What is Breed Up?
In order to build up the VBS breed in the U.S, purebred VBS semen is used to impregnate an established sheep breed here, and subsequently bred up to eventually reach 97% purebred.
We utilize semen from Solwaybank Extra Special, Remarkable Albert, Parkdale Crackers, Black Oak Braxton, Akerbo Albert Jr, Davis’ Primo, Kosmos 0609 and Love Song 0618.
Step 1: Determine your Starting Point.
We started with Registered Scottish Blackface as we felt they were the most similar to the Valais Blacknose sheep. At one point, the Scottish Blackface were part of the Valais Blacknose makeup.
However, with the availability of percentage Valais Blacknose ewes in the United States, you may start at any level in the Breed Up program.
Step 2: Determine your Breeding Period
Sheep are seasonal breeders. You will need to determine the best season to breed your sheep.
We breed ours in October - December.
Step 3: Prepare
Sheep are bred using live cover or using laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI). The LAI procedure includes a syncing up process and should be done by a vet or qualified technician.
Proper nutrition is a must. Breeding results are very dependent on the health of your ewes. Make sure you are preparing by properly feeding prior to breeding to ensure prime health for your flock.
Step 3: Semen
We provide purebred Valais Blacknose semen and will ship it to your vet or LAI specialist or semen holding facility.
We have Davis’ Primo, Kosmos 0608, Love Song 0618 and other semen ready to ship.
The road to a purebred Valais looks like this:
F1 (50%)
F2 (75%)
F3 (88%)
F4 (94%)
F5 (97%)
Get in touch.
If you would like to own your own Valais, join us and start your own Breed Up program. We have both percentage ewes and semen available. We are happy to answer any questions you have to help with a successful breeding program.