Frequently Asked Questions
What does F1, F2, etc. mean?
F1 is the ranking given to the first generation progeny resulting by crossing a purebred Valais Blacknose ram with another breed of sheep (eg Dorper). The resultant progeny are referred to as F1 (50% VBN and 50% Dorper).
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F2 is the second generation achieved by mating an F1 ewe with a purebred Valais Blacknose ram. The resultant progeny are referred to as F2 (75% VBN and 25% Dorper).
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F3 is the third generation achieved by mating an F2 ewe with a purebred Valais Blacknose ram. The resultant progeny are referred to as F3 (87.5% VBN).
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F4 is the fourth generation achieved by mating an F3 ewe with a purebred Valais Blacknose ram. The resultant progeny are referred to as F4 (93.75% VBN).
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F5 is the fifth generation achieved by mating an F4 ewe with a purebred Valais Blacknose ram. The resultant progeny are referred to as F5 (96.88% VBN).
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Ewes are considered purebred at F4 and rams at F5.
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Can I use a partbred ram to advance %?
A partbred ram will impart some Valais characteristics to the offspring, however the % increase is not officially recognized.
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A breed-up program relies on the use of a purebred ram or purebred semen.
What is the difference between purebred and fullblood?
A fullblood animal's roots can be traced back to the foundation stock - meaning Switzerland in the case of Valais Blacknose sheep.
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A sheep that has been bred up through the parentage rankings to at least F4 in the case of a ewe or F5 in a ram is then itself considered a purebred.
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However, no matter the Valais % in any given animal, a purebred from a breed up program will never been considered a fullblood.