Dorset Down
Our Genetics
Available by Private Sale
The Totaranui Dorset Down flock has 300 breeding ewes. Sires from the flock have proven to be some of the best in the country.
Breeding Objective
The breed Dorset Down breed originates from the county of Dorset in England, through the crossing of Southdown and local Dorset breeds. Totaranui have been breeding for more than twenty years and have a good following of regular clients. They perform well with excellent growth, and they are well renowned for picking prime at weaning.
Dorset Down rams are currently in strong demand as terminal sires — when they’re crossed with maternal flocks, the progeny benefit from both huge growth rates and also hybrid vigor, which is estimated to contribute to 5% to weaning weight and 10% to carcase weight.
The Totaranui flock are tougher than most, primarily because we run the ewes in with a mob with 2,000 commercial ewes, so they’re naturally culled if they can’t handle the conditions.
Ultimately we are producing a quality terminal sire that will thrive and perform in the commercial hill country environment.
