Ewe reproduction and lamb performance were not
compromised by the crossing of Dorper ewes with IdF,
ML or SAMM rams. Where differences did occur, cross-
bred progeny generally outperformed purebred Dorper
lambs. The same general trend applied to the lamb output
of Dorper ewes that were joined to IdF or SAMM sires.
It is unfortunate that it was not possible to assess the
reproductive output of the ewes mated to the respective
sire breeds on a per ewe mated basis. However, the lack
of differences between IdF, SAMM or Dorper rams with
regard to ewe lambing rate indicate that acceptable con-
ception rates are possible when Dorper ewes are joined
to other breeds.
Differences in fat depth were in favour of the cross-
bred genotypes, i.e. a reduced fat depth in all crossbred