They are predominantly horned sheep, though polls do occur mainly in ewes. Rams have spiral horns while  ewes’ horns are smaller. They have mobile ears to repel insects and small lobes (wattles) can occur under throat. Rams have strong masculine head with pronounced horns, Roman noses, briskets and are more lively and robust than ewes.

Ewes have finer bodies and appear more delicate and feminine. They are proven performers and good food converters. In wheatbelt areas they are non-selective grazers, excellent at weed management by rotational grazing reducing herbicide requirements.

Highly fertile with polyoestrous cycles, Damara sheep reach sexual maturity as early as six to seven months and can be put to the ram at 10-12 months. Ewes have five month gestational period, lambs start grazing quickly and are capable of producing three lambs in two years. .

They have strong mothering instincts, are protective and can cycle again as early as eight weeks after lambing. Twins are not uncommon and are reared easily by mothers. A two percent ram-ewe ratio is typical in wheatbelt areas.  

A high proportion of rams, typically three to six percent, are often used in pastoral country. Damara Cross:

Damara first cross (F1) has strong hybrid vigour with Damara’s hide colourings, long nose and fat tail. Damara second cross (F2) are more consistently bare-legged, bare-bellied and with less wool. Damara third cross (F3) and Damara fourth cross (F4) resemble purebred Damaras.

F1 ram lambs don’t usually require shearing as they would usually be sold before shearing, however, F1 ewes generally require shearing at about 12 months and thereafter as necessary, as well as drenching, back-lining and/or crutching. Pure-bred Damaras, F2s, F3s and F4s do not require shearing and require minimal maintenance.

Grazing Habits:

Browsers of grass, bush and shrubs. Graze over a large area and eat a wide variety of wheatbelt and pastoral feed including saltbush, stubble and poor quality feed. Strong flocking instinct means they often graze and move towards water within sight of each other and rest as a group.

Growth Rates:

Lambs can be weaned from 10 weeks, most producers achieving average target liveweight of 35-36 kilograms within four to seven months. Producers recommend drafting lambs off once they reach target weight or sexual maturity, whichever occurs first.

Flocking Instinct: