Finding the Perfect
Sheep for You!

Legal Requirements & Insurance

Australian obligations for buyers and sellers:

• Both buyer and seller must hold a Property Identification Code (PIC). Apply through your state agriculture authority before completing any transaction.

• All sheep sold in Australia must carry an NLIS-approved ear tag displaying the seller's or breeder's PIC number.

• Any sheep being transported must travel with a National Vendor Declaration (NVD), which includes recent chemical treatment history. To issue an NVD, the seller must be accredited with the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) system.

Insurance:

• Due to the high value of Valais Blacknose Sheep, it is worth exploring livestock insurance options.

Health, History, and Support

• Request full documentation of the animal's health history, including vaccinations, medications, and treatments received.

• Ask specifically about parasites, foot rot, Johne's disease, and brucellosis as these are some of the key biosecurity risks in Australian sheep.

• If the lamb is not fully weaned, request detailed information about its current diet, milk or milk replacer type, and feeding schedule. Introduce any changes gradually and with care.

• Ask what aftersales support your breeder offers. A mentor who is happy to field questions can be invaluable, especially for first-time sheep owners.

Breeding Considerations

Registration

• Request a full breeding history for any animal you intend to breed from.

• All sheep sold by VBA members should come with a VBA certificate of registration confirming whether the animal is Purebred or Breed Up (F1, F2, F3, etc.), and showing the ear tag number. The certificate must be signed by the registered owner to enable transfer.

• Buying from a non-VBA member, or from a seller who does not yet have a certificate? Contact us at info@valaisblacknoseaustralia.com.au before you commit, to confirm the animal is eligible for our registry.

Lamb-Specific Questions

• How old is the lamb?

• Was the lamb raised by its mother or hand reared?

• Did the lamb receive colostrum?

• What vaccinations or other medications has the lamb received?

• Is the lamb fully weaned?

• If the lamb is not fully weaned:

• What is the current brand of milk replacer being used?

• What is the volume and frequency of feeds?

• Are there any specific feeding requirements for the lamb?

• What other feed is the lamb currently eating? (brands, amounts)

• Is the lamb drinking water?

• Has the lamb experienced any issues that a buyer would be interested in?

Ewe- Specific Questions

• If purchasing a pregnant ewe, confirm the estimated due date or date range and the details of the sire. We recommend verifying with VBA that the lambs will be eligible for registration before you proceed.

• Has the ewe undergone an Embryo Transfer program? If yes, how many programs?

• Has the ewe undergone an Artificial Insemination program? If yes, how many programs?

• Has the ewe lambed? Can you provide photos of their previous lambs or can we see them?

• Any lambing or mothering difficulties? e.g. needed assistance, lamb needed supplement feeding temporarily

• Any history of prolapse or need for caesarean?

Ram-Specific Questions

• Does the ram meet the strict criteria for ram registration set out in the Valais Blacknose Breed Standard?

• SEMEN

  1. Has the ram been semen tested? If yes, can you provide a certificate?

  2. Has the ram sired offspring naturally or through artificial means? If so, how many?

  3. Are there any frozen doses included in the purchase?

  4. Where are they stored? Will seller transfer ownership?

• SEMEN SALES

  1. Who can sell the ram’s semen after the sale?

  2. Who can list the ram in the Stud Book?

  3. Is the breeder retaining semen rights in any form?

  Retained semen rights commonly means that the purchaser cannot sell semen or hire out the ram without the prior approval from the original breeder; the purchaser can only use the ram within their own flock. The breeder may also request the ram be returned for collecting purposes; this must also fit in with the purchaser’s breeding plans, where the breeder is responsible for all associated costs. Some breeders will also include a division of proceeds from semen sales. All of these (and more) are common within the sheep world. The important thing is that if the breeder is retaining semen rights, please ensure both parties fully understand all elements of the agreement.

Buying Remotely

Protecting Yourself at a Distance

• Protect yourself from scams. Do not make any payment until you are confident the transaction is legitimate.

• Current VBA breeder members are listed in our Find Breeders page with their VBA member number - verify your seller is listed.

• If you cannot inspect the animal in person, request a live video call or unedited, unbroken video footage clearly showing the sheep's markings and ear tag made specifically for you.

• If the sheep is being transported to you, discuss clearly what guarantees the breeder and transport company offer regarding safe arrival.

Breed Basics

What to know before you commit:

• Valais Blacknose are a large, long-wool breed. Plan for shearing twice a year, which adds to your ongoing management costs and calendar.

• Every sheep needs food, water, shelter, secure fencing, and reliable predator protection. These are non-negotiable basics.

• Routine foot trimming and parasite management are ongoing responsibilities for all sheep, regardless of breed.

• Not all vets treat sheep. Before you buy, call around to confirm access to a local sheep vet.

• Sheep are social animals. Budget for at least two or three. Lower-percentage Breed Up Valais wethers make ideal and affordable companions for Breed Up or Purebred animals.

...sometimes the sheep pick you!