Dormer Manual
Revised Edition 2016
1
2 1. THE ESTABLISHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE DORMER BREED
The Dormer is a South African bred white wool 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 wool 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. CO-OPERATIVE 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
3 a stronger resistance against lungworm and that in the case of the Dorset Horn, it could possibly be hereditary.
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.
4 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 region 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
5 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 be 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.
6 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 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
7 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.
8 9. DORMER – MINIMUM BREED STANDARDS
1. Head Ideal Deviations Cull faults Displaying good Fine head, fine jaw, Jaw faults: too short or too character, hornless, wool on head(crest) not long lower-jaw; skew jaw, strong, moderate lower than the eye-line; abnormal teeth (feed-jaw length, with a broad too little pigment on the more than 3mm); folded- strong mouth, and well- eyes, dull expression in in eyelids, excess pink formed teeth and jaw; the eyes and strong around eyes and ears pigmented eyelids, with fixed heavy horns on without pigmentation (red- alert eyes and ears of rams(less than 3cms). face appearance); no medium size with a soft Kemp on the face is pigmentation on both white covering on both permissible. rams and ewes; ears and face. excessive heavy horns (base 3 cm and length 3cm.); horn nobs on ewes; wool on head (crest) lower than eye-line. 2. Neck Ideal Deviations Cull faults Broad, well attached Moderate dewlap and Too short or too long neck with the head, shoulders neck pleats with a weak attachment and breast, with good with the shoulders (u- length; no neck pleats shaped). Diagonal pleats nor vertical or horizontal on the neck down to the dewlap on the neck. chest. 3. Fore quarter Ideal Deviations Cull faults Broad, deep and better Moderate deviation Too small and lack of developed in the rams from the ideal. depth and breadth; poor than in the ewes. development of the fore quarter. 4. Withers and shoulders Ideal Deviations Cull faults Broad, full, even and Moderate loose Loose shoulders, sharp or well attached to the shoulders. pinched shoulders (devil’s middle piece and neck. grip) 5. Middle piece 5.1 Back and loins Ideal Deviations Cull faults Straight back (top line), Lack of length, breadth Hollow or crooked back, strong and broad. Loins and depth as well as weak muscling and lack in line with back and lack of muscling. of muscling and breadth.
9 rump, with good muscling over the back and loins.
5.2 Rib and flank Ideal Deviations Cull faults Good spring of ribs Slightly weaker spring of Flat ribs, lack of depth and (capacity), deep and ribs breadth and cut up in the full in the flanks. Ewes flanks(cylindrical) wedge-shaped. 6. Hind quarter 6.1 Rump Ideal Deviations Cull faults Good length of rump Too flat, too short and Extreme sloping or roof (between thurls and pin- sloping rump. Moderate shaped rump. Tapered bones), well muscled localised fat deposition rump with fat localisation and broad between in older ewes. on and between the sit- hipbones, bones. 6.2 Buttocks and thighs Ideaal Deviations Cull faults Outer- as well as inner Slightly lacking in Poor muscling in inner- twist well and deeply fleshing in outer and and outer-twist, excess fat fleshed (muscling), inner twist (poorer localisation, especially in broad back and sides muscling), fat the inner twist. with good muscling. localisation especially on inner twist. 6.3 Legs and hooves Ideal Deviations Cull faults Legs strong and squarely Hooves slightly open on Hind legs thin, narrow placed, of medium the front legs. Slightly stance, cow hocks, sickle length, Hooves strong straight hocked. Slightly shaped or too and amber coloured; cow-hocked (hind legs). perpendicular. Front legs pasterns short and Slightly X-legged or bow- thin, narrow or X-shaped. strong. legged (front legs). Black Excessively cloven black hooves with white stripes hooves (eight black through the hooves. hooves), grown out too Pasterns moderately long, pasterns too long long or weak. and/or too weak. 7. Genital organs - ewes Ideal Deviations Cull faults Well formed udder with Little pigment on genital Absence of one or both normal sized teats. organs, udder and teats, dry teat, abscess in Pigmentation on female teats. udder. Udder of which genital organs. only one side is functional.
10 Excessively large or too small teats. Poorly formed udders (drooping).
8. Genital organs - Rams Ideal Deviations Cull faults Both testicles present, of Scrotum slightly too The absence of one or normal and even size, short, too long, too small both testicles, or that differ scrotum without split. or cloven in size. Abnormally or too Scrotum circumference: deeply cloven scrotum 12 - 15 months - 30cm (more than 15 - 18 months - 32 cm 3 cm). Enlarged 19 months & older- epididymus and 33cm abscesses in the scrotum. Scrotum circumference smaller than minimum size for age. Scrotum too long(pendulous), 9. Fat covering Use discretion with pregnant ewes and older animals
Ideal Deviations Cull faults Correct fat covering with Medium fat localization Excessive fat localization even fat distribution. 10. Wool Wool length for National Sale and National – Provincial – and Regional shows: Maximum 3cm. Ideal Deviations Cull faults White wool, free of kemp Strong, hairy fibres in the Kemp or coloured fibres in and coloured fibres in buttock. Kemp is wool. the fleece. allowed on face and around genital organs. 11. Pigment Ideal Deviations Cull faults Pale pink skin covering Too little pigmentation. No pigmentation around with pigmented eyelids Small patches of black eyes in rams and ewes. and on female genital or brown pigment the Patches on ears with black organs mouth and nose(less or brown hair, exceeding than 1cm). Patches on 2cm. Black or brown ears with black or brown patches on the legs(sandy hair, less than 2cm. Dark legs). Smaller patches of
11 skin pigment as broad black or brown pigment as 1cm around the eyes around the mouth and is acceptable provided nose that exceeds 1cm. it touches the eyelid.
NB.:- When judging or inspecting a sheep, do not limit yourself to single traits, but rather see the animal in its entirety.
10. AFKEURKODES / CULLING CODES
Beskrywing Kode/ Description codes agterkwart - nou plat dye AP Hind quarter-flat thighs agterkwart – vlak AV hind quarter- depth lyf - nou (platsydig) BF body-flat lyf - kort & bonkig (ponie) BP body short and chunky(pony) lyf - kort diepte (vlak) BS body-lacking depth lyf - grootte (indeks) klein dier BW body-size(index)small bouvorm – holrug CH build-saddle-back bouvorm – duiwelsgreep CD conformation-devils grip bouvorm - kort nek CN conformation -short neck bouvorm - plooie & kraag CP conformation -pleats and collar bouvorm – hangkruis CR conformation - sloping rump bouvorm - los skouer CL conformation - loose shoulder bouvorm - u-nek CU conformation - u-shaped neck kop - geen karakter HC head-lacking character kop – swakoogbanke HP head- weak eyebrow-ridge kop – horings HH head-horns kop - ingerolde ooglid HI head- folded-in eyelid kop – wangplooie HJ head-cheek pleats kop - fyn kop HB head-fine head kop - lang onderkaak, voerbek HO head- long under jaw kop – skewegesig HS head-skew face kop - kort onderkaak, kort onderbek HU head- short lower jaw kop – wolgesig HW head-woolly face agterbene – krombene LB hind legs- bandy legs agterbene – koeihakke LC hind legs-cow hocks agterbene – sekelhakke LH hind legs-sickle hocks agterbene - swak kote LP hind legs-weak pasterns agterbene - reguit hakke LS hind legs-straight hocks voorbene - x-bene LX front legs-X-shaped voorbene - swak kote LK front legs-weak pasterns voorbene - gesplete kloue of poot foute LG front legs- cloven hooves voorbene - breek weg LW front legs- break away pigmentasie - pienk ore PE pigmentation-pink ears pigmentasie – kloue PH pigmentation-claws pigmentasie - te min pigment pienk oog PL pigmentation-lack of pigmentation-pink eye pigmentasie – gesig PF pigmentation-face pigmentasie - bene (sandy legs) PS pigmentation-sandy legs pigmentasie - pigment in wol PW pigmentation-pigmentation in wool reproduksie - besmette teelballe of uier RD reproduction- contaminated testicles or udder
12 reproduksie - tweeslagtig (hermafrodiet) RB reproduction-hermaphrodite reproduksie – onvrugbaar RI reproduction-infertile reproduksie - onvoldoende melk RM reproduction-insufficient milk reproduksie - geen teelballe RO reproduction-no testicles reproduksie - een teelbal RI reproduction-one testicle reproduksie – hangskrotum RP reproduction-hanging scrotum reproduksie - gesplete skrotum RS reproduction-split scrotum reproduksie - ingerolde spene RT reproduction-involuted teat reproduksie - onderontwikkelde teelballe RU reproduction underdeveloped testis reproduksie - onvoldoende libido, swak RV reproduction –insufficient libido, poor mating dekvermoë ability voorkwart - nou (plat)/ VP forequarter-narrow(flat) voorkwart – vlak VV forequarter- lack of depth wol - gekleurde wol (swart kolle)/ WY wool-coloured or black spots wol – kemp WH wool-kemp wol - harige broek & primere vesel WK wool-hairy and primary fibres
11. PUNTESTELSEL/POINT SYSTEM
Uitstekend 9 Excellent Baie goed 8 Very good Goed 7 Good Bo gemiddeld 6 Above average Gemiddeld 5 Average Onder gemiddeld (tele het opsie om te 4 Below average (breeder has the option to cull) prul Swak (prul) 3 Bad(cull) Baie swak (prul) 2 Very bad(cull) Uiters swak (prul) 1 Extremely bad(cull
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
13 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 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.
14 12.2 RECORD KEEPING
Mating lists Lamb book (book of your Birth notification book choice)
At mating time a The following must be recorded A birth notification list is drawn up within two days after birth – book must be indicating which obtained from the ewes had been Identification number of the Dormer Society. All mated to which lamb, recorded in numerical lambs, dead or alive, rams. order and starting at 1 each must be notified year. within 200 days after
This requirement birth. Service Date of birth of the lamb facilitates the certificates must accompany the birth identification of The sex of the lamb notifications of lambs each lamb at begotten from sires birth. Birth status (single, twin or not in possession of triplet) the owner.
Birth mass (optional) The birth notifications of lambs begotten Number of dam from AI must be endorsed accordingly Number of sire and must be accompanied by an Remarks i.e. died at birth, or any insemination other deviation of the lamb or certificate. ewe i.e. milk, ewe ill, etc. 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
15 actually the recognised identification method. All lambs must be tattooed before the age of 10 months.
TOP OF TAG BOTTOM OF TAG (OPTIONAL)
Identification letter of breeder Female ancestral number Abbreviated year letter Abbreviated number of sire Ear cut ie AN5.156
AN5.156 4.106
c) Tattoo number
RIGHT EAR LEFT EAR
Breeder’s prefix and abbreviated Ear cut ie 156 year number ie AN5 (AN = prefix; 5 = 2005)
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.
16
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 wean data 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 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
17 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. Advice 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
Basic ewe x Fully registered Dormer ram
F1 x Fully registered Dormer ram
F2 x Fully registered Dormer ram
F3
18 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.
Ewes Rams
All ewes must be inspected prior to the All rams must be inspected prior to age of 18 months and must have a the age of 15 months and must minimum weaning index of 90. Any have a minimum weaning index of deviation in this regard can be 90. Inspectors may in exceptional submitted to Council for consideration cases use discretion. Should a ram accompanied by a written motivation. have a weaning index below 90 In respect of the national sale all ewes such animal may be approved
19 must have a weaning index of 90 and provided that it displays exceptional higher. 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.
20 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.
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 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 12 to 15 months 15 to 18 months
Animals from the above three classes qualify for the Junior and Reserve Junior Champion.
21 18 to 24 months 24 to 36 months 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
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
22 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
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?
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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.
17.1.1
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 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.
24 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.
Try to remember all prize winners so that you are able to give reasons for your placing after each class.
25 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.
26 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\ optional mating
1.2 Phase B
Post weaning growth of lambs
250 day mass 131-175 days
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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
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.
28 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.
29 2. Breeding values are independent of the year in which measurements are 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.
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 i.e. 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
30 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 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.
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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.
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
32 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.
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