Since 2019, Valais Iowa has been excited to help develop the breed (purebreds) in the US. Prior to 2020, there were no purebred Valais Blacknose sheep in the US.  The US government regulations allowed the importation of frozen semen only (no live animals or frozen embryos).  To develop a new breed, the Breed Up process starts with a foundation breed of similar characteristics – most often purebred Scottish Blackface – to breed with purebred Valais Blacknose semen, via a purebred ram or surgical laparoscopic artificial insemination (LapAI).

Showing off our first F2 lambs - 2021.

The offspring of crossbreeding two different breeds is called F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 as the generations advance.  Valais Iowa does not use crossbred rams in our Breed Up Program.

To start, 100% Purebred Valais Blacknose ram or semen via LapAI x 100% Scottish Blackface ewe. The offspring is F1 - 50% Valais Blacknose x 50% Scottish Blackface. The F1 ewes are then bred with purebred semen via a purebred ram or LapAI.   The offspring is F2 - 75% Valais Blacknose x 25% Scottish Blackface. The F2 ewes are then bred with purebred semen via a purebred ram or LapAI.   The offspring is F3 - 87.5% Valais Blacknose x 12.5% Scottish Blackface. The F3 ewes are then bred with purebred semen via a purebred ram or LapAI.   The offspring is F4 - 93.75% Valais Blacknose x 6.25% Scottish Blackface. The F4 ewes are then bred with purebred semen via a purebred ram or LapAI.   The offspring is F5 - 96.88% Valais Blacknose x 3.12% Scottish Blackface. The F5 ewes are then bred with purebred semen via a purebred ram or LapAI.

At F4, the F4 ewes are considered “Domestic Purebreds”.  At F5, the F5 rams are considered “Domestic Purebreds”.

In 2020, the US government regulations changed allowing import of frozen purebred embryos from New Zealand.  This accelerated having Purebreds in the US.  We, like many US breeders, are continuing our Breed Up Program as well as raising and importing Purebreds.  The Breed Up Program has continued value in adding hybrid genetics (conformation, vigor, etc.) to the Valais Blacknose breed.