Valais Red sheep

Black-coloured Valais Red sheep are also known as "Lötschenschlag" (Oona Baumann/ Zuchtverein Walliser Landschaf)

Origin and development

The Valais Red sheep is particularly suitable for extensive farming. Geographically, its origins lie in the Upper and Central Valais. Traditionally, it was valued primarily for its warm wool. In the 1980s, the Valais Red nearly became extinct, but this breed was rediscovered in 1985. In 1989, the population numbered 120 in the Upper Valais. The Valais Red breeding association was established in 1994. Since 1998, the Valais Red has been officially recognised as a Swiss sheep breed. Interest in this breed has increased sharply, and in 2019 the population exceeded 1 100 across all regions of Switzerland.

Description

The Valais Red is medium- to large-framed, lightly fleshed and of medium weight: ewes weigh 50–75 kg, rams 60–90 kg. It is a frugal sheep, particularly suitable for extensive farming, which also makes this breed attractive for landscape management. Its distinctive features are the spiral horns in males and females, the convex nose and the reddish brown or black wool. The sheep often have a white spot on the back of the head, and the tip of the tail may also be white. The coarse, long, fast-growing wool was once widely used in the production of clothes.

Flock of Valais Red sheep in the Alps (Christian Gazzarin)

Breeding objectives

The primary aim is to conserve the original and distinctive characteristics of this breed. The costs of keeping the Valais Red should be low. It is particularly suitable for the farming of marginal-yield areas and for landscape management.

h Hardiness, suitability for mountainous terrain, longevity h Maintenance of high disease resistance h Good fertility and maternal traits (rearing ability) h Medium roughage-based fattening capacity h Rapid wool growth

References

Zuchtverein Walliser Landschaf (www.walliser-landschaf.ch) ProSpecieRara (www.prospecierara.ch)