VBSS Animal Record Management Resource Guide
Your central hub for navigating the Valais Blacknose Sheep Society registration process, DNA requirements, ownership transfers, and record changes.
Welcome to the official registration resource page for VBSS members.
This guide provides direct access to the forms, portals, and step-by-step instructions required to register your stock and maintain accurate records within the Grassroots system.
Scroll or use the Resource Guide Links to access sections with the associated information.
Click to download a printable PDF copy of this information:
Resource Guide Links:
Forms & Official VBSS Resources
Access the primary documents and portals required for all registration activities:
Review the current bylaws and blood percentage requirements for eligible stock.
Review VBSS Standards for the Valais Blacknose Breed.
Submit all documentation for Embryo Transfer and Artificial Insemination registrations here.
A comprehensive visual walkthroughs for all registry tasks.
Download the Certificate of Service for Artificial Insemination or Embryo Transfer.
Download the Letter from the Registrar as a certificate of validation for show-use.
If you are unable to access Grassroots, you may still register your sheep by completing the manual registration form.
A guide to VBSS fees for membership, registration, transfers, DNA processing, record changes and website advertisements.
Registration & DNA Testing
Eligibility for registration is based on blood percentage and DNA confirmation through Flock54. To prevent late registration penalties, lambs must be submitted for registration before reaching 18 months of age. Refer to the VBSS Fee Schedule for pricing information.
American Purebred (F5)
96.88% - 99.99%
Required
Required
Registered F4
93.75% - 96.7%
Required
Required
Registered F3
87.5% - 93.74%
Required
Required
Recorded F1 (ewes only)
50% - 74.9%
Not Required
Not Required
Castrate
Any
Not Required
Not Required
75% - 87.4%
Recorded F2 (ewes only)
Required
Not Required
DNA Parentage
Registration Type
Blood Percentage
DNA Genotype
Required
Purebred
100%
Required
Note: Sires must always have a higher blood percentage than the dam for progeny to be eligible for registration. Any sheep presented for registration must be at least 50% Valais from two registered parents.
Flock54 is the official lab for VBSS DNA testing. Results typically take 25 business days to process once samples are received by the registrar. All DNA testing should be requested at the time of registration using Grassroots. View the VBSS Members’ Guide to DNA Testing for a complete description of the process.
Follow one of the following guides to register and order DNA tests for your sheep based on their conception method:
Note: Historical registry entries may include animals that lack required DNA results. If you intend to use such animals for breeding, please consult the following resource: How to Apply for DNA for Untested Animals.
Cross-Registration
The VBSS evaluates animals from other accredited Valais Blacknose societies for cross-registration on an individual basis.
To submit an application, navigate to the VBSS Cross Registration Portal and consult the accompanying manual:
Transfer of Ownership
Sellers are responsible for completing all ownership transfers. To do so, the seller must be a member in good standing and the animal must be fully registered.
Follow the instructions in the applicable guide:
Members must record the sale, gift, or donation of any Valais sheep via Grassroots within 30 days of receiving full payment or finalized ownership change. Selling animals before their registration is finalized is highly discouraged.
Inaccurate or incomplete transfers may trigger breeder complaints and subsequent investigations under Society bylaws.
Certificate of Service
When selling semen or providing stud services to fellow members, it is necessary to issue a Certificate of Service, commonly referred to as a Breeding Certificate, to the owner of the ewes involved.
Detailed instructions for this process are available in the following guide: How to Produce a Breeding Certificate.
Animal Record Changes
All changes to animal records must be requested through Grassroots and require approval.
Please note that certain modifications are not permitted to protect the integrity of the registry and maintain accurate connections with the Flock54 database.
Follow the instructions in this guide:
Recording Animal Deaths
Maintaining an accurate flock list is essential, and this includes documenting animal deaths as they occur.
For detailed steps on this procedure, please refer to the following tutorial: How to Record Animal Deaths.
Recording a Castration
To update the status of an animal registered as a ram following castration, please consult the steps provided in this tutorial:
Other Grassroots Tools
Members can utilize this guide to list animals for AI, sale, or hire: How to Flag Animals for Sale or Hire Online.
Additionally, the Check Mate tool is available to assist you in making informed breeding choices: How To Use The Grassroots Farmers Check Mate Tool.
Help & Support
If you have questions regarding the registration process, please contact the registrar:
Registrar: Legacy Registries
Email: crystal@legacyregistries.com
Phone: 740-234-4440