Valais at Squibb Ranch, LLC

Breed Up Program


The Breed Up Program is a long-term process that requires breeders to be dedicated. Our program began with three purebred Scottish Blackface ewes. We then obtained Swiss Maximum Points Genetic Rams from farms located in Scotland and New Zealand. To ensure successful breeding, we took assistance from a Reproductive Specialist DVM, who performs artificial insemination using RSG in Lebanon, Indiana.

Suppose someone starts with a grade (0%) Foundation Ewe from an existing Purebred, such as Scottish Blackface in the USA, and breeds her to a 100% Valais Blacknose Ram. In that case, the resulting offspring will be a 50% Valais Blacknose. If the breeder chooses to always breed up to a 100% Valais Blacknose, the second cross will produce a 75% Valais Blacknose, and the third cross will result in an 88% Valais Blacknose. The fourth cross Ewe will be eligible for Recordation as a purebred Valais Blacknose as a 94% Valais Blacknose. Finally, after five generations of breeding, which could take five years or more, a Ram will be eligible for the purebred Valais Blacknose Recordation. The Ram's qualifications for recordation will be contingent on phenotypically correct standards established by the Swiss Registry.

I hope this clears up any confusion.

If you are a visual learner, here is a fun chart to explain the process