The Origin and Development of the Dormer Sheep

The Dormer breed originated from a cross between Dorset Horn rams and German Merino ewes (now known as the South African Mutton Merino). This breeding initiative was a direct result of extensive slaughter lamb experiments conducted at the Elsenburg Research Station by the Department of Agriculture. These experiments spanned over ten years, beginning in 1927.

The name "Dormer" is a contraction of "Dorset" and "Merino." The primary objective of creating the Dormer was to develop a mutton breed capable of thriving in the cold and wet winter rainfall regions of South Africa. Additionally, the breed aimed to produce suitable rams for crossbreeding, targeting a lamb breed that could grow meat rapidly and economically. Another important goal was to produce lambs that could compete in international markets, particularly the Smithfield market in England, against Australian and New Zealand lambs. This was crucial during the economic depression when local markets were struggling.

Breeding Process and Experiments

The Elsenburg experiments used a wide variety of rams, including Dorset Horn, Border Leicester, Ryeland, Romney Marsh, Southdown, Suffolk Down, Texel, Corriedale, German Merino, and Blackhead Persian. Initially, Merino ewes were used as the maternal line.

To achieve a larger ewe with better mutton conformation while retaining Merino wool characteristics, German Merino rams were bred with Merino ewes. Lambs from these crossbred ewes, when mated with Dorset Horn rams, demonstrated superior daily weight gain compared to other crossbred lambs. This success led to the introduction of pure South African Mutton Merino ewes into the breeding programme.

By 1936, after eight years of experiments, the Dorset Horn ram emerged as the most effective breed for mass gain and carcass quality when crossed with Merino ewes. The Dorset Horn and SA Mutton Merino were the only imported breeds that produced satisfactory lambing percentages in autumn—a vital trait for the Western Cape's winter-pasture-based lamb production system.

However, mature Dorset Horn sheep suffered high mortality due to susceptibility to the lung parasite Muellerius capillaris. In contrast, the SA Mutton Merino showed either lower vulnerability or higher resistance to the parasite, making it more suitable for breeding under local conditions.

Expansion and the Creation of the Dormer

Encouraged by positive results from the Elsenburg experiments and the export of lamb carcasses to the Smithfield market, a cooperative initiative was launched to explore the potential of a slaughter lamb industry in the winter rainfall regions. Between 1936 and 1937, hundreds of British mutton breed rams were imported from Australia and England by the Council of Control over the Livestock and Meat Industries. These rams were loaned for cooperative breeding experiments, primarily with Merino ewes. Over 6,000 lamb carcasses were exported to Smithfield during 1937–1938, confirming the Dorset Horn as the superior producer of slaughter lambs.

Mr. L.H. Bartel, instrumental in establishing a slaughter lamb industry in the winter rainfall area, proposed the creation of a new mutton breed. This breed would combine the Dorset Horn's exceptional growth and meat quality with the SA Mutton Merino's resistance to Muellerius capillaris. Both breeds offered desirable traits like fertility, fecundity, extended breeding seasons, and good milk production.

High-quality breeding material was essential for the new breed. Consequently, Dorset Horn rams already showing signs of lung disease were excluded, and new stud rams were imported from Australia. On 18 October 1940, ten Dorset Horn stud rams arrived at Elsenburg, funded by the Council for Control over the Livestock and Meat Industries. After strict selection, four rams were used in the breeding programme.

Dormer Sales and Growth

The first Dormer ram sale was held at Elsenburg in 1947, with an average price of R15 (approximately US$3.20). Prices remained low until 1954, after which they steadily increased. By 1975, the highest prices for rams and ewes were R350 (approximately US$74.47) and R276.79 (approximately US$58.89), respectively. The first official Dormer sale outside Elsenburg took place in Goodwood on 27 October 1968, and annual sales were later established in Bloemfontein and Goodwood.

Private farmers also played a key role in the Dormer’s development. Many participated in cooperative experiments and began upgrading their flocks with Dormer rams from Elsenburg sales around 1947. These efforts, alongside ongoing breeding programmes, ensured the Dormer’s place as a successful mutton breed adapted to South African conditions.