The Valais Blacknose or Swiss Valais Blacknose sheep is a dual purpose breed of domestic sheep which is valued for both meat and wool production purposes. It is a naturally docile and friendly sheep breed and it is also very good for raising as pets. The breed was named “Valais Blacknose” mainly for their beautiful black noses, with black color extending up the face to the eyes and surrounding them. They have totally black ears and there are black markings on the fronts of their knees and on their hocks in an otherwise white coat.
The Valais Blacknose ewes also have black under-tail spots. And this special marking make it very easy to determine their gender. Both Valais Blacknose rams and ewes have spiral-shaped twisted horns. But the rams have much heavier horns which are spiraled down. And the ewes have lighter horns tending to point out.
The Valais Blacknose sheep are known their excellent wool and meat quality. They are also known for lambing easily and are able to produce rapidly growing lambs year-round. Today, the breed is easily available in many countries around the world. And along with meat and wool production, they are also widely bred as pets. They are excellent for raising as pets. The Valais Blacknose sheep breed is also known by some other names in different areas such as Blacknosed Swiss, Visp, Visperschaf, Walliser Schwarznaseschaf and Wallis Blacknose.
Origin and history of Swiss Valais Blacknose Sheep
The Swiss Valais Blacknose breed originated from the mountains of the canton of Valais region of Switzerland (from where it had got it’s name). The breed is documented as far back as the 15th century. But before 1884, the present German name was not used, and the breed standard dates from 1962. Valais Blacknose was cross bred with imported sheep in the past. It was bred with Bergamasca and Cotswold stock in the 19th century, and then was breed with Southdown in the 20th century.
Today, the Swiss Valais Blacknose breed is also available in some other countries such as Austria, Germany, Holland, New Zealand etc. Total population of Valais Blacknose sheep in Switzerland was reported 10,286-19,732 in the year of 2023. Among these sheep, 9,380 ewes were registered in the herd-book.
Characteristics
The Valais Blacknose is relatively large in size. It is mainly white in color, but the nose and face are black. Both rams and ewes have horns. Average body height of the mature rams is between 75 and 83 cm, and between 72 and 78 cm for the ewes. Average live body weight of the mature ewes is between 70 and 90 kg. The rams are much heavier and their average body weight can vary from 80 to 130 kg.
Dietary requirements
The Valais Blacknose sheep stay healthy and active if you provide them with very good quality and nutritious food. Like many other domestic sheep breeds, these animals also enjoy munching on grass and hay. In case of commercial production, try to provide them with commercial sheep feed and also add adequate amount of vitamins and minerals. And always ensure access to enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
Housing requirements
Sheep are very hardy farm animals and their housing requirements are very less. They will be fine if you provide them with basic housing facilities. Just make their house comfortable, secure and dry and they will be fine and stay happily. It will be better if you can arrange raised floor inside their house. Doing this will help to keep the house dry. Ensure that the house is secure enough to keep them free from adverse weather condition and wild predators. Ensure good drainage system and install good ventilation system inside their house. And try to make their bedding comfortable by using straw or similar soft materials. And cleaning their house on a regular basis is very important.
Reproduction
Like many other domestic sheep breeds, the Valais Blacknose are naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce offspring if you keep good ratio of rams and ewes in your farm. Generally, one mature ram is enough for breeding around or upto 25 ewes. The ewes become pregnant after successful mating. And you can expect kidding after around 5 months of gestation period.
Behavior
The Valais Blacknose sheep are very strong and hardy animals. They are naturally docile and friendly. So, they are very good for raising as pets. It is a beginner friendly sheep breed.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Valais Blacknose sheep is between 10 and 12 years. Although, their life expectancy can become longer under good care and management.
Popularity and price
The Valais Blacknose is a popular breed in it’s native area. It is also gaining popularity in some other countries outside Switzerland. The breed is also popular in Austria, Germany, Holland and New Zealand. It’s high demand and popularity has made it an expensive sheep breed. Average price of a Valais Blacknose sheep depends on numerous factors and can vary from place to place. Average price of a Valais Blacknose in the USA can vary from $1000 to several thousand dollars. Price of a full-blood Valais Blacknose ewe can range between $12,000 and $25,000.
Uses
The Valais Blacknose is a dual purpose sheep breed. It is used and valued for both meat and wool production purposes. These sheep produce very high quality wool which is coarse. Fiber diameter averages approximately 38 microns, and staple length is 4 inches or more. Annual average wool production per sheep is about 4 kg.
The Valais Blacknose are a very strong and hardy sheep breed. They are friendly and docile and very good for raising as pets. They are dual purpose animals and good for producing very good quality meat and wool. But it is an expensive breed and everyone can’t afford it’s price. Consider raising Valais Blacknose sheep only if you have enough budget. Hope this guide has helped you. Consider sharing the guide with your friends and family members. Good luck!
