A NEWSLETTER FOR NEW ENGLAND

ALPACA OWNERS AND BREEDERS

Published for NEAOBA by NEAOBA

MAY 2000

Dawn Brooker

Fiber Fields Alpaca Farm

Every alpaca breeder has been asked that infamous question, "Why alpacas?" Of course, the standard reply consist of a various concoction of the following: excellent investment, hearty livestock, wonderful fiber, and easy to care for.

All of which are completely true without a doubt. However that is only a fraction of the story.

A future breeder once stated, "He was concerned about having to do chores twice a day." My response was quick and concise, "You may find it is the highlight of your day." I think of ‘chores’ as time spent with the animals. It honestly doesn’t matter what I am doing, as long as I am out in the pasture.

I find the alpacas grow accustom to having me around while I’m doing the daily chores. I always take time to visit with them and notice what they are doing. The adults, as well as the crias, often greet me with a nose-kiss or a tug on my coat. Some of them follow me around the pasture to see what I’m going to do next. I have never been able to do chores without a welcomed interuption! It may be a subtle occurance like a shy imported animal came much closer than she ever has before, to one who insists on supervising manure removal from my elbow-- inspecting each shovelful carefully! One alpaca routinely leaps and dances (yes, dances) whenever I enter the pasture with his bowl…he’s a pretty happy boy.

Watching crias romp in the field after they have eaten their evening grain is heartwarming. They are so carefree and energetic. Often, they entice the entire herd to prance gracefully around the pasture as one unit. Now that is a sight to see, and one you rarely observe when visiting a farm, it happens when your animals are completely comfortable with your presence.

I always give myself permission to take a moment to enjoy the sights because that is what raising alpacas is all about.

A farm flyer is a full page advertisement completely prepared by the member. The proper number of copies(100 with the present size of NEAOBA) will need to be supplied by the member and sent to the Editor. The flyers can be double sided and in color if you choose. These will simply be added to the newsletter during assembly.

Guidelines for submitting ad materials:

1. Original photos are strongly recommended for each publication. This assures the finest quality of reproduction. We will gladly return the photos in the SASE you provide.
2. Original business cards are required for each publication. Example: 4 issues requires 4 cards.

NEAOBA MEETING:

July 9, 2000 @ 11:00

AOBA National Conference:

May 31-June 4, 2000

Louisville, KY

Eastern States Expo "The Big E"

September 25-28, 2000 (show dates)

Springfield MA

Contact person: Kevin O’Leary

Fryeburg Fair

October 4-8, 2000

Fryeburg Fair Grounds, Fryeburg, ME

Contact person: Cindy Lavan

NH Wool Tour

Early October(October 7-8?)

NEAF 2001

Mallory Building at The Big E

Stephen R. Purdy, DVM,

New England Camelid Services

This article is a review of some basic animal breeding practices, with special considerations on breeding alpacas. It expresses the opinions of the author based upon his own experiences breeding livestock (including alpacas), and lessons learned during 19 years of veterinary practice on all species of livestock.

1. There are no perfectly conformed animals. Selecting breeding stock always involves compromise.
2. Conformation is inherited and thus will be passed from parents to offspring. One parent’s conformational traits may dominate those of the other parent, for better or worse.
3. Breeding matches and the selection of new breeding stock should be done to continuously upgrade the quality of the herd’s conformation, fiber, disposition, and reproductive performance.
4. Less than 10 % of the males in this or any country should be used for breeding. Breeding studs should be superior animals. Those with poor conformation, presence, fiber, or reproductive performance should not be used.
5. Every female is not a breeding animal. Selectively discriminate based upon assessment of conformation, fiber, mothering ability, and reproductive performance.
6. Reproductive system abnormalities occur in alpacas as they do in all species. They should not be propagated for the good of the species.
7. Temperament is inherited and animals with poor temperaments should not be allowed to reproduce regardless of conformation or fiber characteristics.
8. Mothering ability is a learned behavior. The daughter of a bad mother will most likely also be a bad mother.
9. Most males should be gelded after 18 months of age to minimize the chances of future problems with the joints (patellar luxation, broken down pasterns, and arthritis).
10. Non stud quality males should be sold with the stipulation that the animal will be neutered at the appropriate age. Registration papers could be released after the receipt of a veterinarian’s certificate of castration.
11. Concentrating genetics through inbreeding in order to obtain specific conformational characteristics also concentrates genetic defects, whether they are externally obvious or not at first.

These are some of the common conformational faults you may encounter. They will become easier to recognize as you critically examine more animals. Bring a checklist with you to critique animals you are interested in purchasing or using for breeding to your stock.

1. Under and overbites of the incisor teeth- the incisor teeth should meet the upper dental pad at or behind the front edge
2. Abnormal ears- alpaca ears should be spear-shaped and not tipped over or chopped off (gopher ears)
3. Crooked front legs- a mild degree of deviation at the carpus (knee) in front is normal for the breed
4. Bad hind legs: Sickle hocks- when the hind legs angle forward to an extreme degree towards the front legs as viewed from the side- may be accompanied by an uneven, rocky gait or a hump in the back. Cow hocks- most camelids are mildly cow-hocked (hind legs point outward as viewed from the front or rear), but it should not be excessive
5. Humped topline- upward or downward deviation of the spine
6. Undersize frame size for the animal’s age
7. Short neck or long back- balance is important
8. Poor quality fiber
9. Females with more or less than 4 normal teats
10. Cataracts of the lens- heritability unknown- may get progressively worse with age

Males: Breeding studs should immediately stand out above other males. This is a quality called presence. Other qualities to assess include:

1. Conformation
2. Testicle size, symmetry, and consistency upon palpation
3. Attitude- safety in handling
4. Libido- should be aggressive, but easily controlled- ask for a demonstration
5. Fiber
6. Reproductive history if available- fertility and quality of offspring produced- inspect the parents also

Females: All females are not of sufficient quality to be used for breeding. Assess the following:

1. Conformation
2. Examine udder, vulva, and vagina and cervix for abnormalities
3. Attitude- timid females may be difficult to breed because of confusion over receptivity to the male, and they may be poor mothers showing fear of their own crias
4. Reproductive history- examine breeding records, and quality and growth of offspring produced- inspect parents also
5. Mothering ability- attention to the cria, and cria growth (related to milk production and genetic strength)

These are the most common breeding strategies practiced by alpaca breeders. Positive and negative aspects of each are described. When breeding a herd animal such as the alpaca, the natural herd behavior should be considered. Breeding is a group activity, and the most successful breeding farms keep this in mind at all times. It is most successful when it occurs nearby to other animals, not away from the herd. The goal of a breeding program is the production of quality offspring in a reasonable time period. Non producing or problem females and ineffective studs are a liability to your breeding program. The cause of their ineffectiveness should be thoroughly investigated, and if it is not correctable, they should be removed from the breeding program.

Late spring and early fall are the best times for births and breeding. Animal fertility and cria growth are best at these times. Consider the herd behavior of the alpaca in South America when selecting the breeding season for your farm. Closeness to the natural season is best. Winter births result in a drastic temperature shock for the newborn at birth. Keeping warm alone is enough of a stress for the mother and cria without having to produce milk or grow.

Hand or Appointment Breeding:

1. Should be carried out in a natural setting (male brought to the female near the rest of the herd or to a pen with other females- minimizes fear in maiden females)
2. Breed no more than once per week to avoid overbreeding and creation of uterine infections.
3. Behavior test every other day until the female rejects the male’s advances. Behavior testing is part of a stud’s job- he would do it all day long in a natural herd setting- don’t be afraid to use him for this. If the female’s receptivity is in question, do not breed her! Reintroduce the male the next day.

You must take the time to learn the female’s reproductive behavior. All females are not alike!

Recheck receptivity weekly after breeding.

4. If three breedings do not result in a pregnancy, seek veterinary assistance to rule out problems with the female, male, or your breeding management.
5. Allows for exact breeding dates, although the normal gestation length varies between 11 and 12 months.
6. Studs must not be overused, especially in the summer at the time of lowest male fertility.

Pen Breeding: One or two females in with the stud for 2 to 3 weeks at a time.

1. Exact breeding dates are not known.
2. May spread uterine infections among females housed together.
3. Limits the number of females serviced by a male during the period of pen confinement.
4. Males may overbreed females if constantly exposed leading to reproductive problems.

Pasture Breeding: Male in with several females

1. The most natural way of breeding
2. It may result in the spread of uterine infections.
3. Exact breeding dates are unknown.
4. The reproductive status of females and males is not known until after the breeding period is over- may result in lost time and lost production.

Several types of guarantees are common in the alpaca industry. Most favor the seller over the buyer as the animal is no longer under the seller’s control once it leaves their management. You should know exactly what you are agreeing to ahead of time. You may ask for as much detail in the contract as you wish. Make sure you understand the exact definition of all terms in the contract. Common types of guarantees include:

1. Live cria produced if the purchased female is pregnant- meaning that the cria stands and nurses at birth. Failure to do so may be covered by rebreeding to the stud of the owner’s choice, replacement of the female (whose choice of replacement?), or refund of purchase price.
2. Aborting females may be rebred for free, or replaced.
3. Infertile males or females may be tested at the seller’s farm before replacement. Who should pay for the cost of this, and for the loss of production time? How much time should be allowed for proof of infertility?
4. Most sellers/breeders are willing to accommodate any reasonable request. Make sure you have all of the details worked out in advance in writing to avoid any misconceptions on the part of anyone.

This article is a brief overview of the selection of breeding stock, sound breeding practices, breeding strategies, and reproductive guarantees. The success of your individual breeding program is based upon careful selection of breeding stock, continual upgrading of your herd, and attention to detail on your part. Minimizing the stress to which breeding animals are exposed is also critical to achieving reproductive success. You are responsible for making decisions that will determine your own success. Take advantage of expert advice and use careful observation to adapt your breeding program to your individual animals’ needs. Your goal is to make each breeding a successful one, producing a healthy cria, which has the opportunity to grow to become a breeding animal itself. You must understand alpaca behavior and the individual personalities among your stock to make this a reality.

Have you listed your alpacas for sale on the NEAOBA web site?

$15 / year / animal

That’s hard to beat!

Should members outside the specific New England states, respectively, New York

have voting rights ?

RESULTS: A total of 34 farms voted

Yes: 24

No: 10

The vote to change the bylaws to give New York Farm Members the right to vote has passed.

NEAFP Spring 2000

(New England Alpaca Fiber Pool)

by Sallie Whitlow, Jan Hensle, and Lorrie O’Connor

The New England 2000 Alpaca Fiber Pool has really exciting new products for members this year, in addition to the ones we produced last year. We are going to offer 100 % Alpaca sweaters at Great Prices (See the insert in this Newsletter). The primary factor in this breakthrough was the discovery of a North American spinning mill that can produce a worsted yarn like what’s coming from South America, and at, possibly, a lower cost per pound. We will be making knitted products from this yarn this year.

Please take note of the collection instructions, and dates as outlined on the enclosed insert. Remember the final collection date will be the July 9th NEAOBA meeting at Folsom Farm. We are still not requiring micron testing of fleeces, so be very judgmental about the fineness and cleanliness of your fleece contributions to each pool. WE WILL BE!!!

We are going to repeat the thick and warm Narragansett Bay Blanket from blanket fleece in light and dark styles, along with the toastie, woolly Alpaca Sox from neck, belly, and coarse fleece. There will also be four styles of men’s and women’s sweaters offered from long, fine Suri and Huacaya fleece. A V-neck sweater-vest, with or without long sleeves, a Boat-neck sweater, and a Lady’s Cardigan crew neck. There is also a designer Afghan, 74x56, offered and Pillow Covers in two sizes. All of these designs will come in a blended color unless we get enough fiber to make a separate light and dark yarn. All knit products will come solid colors, plain knit, or in a textured knit plaid design. Samples of these designs will be at NEAF, MAPACA, AOBA, and on a newly created Fiber Pool web site linked to the NEAOBA web site. Check out the great prices in the NEAFP Flyer in this newsletter.

If there is interest in yardage fabric next year, we also have a new mill that makes material for the Italian designer market. However, before we get to that point, we have to hear from our members on what direction they would like the Pool to go. Remember, this is YOUR fiber pool. We are only the facilitators.

Here we are at the beginning of another year, or more specifically the beginning of spring, the time of the year when the barns give way to the fields, and we begin to watch the grass grow, and slowly move outside. However, NEAOBA has been at work, since before the first frost settled into the ground this past fall, planning for this year’s New England Alpaca Fest at the end of May. In addition, we start to think about all the regional and national events that are available for the promotion of our wonderful animals. Nor do we forget the many local Summer and Fall events, outside the immediate alpaca world, that can be used to showcase alpacas and their fiber to the public. Every New England state has agricultural shows and fiber related fairs throughout the year. Our premise has always been to educate the public, and there’s no better way to do that than to attend these local functions. We may even sell an Alpaca or two.

Upcoming on our regional agenda, at the end of September, is the Eastern States Exposition, commonly known as the "Big E." This year the Alpacas have their own time slot for their ALSA show. We have hired a professional to orchestrate the event for and with us. The premiums for showing animals covered expenses with ease. In addition, the Big E can be a very informative experience to actually evaluate how successful an individual breeding program is, and to perhaps highlight the goal to aim for in other breeding programs. The judging is not just about competition, but a definition of our improvement of the breed. Kevin O’Leary has offered to chair the event from September 25th to the 28th. Lots of volunteers are going to be needed. This is OUR Event now. We’ve got to show the Big E how it’s really done right! (continue…)

Now to the year 2001. We have scheduled the New England Alpaca Fest in the Mallory Building at the Big E for May 19th and 20th, 2001. Hopefully this change of venue will expand our area of interest and create a new source of future Alpaca owners from the western edge of the New England region.

Nominations are now being opened for all positions in NEAOBA. The position of "Newsletter" editor will be open as well. I would like to thank Dawn Brooker for the wonderful job she has done. She’ll be a hard act to follow, but we will build on the wonderful foundation she has put down for us.

Topics on the agenda for the next meeting, which is scheduled for Sunday May 21^st at 8:00 in the morning, are: New England health regulations, Marketing, Funding, Web Site, Fiber Pool, Newsletter, Big E, and Meeting Places for next year.

by Mike Tierney, Maple Brook Farm

When I was asked to write an article about selecting an alpaca to show, the first thing I thought about was my legal pad and pencil. To make sense out of that, I guess you need to understand how I began showing alpacas and what I learned along the way.

Having shown show quality quarterhorses all my life, I thought alpacas would be a piece of cake. I’ll never forget my first show at the "Big E". We decided that we would bring about eight alpacas down the first year they had alpacas at the Big E. We went out to the pasture, rounded up our Peruvian imports, dragged them into the trailer, herded them out into their pens at the Mallory Arena. The rest of the experience was just as comical. Many of them wouldn’t lead and never made the show ring. The ones that did lead were all over the place and very few came close to placing. Having had a very successful career in showing horses, this was not as

enjoyable an experience. After the show, I’ll never forget Tom Marino, a seasoned Llama breeder coming up to me any saying, "Don’t worry. You will learn what they are looking for". I sat back and thought about that for a long time and realized that we need to put the alpacas back in the pasture and take a seat in the bleachers and study who is winning in the show ring and why. We traveled to every major show across the U.S. and studied the winners both in

and out of the ring. We paid special attention to the bloodlines and herdsires of the top three places and decided that these were the sires we were going to use in our breeding program. We put most value in those alpacas that win at the "All American Futurity". We find that particular show attracts the best of the best and is judged by three judges – including one from South America.

Now, to measure the results: This is where I get out the legal pad and pencil. My wife Robin and I make this a joint effort. Two opinions always work best. We use a simple 5-point system and rate each alpaca on bite, fiber, confirmation and presence. We start this process at weaning time and repeat the evaluation at least five or six times on different days over a period of about 10 days. Most of our time is spent on fiber evaluations. A good bite is a good bite. Confirmation and presence are the first and very important impressions. If an alpaca does not have a good bite and confirmation, he does not belong in the show ring. The real difference is in the fiber. Remember, at least 50% of the final evaluation is in the fiber. I believe the percentage must be higher because everything being equal, the fiber will make the difference if you place or not. We look at the histogram results and judge each cria on the handle, crimp, and density and open up the fleece and see if it has the shine we are looking for. When the judge has narrowed the field and makes a quick evaluation by feeling each alpaca down the line, it is the handle and density that seems to make the difference in the end. We compare these crias to their brothers and sisters and their show results. We select the top prospects and they become our show alpacas for the season.

One thing you must keep in mind when you show any livestock is that it is only an opinion of an impartial judge(s) on any given day. Win or loose – don’t be afraid to compete. It is the best way to promote your farm and test your breeding program. Above all, have fun and enjoy these great little creations.

CRIATIONS!!! CRIATIONS!!! CRIATIONS!!! CRIATIONS!!!

IndianSummer Alpacas: "Banshee" (F) 4/6/00, burgundy with black highlights, Sire: Money Maker (rose grey),

Kilblaan Farm: "KF Mariposa" dk brown, Sire: Maori Magic(black), Dam: Black Mariah(black)

Acorn Alpaca Ranch: "Black Velvet" (M) 3/8/00, black, , Sire: City Slicker(silver grey),

"Obsydian Thunder" (M) 2/22/00, black, Sire: Black Thunder(black),

Wilpaca: Unnamed (M) 4/12/00, black, Sire: Maori Magic(black), Dam: Seraphim(silver)

Hidden Hill Farm: "HHF Wiracocha's Rosalita" (F) 2/22/00, white, Sire: 4Peruvian Wiracocha(fawn),

Folsom Farm: "FF MacKenzie" (F) 3/15/00, beige, Sire: El Moustachio (white), Dam: RRA Cinnamon (rose grey)

Mettowee Valley Farm: "Flurry" white w/lt fawn, Sire: Tardis (white), Dam: Opalina (lt fawn).

Cunningham Island Alpaca Stud: "Millie" (F) 3/00, maroon, Sire: Cappaccino(maroon pie bald),

A.L. Pacas: "Love Potion" (F) fawn; 3/21/00 Sire: Peruvian Chocolateer; Dam: Zola Budd

"Derbie" (F) med brown/black, 3/15/00, Sire: Peruvian Chocolateer; Dam: Lovely Sara

"Flint" (M) dk silver gray, 3/14; Sire:Request the Best; Dam:Black Magic

Camels Hump Alpaca Farm: Nonameyet, (M) black, 4/10/00, Sire: Maori Magic(black), Dam: Angelina of Camels

Cas-Cad-Nac Farm: "CCNF Buttercup" (F) 3/13/00, lt fawn, Sire:Peruvian Wiracocha(fawn),

Parker River Alpaca Farm: "PRAF Chilale" (F) 3/24/00, fawn, Sire: MVF Tardis(white),

Chase Tavern Farm: "CT Angus the Great" (M) 3/22/00, bay black w/black points,

"CT Cornelius the Great" (M) 3/23/00, black, Sire: 4Peruvian Royal 'Black' Condor (black),

"CT Mateen" (M) 3/9/00, red-brown, Sire: : 6Peruvian Midas Touch(med brown),

"CT Royal T" (M) 3/8/00, fawn, Sire: 3Peruvian Accoyo Royal Fawn(fawn),

"CT Wasbi" (M) lt fawn, Sire: 6Peruvian Midas Touch(med brown), Dam: 5Peruvian Sunset(fawn)

Fiber Fields Alpaca Farm: "FFAF Salsa" (F) 3/4/00, med brown, Sire: Hot Tomali(red),

Dam: Joanie(med brown)

New England Alpacas: "NEA Halifax" (M) med fawn, 4/18/00, Sire:Maple Brook Elliot(white),

by Cindy Lavan, Chase Tavern Farm

My husband, Tim and I have been raising and breeding alpacas for going on 7 years now. You would of thought we have seen everything there is to be seen in that time frame. We have a herd of over 80 alpacas and have been breeding on the farm from day one. We have learned a lot about alpacas and their behavior over that time, but each day, we find ourselves learning more and more as our herd continues to grow.

By no means does anyone know it all. All of us are learning something new, sometime through the year about alpacas, their husbandry needs, or their fiber. Alpacas have been in the United States since 1984. The initial herd started with only a few hundred and over the years, the North American alpaca herd has grown to roughly 26,400 with more being produced each day. What will the year 2000 bring in numbers? Estimates are around 30,000, including ARI registered and non-ARI registered alpacas.

As our national herd grows, so does our knowledge base. When we started, we were told to administer medications differently than what you would be told today if starting. This is not because the people who told us these things were wrong, it’s because our knowledge base has grown and changed as we have adapted more to these animals and they have to our climates and forage. A breeder starting today is at a greater advantage in that they can learn from our mistakes of the past and come in on equal footing regards to health and husbandry needs.

Remember, even though the alpaca is born in the United States, its integumentary or insides resemble their parents and their parent’s parents. As our herd becomes more domestically born, our alpacas will adapt to our forages, etc. In the meantime, we must work with them, not them with us.

One of the questions we always get from folks interested in owning alpacas is what they should start with, breeding or pet-quality stock? If breeding stock, then what? Males, young females or pregnant females?

If you are interested in owning alpacas you must first decide for what reasons you want the animals. As pets? As an income producer? As a tax advantage? Do I start with pregnant females, weanlings or a herdsire when beginning my herd?

Knowing where you might want to be in a few years will help determine the answer to this question. If you wish to build your herd slowly over time and enjoy many tax advantages before selling offspring, then starting with weanlings over pregnant females may be the way to go. If you wish to grow your herd faster and offer alpacas for sale within a shorter period of time, then beginning with pregnant females is the way to go. Our goal as a breeder is always to find alpacas for our clients that will be the best value for the amount they wish to invest. This may mean all pregnant females, all weanling females or a mixture of both. Will you be boarding your alpacas until your property is ready? There are many advantageous to boarding pregnant females versus weanling females, such as free board time associated with breeding fees which will help decrease your costs along the way.

When we began, the number of quality herdsires in our area was limited along with the number of alpacas. Now, New England is home to some of the nation’s best alpacas and that is wonderful for us all. The opportunity to find excellent breeding stock and genetics so close to home is advantageous for new farms getting started. They can work with the established farm and utilize the known genetics of the region. Buying a herdsire is as important of an investment as buying your females. He may be responsible for ½ of your entire herd one day. Maybe, when breeding to top males, you can create your own future sire as well. Always look for a male to complement and improve your female’s characteristics. Even when we had two herdsires on our farm, we still bred out to increase the variety of bloodlines and quality on our farm. It is now, after seven years , we have built a row of high quality herdsires that we maintain a large percentage of our breeding’s ‘in-house,’ but still look to add diversity when re-investing our stock with females bred to different sires.

Geldings or Pets. Geldings should never be overlooked as they are a very important part of your herd. Taking a gelded male to a nursing home or school function makes a lot more sense than a pregnant female due within a few weeks. They are great companion animals for other alpacas and never should be overlooked or under-appreciated when building an overall herd.

Well conformed, well fibered, well priced alpacas. Know that your alpaca business, fiber or breeding, will grow naturally as your herd grows. Focus on finding the best stock for the price you want to spend allocating a reserve for insurance to protect your investment, veterinary, stud and develop expenses.

Folks starting today have a wide realm of resources on which to start that we didn’t seven years ago. Learn from our growing pains to build a healthier and happier herd for your future.

CAMELIDS AT THE VERMONT SHEEP AND WOOL FESTIVAL

by Terry Miller, Snowshoe Farm

Spring is always a busy season for the livestock owner. With birthing, shearing, showing and lots of shoveling to clean out the barn after winter, we have all we can do to manage one day at a time. Spring is however, also the time to look forward to and plan for the Fall activities we have scheduled here in Vermont. Along with hosting the GALA conference this year, we can look forward to the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival on September 30 and October 1.

The Vermont Sheep Breeders’ Association sponsors the Festival, and this year several other livestock organizations including NEAGBA, Fiberworks and the Vermont Llama and Alpaca Association are working in cooperation with VSBA. Llamas and alpacas have been a part of this Festival for several years now along with goats and angora rabbits. A number of NEAOBA members have participated in the past.

For those of you who have never been to the Festival, it is held at the Snowshed Base Lodge at Killington. There is indoor booth space for exhibitors and outdoor tents for animal pens. There are numerous educational workshops offered throughout the Festival, shearing and dog demos, and competitions for handcrafted items and fiber. This is a very popular and well-attended event; approximately 3000 people visited the Festival last year.

The Festival is a great opportunity for NEAOBA to educate the public about camelids. In addition, members will be able to market their animals and fiber products. It would be a wonderful goal to have enough NEAOBA and VLAA participation to fill a tent with llama and alpaca pens.

Traditionally, a number of participants volunteer to present brief (one-hour) workshops throughout the weekend. Suggestions for workshops and volunteers from NEAOBA would be very much appreciated.

1. What kind of wormers do you use?

• Oral, Injectable? Frequency?

• When do you stop worming your pregnant females prior to delivery?

1. What percentage of your alpacas do you micron test? Do you find that your animals' fiber micron count increases each year? and by how much?

Liz MacEachran:

1. We use Dectomax once a month. We stop a little before delivery. We do micron testing on about 75% of the herd. I think it goes up until they are about 3. We don't even consider histograms on animals we are considering for purchase unless they are dated and recent.

Ana Romanik:

1. We use Ivromectin injectable monthly. Depending on information and research recieved, we may consider using Dectomax next year in the hard winter months. We use Panacur or Valbazen oral twice a year. (Spring & Fall). We switch Females who are due to deliver within 3 months over to Ivermectin orally.

2. Starting this spring, all cria and alpacas for sale will have micron counts tested annually.

Jim Cross:

1. We alternate Ivomec Plus injections monthly with Panacur paste orally to give a broader range of parasite coverage and reduce impact on the liver from injectables. 1B. Two months.

1. We use a monthly injection of ivomec for all animals on the farm. Once a quarter they are all treated with panacur to control intestinal parasites. We do not worm pregnant females 30 days prior to their delivery date.

2. All of our babies are micron tested between 6 - 8 months of age. If we still have the cria on the farm when they reach 18-24 months we will micron test again. The change in the micron does depend on the alpaca, some have changed significantly while others have changed/increased only slightly.

Peter Rosengarten:

1. Dectomax Injectable monthly. We don't worm for sixty days after pregnancy and thirty days prior to birth.

2. Micron test all but our 11 year old. Yes, the fiber increases in diameter each year. Wish it did not. This happened with our cashmere goats too

1. We use Ivomectin (SQ) monthly, and Panacur or Safeguard bi-monthly.

2. All alpacas are micron counted...(have had only one years worth of fiber... nothing to compare with yet...).

Leo Pfieffer:

1. Injectable Ivomec, monthly except Dec. Jan. & Feb. Stop 30 days prior to delivery.

2. Have never done micron testing.

Lorrie O’Connor:

Ivomec inj., every 6 wks. from April to November. Stop Females 6 wks before delivery

2. All our animals every year including the guard llama. I just wanted to track how fiber does change. One of the things I learned at the fiber clinic was that it is very important to take the fiber sample from the same place on the animal year to year. Easier said than done. So I guess my comparisons aren't very accurate.

1. We use a combination of de-wormers: ivermectin (Ivomec) and fenbendazole (Safeguard or Panacur)…

Administration - Our parasite control program is to

administer Ivomec (IVR) once a month by SQ (or IM) injection. We originally gave IVR by mouth but changed our program when we discovered oral to be an inferior method of administration as the IVR passes through the intestinal system with only a low rate of blood absorption. Pour-on is in fact poor on as the IVR is not absorbed into the blood stream.

Dosage - We administer IVR at the rate of 2 ml per 100 pounds body weight which is above the label dosage of 1 ml / 110 pounds. The enhanced dosage is to maintain an effective level of IVR in the bloodstream for 20 days or more so that the shot only needs to be repeated monthly. The white tailed deer population in our area is large and this program is designed to offer protection against Meningeal Worm.

Administration - we give Safeguard liquid by mouth. We tried using the Safeguard treated crumbles (a treated grain) but were less than pleased as some alpacas ate more than others; meaning, some were over dosed and others were under dosed.

Dosage - We administer fenbendazole at the rate of 20 mg / kg one time for routine maintenance. Since Safe-Guard's fenbendazole concentration is 100 mg per ml, we give 9.0 ml per 100 pounds body weight. If we see signs of tape worm then we give this same dosage for 3 to 5 days in a row.

We give IVR once a month for 4 months in a row then switch to Safeguard for the 5th month. This is done to catch the intestinal parasites which escape IVR. Some studies have suggested Safeguard to be inferior to IVR for protection against Meningeal Worm and for this reason we limit our dependence on it as our monthly dewormer to around 3 times per year. This program continues for all 12 months of the year.

We do not give IVR to crias less than 120 days of age. For crias greater than 30 days and less than 120 days we prefer to administer Safeguard as the monthly agent.

Pregnant females are given Ivomec through their pregnancies until the last 2 months of gestation. During the last 2 months, no routine shots are given or any type to minimize stress on the female. One to two days post criation, we then treat the female with IVR or Safeguard. We also administer Ivomec or Safeguard to females who are in their breeding programs; meaning, dewormers are given to females which are in their very early stages of pregnancy.

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We have never had a problem doing this over the last six years and over several hundred conceptions.

2. Micron Testing: We attempt to test prospective herdsire males every year beginning at no sooner than 1 year of age. Males in our breeding program are then micron tested yearly. Most females are micron tested once, at one year of age. Our top tier of dams are watched more closely as are our premium fiber producers. We have seen yearly average diameters for specific alpacas increase by as much as 2 points per year while others have oscillated, going slightly up and down over the years. A fairly common issue is hair creep where the guard hair normally found under the stomach begins to work its way up the sides of the alpaca into the prime portion of the barrel. The average diameter might increase by several points but the standard deviation and percent over 30 begins to significantly increase as the adult alpaca comes of 4 to 5 years of age.

Carl Robitaille:

1. We currently use Ivomec injectable for worming.

2. We Micron test selectively, and have no 'trending' data for micron.

1.We use Ivermectin oral dose every 6 weeks from freeze to freeze. During mid-winter, we give oral Safeguard once.

2. We micron test 100% of our alpacas within the first year. After that, we "spot-check" microns as desired, particularily with herdsires. The average yearly increase is 0.7 microns.

1. We use Ivermectin for worming, administered orally once a month, at the suggestion of other breeders. (if anyone has a difference of opinion on this we are very open to suggestions).

2. We have not tested our animals ourselves yet as we

have not owned any of them for a year, but we will be submitting a sample later this year. I would expect to see a slight increase in micron count over time but would be surprised if it were measurable on our animals as they are still quite young. We will see!

1. We give Ivomec subcutaneously once a month from April thru to November (sometimes even December if still warm in early November. For pregnant girls, our (including the vet's) thinking has varied, but for now we plan to give the shots up to 1 month before due dates, and start again as soon as the cria is well started. In some years we have been more cautious and left the ladies alone for more like 8 weeks.

2. We have rarely done micron tests, though last year the whole herd was submitted. For those that had been done previously, we did see an increase of 3-5 microns in the mean over 2-4 years.

1. Our deworming program consists of monthly ivermectin (injectable) during the grazing season. In addition, we give our alpacas an oral dose of Panacur twice a year - spring and summer.

2. This will be our first shearing, so we have not had any micron testing done yet.

1. We currently use Ivomec injectable for worming.

2. We Micron test selectively, and have no 'trending' data for micron.

1. We de-worm with Dectomax on a monthly basis while checking the overall condition of the alpacas. Pregnant females are given this medication orally and only sub-q in mid-pregnancy if the conditions warrant. Sometimes this coincides with the starting of the spring season as well. We administer to all males and unbred females as early as 1 month of age sub-Q with doseage depending on weight. We have heard of cases of menigeal worm into January, so if weather conditions warrant, will continue to de-worm with this derivite of Ivermectin into January. We usually give our last injections of the season roughly 3-4 weeks after the snow has covered the ground completely and will begin again when they begin to forage on leftover leaves and the spring wet season and temperatures warm up, usually end of March or early April.

We also do routine random fecals 2x a year, spring and fall checking for parasites in groups versus finding any problems on an individual basis. We have used Pancur paste and liquid for years, but are finding some of the animals immune to this product and use Levanasole tablets in lieu of the Panacur. On a rotation basis, we will add the Panacur to our de-worming schedule 3-4x a year as conditions warrant.

Know it is not ideally recommended to adminsiter two de-wormers to an alpaca on the same day, but to allow for an overlap time for two reasons: (1) to make sure each medication has a chance to work effectively on the problem and (2) as to not cause any stomach upset or other symptoms of illness to show in the alpaca, which may take a day or two to work out of their system.

Prior to delivery, we will not de-worm with anything roughly 1 1/2 months before if possible. If conditions warrant, then we will adminster only orally, not sub-Q. On the other end, before breeding, we will de-worm sub-Q, but not de-worm again until 1 1/2 after pregnancy confirmed and then again if conditions warrant.

2. Roughly 50-60%. Definitely on cria around 6 months of age and then again after their second fleece comes in. 100% on adults under 4yrs of age and then it varies on older adults such as if they are used for breeding, etc. Also, we may follow a few animals over a few years to see their micron progression. We have tested stud males each year around shearing time and on average their microns have increased 1.5-2.0 microns per shearing. Examples: 19.1 then 20.9, 17.4 - 19.2. Know that factors such and humidity and dampness may effect micron counts and to always pay attention to the CV number as those are the more consistent numbers to look at over a period of time.

1.I use Ivermec pour-on suggested by my vet. He has taken care of a few large llama farms for many years that have only used this pour-on with great success. I have been using it for 1 1/2 years now with no problems to report. I know research shows that the pour-on has not been studied long term and has not come out with a knowledgeable answer as to whether or not it works on camelids. However, my personal experience and that of many llama farms has shown it does. As my vet said, " If it ain't broke, don't fix it". I administer it quarterly, mid January, April, July, and October. I also use Panacur paste, orally, twice per year, mid March and August. I don't give pregs Ivermec or Panacur in their first month and a half or last month and a half.

2. I will be sending fiber out for micron testing for the first time this sheering season.

1. We use both Ivermectin and Dectomax, injectables, and worm all animals every 4-6 weeks. We continue to worm our pregnant females until the month before they deliver.

2. Since we have been raising alpacas for only a couple of years, we micron tested every animal last year at shearing. We will do it again this year. The process is pretty inexpensive, so I would be inclined to test every year. I expect to see a small increase in the micron count as animals age--probably a point or two each year.

1. We use Dectomax every once a month (28 days) SQ approximately early April through late November, depending on the weather conditions to specifically target menigeal worm (as well as intestinal parasites in general). We also administer Panacur paste orally in spring and fall as well as run routine herd fecals 2-4 times per year. Pregnant Females: If meningeal season is approaching, we will de-worm before breeding. We continue de-worming throughout the pregnancy avoiding the initial 30-45 days and the last 30-45 days before their due date. We also take the weather/time of year into consideration as well as the temperment of the individual animal.

2. We have not done much micron testing, we expect to do more in the future. Micron analysis is an important tool to use in a balance with handle, crimp and luster. It is not designed to be used soley when evaluating a fleece. We also feel the "average micron" is not as important as the standard deviation which evaluates the uniformity of a fleece. We would much prefer a fleece that is slightly higher in average micron with a lower standard deviation than one that has a low average micron and a higher standard deviation.

1. We use Ivermec (SC) once a month starting in April or May depending if they are out on pasture and continue to worm every month until the ground

freezes. Then I will worm the adults once during the winter with Valbazen or Panacur. I keep my pregnant females on their monthly routine through out their pregnacy.

2. We do not routinely do micron counts on our alpacas. Micron counts are so easily changed with nutrition. To be of real value I think there should

be a standard age at which time they are done. I have seen ads with micron counts in the teens and when you look at the DOB that sample would have had to

have been done when the cria was only a couple of months old.

Foshay

Q & A from the Field ……..Part II

by Cindy Lavan, Chase Tavern Farm

The following are a few frequently asked questions we have received from folks interested in alpacas and breeders themselves over the years. Communicating with other breeders about raising alpacas helps us all learn and benefit. Most importantly, it helps the animals. You may or may not agree with all the answers I give below and you may have comments to add supplementing or negating them. If so, please make note of them to share with us all soon. Communication is education.

A. Fencing for alpacas should primarily be designed to keep things out versus keeping them in. Alpacas in general do not challenge fencing. Leave a gate or door open or slightly ajar, that’s another story. Alpacas are primary herd animals and want to stay with the herd. Even when some animals have ‘escaped,’ they do not seem to wander far from the rest of the herd, usually just on the other side of the fence line. One lovely summer morning, many years ago, we awoke to find ½ of a group of girls sitting peacefully under a maple tree outside their fenced

when you find ‘escapees.’ They can get excited when

they feel your are excitement . Fencing is primarily to keep possible predators out. We have used the following types of fencing successfully with alpacas: high tensile electric fence (6 strand – 3 hot, 3 ground), square fencing (goat height) on posts placed every ten feet with a top hot wire, temporary ‘hot’ orange or green fencing (goat height) with stakes every 10 feet placed in the ground as well as panels made of wood and wire mesh or metal for corrals. My golden rule on fencing – use the type of fencing that will allow you to sleep at night and keep your alpacas safe from predators or from injuring themselves.

A. We have used a simple 3 sided shed with a south face built on skids to house males. We also use fully structured barns, with wooden floors for a ‘clean area’ when shearing, etc. Other parts have dirt floors. We bring in mason sand to build up the floors in the summer and bed those up with straw for winter. Some folks use types of pea stone as well for flooring. Some folks use concrete floors topped with heavy mats and then add straw in winter for bedding. Flooring may depend on the type of structure you wish to house the alpacas in. Typically, I like to allow for at least a 5’ x 5’ of space area for each alpaca and her cria. However, they do tend to huddle close together to share warmth in winter and you will find they only use part of the area you are providing them with. Still, allowing them the extra space makes for a less stressed environment. Allow for flexibility in your shelter as your herd grows and your housing needs change. (For example – studs not getting along, weaning areas, etc.) My golden rule on shelters – use the type of shelter you feel comfortable with and always try to keep a south face or opening.

A. A loaded question. Ask 5 different breeders what they feed or have fed and you would probably get 10 different answers. Do know this – that every alpaca in your herd requires different nutrients and has different needs. Gelded males love food, but they don’t need as much since they are not producing cria or mating anymore. They will try to convince you otherwise however. I have produced many geldings that look like they are ready to deliver twins anyday. Females with cria in-utero and nursing another cria on the side need the most nutrition. Stud or working males and growing cria next. Based on your herd size, your herd health and your soil conditions, each farm must evaluate and feed according to its specific needs. Soil testing is essential in this process. Hay analysis as well. From these two established factors you can assess your TDN (Total Digestive Nutrients) needed and decide which type of commercial grain or home-made feed mixture you can use that will most effectively supply your animals with the best nutrition possible. My golden rule on feeding - Always check with your vet.

A. Firstly, you are entering into an agreement where you have to feel the most comfortable you can. You are trusting the agistors – those folks with whom your alpacas are living with - with the care and daily management of what could be a rather large investment. Make sure you feel comfortable with the folks. Ask them questions. Ask them what they do in emergency situations. Ask them what they feed and how they feed. Ask them as many questions as you can. If the animals have already been living with the agistor, it will be an easier transition for the animal – they won’t even know they were sold. If moving the alpaca(s) to a new boarding facility closer to home, make sure the folks sending the alpacas and the folks receiving them have communicated on the needs, behavior and feed requirements of the alpacas involved. Boarding costs for alpacas in New England will usually vary on the season. It costs more to keep any animal through the winter than if they are on pasture all summer. Discuss with your agistor the contract before signing any agreements. How often do they de-worm? What are the routine annuals given? What do my boarding costs cover? What are some extra fees I may expect to assume over the course of boarding? How far is their vet? Building your herd will only increase your investment and get you started in alpacas soon if you wish.

A. Common sense will help dictate the answer to this question, but know that it may take some time for the vet to either make it to your farm to evaluate the animal or it may take time for you to drive the animal in. Question should really be – Do I think I have time? There have been times where we have rushed animals in and they are fine. Other times we have rushed animals in and it was too late to help them. Each problem is specific and any concerns you have call your veterinarian immediately.

A. Quite. Look for a herd within the herd to develop. One may get integrated in the ‘other herd’ and one may be shunned for a few days. It will take time for all new stall mates to accept each other. It is also highly suggested that whenever you introduce a new animal(s) into a herd, you have a period of quarantine for them to go through. This way they get to know you and you them. By this I mean, know their dung. Know what it looks like so when they get integrated with the herd, you will know if it changes due to stress, etc. Quarantine could be as simple as keeping the two new arrivals, or the new one and a friend you have to offer them within a coral area for a couple of days, adjacent to the rest of the herd, but not running with them completely.

A. Mini-vans work well. Any SUV with fold down or take out seats in the back work well. A pick-up truck with a cap on the back. Know your alpacas and know what they would be comfortable riding in. No one wants an alpaca to go jumping through the back window, so safety is important. When transporting in SUV’s or smaller vechiles, it is recommended to use a dog-gate so the alpacas don’t end up helping you drive if they become startled or stressed. Place bedding or mats to help with their footing. Most alpacas will sit down and kush once you get going on the road, but there are always the few who like to look out the back window at the passing cars.

A. Care for alpacas depends on two things – the number you have and the amount of time you enjoy spending with your alpacas. Care could be as simple as watering, feeding and checking on them on a daily basis to removal of dung, medicating, shearing, breeding, birthing, etc. There are daily chores that need to be done. Some days that’s it. Other days, it can be more intense and more complicated. Welcoming a new cria into the world is a very wonderful yet could be a time consuming process. You want to evaluate the new cria, have the vet check him or her out, make sure she/he is nursing, make sure Mom is doing well. Within 24 hours after birth, you may want the vet out again to check the weight, make sure the immunity level is good and make sure the cria and Mom are progressing well. For your first few cria, it is highly recommended to have vet exam Mom, cria and the placenta. Once you feel comfortable handings things on your own, you may not need the vet to visit as often, but you still will be evaluating and monitoring the cria’s weight, attitude, Mom’s udder, etc. over a few more months to come.

A. I’ll ask you – Do you have a barn or shelter? Do you have fencing? Do you have a vet you are using? Do you have a trailer or car? How many alpaca do you plan on owning? Do you have a local feed store? All will help determine the answer to the first question. You may already have a barn and fencing and need only to improve a few things on them. You may need to completely build a new shelter and get fencing in. So much depends on each person’s situation that is almost impossible to generally answer this question. Yes, there are the investment aspects of the alpacas themselves, but your alpacas are depreciable purchases as well as your fencing, barns, tractors, etc. You may be sending more money out, but when tax time comes around, you may be getting more money back.

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by Jim King, Skyeview Alpacas

These two events took place in Oklahoma City on April 14 - 16. They were marked with a variety of moments that were sometimes exciting, sometimes boring and sometimes disappointing. In as few words as possible, I will try to describe what went on and what conclusions can be drawn from the results.

The judging went on for all three days and included some 350 alpacas, under two years of age, whose sires had been nominated for this show. The preliminary judging took place on the first two days, with three judges judging each class and then pooling their placements of each animal. None of the results were disclosed until after the auction on Saturday night when a list if the top six finishers in each class was posted. Some classes had 28 entrants. All of this was pretty boring to watch since no information or commentary was forthcoming from the ring and the judges appeared to be interested mainly in plucking fiber from the alpacas.

The auction sale of 56 lots of alpacas on Saturday provided most of the excitement and the disappointments. The clear highlight was auctioning of Snowmass' Legacy, an outstanding herd sire who has produced numerous, award-winning offspring. He had many bidders raising their cards until the price passed $100,000. The action kept going until the last competing bidder dropped out at a record $165,000! The crowd all stood and cheered and Julie Skinner, the seller, looked as if she was going to fly to the ceiling.

The rest of the auction was a bit more sobering. Besides Legacy there were 7 other strong males and 48 females, a few with crias by their side. Many exceptional animals commanded prices in the twenty to thirty thousand dollar range. However, most sold in the teens and a few for under $10,000. The average for the entire group, excluding Legacy, was around $16,000.

In my view this does not signal some sort of collapse in the alpaca market. This event, by its nature, does not attract many of the new or small breeders who would be the most interested in buying alpacas like these to improve their herds. There were no more than 200 people in the audience and many of them were connected with the larger breeders who were selling. There was just very little competition,

so the bidding often stopped before many bidders reached the top levels that they were willing to pay. I would be very surprised if the prices at the AOBA auction in June are not much higher for similar animals. The audience there should be much larger and more appropriate for a sale. It was interesting to note that the llama auction, held at the same location earlier in the week, had lots of interest and good prices.

Lorrie O’Connor & Peter Buckingham

Date: July 9, 2000

Location: Lorrie O’Connor & Peter Buckingham

Folsom Farm

75 Nottingham Road

Raymond, NH 03077

(603) 895-4295

e-mail: CFT2FF@ttlc.net

Time: 11:00AM

Arrive earlier if dropping off fiber for pool Food: Pot Luck Lunch

RSVP: July 7, 2000

From the Northeast and Southeast:

Take Interstate 95 to NH, Exit 2.

Follow Route 101 West to Exit 5.

Bear right onto Rts 102/107.

After the first set of lights (McDonalds on your right)

move into the left lane.

At the next lights, turn left,

Go a few 100 ft. and turn right on to Route

We are 1.5 miles up, on the right side(#75).

From other directions.

From south Interstate 495 to 93 to Manchester, NH. From north Interstate 89 to 93 to Manchester NH. Take Route 101 East to Exit 5,

Bear right to second set of lights (McDonalds on rt).

Continue with directions above.

to 6 months of age?

2. Guarantees - what is covered to what extent?

Directions: Farm members will be contacted by the editor via e-mail for their responses. Farm members without e-mail, please contact the editor with your response.

Bud & Gail Stewart

Rocky Run Alpacas

2045 Union Hill Road

Malvern PA 19355

Ph (610) 644-8077

Fax (610) 933-4046

e-mail: rralpacas@aol.com

web site: www.rralpacas.com

Donna and Robert Ferrera

Oakhill Alpacas

122 Maple Street

Middleton MA 01949

Ph (978) 777-6206

Fax (720) 221-4800

e-mail: oakhill-alpaca@mediaone.net

Patricia, Robert and Lisa Houde

Beech Ridge Ranch

Phyllis and Alex Kroll

delete e-mail address

Jim Cross and Carol Karsten

web site: www.hhfalpacas.net

Carl and Iola Robitaille

Laurel Hill Farm