Alpaca Journal

To a person who has never bred animals, let alone alpacas, the technical aspects of genetics and animal breeding theory can be intimidating. It is important to step back and realize than common sense is the common denominator for success. People, who succeed at animal breeding use good information, are deliberate, patient, and consistent and they keep their breeding program simple.

These attributes would make anyone successful at any endeavor. Alpaca breeding can be mastered by anyone that is willing to learn the science of inheritance and apply it systematically. There are no short cuts. If you breed an outstanding male to an inferior female you will see improvement. The cria will most likely not be the equal of the sire but it will be better than the dam. Breed the same dam to an inferior male and the poor result is predictable. It’s common sense.

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RELATED LINKS:

• Developing a Breeding Program
• Selection from Animal Breeding
• Animal Prepotency

This article is an overview of the history of animal breeding. I was particularly struck by the emphasis on Professor Jay Lush’s contribution from his 1945 book, Animal Breeding Plans.

Ollivier discusses the definition of animal breeding, unconscious selection, population genetics, and it’s transformation to modern quantitative genetics. He summarizes recent developments in animal breeding and genetics and makes some far reaching observations about future challenges for animal breeders.

Click here to read Scientific Challenges to Animal Breeding and Genetics.

RELATED LINKS:

• Creating a Breeding Program

This paper, by Australian experts discusses the state of research into the feasibility of using artificial insemination in alpacas.

Artificial Insemination (AI) is an acceptable breeding technique in the rules of the Australian Alpaca Registry. It is prohibited by the ARI.

Click here to read Artificial Insemination in Alpacas (Lama pacos).

This article explores the mobile mating business. With more open females every year the market for stud services is ever expanding. Breeders prefer to keep their female with cria at side at their own ranch. This may be a business opportunity or service that you could use.

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Dr. Sumar presented his paper at the second annual Alpaca Western Extravaganza (AWE) in Redmond, Oregon on May 17, 2004. Julio had spent the previous two days judging the alpaca show, and on Sunday, he gave an oral presentation as part of the Gold of the Andes Seminar which was also taught by Maggie Krieger (Canada), Alonso Burgos (Peru), Jude Anderson (Australia), Luis Chavez (Peru), Angus McColl (Scotland/Denver), and Mike Safley (USA). His talk focused on the genetic and environmental contributions to the championship alpaca.

His observations on the importance of crimp and staple length are particularly interesting. He began his description on the importance of crimp by saying that he had recently read an alpaca book which said, “Crimp is not important.” This, he said with a smile, made him a “little crazy” because it was not true! Dr. Sumar went on to explain that staple length was the trait most affected by diet in alpacas.

The materials contained in What Makes a Champion are well worth studying by anyone endeavoring to create ideal alpacas. The Alpaca-Journal wants to thank Dr. Sumar for his kind permission to present his article to alpaca breeders worldwide.

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RELATED LINKS:

• The Role of Crimp in the Textile Industry
• Spilt Onions

This is a must read for breeders who want to make accurate color selection decisions. Study this article and create the colored cria of your dreams.

Today, in a casual but lively discussion with Cameron Holt, conducted during breaks in the less lively 2004 Australian Open Tennis Final, I confronted my own confusion regarding terminology that we apply to the feral fibres that we are all trying so hard to eliminate from our fleeces. You know, the ones that cause prickle factor, the ones we hear judges rail against as “medullated fibres”, the ones we learnt about in skin histology as “primary fibres”, the ones dismissively cast out with the skirtings as “guard hair.” All the same, right? Wrong!

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RELATED LINKS:

• What Makes a Champion?
• The Role of Crimp in the Textile Process

There are advantages and disadvantages in the use of inbreeding and outbreeding in domestic animal reproduction. Both approaches complement each other and, when used rationally, can help breeders progress in their genetic gain.

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RELATED LINKS:

• Practical Alpaca Breeding
• Pure Blood Part I
• Pure Blood Part II
• Pure Blood Part III