The Breed Up Program

Australian Breed Up Program:
Guidelines & Requirements

The Australian Breed Up Program is a structured grading system designed to progressively increase the Valais Blacknose content of a flock over multiple generations. It is kept entirely separate from the Purebred Registry. Each new generation requires the use of a registered purebred Valais Blacknose ram (or an approved Australian Breed Up Pure ram). The program runs from F1 through to F5, at which point animals are classified as Australian Breed Up Pure.

The Foundation Ewe

The foundation (origin) ewe may be of any fibre-producing sheep breed. Heritage longwool breeds are recommended, as they may more quickly achieve the desired result. The foundation ewe must be structurally sound and correct, with no appearance of genetic faults. She must be identifiable by a unique individual ear tag that complies with current Australian NLIS requirements.

Ram Requirements

Only Registered purebred Valais Blacknose rams or Australian Breed Up Pure (F5) rams, may be used to sire registered progeny. Semen from eligible registered purebred rams may also be used via artificial insemination. Progeny sired by crossbred or unregistered rams are not eligible for inclusion in the program. The ram's name, registration number, and date of service must be recorded on the certificate of service.

Generation Classes

F1, 50% - E Class (48–71.9% Valais Blacknose) Produced by a foundation ewe (any wool breed) crossed with a purebred Valais Blacknose ram or Australian Breed Up Pure ram. Using only purebred rams, the F1 will be 50% Valais Blacknose.

F2, 75% - D Class (72–83.9% Valais Blacknose) Produced by an F1 ewe crossed with a purebred Valais Blacknose ram or Australian Breed Up Pure ram. Using only purebred rams, the F2 will be 75% Valais Blacknose.

F3, 87.5% - C Class (84–89.9% Valais Blacknose) Produced by an F2 ewe crossed with a purebred Valais Blacknose ram or Australian Breed Up Pure ram. Using only purebred rams, the F3 will be 87.5% Valais Blacknose.

F4, 93.75% - B Class (90–95.9% Valais Blacknose) Produced by an F3 ewe crossed with a purebred Valais Blacknose ram or Australian Breed Up Pure ram. Using only purebred rams, the F4 will be 93.75% Valais Blacknose.

F5, 96.88 - A Class / Australian Breed Up Pure (96–99.9% Valais Blacknose) Produced by an F4 ewe crossed with a purebred Valais Blacknose ram or Australian Breed Up Pure ram. Using only purebred rams, the F5 will be 96.88% Valais Blacknose. Both ewes and rams may be registered at this generation, and F5 rams may be used for breeding within the Australian Breed Up Program under the same rules above.

Ram Lamb Castration Rule

F1 through F4 ram lambs must be castrated (neutered). They cannot be registered and cannot be used to sire registered progeny. Only F5 rams may be registered following the same rules and requirements of ram registration. This rule is strictly observed to protect the integrity of the program.

DNA and Registration Requirements

All registrations within the Australian Breed Up Program require DNA parentage testing at each generation. If there is a break in the DNA record and parentage cannot be verified, the resulting animals must be re-entered into the program as F1, regardless of their actual breeding history. Please note, foundation ewes are not required to be DNA tested.

F1 through F5 ewes may all be registered with verified DNA parentage. Registrations must include a suitable Allflex TSU tissue sample. Applications remain pending until DNA proof of identity is confirmed. DNA typing is arranged through VBA, and the cost is included in the registration fee.

All animals must carry a unique individual identification number via an ear tag that complies with current Australian NLIS requirements. The breeder must supply their Property Identification Code (PIC) to VBA for recording of ownership and pedigree.

F5 Ram Inspection Requirement

All F5 (A Class / Australian Breed Up Pure) rams must be inspected by a VBA-approved inspector before an application for registration is submitted. They must meet the full purebred Valais Blacknose breed standard prior to registration. This inspection is usually done by providing a video demonstrating breed standard compliance. This is the same requirement as for Purebred Ram Registration.

Who May Register Lambs & Sheep

Only the current registered owner of the ewe at the time of lambing may register the resulting lambs, and those lambs will carry the breeder's registered stud prefix. In the case of embryo transfer, the owner of the embryo is deemed the breeder of the lamb, and proof of embryo ownership must be provided.

If you encounter any difficulties registering animals you have bred or own, please reach out to VBA by email. We are committed to working with members individually to find a path forward wherever possible.

Certificate of Service

When progeny are produced using a ram not owned by the breeder, a certificate of service must be supplied at the time of registration (upon request). In the case of artificial insemination, the certificate must be verified by the technician who performed the procedure (supplied to VBA upon request).

Registration Certificates

In line with the VBA system of registration certificates:

• F1 through F4 ewes and wethers receive a PINK registration certificate, with pedigree and registration number.

• F5 (Australian Breed Up Pure) animals receive a BLUE registration certificate, with pedigree and registration number.

• NB. Registered purebred Valais Blacknose (not breed up sheep) receive WHITE registration certificates, with pedigree and registration number.

Progeny of F5 Crossed with Purebred & Breed Up Ewes

If an F5 (Australian Breed Up Pure) animal is bred with a purebred Valais Blacknose or all Breed Up animals, the resulting progeny will be registered on the Australian Breed Up Program Registry as an Australian Breed Up Pure Valais Blacknose Sheep.

Registration Fees

F1 (50%)

F3 (87.5%)

F2 (75%)

F4 (93.75%)