Poll Dorset
Poll Dorset is the hornless Dorset meat sheep name used widely in Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries. It was developed from Dorset Horn ancestry with selection for a naturally polled head, keeping the Dorset's white face, muscular frame, early maturity, and useful tendency to breed outside a tight autumn season. Most flocks are managed as terminal-sire stock for prime lamb production, although ewes can be good milkers and practical mothers. The fleece is a secondary product, typically short to medium rather than a fine-wool specialty.
In commercial systems Poll Dorset rams are put over Merino, maternal composite, or crossbred ewes to produce lambs with growth and carcass shape. Sound feet and legs, moderate birth weights, testicle development, and lambing ease matter as much as eye-catching muscling. The absence of horns makes yard work safer and reduces head injuries, but rams still need confident handling and strong facilities. Routine sheep care includes shearing, vaccination, parasite control, and nutritional planning before joining and lambing. Registry naming can overlap with Polled Dorset, so buyers should check the standard used in their country.
Colors: Badgerface, Black, Blackbelly, Brown, Gray, Gulmoget, Katmoget, Moorit, Piebald, Red, Silver, Spotted, Tan, White, White with Black Points, White with Brown Points
