Breed purpose

So, apart from being cute and very friendly animals, what are they good for? 

Valais Blacknose are prolific wool producers – with a long staple of up to 30cm of fleece a year. This wool is high in microns, around 36 – 40 microns, but highly valued by the crafters and artisans, especially those who felt and spin yarn. The pelts make beautiful rugs, with their long, spirally wool locks making it aesthetically appealing for various creative uses. It is exciting to have several breeders within the NZVBSS able to make a successful business out of creating and selling Valais woollen products.

Some of our breeders utilise the excess wool for mulching plants and trees, slowly releasing nutrients as it breaks down whilst enabling the soil to better retain water.

Valais Blacknose sheep offer high quality meat that stands out due to its flavour, tenderness, and marbling. Being well-marbled contributes to its juiciness and depth of taste. The fat content in the muscle has been clinically tested  to be 7.7%, with lamb meat generally having sufficient juiciness of the fat content in the muscle greater than 3.5%. The meat also has lower saturated fatty acids and monosaturated fatty acids but are higher in nutritionally beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fatty acids include omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), which have positive effects on the consumer. 

In traditional regions of Switzerland where Valais Blacknose sheep are raised, their meat is often considered a local specialty. This can add an element of exclusivity and authenticity to dishes made with their meat.