Dorper Sheep Feeding Guide: Chart, Program, and Requirements
Feeding plays a critical role in the growth, health, and productivity of Dorper sheep. Whether you are raising them for meat or breeding, providing the right diet ensures they achieve fast weight gain, strong immunity, and high-quality carcass yield. This guide covers the feeding chart, diet program, and requirements for Dorper sheep in Kenya and beyond.
Dorper Sheep Feeding Requirements
Dorper sheep are hardy and can adapt to different grazing conditions, but to maximize growth and productivity, they require a balanced diet rich in energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Their feeding requirements vary depending on age, body weight, and production stage (lambs, growers, breeding rams, or lactating ewes).
- Energy: Sourced from pasture, hay, and grains like maize or barley.
- Protein: Provided through legumes, soybean meal, cottonseed cake, or commercial supplements.
- Minerals & Salt: Essential for bone strength, fertility, and disease resistance.
- Water: Always provide unlimited clean drinking water.
Dorper Sheep Feeding Program
A structured feeding program ensures that sheep meet their nutritional needs daily. Below is a recommended feeding program:
- Morning: Provide fresh water and allow grazing on pasture or Napier grass.
- Afternoon: Supplement with high-protein feeds like Lucerne or soybean meal.
- Evening: Offer hay or silage to maintain rumen activity overnight.
Pregnant and lactating ewes should receive extra protein and energy-rich feeds to support lamb growth and milk production. Rams and lambs require moderate supplementation to encourage steady weight gain.
Dorper Sheep Feeding Chart
The following feeding chart provides a general guideline for daily feed allocation. Quantities may vary depending on pasture quality and body weight.
| Category | Pasture/Forage (kg) | Concentrates (kg) | Supplements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lambs (0 - 3 months) | Ad libitum | 0.1 - 0.2 | Milk, minerals |
| Growers (3 - 6 months) | 2 - 3 | 0.3 - 0.5 | Mineral blocks |
| Breeding Rams | 3 - 4 | 0.5 - 0.7 | Protein supplements |
| Lactating Ewes | 3 - 4 | 0.6 - 0.8 | Extra protein & minerals |
Best Practices for Feeding Dorper Sheep
- Rotate pastures to prevent overgrazing and parasites.
- Introduce supplements gradually to avoid digestive upsets.
- Provide mineral licks at all times.
- Adjust feed quantities based on body condition and weight goals.
Watch Dorper Rams Feeding at Rasta Farm
By following this Dorper sheep feeding chart and program, farmers can achieve faster growth rates, higher fertility, and improved meat quality. Proper nutrition is the foundation of a successful Dorper sheep farming enterprise.