A Complete Guide to Caring for Dorset Sheep

Dorset sheep are one of the most versatile and popular sheep breeds in the UK, known for their ability to lamb year-round, excellent maternal instincts, and high-quality meat. Originally from the south of England, Dorset sheep are prized by farmers and smallholders for their hardiness and adaptability to various farming systems.

If you’re considering keeping Dorset sheep, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know, including housing, feeding, health care, breeding, and general management.

A Brief History of Dorset Sheep

The Dorset breed originated in Dorset, England, and has been recognised for its ability to produce lambs at any time of the year. The breed was developed in the 18th century and quickly became popular for its prolific breeding and high-quality meat.

There are two types of Dorset sheep:

• Horned Dorset: The traditional breed with large, curled horns.
• Polled Dorset: A hornless version developed in the 20th century, now more commonly found on farms.

Both types are known for their exceptional lambing abilities and are highly valued for producing fast-growing lambs with excellent meat quality.

Key Characteristics of Dorset Sheep

Dorset sheep have several distinctive traits that make them a great choice for both commercial farmers and smallholders.

• Size: Medium to large-sized breed. Mature ewes weigh between 70-90kg, while rams can weigh up to 120kg.
• Coat Colour: White fleece with a white face and legs.
• Temperament: Calm, docile, and easy to handle.
• Lambing Ability: Dorset sheep are famous for their ability to lamb year-round, unlike most other breeds that lamb seasonally.
• Meat Quality: Dorset lamb is highly sought after for its tenderness and flavour.
• Hardiness: They are a hardy breed that can thrive in various climates and farming systems.

Housing for Dorset Sheep

Dorset sheep are hardy animals that can live outdoors year-round, but they still require proper shelter and secure fencing to keep them comfortable and safe.

Shelter Requirements

• Natural Shelter: In mild climates, natural shelter such as hedgerows and trees can provide sufficient protection from wind and rain.
• Man-Made Shelter: During extreme weather or lambing season, provide a barn or field shelter that is well-ventilated, dry, and spacious enough to accommodate the flock.

Fencing

• Secure Fencing: Dorset sheep are strong and curious, so secure fencing is essential. Use post-and-rail fencing or electric fencing to keep them contained.
• Gate Safety: Ensure gates are secure and check fencing regularly for damage or weak spots.

Feeding Dorset Sheep

A well-balanced diet is essential to keep your Dorset sheep healthy and productive.

Diet

• Pasture: The majority of a Dorset sheep’s diet should come from good-quality pasture. They are efficient grazers and can thrive on grass and forage.
• Hay or Silage: Provide hay or silage during the winter months or when pasture is limited.
• Concentrates: Pregnant, lactating ewes and growing lambs may require supplementary concentrates to meet their nutritional needs.
• Minerals and Vitamins: Provide a mineral block or loose minerals specifically formulated for sheep to ensure they receive essential nutrients, such as calcium, phosphorus, and selenium.

Water

• Ensure your sheep have constant access to fresh, clean water. Sheep can drink between 4-6 litres of water per day, depending on their diet and weather conditions.

Breeding Dorset Sheep

Dorset sheep are best known for their ability to lamb year-round, which makes them a valuable breed for farmers looking to produce lambs outside of the traditional lambing season.

Breeding Tips

• Age to Breed: Ewes can be bred from around 18 months of age, although some farmers breed them at 12 months if they have reached a suitable weight.
• Gestation Period: The gestation period for sheep is approximately 147 days (about 5 months).
• Lambing: Dorset sheep are excellent mothers and typically require minimal assistance during lambing. However, it’s important to monitor them closely during lambing season to ensure any complications are addressed quickly.

Care of Lambs

• Ensure lambs receive colostrum within the first few hours after birth to boost their immune system.
• Keep the lambing area clean and dry to reduce the risk of infections.

Health Care for Dorset Sheep

Regular health checks, vaccinations, and parasite control are essential to keep your Dorset sheep healthy and productive.

Vaccinations

Work with your vet to establish a vaccination schedule for your flock. Core vaccinations typically include:

• Clostridial diseases (e.g., tetanus, pulpy kidney, blackleg)
• Pasteurellosis (a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia)

Deworming

Regular deworming is necessary to control internal parasites such as roundworms and liver fluke. Use faecal egg counts to determine the parasite burden and avoid overusing dewormers to prevent resistance.

Hoof Care

• Trimming: Regularly check and trim your sheep’s hooves to prevent overgrowth and lameness.
• Foot Rot Prevention: Keep housing areas clean and dry to reduce the risk of foot rot.

Common Health Issues

• Flystrike: Dorset sheep, like all breeds, are at risk of flystrike during the summer months. Check your sheep regularly and apply preventative treatments.
• Orf: A contagious viral disease that causes scabs around the mouth and nose. Vaccines are available to prevent outbreaks.
• Mastitis: A bacterial infection of the udder that can affect lactating ewes. Maintain good hygiene during lambing and milking to reduce the risk.

Behaviour and Handling

Dorset sheep are known for their calm and docile nature, making them relatively easy to handle compared to some other breeds.

• Calm Handling: Approach your sheep calmly and avoid sudden movements to prevent stress.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use feed as a positive reinforcement to encourage your sheep to come to you.
• Training: Sheep can be trained to follow basic commands and routines, particularly if handled from a young age.

Why Choose Dorset Sheep?

There are several reasons why Dorset sheep are a popular choice for both smallholders and commercial farmers:

• Year-Round Lambing: Dorset sheep can lamb at any time of the year, offering flexibility to farmers and helping to meet market demand outside of the traditional lambing season.
• High-Quality Meat: Dorset lamb is highly sought after for its tenderness and flavour.
• Hardy and Adaptable: They can thrive in various climates and farming systems, from extensive grazing to more intensive setups.
• Strong Maternal Instincts: Dorset ewes are excellent mothers, reducing the need for intervention during lambing.
• Calm Temperament: Their calm nature makes them suitable for beginners and smallholders.

Final Thoughts

Dorset sheep are an excellent choice for new sheep owners looking for a hardy, productive breed. Their ability to lamb year-round, combined with their calm temperament and high-quality meat, makes them a rewarding addition to any flock.

By providing proper housing, a balanced diet, regular health care, and good breeding management, you can ensure your Dorset sheep thrive and remain healthy. Always work closely with your vet to establish a health management plan, and enjoy the experience of raising this iconic British breed.