ByLaws & Policies

All ewes being used to produce F-1s (50%) Valais Blacknose progeny must be entered into the VBSS database as Foundation ewes. All Foundation Ewes must be bred to purebred rams, by live cover or by laparoscopic artificial insemination, to produce eligible progeny (F-1 or 50%).  All Foundation ewes will have a 0% Valais blood percentage assigned to them and which will be used when calculating future blood percentages of progeny. Recognizing that breeders have made their own choices regarding Foundation ewe breeds to institute their upgrading programs, there are no restrictions placed on the breed type of the Foundation Ewe by the VBSS. Known pedigree information or breed type should be noted on the Foundation Ewe application. Codon 171 genotype, if known, should also be noted. See the Foundation Ewe Application on the VBSS website. All eligible progeny of Foundation ewes shall be entered into the VBSS database as Recorded Stock.

NOTE that as of September 1, 2024 the VBSS will no longer be accepting new Foundation Ewe applications except in cases of individual animals presented to the Board of Directors for consideration.

All animals with a Valais blood percentage from 50% up to 87% shall be entered into the database as Recorded Stock. All ewes that possess a Valais blood percentage high enough to produce progeny that will be Registered Stock (87.5% and above) must have a Flock 54 DNA result on file for future parentage verification purposes. No distinction on eligibility for inclusion into the Recorded Stock category shall be made as to sex of progeny however, as of 2024 all F-1 or 50% males shall be ineligible as breeding rams. If presented for entry into the VBSS Grassroots database they will be listed, not recorded, which prevents them from being recognized as sires whose progeny can be recorded.  It is recommended that they be castrated and used for purposes other than breeding. Remember, the use of percentage rams in the VBSS Upgrading Program will continue to be acceptable and encouraged however they need to be used to raise the overall percentage and quality of the US Valais breeding population.  No animals of Valais Blacknose descent with a blood percentage of less than 50% shall be considered for inclusion in the database as Recorded Stock. Such animals may be used as Foundation Ewes and their Valais Blacknose blood % shall be noted, if such information is provided and verified. This Valais blood % shall not be extended forward when computing future progeny % values. These Foundation ewes shall be assigned a 0% blood value however, it should be noted that their progeny is likely to display improved Valais Blacknose phenotypic qualities. 

All animals with a Valais blood percentage from 87.5% up to 96% shall be entered into the database as Registered Stock. All sheep entered into the VBSS database as Registered Stock must submit a DNA sample to Flock 54 for parentage verification and future progeny testing. 

All animals reaching an accumulated Valais Blacknose blood percentage of 96.88% shall be entered into the VBSS database as American Purebred. American Purebreds will be considered to be Purebreds and their progeny’s percentage will be calculated using a 100% basis. American Purebreds will be identified in the Grassroots system by the denotation “AmP” which will be on their registration record. This will allow future tracking of all American Purebred animals and their genetics.  All sheep entered into the VBSS database as American Purebred must submit a DNA sample to Flock 54 for parentage verification and future progeny testing. 

All animals with a Valais blood percentage of 100%.  All progeny of Purebred ewes and sires will be entered into the VBSS database as Purebred Stock. All sheep entered into the VBSS database as Purebred Stock must submit a DNA sample to Flock 54 for parentage verification and future progeny testing.

A Purebred Spitti can be defined as a black sheep with white markings as opposed to a white sheep with black markings in the body coat or mis-marked sheep. True to type Spitti sheep occasionally occur in the purebred population and are the expression of recessive genes that exist within the Valais Blacknose breed. 

Any Purebred animal eligible for entry in the VBSS database that exhibits defined color characteristics commonly known as “Spitti” will be entered into the VBSS database as a Purebred Spitti. These animals will retain their Purebred percentage value. No distinction on eligibility for inclusion into the Purebred Spitti category shall be made as to sex. Applications for Registration of animals fitting the criteria for Purebred Spitti should be accompanied by photos of the animal. Submission photos should include front, back and sides of the animal being presented. 

This provision is being provided as a service to members who are interested in tracking the appearance of Spitti animals within genetic lines.

Breeder: The Breeder is the recorded owner of the dam at the time she was bred. The Breeder is responsible for the registration of lambs born while the dam remains under their ownership. 

Owner: The Owner is the recorded owner of the dam at the time she lambs. The Owner of the dam is exclusively responsible for the registration of lambs born. 

Farm (Flock) Name: The farm name or flock name is as it implies, the name of your farm entity or flock. 

Prefix: A shortened unique version of the farm name or “PREFIX” is used by the owner of the ewe to register lamb(s) born in their flock. This unique prefix will appear on the papers of the lamb and along with the USDA ear tag number, will identify the animal. Example: Farm Name “Old MacDonald’s Farm”, Prefix - MDF. A list of prefixes is maintained by the VBSS. If animals are left unnamed on applications, the Registrar will automatically assign an ID based on the farm name and USDA tag number. 

Animal Name/ID Number: Each breeder must permanently identify each animal with a USDA Scrapies Identification ear tag or tattoo system and the VBSS strongly encourages a double ID system since individual ear tags can often be lost.  Each sheep entered into the database will need to be identified by a unique name and its USDA tag number. Any other flock ID tag number can also be added. Example might be MDF Susie OR12-0333(890)

Registration Number: Each sheep entered into the database of the VBSS will be assigned a number. This number is assigned by the Registrar and is unique to each sheep. It can be found on each animal record within the database. 

DNA Testing: DNA testing is required for all sheep entered into the VBSS database as female Recorded Stock reaching 75% or higher, all Registered Stock and all Purebreds. Members requesting registration of animals must submit DNA samples to Flock 54 and a resulting BDI number must be on file with the VBSS for the purposes of parentage verification and to establish lineage of progeny. 

Flock 54: Flock 54 is a genetic testing service that the VBSS has adopted as their official genetic testing laboratory for all DNA testing and parentage verification. See the Flock 54 link on the VBSS website or contact the VBSS Secretary for submission directions. 

BDI Number: This is a unique identification number linked to each animal’s DNA testing results in the Flock 54 database. They are always on the DNA testing report that is received from Flock 54. This number is used to find animals within the system to generate parentage verification reports. Members will need to enter sire and dam BDI numbers on their Flock 54 submission forms for the system to generate accurate and timely reports on progeny. These BDI numbers are added to the VBSS animal records for ease of access. 

Imported Semen Sires. Purebred sires whose semen is imported for use in US breeding programs will be registered with VBSS at no charge.  These animals will be entered into the VBSS Grassroots database with the denotation of "Unregistered Ancestor”. When requesting VBSS registration for an AI ram, a three-generation pedigree, proof of registration with the appropriate breeders’ association in the ram’s country of origin, and the ram’s Codon 171 DNA need to be submitted. (QQ, QR, and RR are acceptable, but should be known.). A DNA sample must be submitted to Flock 54 and a resulting BDI number must be on file with the VBSS to establish sire lineage. 

Artificial Insemination. All animals that are the product of an AI procedure must have a signed Certificate of Service signed by the AI technician at the time of performing the AI procedure. The technician’s signature on the Certificate of Service certifies that the USDA ear tags/tattoos match those indicated on the application and the dates of service as noted are appropriate. If lambs are born as a result of Artificial Insemination, indicate “AI” in the “Type of Birth” column on the application form. All other information required by the VBSS must be supplied on the application for the lambs to be entered into the database. The symbol “AI” will be reflected on the animal's record. See the Certificate of Service Form on the VBSS website. Applications and related forms should be sent to the VBSS Secretary as instructed.

Imported Embryo Donors and Sires.  Purebred embryo donors and sires in foreign countries who have been used in the production of embryos imported for use in US breeding programs will be registered with VBSS at no charge. These animals will be entered into the database as “Unregistered Ancestors”.  When requesting VBSS recognition for such donors, a three-generation pedigree, proof of registration with the appropriate breeders’ association in the country of origin, and DNA need to be submitted and on file with the VBSS. The DNA samples must be submitted to Flock 54 and a resulting BDI number must be on file with the VBSS to establish lineage of progeny. 

Domestic Embryo Donors and Sires. Domestic embryo donors and sires who have been used in the production of embryos in US breeding programs should already be in the VBSS database however if they are not, due to being registered in another VBSS recognized registry, the same verification requirements that are in place for imported embryos are to be followed.  When requesting VBSS recognition for such donors, a three-generation pedigree, proof of registration with the appropriate breeders’ association, and  DNA need to be submitted and on file with the VBSS.  The DNA samples must be submitted to Flock 54 and a resulting BDI number must be on file with the VBSS to establish lineage of progeny. 

Embryo Transplant. Applications for lambs born as a result of embryo transplant procedures will require additional documentation. See the Embryo Q and A Guidance Document on the VBSS website for initial guidance.   Use the appropriate links provided on the VBSS website to submit required documentation for registering embryo progeny. 

If the breeder does not own the ram used to fertilize the egg(s) of the donor ewe, a Certificate of Breeding must be completed, signed and dated by the owner of the ram. In the instance of imported embryos, documentation of sale and importation documents will be required.  If embryo(s) are sold domestically, ownership of the embryo(s) must be transferred from the legal owner of the embryo(s) to the purchaser of the embryo(s). See the Embryo Ownership Transfer Form on the VBSS website.

When requesting VBSS registration of embryo lamb(s), a three-generation pedigree, proof of registration with the appropriate breeders' association in the country of origin and Flock 54 DNA results must be on file with the VBSS for the donor sire and dam used to create the embryo(s). All other information required by the VBSS must be supplied on the application for the lambs to be entered into the database. The symbol “ET” will be reflected on the issued papers. 

AI and ET Lamb Progeny. See the Application for Recorded or Registered Stock Form on the VBSS website when using AI or registering Embryo transfer lambs.  Use the appropriate links provided on the VBSS website to submit required documentation.  

Live Cover Lamb Progeny:  All live cover lambs can now be entered in the VBSS database online by the members involved in the mating. See the Grassroots link on the VBSS website. 

Cross Registration:  Any Valais Blacknose sheep recorded or registered in another sheep society or association recognized by the VBSS may be considered for inclusion in the VBSS database. The sheep must be able to trace in unbroken lines, through both sire and dam, to registration in a VBSS recognized Valais Blacknose Association or Registry. Only sheep meeting the recorded or registered guidelines of the VBSS will be considered. Forward a copy (front and back) of the official registration certificate in said society or association to the VBSS, along with an application, appropriate supporting documentation and registration fee indicated on the current fee list. A DNA report and resulting BDI number must be on file at Flock 54 and accessible to the VBSS for all cross registration applicant animals for data verification and progeny testing. See the Cross Registration Document on the VBSS website. Applications and related forms should be sent to the VBSS Secretary as instructed.  Each submission will be considered on a case-by-case basis and there is no guarantee that the animal will be approved for cross-registration.

Transfers:  Members are responsible for completing all transfers of ownership. Any member selling, donating, giving away, or otherwise passing ownership of a Valais sheep shall, within 30 days after payment in full or other official transfer of the ownership, initiate a transfer of ownership in the Grassroots system.  This transfer is initiated by signing into the member account, selecting Transfer of Ownership, selecting the animal, and filling in the purchaser’s name, member number (if known), address, city, state, zip code, and paying the fee. Complaints lodged against breeders from improperly completed transfers of sheep may be grounds for investigation of members according to the bylaws of the VBSS. 

Sales:  Members who own and breed sheep are responsible for completing registration of lambs produced. Members who sell animals as “eligible for registration” but have not completed that process before transferring ownership are selling unregistered animals. Complaints lodged against breeders from improperly completed sales of sheep may be grounds for investigation of members according to the bylaws of the VBSS. 

Bill of Sale: The use of a properly completed Bill of Sale is strongly encouraged by the VBSS. A detailed Bill of Sale protects both the buyer and the seller.

No Valais Blacknose sheep born in the US older than 24 months of age and not entered into a Registry or database elsewhere may be registered/recorded with the VBSS. No animal shall be accepted for inclusion into the database after it is two years old unless, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, the case merits special consideration. 

The VBSS strongly encourages members to complete timely registrations of animals in the year of their birth.  Registration fees will be increased on animals not submitted in a timely fashion.