Dorsets come out on top at Whitehill Farm

Dorset sheep were first introduced by Laura 10 years ago on a pedigree basis to make up the present 25 ewe ‘Whitehill Flock’.

Impressed by the quick growth rates, ease of fleshing and maternal ability of the ewes it was an easy decision to introduce Dorset genetics into the main 500 ewe commercial flock. Dorset genetics now play a huge role with 150 of the flock’s ewes currently Dorset bred alongside eight purebred Dorset stock rams for use across the commercial ewes.

The main commercial flock is lambed in April whilst the pedigree ewes are lambed in September, making use of the Dorset’s renowned ability to breed all year round.

Juggling multiple enterprises, a business and full time job, it is of huge importance ewes require a low labour input. The Fulton’s have welcomed the ease of lambing and eagerness of the Dorset lambs to get to their feet promptly for that vital first suck. This has led to a quicker turnout period for the commercial lambs born in April and the ability to lamb the pedigree flock entirely outside in September, coupled with lower mortality rates.

Another aspect the Fulton’s have been impressed with is the prolific nature of the Dorset ewes. Last year the Dorset cross ewes scanned at 182% with the purebred ewes touching 200% which has ultimately increased the output and profit margins of both flocks.

The Fulton’s place huge emphasis on a low input system and so commercial lambs are entirely grass fed, a system in which the Dorset lambs in particular are able to thrive with the first lambs away as early as 13 weeks demonstrating the rapid growth rates achievable on a low cost system. All lambs are processed by Dunbia with the Dorset lambs achieving mainly U and R grades and fat class 3 which is comparable to their lambs sired by continental rams.

A high proportion of the Dorset bred ewe lambs are retained as replacements whilst within the pedigree flock, the top pick of ram lambs are kept to be used on the commercial flock which reduces replacement costs.

Going forward, Dorset remains firmly within the breed policy at Whitehill farm with tremendous benefits seen over the last six years in which they have increased the percentage of Dorset genetics in the flock. Dorset is providing the perfect mix of terminal and maternal traits and so as a result they are continuing to expand. One such avenue they are considering is increasing the purebred Dorset ewe percentage in order to make use of their ability to produce three crops of lambs in two years.

This will also provide a ewe that displays good conformation, maternal ability and all round versatility. In particular, Laura has been very impressed with the Dorset x Bleu Du Maine mix which has given them some excellent breeding ewes and lambs.

The popularity of the Dorset breed continues to increase both on a pedigree and commercial basis due to its plethora of attractive breeding traits making them an attractive investment for any sheep enterprise!

There will be an upcoming opportunity for prospective purchases to be made at this year’s Annual Premier Show & Sale, in J A McClelland & Sons Livestock Mart, Ballymena, taking place on Monday 27th July.

Due to the current circumstances there will be no show, instead buyers must register with the mart to view the stock between 3-5pm. The sale will then follow at 6.30pm in which all buyers must be registered with the mart.