Where Swiss Genetics Meet a Microscope
IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is a way to intentionally create Valais Blacknose embryos using carefully selected parents, before those embryos are placed into recipient ewes to grow into lambs. Think of IVF as planning a perfect pairing, then letting biology do the rest.
Exceptional Valais Blacknose ewes and rams are selected based on structure, fleece quality, correct markings, movement, health, and alignment with the Swiss breed standard. Eggs are collected from the donor ewe and semen from the chosen ram by trained veterinary specialists, with animal welfare as the priority.
Fertilization happens in a laboratory rather than in the pasture. Eggs and semen are combined under precise conditions, allowing embryos to begin developing. Only healthy, well-developing embryos are selected to move forward.
The embryos are transferred into recipient ewes, which carry them through a normal pregnancy and give birth naturally. The lambs are born, nurse, grow wool, and develop just like any other lamb.
Not every embryo transfer results in a pregnancy. In sheep, typical take rates range from about 50 to 70 percent. This is normal and expected, even in well-managed programs. IVF allows multiple embryos to be created from one exceptional ewe, helping expand valuable bloodlines responsibly.
The Big Picture: IVF gives exceptional Valais Blacknose genetics more opportunities to succeed, while honoring tradition, animal welfare, and the future of the breed.