Developing Alpaca Breeding Strategies through Herd Assessment

 and Performance Records

 

 

Purpose:  To teach the breeder skills to evaluate alpacas and develop a herd scoring system.  To use herd performance data to develop effective breeding strategies and achieve herd genetic improvement.

 

Overview:  A one day course where students will be instructed in basic livestock systems and hands-on alpaca evaluation skills.

 

8:00-9:30 (BRETT)

The Livestock Model

The goals and responsibilities of breeders within different sectors of the traditional livestock model and how the alpaca breeder fits in.

 

9:30-10:30 (BRETT & DAVID)

Alpaca Evaluation Lab I - Conformation

We will look at several aspects of alpaca conformation including legs, jaw alignment, “top line” correctness.

 

10:30-12:00 (DAVID)

Defining Selected Traits

What traits do we as a breeder value to produce a commercial fleece industry.  Heritability, what we do or do not know at this point.  Discussion of ERTs.

Fleece – Fineness, SD, CV, Staple length

Conformation – jaw alignment, legs, top line and balance

Maternal traits – Birth weight, Birthing ease, cria vigor

• In herd evaluation vs. national herd comparison.
• Standardized evaluation, testing and reporting systems – learn from varied systems within the cattle industry.
• Design for future systems, EPDs, WGS

 

1:00-2:00 (BRETT & DAVID)

Evaluation Systems

Develop a herd scoring system for breeders to use in tracking performance.

 

2:00-3:30 (BRETT & DAVID)

Alpaca Evaluation Lab II – Fleece

We will be looking a density, micron, handle and brightness or luster.

 

3:30-4:30 (BRETT)

Applying the System

How to use performance data for more predictable mating outcomes.

 

4:30-5:00 (BRETT & DAVID)

Wrap up and Questions

In The Future what lies ahead and how can we be ready to embrace it.

A discussion of EPDs and what they offer the alpaca breeder.