The cutest black-nosed sheep in the world were born for the first time in Australia after embryos were imported from England.
Originating from the Swiss Alps, the Valais black-nosed sheep are traditionally raised for meat and wool, but their adorable appearance and gentle temperament have made them one of the most beloved pets.
With their panda-like eyes and “fluffy coats”, they look like they’ve stepped out of a Disney cartoon. The Valais black-nosed sheep are dubbed the “cutest sheep in the world”, making them the hottest ticket in the sheep world today.
Andrew Tongue, Head of Biosecurity at the Australian Department of Agriculture, stated that this breed of Valais black-nosed sheep has never appeared in Australia before.
“This breed has spread to Europe, the UK, and the US, and now the first Valais sheep have arrived in Australia, with the first lambs being born. In fact, farmers and pet lovers have been interested in bringing the Valais black-nosed sheep to Australia for many years,” Andrew Tongue added.
Embryos and breeding sperm have been imported to Australia by the specialized company Caprotek after they submitted an import application to the Australian Department of Agriculture.
The embryos and breeding sperm of the Valais black-nosed sheep had to meet strict standards and passed rigorous veterinary checks in the UK and Europe before being imported to Australia.
Strict biosecurity measures had to be implemented during transportation, as genetic material from the sheep, if not carefully preserved, could pose disease risks, including abortion, a common condition in cattle.
