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.
SolwayBank Extra Special
We utilize semen from Solwaybank Extra Special, Remarkable Albert, Parkdale Crackers and Black Oak Braxton, Davis’ Primo and Davis’ Kosmos, and have established F4 lambs as a result of our genetic upgrading plan.
Step 1: Determine your Foundation Ewe
These ewes will be what you will breed to initially. We started with Registered Scottish Blackface as we felt they were the most similar to the VBS. At one point, the Scottish Blackface were part of the Valais makeup.
They are also the committee’s recommended first preference for foundation breed. Please review the requirements on the Registry’s page for successful breeding.
We currently have Scottish Blackface available for purchase.
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. Select one carefully. We recommend Glen Erickson, an expert in the field.
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 foundation flock.
Step 3: Semen
We provide Valais Blacknose semen and will ship it to your vet or LAI specialist or semen holding facility.
We have Davis’ Primo, Davis’ Kosmos 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 foundation ewes and Davis’ Primo semen available. We are happy to answer any questions you have to help with a successful breeding program.