Breed Up Program

The Breed Up Program is a long-term initiative that demands dedication from breeders. Our program commenced with three purebred Scottish Blackface ewes, after which we acquired Swiss Maximum Points Genetic Rams from farms in Scotland and New Zealand. To facilitate successful breeding, we enlisted the expertise of a reproductive specialist DVM, who performs artificial insemination using RSG in Lebanon, Indiana.

If a breeder begins with a grade (0%) Foundation Ewe from an established purebred, such as the Scottish Blackface in the USA, and breeds her to a 100% Valais Blacknose Ram, the resulting offspring will be 50% Valais Blacknose. By consistently aiming for a purebred Valais Blacknose, the second cross will produce a 75% Valais Blacknose, followed by an 88% Valais Blacknose in the third cross. The ewe from the fourth cross will then be eligible for recordation as a purebred Valais Blacknose, possessing a composition of 94% Valais Blacknose. Ultimately, after five generations of breeding—potentially spanning five years or more—a Ram can qualify for purebred Valais Blacknose recordation. To achieve this, the Ram must meet the 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