Policies, Health Requirements, Boarding Terms & Disclosures
This program provides live-cover breeding using select registered Valais Blacknose rams housed at Vineyard Valais. Ewes are boarded on-site for a structured breeding period designed to cover two complete estrous cycles, maximizing the opportunity for successful conception.
This document is intended as an informational guide for those interested in our breeding program. Participants will be required to sign a formal breeding services agreement prior to scheduling.
While every good-faith effort will be made to achieve successful breeding, no guarantees are made regarding pregnancy, number of lambs, lamb sex or color, or live births.
Our breeding program features registered Valais Blacknose rams selected for conformation, wool quality, and breed-standard markings. All rams are registered with VBSANA and maintained to the highest health standards.
Clients may request a specific ram based on availability. We reserve the right to recommend alternative pairings based on genetic compatibility, scheduling, or ram workload. Ram assignments are confirmed at booking.
The breeding service fee is charged per ewe and covers access to the selected ram for the duration of the breeding period. This fee is separate from boarding. Fees vary by ram selection.
Non-Refundable Booking Deposit: $250 (applied toward total breeding fee)
View Available Rams & Pricing →
$8 per ewe, per day
Boarding includes:
Consecutive days on property
Complete estrous cycles (17-day average)
This duration ensures ewes have two opportunities to conceive. Ewes must remain on property for the full contracted period unless otherwise agreed in writing.
All breedings are conducted via pen breeding with supervised ram access. Rams wear marking harnesses throughout the breeding period, allowing us to track breeding activity and provide estimated conception dates.
If a ewe consistently refuses to remain with the ram, exhibits aggressive behavior toward the ram, or poses a safety concern, we reserve the right to contact the owner to discuss options, which may include early pickup. In such cases, breeding fees are non-refundable, though unused boarding may be prorated.
To protect our rams and resident flock, all ewes must meet the following health requirements prior to arrival. Documentation must be submitted at least 3 days before the scheduled arrival date.
Blood testing is offered at UC Davis for a very low cost.
Interstate Health Certificate: Ewes entering from another state must be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI/health certificate) issued within 30 days of arrival, as required by California state regulations.
| Test | Requirements |
|---|---|
| OPP (Ovine Progressive Pneumonia) | Negative test within 12 months |
| CL (Caseous Lymphadenitis) | Negative test within 12 months |
| Johne's Disease | Negative test within 12 months |
| Fecal Egg Count | Two counts 30 days apart; second within 30 days of arrival; must be below 50 EPG |
| CD&T Vaccination | Current vaccination required |
| Campylobacter (Vibriosis) Vaccination | Series completed at least 30 days prior to arrival |
| Chlamydia (Enzootic Abortion) Vaccination | Series completed at least 30 days prior to arrival |
If a ewe has a history of abortion, failure to conceive, or difficulty carrying to term, please disclose this information at booking. A veterinary breeding soundness exam may be required.
Any ewe not retrieved within 60 days of the scheduled end date, and without written agreement for extended boarding, may be considered abandoned. Vineyard Valais reserves the right to rehome or sell abandoned animals to recover costs.
We monitor all boarded animals daily. In the event a health concern arises:
All veterinary expenses incurred during boarding are the responsibility of the ewe owner. By enrolling in this program, owners authorize Vineyard Valais to seek emergency veterinary care if the owner cannot be reached and delay would compromise animal welfare.
We recommend pregnancy verification via ultrasound approximately 60 days post-breeding. Owners are responsible for arranging ultrasound services with their own veterinarian after pickup.
If a ewe is confirmed open (not pregnant) via ultrasound between 60 and 75 days post last possible breeding date, a complimentary rebreeding may be offered for the following season, subject to:
Breeding is inherently unpredictable. We cannot and do not guarantee:
For clients participating in a breed-up program or registering purebred offspring, we provide the necessary documentation to support your registry submissions.
Many registries require DNA verification for registration. DNA collection and submission for offspring is the owner's responsibility. We can provide guidance on registry requirements upon request.
Participation in this breeding program involves inherent risks associated with livestock handling, transport, and animal behavior. By enrolling, ewe owners acknowledge and accept these risks.
Vineyard Valais is not liable for injury, illness, death, or reproductive failure except in cases of gross negligence. Our total liability shall not exceed the fees paid for the affected animal's breeding and boarding services.
Under California law, livestock professionals are not liable for injuries or damages resulting from the inherent risks of livestock activities. Participants are advised to maintain appropriate livestock insurance coverage.
Owners may request early pickup at any time. Breeding fees are non-refundable once the ewe has been introduced to the ram. Boarding will be prorated to the actual days of stay.
We reserve the right to terminate services early if:
In cases of early termination initiated by Vineyard Valais due to ewe health or behavior issues present at or before arrival, breeding fees are non-refundable. Unused boarding may be prorated at our discretion.
Ready to participate in our Live Cover Breeding Program? Here's how to get started:
This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a binding agreement.
View our available rams or contact us to discuss your breeding goals.
View Available Rams Contact Us