference 

smaller than minimum size 

for age. Scrotum too 

long(pendulous), 


Medium fat localization Excessive fat localization 

Correct fat covering with 

even fat distribution. 

10. Wool 

Wool length for National Sale and National – Provincial – and Regional shows: 

Maximum 3cm. 


White wool, free of kemp 

and coloured fibres in the 

fleece. 

Strong, hairy fibres in the 

buttock. Kemp is allowed 

on face and around genital 

organs. 

Kemp or coloured fibres in 

wool. 

11. Pigment 


Too little pigmentation. 

Small patches of black or 

brown pigment the mouth 

and nose(less than 1cm). 

Patches on ears with black 

or brown hair, less than 

2cm. Dark skin pigment as 

broad as 1cm around the 

eyes is acceptable provided 

it touches the eyelid. 

Pale pink skin covering 

with pigmented eyelids and 

on female genital organs 

No pigmentation around eyes 

in rams and ewes. Patches on 

ears with black or brown 

hair, exceeding 2cm. Black 

or brown patches on the 

legs(sandy legs). Smaller 

patches of black or brown 

pigment around the mouth 

and nose that exceeds 1cm. 

NB.:- When judging or inspecting a sheep, do not limit yourself to single traits, but 

rather see the animal in its entirety. 

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12. REGISTRATION, RECORD KEEPING, GENERAL 

12.1 REGISTRATION 

12.1.1 Application to be registered as a Dormer breeder is made with 

The Dormer Sheep breeders society of SA 

Box 506, Bloemfontein 9300 

Tel: 051-410 0958 

Fax: 051-448 4220 

12.1.2 Transfers (sales) 

The seller must advise the Dormer office of animals that are sold and must furnish the date 

of sale, numbers of registered animals and whether some of the animals are eligible for 

registration and the name an address of the purchaser. 

Application for transfer must be done within 30 days after delivery and the certificates of 

the relevant animals must accompany the application for transfer. 

12.1.3 Notice of cancellation 

Should a registered animal or one eligible or registration be castrated or sterilised or not 

have lambed prior to three years, be slaughtered or be sold for purposes of slaughter, have 

died, etc. the office must be advised within 30 days. The registration certificates of the 

relevant animals must be submitted to the Dormer office together with the notice of 

cancellation as well as the date on which the registration should be cancelled. 

Levy lists are sent out by Stud book during April. You must delete all animals not in your 

possession at that stage. The print out must then be returned to Stud Book prior to the end 

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of June. Should you fail to return the checked list, your account will be debited with all 

animals in your possession according to the records of Stud Book. For your convenience 

inspection print outs are forwarded to members during March and October to assist you 

with keeping your record up to date. These lists are also used for inspection purposes. 

12.2 RECORD KEEPING 

Mating lists Lamb book (book of your choice) Birth notification book 

At mating time a 

list is drawn up 

indicating which 

ewes had been 

mated to which 

rams This 

requirement 

facilitates the 

identification of 

each lamb at birth. 

The following must be recorded 

within two days after birth – 

Identification number of the lamb, 

recorded in numerical order and 

starting at 1 each year. 

Date of birth of the lamb 

The sex of the lamb 

Birth status (single, twin or triplet) 

Birth mass (optional) 

Number of dam 

Number of sire 

Remarks i.e. died at birth, or any 

other deviation of the lamb or ewe 

i.e. milk, ewe ill, etc. 

A birth notification book must be 

obtained from the Dormer Society. All 

lambs, dead or alive, must be notified 

within 200 days after birth. Service 

certificates must accompany the birth 

notifications of lambs begotten from sires 

not in possession of the owner. 

The birth notifications of lambs begotten 

from AI must be endorsed accordingly 

and must be accompanied by an 

insemination certificate. Requirements 

for AI are set out in the society’s 

constitution 

12.2.1 MARKING SYSTEM OF DORMERS 

a) Ear coding 

The sequence number of lambs must be ear coded within two days after birth of the lamb. 

Each year starts at number 1. A special tool is used to make a cut in the ear to indicate a 

certain figure. This is a clear and permanent identification for life. (See attached 

example). 

b) Tags 

Tags must likewise be inserted within two days after birth preferably in the left ear. Any 

one of or both the above identification methods may be used. However Tattooing is 

actually the recognised identification method. All lambs must be tattooed before the age 

of 10 months. 

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TOP OF TAG 

Identification letter of breeder 

Abbreviated year letter 

Ear cut ie AN5.156 

BOTTOM OF TAG 

(OPTIONAL) 

Female ancestral number 

Abbreviated number of sire 

AN5.156 

4.106 

c) Tattoo number 

RIGHT EAR 

Breeder’s prefix and abbreviated year 

number ie 

AN5 (AN = prefix; 5 = 2005) 

LEFT EAR 

Ear cut ie 156 

Tattooing must be done within 10 months after birth but definitely before a lamb is sold. 

12.2.2 TATTOOING METHOD 

In preparation clean the ears with cotton wool dipped in spirits and sterilise the numbers. 

Put numbers in the pliers and do a test tattoo on paper. Lightly cover nails with Zebo 

stove polish. A roll on liquid is also available for this purpose. Place pliers in the centre 

of the ear and punch through the skin into the soft bone but not right through. If 

necessary more polish may be rubbed into the wound. 

12.2.3 THE PREFIX AND IDENTIFICATION LETTERS OF A BREEDER 

A code letter (eg. AN) is allocated to a breeder upon application for registration for the 

breeder’s exclusive use for the identification of the animals bred by him. In this way an 

animal may be identified as having been bred by a certain owner or breeder. Such 

identification is compulsory in accordance with the Stocktheft Act. The code is tattooed 

in the right ear together with the abbreviated year number ( i.e – 5 for year 2005) – eg 

AN5. 

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13. PRODUCTION RECORDING (in brief) 

Production recording is compulsory and the mass of lambs must be recorded at 

approximately 100 days. This is the Phase A growth test. The comparison of 100-day 

indexes within a flock facilitates the culling of the weaker lambs and serves as a 

selection tool. The 100-day growth index is also an indication of the milk and 

mothering abilities of the dam. 

Firstly lamb particulars are divided into groups (lambs as groups born) and marked 

group 1, 2 etc etc., to enable processing as one group. The membership number of the 

breeder is recorded as well as the identification numbers of the dam, sire and lamb 

plus the birth date and birth mass (if available). At weaning the wean date and the 

mass of the lamb on that date plus any remarks are required. Forms for these purposes 

may be obtained from the Dormer office. 

No birth- and weandata will be accepted after 200 days of age. 

14. INSPECTION OF YOUNG ANIMALS 

A breeder may have his animals inspected when they are, in his estimation, at their 

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peak. Animals younger than 10 months and older than 2 years do not qualify for 

registration. The maximum wool length for inspection is 3 cm. Should you require 

inspection you must contact the Dormer office in order that arrangements may be 

made with an inspector in your area. You will be responsible for paying the 

inspector’s travelling costs. You must apply to the office for an inspection print out 

in order that the inspector will also be informed of the animals that are eligible for 

registration. Advise the inspector of details such as growth indexes, birth status 

(single or multiple birth) to assist him with carrying out the inspection. 

15. UPGRADING 

Upgrading is done by cross breeding Dormer rams with ewes of any white woollen 

breed but the best results are obtained from mutton type ewes such as the Mutton 

Merino as basic ewe. 

15.1 Upgrading from a pure Dormer flock 

a) Appendix A 

Any Dormer ewe from a flock where the breeder can submit satisfactory proof of 

ancestry and which conforms to the minimum breed standards and all other 

requirements for registration will be eligible for registration in the Appendix A 

section of the Flock Book. 

b) Appendix B 

The female progeny of Appendix A Dormer ewes mated to fully registered Dormer 

rams, which conforms to the minimum breed standards, and all other requirements 

for registration will be eligible for registration in the Appendix B section of the Flock 

Book. 

c) Fully Registered 

The female progeny of Appendix B ewes sired by a fully registered Dormer ram that 

qualifies under the minimum breed standards and meets all requirements for 

registration will be acceptable for registration in Fully Registraion Flock book. 

Dorset Horn x SA Mutton Merino x Fully registered Dormer ram 

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Basic ewe x Fully registered Dormer ram 

F1 x Fully registered Dormer ram 

F2 x Fully registered Dormer ram 

F3 

Commercial Dormer flock 

Appendix A x Fully registered Dormer ram 

Ewes 

Appendix B x Fully registered Dormer ram 

Ewes 

Fully registered x Fully registered Dormer ram 

Rams and ewes registered 

16 THE DORMER SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA 

Minimum Breed Standards 

Production and Growth 

The Council may instruct the Secretary to cancel the recording or registration of an 

animal should such animal not conform to the following minimum standards: 

16.1 Reproduction 

a) Ewes should at 24 months already have lambed or be in lamb (scanned). 

b) Should an ewe have skipped more than twice at 24 months (at which stage she should 

already have lambed for the first time) she will be culled. 

16.2 Milk Production 

A ewe may not wean more than two lambs with indexes lower than 90 during her 

productive life span. Should this occur, the relevant ewe will automatically be culled 

by the Society. 

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EWES 

All ewes must be inspected prior to the age 

of 18 months and must have a minimum 

weaning index of 90. Any deviation in this 

regard can be submitted to Council for 

consideration accompanied by a written 

motivation. In respect of the national sale 

all ewes must have a weaning index of 90 

and higher. 

RAMS 

All rams must be inspected prior to the age 

of 15 months and must have a minimum 

weaning index of 90. Inspectors may in 

exceptional cases use discretion. Should a 

ram have a weaning index below 90 such 

animal may be approved provided that it 

displays exceptional muscling and mutton 

characteristics. In respect of the National 

sale an index lower than 90 is not 

acceptable 

17. SHOW RING PROCEDURE 

17.1 Stewards 

Junior judges normally judge with Seniors at shows but can also officiate as 

stewards. 

The stewards must be well versed with the breed standards and ring procedure. If 

this is not the case both exhibitors and spectators are adversely affected which in turn 

negatively impacts on the breed and society image. All will probably not officiate as 

judges at national or regional shows but some will indeed officiate as stewards at 

some stage. Part of being a good judge is to also be conversant with the duties of a 

steward. 

17.1.1 Duties of Ring stewards 

The ring steward must check that the age of the sheep corresponds with the entries 

made in the specific class. At local shows, judging is done mostly on teeth ie 

two-, four-, six teeth or full mouth. This is an easy way of checking. Remember 

that should a sheep loose a tooth it will automatically be entered in the next class 

for older sheep. Prior to putting the animal in the next class, please confer and 

confirm it with the relevant judge. 

At national, provincial and regional shows the age of animals are taken in years 

and months as laid down by the Society. This method is also used at some local 

shows. 

Entries for national and provincial shows are submitted to the Dormer Society for 

checking purposes by the Secretary where after it is submitted to the relevant 

show society. 

In respect of regional shows the entries are submitted to the show society directly; 

it is therefore not checked by the Dormer Society. 

Ages cited by the exhibitor on the entry form are accepted as correct. It is 

however advisable to have your birth notification book at hand at a regional show 

in the case of a discrepancy. 

17

The Ring steward is duty bound to confirm the numbers of animals entering the 

ring with that cited in the entry book. The handler will be in possession of the 

number or it will be put around the neck of the sheep and must correspond with 

the number in the book. This number is allocated to the owner in respect of the 

specific entry and appears in the book next to the name of the breeder and the 

tattoo number of the animal. It is therefore imperative that the steward should, 

especially at national shows, ensure that the tattoo number of the animal entering 

the ring, should correspond with the ear number in the book. (No animal may be 

substituted on the day of judging as such substitution should have been checked 

by the office. Should the ear numbers not be checked such substitution may very 

well slip through.) 

17.2.2 Classes for National, provincial and regional shows: 

1. Single entry – rams and ewes 

Under 3 months – Lamb judged on the hoof as slaughter lamb 

3 to 6 months 

6 to 9 months 

Lambs from the above three classes qualify for the Champion and Reserve 

Champion lamb. 

9 to 12 months 



Animals from the above three classes qualify for the Junior and Reserve Junior 

Champion. 



Older than 36 months 

Animals from the above three classes qualify for the Senior and Reserve Senior 

Champion. 

Grand champion – Chosen from the champions of the above classes 

2. Group classes – rams and ewes 

Group of 3, under 12 months 

Group of 3, 12 to 18 months 

Group of 3, older than 18 months 

3. Breeding groups 

18

Breeding group consisting of 2 females and 1 male, the progeny of the same 

sire. 

Junior breeding group consisting of 3 females and 1 ram under 18 months. 

Senior breeding group consisting of 3 females and 1 ram over 18 months. 

a) Subsequent to all sheep having entered the ring the Ring steward must line 

them up with their hind quarters facing the judge and with sufficient moving 

space in between the sheep. The Ring steward must see thereto that the sheep are 

standing correctly and must advise the judge that the class was ready for judging. 

Functional traits are judged first. 

b) The Ring steward must turn the sheep in whichever direction required by the 

judge. It should be endeavoured to limit turning as far as possible; rather let the 

sheep stand in such a fashion that it is possible for the judge to move around 

them, unless it is necessary to turn the sheep for exhibitors or spectators to see. 

c) The Ring steward should know the breed in case the judge requires his 

assistance. At smaller shows the judge normally works alone and might find it 

helpful to have somebody to converse with. The Ring steward should however at 

no stage try to influence the judge’s decisions. At national, provincial and 

regional shows the Ring steward should indeed stand back while judging is in 

progress and should not in any way try to meddle or converse with the judge. 

d) On announcement of the final placing, the Ring steward takes the names and 

numbers of the winners and while they remain in the ring, the others are sent out. 

The Ring steward obtains the necessary prize cards from the office and submits 

the names of the winners to the announcer. 

e) The Ring steward hands the prize cards to the judge for signature where after it 

is handed to the exhibitors or the relevant sponsor for presentation to the winners 

f) Ring Stewards are not responsible for culling sheep; this is the duty of the 

judge (undershot jaw, long wool, etc.) 

g) It is however the duty of a steward to ensure that a culled animal does not 

enter the ring in the group classes. 

Such a sheep may under no circumstances enter the ring. The Ring steward must 

take the number of the relevant animal and mark it with aerosol ink to ensure that 

it does not enter the ring again. At major shows where large numbers of animals 

are exhibited this simplifies the task of the judge. Ring Stewards and judges must 

bear in mind that the wool on Dormer sheep may not be longer than 3 cm; it is 

however once again up to the judge to decide whether the wool is too long – not 

the steward. 

17.2 JUDGE 

19

On the completion of lining up of all the entries in the ring, the ring steward must 

inform the judge that the class is ready for judging. 

Functional traits are judged first of all to determine whether there are any culling 

faults in which case that specific sheep need not be judged any further. That sheep 

must be culled. Request the steward to mark the animal and send it out of the ring 

(this is to ensure that the animal is not shown in the group classes). 

With the sheep lined up, their hindquaters facing the judge, commence by judging 

on teeth, under or overshot jaw, whether the animal is correct in (e.g) the 2 tooth 

class. Look at the jaw - is it too woolly? The eyes - inverted eyelids, 

Pigmentation? The horns are they loose or fixed or have the horns been cut? Any 

signs of horn buds on ewes? 

Test the conformation of the sheep by running your hands down its back. The 

width of the loins. Feel the tail joint . This gives an indication of the breadth of 

the sheep. Feel the width of the thurls. Also feel whether ribs are well sprung and 

the fat distribution of the animal. In rams you feel the testicles and in ewes the 

udder. 

In rams you check the following: 

1. One or two testicles 

2. Testicles of uneven size 

3. Any hard lesion on testicles 

4. Enlarged (bybal) and/or lumps on strings 

5. Too small 

6. Too long 

7. Testes circumference: 12 to 15 months – 30cm 

15 to 18 months – 32 cm 

over 19 months – 33cm 

In ewes you check the following: 

1. Only one or non-functional teats 

2. Small teats in older ewes that should already have lambed. (Exhibitors may 

cheat 

with birth notifications – lambs notified but ewes had never lambed) 

3. Lumps or abscesses in udder 

17.2.1 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICAL JUDGING: 

On completion of the above, the sheep must walk to enable one to judge its legs - 

the hocks, the feet, he pasterns and loose shoulders. Never place a sheep before 

seeing it walk. 

At this stage no placing has yet been made. The other points must now be judged 

- i.e. production, visual appearance and balance. Observe sheep from behind for 

legs and from side-on for length of body, topline, neck and shoulders as well as 

20

depth, the middle piece and spring of ribs. Observe from the front for chest, legs, 

head and stance (attitude). Look carefully at each sheep, whether it be of good or 

inferior quality; remember entry fees are the same for all. 

Make a mental note of the reason for not placing a specific sheep as well as the 

reasons for second and third placings - the owner might want an explanation ; 

please be tactful even if the entry had been culled. 

On having observed all entries in a class, take out the possible winners. If space is 

limited, let the others leave the ring or stand aside. Once more observe them from 

the back, the front and the side; put two next to each other and compare their 

characteristics .Feel the breadth of the sheep once more until you are satisfied 

with your first, second and third choices. Ensure the reasons for your placings are 

valid. On having reached a final decision place the animals from left to right or 

vice versa. 

When the judge is satisfied with his placings, he informs the ring steward where 

after he signs the prize cards and waits for the next class. 

The judging of the Championships is less complicated as functional traits need not 

be judged again. The following should however be borne in mind. 

1. A sheep may not on account of a functional deficiency be demoted in the 

Championship classes. If the animal was first in its class it is good enough to be 

the Champion. 

2. When the champion is selected from the first placings, the second place in its 

class must come into consideration with the remaining first prize winners for the 

reserve championship. 

The Judge should not only rely on the ring steward to identify animals, but should 

also try to remember the animals him - or herself. 

The Champions are judged in the same way as the other classes; i.e. hindquarter, 

top line, forequarter etc. Observe the animal with the least faults. With regard to 

the group classes the criteria is a uniformity and breed characteristic with 

uniformity being the decisive factor. 

Should the ring be too small when group classes are being judged, consider 

turning 50% to the left and 50% to the right in order that the judge can move 

around them without the handlers having to turn them. 

Single entries are normally also used in the group classes. Should an animal enter 

that had not yet participated in the sinle classes, its functional traits should be 

judged. 

21

Try to remember all Prize winners so that you are able to give reasons for your 

placing after each class. 

22

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

Stellenbosch\Elsenburg Agricultural College 

For the development of the Dormer breed 

during the years of depression 

subsequent to thorough and intensive research 

Mr LH Bartel 

Architect of the Dormer breed 

Who came up with the idea to create a new breed 

Deceased 1944 

Mr JF du Toit 

Mr Bartel’s successor in 1944, 

Who was instructed to continue with the project 

Deceased 1947 

Mr IL Ferreira 

Master builder of the Dormer breed 

who took over the important task in 1947 and completed it 

Deceased 2011 

Persons and concerns 

For your love and continued loyalty to the Dormer breed. 

23

1. PRODUCTION RECORDING AND EVALUATION OF BREEDING 

VALUE 

Abbreviated version - 

Japie vd Westhuisen & Leslie Bergh 

ARC – Irene 

It ought to be the main aim of any breeder to bring about the genetic improvement 

of his breed (flock) as efficiently as possible. This would depend on two factors 

i.e. - 

• the measuring of genetic variation within the breed or flock 

• the accuracy with which animals of high genetic merit are identified 

Objective measurements of characteristics to be selected for may increase the 

accuracy with which animals are identified. Each animal must in all instances be 

measured with a group of contemporaries within a breeder’s flock. Such 

measurements are facilitated by participation in one of the sections of the National 

Animal Improvement scheme i.e. the Small Stock Performance Production recording. 

With the assistance of mixed model methodology the objective measurements could 

be utilised to accurately predict the real genetic merit. The so-called estimated 

breeding values (EBV) are the best unbiased predictions (BLUP) of the real breeding 

values of the relevant animals. Breed improvement is therefore brought about much 

quicker than in instances where these aids are not used. 

1.1 Phase A 

Evaluation of the ewe and lamb. 

This phase is compulsory for Dormer stud breeders. 

Birth mass Within 36 hours Optional 

42 day mass 3 - 70 days optional 

100 day mass 71-130 days compulsory 

Ewe mass birth\weaning\mating optional 

24

1.2 Phase B 

Post weaning growth of lambs 

250 day mass 131-175 days 

200 day mass 176 - 240 days 

270 day mass 241 - 300 days 

365 day mass 301 - 400 days 

In order to participate in Phase B at least one of the above measurements must be 

taken. 

1.3 Phase C 

Measuring the efficiency of feed turn over and growth of lambs under controlled 

conditions at a central ram testing centre. 

1.4 Phase D 

Growth test for young rams on the farm 

Young rams (just post weaning) are entered in an official growth test that is carried 

out on farm. 

1.5 Phase E 

The quality and quantity of the carcass components of the progeny of a ram are 

determined. 

Participation in the Small Stock Performance Production recording scheme requires 

the collection and recording of production data. This data is then processed and 

should be used by breeders in selection programs. The Scheme is divided into 5 

phases of which three i.e. A B & D are fully operational. 

The test last a minimum of 60 days (intensive) or 90 days. 

Intake mass Starting mass 2-week mass End mass 

BODY MEASUREMENTS AT THE END OF THE TEST 

Shoulder height Scrotum circumference Body length 

25

For Phases A & B all mass measurements are taken by the breeder himself and recorded 

on the data sheets and forwarded to the Dormer Society. Phase D is controlled by 

officials of the Institute and testing procedures etc. are planned by regional office 

officials in conjunction with the relevant breeder. 

2. ACCURATE BREEDING VALUE PREDICTION 

The comparison of measurements within contemporary groups – the well known 

indexes – as indication of breeding value has the disadvantage that animals cannot 

be genetically compared over flocks or years. If animals are compared within 

groups receiving the same treatment it could be surmised that differences between 

animals are due to genetic composition (animals receiving the same treatment will 

display the same environmental effects). Different environmental effects could 

however be the reason for differences in the performance of animals over flocks 

or years. 

It was indeed the purpose of the development of the so-called mixed model 

methodology to compare animals over different treatment groups. In this way it 

was felt that an animal would have a universal breeding value irrespective of the 

contemporary group within which it was measured. 

The following important principles form the base for the prediction of breeding 

values in this way: 

1. The measurement of each animal must be taken within a contemporary group; 

this implicates clear identification and definition of these groups as treatment 

effects. Examples of such effects are breed, flock, sex, birth status, year, season, 

preferential treatment, etc. 

2. Relationships between animals are taken into account. Related animals have a 

proportion of identical genes. The progeny group of a ram will therefore each 

have 50% of his genes and 25% of the genes of each other. Should this group of 

animals be measured in different years and\or flocks it would seem as though the 

ram himself was being measured under various conditions. His genetic merit can 

therefore be more accurately predicted. 

3. The measurement proportion of a trait caused by genetic differences (heritability) 

is taken into account. 

3. WHAT MAKES BLUP BREEDING VALUES DIFFERENT? 

1. Breeding values are independent of the flocks within which measurements are 

taken. Animals can therefore straight away be compared on a national basis. 

2. Breeding values are independent of the year in which measurements sre taken and 

genetic tendencies can therefore be determined. It can therefore be determined 

whether genetic improvement or deterioration had taken place in a specific breed 

or flock. 

26

3. Breeding values are dynamic. It is always expressed in relation to something. 

For example an average breeding value (zero) may be taken as breed average or 

as the average value of animals born in a specific year (basis year). As data is 

added (measurements of young animals) the population component will change as 

well as the breeding value of a specific animal in relation to others of the same 

breed. 

4. The definition of breeding value is the value of an animal as parent with regard to 

a specific trait. Breeding values are therefore expressed in units of measurement 

ie kg to indicate to what extent the progeny of a breeding animal will genetically 

differ from the rest of the population (breed). A breeding value of 2kg for 100 

day mass therefore means that at 100 days the relevant animal will be 2 kg better 

than the rest of the breed. Should such an animal in theory sire the complete next 

generation the progeny will on average be 1 kg heavier at 100 days. (Please note 

that the progeny carry 50% of the genes of each parent – i.e. 50% of 2 kg). 

4. RESPONSIBILITY OF BREEDERS 

The breeders of a specific breed are responsible for the accuracy of breeding values as 

well as the maximum utilisation thereof 

1. Maximum honest and accurate measurements. 

2. Accurate record keeping. 

3. Utilisation of breeding values. 

PRODUCTION RECORDING IS COMPULSORY WITH THE DORMERS! 

5. BLUP (Best Linear Unbiased Prediction) Dr.CJB Nel (BVSc.) 

Any animal's appearance and production is determined by its genetics and the 

environment in which the animal must perform. By selection of breeding animals, we try 

to select genetically superior animals as parents to breed genetically superior progeny. 

From the animal's own appearance and measurements we aim to predict how his 

offspring will look and perform. The problem with the selection of certain genetic 

characteristics, e.g. growth, is that the environment, especially nutrition, has a great 

influence on the ultimate production of the animal. An animal that does not get sufficient 

forage, can not reach its production potential. It is also easy to feed an animal with poor 

genetic potential to appear better than its real genetic potential. BLUP EBV's goal is to 

remove environmental factors in order to only compare genetics, in other words to 

attempt to more accurately predict the performance of its offspring. 

Indexes measure an animal's production within that particular group of animals who 

received the same treatment. An animal can thus with a below-average index in one herd 

be genetically better than other animal with an above average index in another herd. 

Therefore, indices can not be compared between herds. Breeding values on the other 

27

hand, can be compared between herds, provided it is reliable and the minimum 

requirements are met. 

Simply put, EBV’s are calculated as follows: Suppose ram A and ram B are used with the 

same 30 ewes (all the environmental conditions are the same for the offspring) and ram 

A’s progeny weighs 2kg heavier than ram B's progeny at weaning, then ram A is thus 

able to breed lambs that will be 2kg heavier than those of ram B. 

In the Standard Dormer catalogue, the following breeding values are found: 

1) Wean Direct: That is an indication of the animal's direct ability to grow, up to 

weaning. 

2) Post Wean direct: This is an indication of the animal's direct ability to grow after 

weaning. 

3) Wean Maternal: This is an indication of the animal's milk production, i.e. in rams it is 

an indication of how much milk his female offspring will have. 

4) Rev: This is a relative economic value of a combination of wean, after wean and 

reproduction breeding values. This value should only be used as a directive to identify 

animals with the correct relationships between measured characteristics. If the value is 

low it probably means that wean direct is high and wean maternal is very low etc. etc. 

5) Lamb S: The number of lambs with weaning weights recorded, against times lambed. 

These breeding values are calculated from of the animal's pedigree and at least three 

generations is important. Use this in conjunction with the ram's dam’s number of lambs 

weaned per lambing, the EPI index, inter lamb period and age at first lamb. 

To be able to compare breeding values, symbols assigned to breeding values appear viz. * 

Top 10% of breed, + Top 40% of breed, = Within 10% of breed average - Lower 40% of 

the breed, x Bottom 10% of the breed . 

The accuracy of breeding values also appears next to the breeding values. 

To be able to use breeding values, it has to be reliable. For the calculation of breeding 

values, an animal's own performance and that of its family and descendants is brought 

into account. An animal's breeding values can change as more information is added. 

Reliability of breeding values depends on the following: 

1) Accurate pedigrees: Correct recording of mating and births is of the utmost 

importance. Send all data, including that of lambs born dead. 

2) Accurate weights: To measure is to know. An accurate scale to weigh animals at the 

right time is essential. Again, send all data, and remember that for Dormers production 

recording is compulsory. Also send after weaning weights. 

3) Index Groups: Only animals which received the same treatment may be evaluated in 

the same index group. Keep index groups as large as possible as this make breeding 

values more accurate. 

28

4) Links: Good links are required to obtain accurate breeding values within the breed. 

Good links are obtained when one or more rams are used in more than one herd. When 

new rams are used it is desirable to attempt to use one or two of the older rams from the 

previous season as well. Attempt to use at least two rams per season and one of them in 

the next season. 

The correct use of breeding values, have the ability to expedite genetic progress in a herd. 

For the best results it should be used correctly. Breeding values are only available for 

characteristics that are easily measurable. Non measurable attributes are equally 

important and balance between the measured and not measurable characteristics are of 

vital importance. Breeding values in conjunction with visual appraisal is a good 

combination when you select your animals. 

Remember that the breeding values are correlated with each other, e.g. selection for high 

growth can have a negative influence on milk qualities. Selection for high milk yield 

results in a 'milk' type sheep, which can find it difficult in extensive conditions. Beware 

of extremes and keep your breeding values in balance with the environment where your 

animals have to perform. 

With breeding values the saying “Rubbish in = Rubbish out” is very true. The usefulness 

of breeding values in a herd is as important as the data submitted. 

29

Dormer Sheep Breeders Society of SA P O Box 506 Bloemfontein ...

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