THE MAGAZINE
AUGUST 2011
ISSUE 66
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN REGION OF THE AUSTRALIAN ALPACA ASSOCIATION LTD
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Read and Breed
Inside this issue: President’s Report
4
SA Region Calendar
5
Royal Adelaide report
5
Foster Care
6
Birthing Workshop 20th Feb
9
Mt Pleasant Show Report
11
Mt Pleasant Show Results
14
Birthing Workshop 17th April
18
JCMT 2010 Results
21
Advertising Rates
29
Regional Committee
30
Merchandise
31
Cover Photo:“COOOL CRIA” Kindly supplied by New Holland Alpacas
A word or two from the Editors, Hi there! Firstly, we must sincerely thank the members who have supported this magazine by placing advertisements. Read and Breed is your magazine which reaches every member of our region plus many others, including each of the other regions within the Australian Alpaca Association. Therefore your advertising is reaching your market and at a very reasonable rate. The biggest news within the region at the moment is that we, as a region, will be holding the 2012 National Show and Sale at the Royal Showgrounds in October. Now, this show doesn't happen by itself, so your help, doesn't matter how big or small your involvement, is required to make this very important event a success. However, it is not only the National Show which requires volunteers—each and every show in South Australia is run by volunteers and each would, I am sure, benefit from your input. Several of the show conveners have been holding those positions for many years and some would really like to have a rest (and so their expertise can be drawn upon for the National) but someone needs to fill their shoes. So should any of the newer exhibitors and breeders like to experience the satisfaction of conducting a show for the region, please, please approach any of the committee or current conveners to offer your help. We promise you wont be thrown in the deep end, you would work alongside those with experience. This issue includes a very interesting article written by one of our members about the foster care of a cria, thanks Susan for sharing this with us all. It is this type of sharing of information that helps us all, no matter how experienced we may be. Hopefully, as editors, we can look forward to receiving more articles from our members. Well, show season is very fast approaching, so see you all soon. That’s all for now. Your editors, Rhonda and Sharon.
All members are invited to submit photographs for use on the cover and in the newsletter AUGUST 2011
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OUR PRESIDENT’S REPORT With the Regional AGM upon us it’s time to have a quick recap of the past year. We have held two very successful birthing days. As a result, from our feedback, one breeder managed to successfully deliver a cria in breech position. From an earlier Health day we received several requests for a spinning day, an enjoyable day was had by all. The fund raising dinner and auction went well, with some of the money raised being used on our Royal Show stand. National Alpaca Week continues with varying success, Oakbank provided a good ‘shop window’ for some with many sales from the event. We have had two fleece workshops and our long awaited collection day. My thanks goes out to all of you who work so hard and give your time freely to make these events a success, it is appreciated. This is by no means the extent of the SA Regions’ involvement. I have noticed over the past year that when I read a report from the various National review panels there is more often than not an SA member involved. These members go about their work quietly, next time you see a report from Breed standards, Export, Industry Development or Education watch out for their names. We have those that sit on SA animal health and NLIS, helping to make sure that alpaca health is not forgotten about. We rarely give them a thought but they also deserve a thank you. We have our show convenors that spend hours not only arranging the show but also correcting our entries, although I understand that we are doing better this year! Lastly but by no means the least are Rhonda and Sharon who put together Read and Breed. We really do appreciate the hard work you all put in. Next year sees the National Show and Sale return to Adelaide; planning is already well under way. Following a recent trip to the New Zealand National Conference Susan Haese is keen to hold a 2013 conference here in SA. Hopefully this is something you will also be keen to help with. It is something that the 2010-2011 Regional Committee have offered their support too. Returning briefly to the fleece collection days we have some further days booked (September & November) and an education day (September) on fleece preparation for our auction bales. These bales are creating interest from buyers both in Australia and overseas. I would just like to remind you that this is a Regional project run by regional members for regional members. Whilst Paul Vallely is providing his time and staff to help us achieve this goal he is acting as a facilitator and not running the project. Plans are well under way for our rejuvenated trade stand at the Royal Show as requested by you at last year’s AGM and Royal Show. So far uptake for manning the trade site has been slow. Without your support this stand will not be open for the full extent of the show. At the time of writing this I have received only a day and a half’s coverage for a nine day show! As previously mentioned the funding for this stand was raised from last year’s fund raising auction. It would be very disappointing if the work put in to the revamp went to waste. The stand will not be there next year without your support. This coming year will see a change to the committee with Sandy Evans standing down after 3yrs and Jen Duggin, Glenn Russell and Perry Wheeler 2yrs valued contribution to the Region. I look forward to working with the members that have nominated for this coming year. Your President, Sarah
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Read and Breed
CALENDAR August 2011
Colour Classic Murray Bridge
2 - 3 September 2011
Royal Adelaide Show - animal and fleece judging
3 October 2011
Strathalbyn show
15 October 2011
Clare Show
SA REGION WEBSITE SA Region has their own website which is free to members to use. It can be found at www.aaasa.com.au
To access the members section, you will need a username and password. For this you will need to contact Sharon Warland at waradenealpacas@gmail.com When requesting your password, please send me your herd code (eg: Waradene is JSW). The members section will have a lot of information not normally available to the public. You can also put in classifieds to sell alpacas, fleece and services.
2011 Royal Adelaide Show Update A quick update on our 2011 Royal Adelaide Show. Entries have closed and the checking process is almost complete. Exhibit numbers of around 50 fleeces and 160+ alpacas are pleasing – a little down on 2010 due mainly to the absence of one of our largest breeders as well as a regular, valued interstate exhibitor, and the fact that once again a couple of people missed the closing date deadline. On the other hand it is great to see the return of some old faces together with a new exhibitor. To all participants – a big thank you for exhibiting at this year‘s Show and good luck in the competition. The upside to our 2011 figures is that the alpacas will not be too crowded – an important consideration over their four days attendance. The downside is that higher entry numbers of 180+ are prerequisite for favourable consideration of additional classes. A couple of quick reminders Please be aware of and meet all timelines leading up to and during the Show - fleeces, arrivals, inspections, pen cleaning, exercising etc. Can I encourage everyone - exhibitors, stewards and assistants, alpaca breeders and visitors - to contribute to the Feedback Book which will be available near the fleeces. Your comments, ideas and suggestion will be invaluable as input for the post-show meeting scheduled for 13 October where changes to the 2012 Schedule are made. Again, a big thank you to all involved in this year‘s Show, including sponsors. Enjoy the 2011 Royal Adelaide Show and fingers crossed for some good weather (remember last year). Any queries, please contact Lea Richens phone/fax 8842 2344. AUGUST 2011
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FOSTER CARE
by Susan Haese, Yaringa Alpacas
If you have ever bottle raised a cria, you will know it is very time consuming and requires great commitment over a period of months. This article is about foster care – that is – getting another female to feed the cria for you. As well as taking the pressure off you as an owner, foster care means your cria will grow up knowing it is an alpaca, which can sometimes be an issue with bottle fed cria. It is important to understand this is not an easy process and you may not be able to achieve the desired result. I think it is probably more likely that a female would adopt a cria belonging to a female related to her, or at least from her own herd. This article is about a cria coming in from another herd of unrelated alpacas. A lot of females would consider this cria to be ―foreign‖ and would be less likely to accept it . Choosing a foster mother In a small herd, you may not have a suitable female available at the right time. In a larger herd, watch your females, particularly when you put out feed, and make a note of any female who allows a cria other than her own to feed from her. These females are potentially suitable for foster care. It is essential to ensure that the proposed foster mother is holding good weight – preferably a body score of three or higher – as feeding two cria is going to be tough on her. It is also worth considering that it is less likely that a female feeding two cria will hold a pregnancy so it may be best to choose a female who is not pregnant. Another option would be to choose a female whose own cria is ready to wean, wean her cria, and attempt to get her to adopt. Gabriel Gabriel, an orphan, arrived at Yaringa at five days of age in search of a foster mum. We began by looking for an appropriate area to use when introducing the cria to the foster mum. I chose a 3 m x 3 m stable – two solidwalls and two gates so there was plenty of air flow and the animals inside could see out easily We put in unlimited oaten hay, a small quantity of lucerne hay and some grain mix, and, of course, water. Foster mum 1: Kimberley – a five year old female with her second cria at foot. When we introduced Gabriel, Kimberley tended to ignore him and kept eating grain which suggested she may accept him. Unfortunately Kimberley‘s six week old cria had other ideas and kept pushing Gabriel away so he was never able to get near Kimberley‘s back end. We watched for some time but it wasn‘t going to work. Foster mum 2: Tiara – a three year old female with her first cria at foot. Tiara was extremely offended by Gabriel‘s presence and kept spitting at him and in the end he sat in the corner. At this point we decided to give up and try again the next day.
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FOSTER CARE …...cont.
by Susan Haese, Yaringa Alpacas
Foster mum 3: Isobella – a two year old female with her first cria at foot. Isobella was very busy eating but occasionally turned and sniffed Gabriel. Isobella‘s cria Milano was only three days old and smaller than Gabriel. Within minutes, Gabriel was sniffing around Isobella looking for milk. Isobella moved from grain to hay, paying little attention to either cria, and with a bit of prompting Gabriel started to feed from her. I left them to it and came back an hour later to find Isobella feeding both cria. This of course was only step one. For the first 24 hours it is really important to keep checking the cria in case the foster mother changes her mind about having the cria close as it is very easy for a young cria to get injured by an unhappy adult. I kept a couple of other females in the area outside the stable so Isobella didn‘t worry about being away from the herd. After 48 hours Isobella and the two cria were let out into a bigger area – about 10 m by 10 m and were joined by two other females not currently feeding cria. Creating enough milk for two cria The next step was to ensure Isobella was able to provide enough milk for both cria. It quickly became apparent that Gabriel was going to dominate the milk supply and Milano could easily miss out, so the decision was made to keep bottle feeding Gabriel in the short term. For the first week Gabriel was given four feeds per day taking between 150 and 200 mL per feed. We also attempted to feed Milano but this was not successful. At least if we fed Gabriel it gave Milano several opportunities each day to feed without interference and supplementary feeding one cria gave Isobella‘s milk supply time to catch up with demand. Adequate nutrition for the mother is essential. Isobella had access to unlimited oaten hay and was also given grain mix each day. Most of our females feeding cria are given 1 kg of mix per day (oaten chaff, lucerne chaff, whole oats and crushed lupins). Isobella started with 1 kg but this was increased each day until she got to 2 kg per day. In the second week Gabriel was given three feeds per day taking 250 mL per feed. In the third week Gabriel was given three feeds per day taking 300 mL per feed. It was noticeable though that Gabriel was getting more difficult to catch each time and would spit when he was caught, but he would then feed. In the fourth week, Gabriel was given two feeds per day and was offered 300 mL per feed – but bit by bit he was drinking less and less so by the end of that week we decided to give him 24 hours without a bottle. Even a cria needing two bottles a day would be much easier for someone who works full time to manage than a cria who needs to be fed every couple of hours.
AUGUST 2011
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FOSTER CARE …...cont.
by Susan Haese, Yaringa Alpacas
After 24 hours Gabriel was offered a bottle again but he refused to take it so this was the end of bottle feeding. On week three I put another female with a similar aged cria at foot into the pen as this cria needed daily treatment for an injury. This was a mistake as the third cria started feeding from Isobella also. Cria development What really surprised me was that Isobella‘s weight really did not change through this process. At the time of writing this article, the two cria are just over three months old – and Isobella has a body score of 4. From the beginning we tracked the weight of both cria to ensure that both were continuing to gain weight. It is clear from the table below that the cria growth is not linear – i.e., they do not put on the same amount of weight each time – but both cria have gained weight every time they were weighed.
We plan to wean both cria at about 5 months of age. Isobella has proved herself to be a true asset to our herd. Page 8
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BIRTHING WORKSHOP 20th Feb 2011
by Tracey Earl, Riverton Alpacas
On Feb 20th Adrienne Clarke & Chris Williams held a very informative workshop on difficult births & how to deal with these problems. Stillborn cria were used. These cria were put into different positions to demonstrate how best to manouver the limbs & neck to be able to deliver a live cria without doing damage to the cria or the dam. Also how to identify the back end from the front end of the cria. Tail & ear can feel similar, also learning which way the back & front legs fold which is obvious when pointed out. Not something you might think about to determine if the cria is facing the right way. After these lessons the crias were placed in a makeshift uterus in different positions (which we couldn’t see as it is all done by feel) & in turn we had to try to manipulate it to a position for a safe birthing. Veterinarian, Greg Rodda was invited to give a talk on these issues & to advise when it is necessary for a vet to deliver. A fantastic experience, even for those who have previously had to help with delivery. I travelled from Riverton to Mt. Compass for the workshop & it was well worth every kilometer of the 300km I travelled to learn as much about birthing as possible. Because when you have a problem you don’t always have time for a vet to arrive, & you just have to deal with the situation yourselves. Always have a phone with you as a vet can talk you through it, but to have this knowledge to start with could just save a life. Afternoon tea was a hit with delicious scones. A BBQ was put on for the members who wished to stay to socialize afterwards. A good day was had by all. Thanks again to Adrienne & Chris for the venue.
2012 NATIONAL SHOW AND SALE IS COMING TO ADELAIDE OCTOBER 26—28 2012 IN THE WAYVILLE PAVILLION AT THE ADELAIDE SHOW GROUNDS AND WE NEED YOU THIS SHOW WILL NOT HAPPEN WITHOUT VOLUNTEERS, SO PLEASE PUT UP YOUR HAND TO HELP AND SUPPORT OUR NATIONAL COMMITTEE IN MAKING THIS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL NATIONAL SHOW YET!
CRIAS DUE FROM MID SEPTEMBER 2011 TO MID DECEMBER 2011 A RANGE OF COLOURS CONTACT JO O’CONNOR (08) 8564 1384 Jcoc25@bigpond.com AUGUST 2011
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CLARE SHOW Saturday 15th October 2011 Clare is a great country show to exhibit your alpacas & fleeces. It is an ideal show for newcomers to the industry as well as our regular exhibitors. Lets make it another huge success! Closing date for entries is Friday 16th September. We will need volunteers for Stewarding & Scribing both show day & Friday 14th when fleeces are judged. If you can offer some of your time in any way, please contact me. We would love to see some fresh faces getting involved in these tasks. Please adhere to warnings that there is STRICTLY NO GRAZING for your alpacas due to the risk of Cape Tulip which is a toxic weed which grows in the Clare Valley. For this reason & also JD status you must bring carpet or other form of floor cover other than straw to cover your pen area. FLEECES: I WILL be able to travel to Strathalbyn Show with trailer this year to bring fleeces back for Clare Show. Clare Show Conveners
Tracey Earl & Derrick Hall
All correspondence to Tracey Earl: P.O. Box 105, Riverton SA 5412 PH: 8847 2017 Email : rivertonalpacas1@bigpond.com
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MT PLEASANT SHOW REPORT 2011 It was a wonderful Autumn day for this years‟ show with a cool morning start then a cloudless warm day to enjoy! Just the thing for showing alpaca to their best. The Show Society reported that approx. 6,000 people attended the show – terrific exposure for the Region and alpacas in general. Our judge for the weekend was the very capable, Steve Ridout, from Victoria. Entry numbers for animals were 147 and a fleece class of 58, both a little down on last year. It was great to see so many Suri‟s entered in the show this year with the numbers (22) more than doubled from last year!! Thankyou to all the breeders who made this section very competitive, and great to watch. It would be nice to think that Jolyon‟s comment in last years report, about getting at least 20 entered, might have done the trick. The Huacaya section was punctuated after the lunch break by the Junior Handlers section. With a big contingent of about 15 participants, with many from some of the agricultural schools, it took quite a while to go through with Steve Ridout presiding. Steve paid close attention to each handler and their capabilities with animals they did not know prior to the day. Both first places were well deserved and were very surprised at their wins! Congratulations Eloiuse and Monica. We feel (as Steve also commented) that this section needs to be staged in the lunch break with some members willing to conduct this judging, so as not to hold up the remaining main body of classes. Maybe some members could suggest a good solution, or form a group to stage this section at each show to continue the enthusiasm?? Once the huacaya section resumed, Steve progressed through the sections well, though some were obviously more of a challenge to select ribbon winners with competition being very close. For all the ribbon winners, Champions, Reserves and Grand Champion – well done and congratulations. (see results in this issue or on the region‟s website, www.aaasa.com.au, by following the Shows and Results link). We would like to thank all the stewards and helpers who gave their time and support through the days leading to and on the show day. It is always terrific and very much appreciated that you volunteer to make a convenors‟ job that much easier. Everyone seemed to assist with the breakdown and storage of pens at the end of the show and general cleanup, which is a huge help! One other comment regarding the unloading zone in front of the shed – more exhibitors need to move their animals and equipment in more quickly and move their vehicles to the car park in a more timely manner. We had a line up of 10 cars & trailers waiting to unload, with some breeders stopping to chat to friends or making sure all their pens were set up with feed/ water/ banners etc before moving their vehicles. Jolyon and Trevor had their work cut out for them to find and hustle some exhibitors – please make this job easier by being more time aware and considerate for the breeders in the line waiting to get unpacked (also gets the Show Society off our backs!!). Can you please simply unload your animals and gear, then move your rig? The animals are not going to die of thirst or malnutrition in the ten minutes it takes to move your vehicle! Jolyon and I would like to thank Trevor and Sue Drogemuller for their decision to take over as convenors of this show. We are sure they will stamp their mark on it with some new ideas and we look forward to being of assistance in 2012 for their first show, the start of many shows that give them enjoyment and a sense of achievement as convenors. All 2012 exhibitors will need to be on their toes so as not to give Trevor and Sue too many problems, just heaps of assistance wherever they can. Finally, Jolyon and I would like to thank all of the membership that have attended this show over the years for your support, friendship, and encouragement through the ups and downs of convening. We will miss the excitement of putting on a good show for you all - a challenge at times - but really feel that a break is needed after 15 years (besides the National show is on here in ‟12 and we have a role there). It was very humbling at the end of the show with the presentation from our President, Sarah Wheeler on behalf of the region, bringing a few lumps in the throat and a tear in the eye. THANKS ONE AND ALL FOR A TERRIFIC RIDE!! See you in and around the show ring! Kerry and Jolyon Porter AUGUST 2011
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PHOTO GALLERY FEBRUARY BIRTHING DAY
AUGUST 2011
MT PLEASANT SHOW 2011
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MT PLEASANT SHOW RESULTS
.continued on page 18........ Page 14
Read and Breed
Stud Male Services Halcyon Propagator ET
The Hermitage Lord Commisario
IAR 108315 DOB 10/3/06
IAR 141005
solid white huacaya
DOB 23/1/2009
solid white huacaya
SIRE: Halcyon Vincent Van Gogh
SIRE: Jolimont Commisario
DAM: Halcyon Properpan
DAM: The Hermitage Lady Capac
4
TH
Fleece M 21.8
SD 4.6 CV 21.1 CF 96%
Propagator‟s US pedigreed sire is a son of the well known & highly sought after Caligula. Halcyon Vincent Van Gogh is an extreme for length & frame. Propagator‟s soft handling, well crimped, thin stapled fleece continues across the body & up the neck. He is quiet natured & easy to handle.
2nd Fleece
M 18.9
SD 3.8
CV 20.1
CF 98.9
Certified on 13/5/2011 A very attractive male with excellent fleece coverage & great density. His soft handling fleece has a broad crimp style which is even throughout.
PROPAGATOR: Drive through matings $500 or $350 each for multiple matings LORD COMMISARIO: Introductory offer of $300 for each mating Fees apply for mobile matings GST not applicable Contact Tracey Earl Ph: 8847 2017 Email: rivertonalpacas1@bigpond.com Property: Lot 5 Nobby White Hill Rd. Riverton
Hi to all the knitters out there!! We need more squares for this year’s throw rug to be auctioned in November. The size 11 inches square when blocked. 8ply yarn either commercial or hand spun. Must be Australian yarn. and the pattern!! Cast on what you need for the yarn you use. 60 stitches is close, but you may need 57 0r 62, again depending on your yarn. Some 8 ply is knitted on 4mm needles, some on 4.5mm needles. 1st 6 rows knit From here on you can do whatever pattern you like, but we do need 3 garter stitches at each end of every row to form the side borders. When you are getting close to the 11 inches, you will need to allow for the 6 rows of garter stitch again for the finishing border. If you have any queries, please don‟t hesitate to contact Jo O‟Connor on 8564 1031 after dark. When the square is finished. Please post to me as follows: Jo O‟Connor, c/- Post Office, Eden Valley. SA 5235 As soon as possible please, as we will still need to organise the sewing together of all the squares which we cannot begin until all squares are in.
Many thanks Jo AUGUST 2011
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A COMMERCIAL APPROACH. by John Lindner. Over the past few years you‘ve probably come across the words Premium Fleece Industry at one time or another with the idea of breeders developing their breeding programs towards the building of this Premium Fleece Industry. In reality there‘s not much building to be done, the Premium Fleece Industry has been around for a long time utilizing a range of different fibres for their fashion lines and quality apparel with commercial fleece buyers representing fibre processors attending sales venues to source their requirements, the Premium Fleece Industry is alive. Premium Natural Fibre is in demand, and participating Alpaca breeders have the opportunity of being taken seriously as suppliers to a Premium Fibre industry, add to this the negative media which we don‘t attract and we can add the word ―green‖ to our commerce, not to be under estimated as this could easily be our single most valuable marketing tool and can only add to our products value, whether it be animals, fibre or clothes; the ―green‖ demand is not only in Australia, but worldwide, as markets are demanding better animal husbandry and environmental practices pertaining to livestock farming and seem willing to accept the increased value of such produce. An industry not attracting negative media is also in good stead for people seeking to join the association, whether for fun or investment it‘s good PR for all things Alpaca. What‘s needed from us as Alpaca breeders is to produce and market the Premium Fibre quality that is commercially required, this idea is nothing new, nor is it mission impossible----it can and is being done right now by selective breeders around the country, as can be seen at www.aaft.com.au Even though there are stud breeders keeping the faith and striving to make the genetic gains required, a handful of breeders producing these animals capable of contributing to the Premium Fibre [under 19 m] market could hardly be described as an industry, and as such we lack the ability to attract serious value for our primary produce. As primary producers, the challenges we face are not only limited to maintaining the necessary quality to satisfy the Premium Fibre buyers, but also to market an increase of this Premium Fibre. If we are to produce a sustainable commercial quantity we need to breed more animals capable of producing it---- and although we have ample information available to us from years of R and D studies attributed to fleece/fibre---- the increase of the Premium Fibre animal continues to struggle, and it‘s this subject that I choose to address. The reason is simple enough; you pay anything from hundreds to thousands of your hard earned to fund a magnificent siring only to find – in some instances – that your investment has not paid off, not easily dismayed you try again and so the circle continues, until it can become no longer economically viable to continue your breeding program to the beneficial sires. This situation is intolerable for those breeders trying to get a footing as commercial Premium Fibre producers not only due to the fearsome upfront fee, but should the cria fall short of expectations comes a feeling of not getting value for money, and so ends your breeding program with a lack of interest for continued investment: With the follow on effect of, lower- stock- prices- reflecting- this- lessening- of- demand. Understandable why Premium Fibre animal breeding programs can lack enthusiasm, as not every mating will result with a cria worthy of its costs-------we all know this to be true. The customary pay up front and hope it works out approach can be detrimental when aiming for top end fibre markets. ---- A major blow for the improvement of the animal, ---- hence the sluggish advancement to supplying the commercial Premium Fibre industry and markets. A big step forward towards supplying a sustainable quantity of premium fibre would be if the region‘s breeders could gain access to beneficial breeding males without the monetary limitations. Page 16
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Take a moment, ---- and imagine: The possibilities of a suitably qualified outside male accessing various females from various bloodlines across an entire region. ---- The gains could be immense! To this end Triple G Alpacas propose to make available a stud male for AAA association registered females of the region, an outside bloodline to hopefully enhance the breeding goals of all, but mainly for those breeders who want to participate towards the production of ultrafine fibre, but aren‘t advancing due to being unable to justify the expense. Commencing: A value for money breeding program which for the first time offers a level playing field to all AAA association registered breeders desiring to participate towards the production of under 19 micron fleece and so to become a part of the Premium Fibre industry. No need to pay prior to cria arrival. A structured program that allows the breeder to decide those cria worthy of the mating fee. This gives the breeder the opportunity to increase their herds fibre producing integrity and advance the pedigree of their investment without the monetary limitations generally experienced. Introducing ---------Rivergum Rise Reliance. IAR 151390 A solid white male with white heritage. 2nd shearing—16.5m, 2.7sd, 100%cf Photo and Fleece statistics of Reliance available at www.rivergumrise.com.au It is our intention that he would be available for matings to specific, current AAA association registered females in the SA region at Triple G without the customary upfront mating fee. Cria deemed ―unworthy for purpose‖ bear their owners little cost as the mating fee is only applied when intended for registration, Under current AAA regulations, cria can be registered anytime within 12 months of birth, after 12 months can still be registered, but a late fee applies. Birthstock not meeting their owners breeding program requirements may well be sold in the boutique markets, and might still show a positive return for the owner. A truly commercial approach. Triple G Alpacas. Focused on Fleece. Enquires / Service terms to Skip and Honey.
Phone
or Email: honeylin@activ8.net.au
This is a specialty breeding program and as such the male[s] offered will also be of a certain ‗fibre measurement‘ standard prior to being eligible for the sire register. This program is destined to be implemented for the 2012 season and is being presented at this time to gauge breeder interest so please let us know your thoughts before the end of October 2011. -----------------------------------------------------------------------This writer understands that not all breeding decisions are directed towards this goal and this article is not intended as a distraction from your own objective[s], it is being presented for the benefit of the growing number of breeders interested in pursuing and achieving the supply to, a sustainable Premium Fibre Alpaca Industry. Editors Note: This submission is a paid advertisement AUGUST 2011
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BIRTHING WORKSHOP 17th April 20
by Kay Winslet Lewiston Alpacas
Alpaca Birthing Workshop, Sunday 17 April Held at Ambersun Alpacas, Mt Compass Hosted by Adrienne, Ambersun Alpacas and Susan, Yaringa Alpacas Organised by SA Region Okay, the day had finally arrived for the workshop, I had been anxiously and nervously watching the days pass until THE day was here. I knew what we were going to be doing in this workshop - using make shift birthing boxes with real, sadly deceased, very young cria as „models‟.
The birthing boxes were fantastic, they were created by using open ended buckets with a rubber ring suspended inside and lined with a large plastic bag, the ‘model’ was then placed inside the makeshift uterus in a number of different positions to simulate some of the ways the cria could be presented during a difficult birth. Oh, and to add to the ‘reality’ of the birthing experience, Susan, Adrienne and Rosalie had great fun in using filled water cask bladders (or maybe they were wine cask bladders?) to simulate the pressure in the uterus and then they would push down on them while we were up to our armpits to then simulate a contraction. Using the ‘model’ was very confronting for me and I wasn’t sure if I could actually participate. When my turn came, I couldn’t believe what I was about to do. I took a very deep breath, ignored the intense sick feeling in my stomach and went in hands first – it was very interesting feeling the head, ears and navigating my way around and our group found it easier to make sense of what we were doing and feeling if we closed our eyes and talked through the process. Was that a front or back leg we were feeling, was it a tail or ear? All quite tricky while we had our arms in the birthing box I can only imagine the intensity of all of this in a real life situation. Adrienne and Susan confidently and very generously shared their knowledge and experiences of what could go wrong during and immediately after birthing. Other people in the group also shared their stories and advice which was great to hear. One thing I didn’t even think of was to put a halter the dam and secure her to whatever was possible to save having to run around after a distressed animal during a difficult labour, which could increase stress levels all round and cause more difficulty and damage. Another discussion was around ideas on how to raise the temperature of an extremely cold new born cria, ideas like using hot water bottles, immersing the cria in a warm bath of water and even taking the cria in your bed with an electric blanket on. I found Adrienne’s rough drawing, on the floor, of the approximate position of the birth canal and the uterus very helpful – I had never thought this through and would have, if needed, tried to move the stuck cria wherever it was positioned in the dam at the time, not thinking about the practicality of what I was going to do and there is more space in the uterus to move legs, noses etc than try to move anything while in the birth canal. Adrienne also demonstrated how to gently push the cria back into the uterus if needed so as to create more space to manipulate legs; heads etc to then bring the cria back into the birthing canal and hopefully a smooth delivery. Even learning how to feel the difference of feeling a front or back leg of the cria while inside was interesting. Going through this workshop was a fantastic learning experience and while Adrienne and Susan kept reminding us this simulation wasn’t like the ‘real deal’ it did give us some very valuable information and some idea of what can happen and what we can do to intervene. Oh, I also learnt it is important to take off any rings, watches and other jewellery you may be wearing before ‘going in’ and use large amounts of obstetric lubricant or similar e.g. KY jelly I think most people found the workshop challenging, working with the ‘models’, I know I was very afraid of hurting the models and was trying to be as gentle as I possibly could. The workshop has given me some confidence to try to do something if needed, and a huge thank you to everyone who was part of organising this very informative and helpful workshop – a fantastic job done. Kay Winslet - Lewiston Alpacas
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Yes, it’s that time of year again, and as usual, I am seeking help. We all know that shows just wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for volunteers.
The help needed is as follows. Saturday 2nd October a.m:
8 people to assemble pens – this will take 1 – 1 ½ hours.
Show day, Monday 4th October:
M.C‟s: 2 to 3 – or more
Animal Inspection Stewards, before judging: 8 - 4 teams of 2 (an inspector & a scribe)
Chief Steward: 1 (this can be an exhibitor)
Gate Stewards: 4 to 5 or more (you can be in pairs if you prefer)
Scribes: 2 or more
Ribbon/board scribes: 2 to 4 or more
Chaperone to the Judge, and possible accommodation
Ring Stewards: 2 to 3 or more
Junior Handler Adjudicator & Steward: this is to take place during the lunch break
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE Please, if you are willing to help, contact me asap, as I need these positions filled prior to the day, to enable the show to run smoothly and on time. If you are exhibiting, I won’t ask too much of you. For anyone that would like to help but has not attended shows, this is a great learning opportunity and you will get to know people, especially if you are considering entering in the future. I also welcome help from anyone not a member of the Australian Alpaca Association Ltd. Thank you, Jan Bentley, Convenor
Phone: 8556 0256 or email: mundawora@activ8.net.au
Update on the new panels. We have now had five days working on the new show panels. With the help of Alan Chadwick, John Duggin, Perry Wheeler, James Wheeler on two days, Fred Dunker, Trevor Drogemuller and Christopher Drogemuller we now have 60 panels completed. A big thank you to Rosalie Brinkworth who made lunch on two of the days. More panels have to be made so if anyone would like to volunteer a day or a few hours please contact Derrick Hall on 83893269.
AUGUST 2011
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JODIE CHRISTIAN MEMORIAL CHALLENGE TROPHY 2010 After a close competition the Jodie Christian Memorial Challenge Trophy for 2010 was awarded to Softfoot Alpacas at the recent Mt Pleasant Show. Being the 14th year of this presentation it was the first time it had been presented to the same stud for 3 years in a row. This trophy is the premier fleece award for the SA Region awarded annually to the stud with the highest score accumulated from the points awarded, (not placings) for their 2 best fleeces at each show throughout the year. The fleece does need to have come from an animal bred by that stud and a member of the SA Region. Thus the more shows you enter your fleeces the higher your accrued score will be, giving you the best opportunity of getting a placing or even winning the Trophy. By entering fleeces at each show not only are you automatically eligible for the Challenge Trophy but the fleece scorecards will provide valuable information from the different judges throughout the year to guide you on the outcomes of this element of your breeding programme. There is also a monetary award presented to our top 3 winners which could help with those fleece entry fees. 1sr Prize = $300.00 2nd Prize = $150.00 3rd Prize = $50.00 In summing up and announcing the winners this year I would like to make mention of the Glenovis Alpaca Stud who relatively new to fleece showing were placed not far behind our winners and in fourth place Yacka Ridge Alpacas who consistently are amongst our top achievers. Winning the trophy for the third consecutive year in a row special congratulations go to: Sandy and Gary Retallick from Softfoot Alpacas With 640.5 points In second place also renowned for their fleece successes but new to the podium were Dee Finlay & Mark Short from Chaparral Alpacas with 625.5 points In third place and always in contention for this award were Jan & John Bentley from Mundawora Alpacas with 578.5 points Congratulations go to all our winners for achieving their awards by consistently breeding and showing their quality fleeces throughout the year. By entering at least 2 of your best fleeces throughout the year you could also be part of “The Challenge”. It‟s informative, worthwhile and an opportunity to show fellow SA Breeders the success of your breeding programme by winning a placing or better still earning the right to have your stud name entered on our prestigious Trophy. My thanks as always go to the Show Convenors and Fleece Stewards whose hard work in assembling and documenting the Fleece Section of our Shows is much appreciated.
Celia Smith Collator AUGUST 2011
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AUGUST 2011
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FLEECE COLLECTION REPORT
by Sarah Wheeler, Prados Alpacas
After a lot of patience from members that had attended the fleece workshops back in April, 27th and 28th July saw the first of what hopefully will be many fleece collection days. Lee Sadler and Greg Scarlett from Fleur de Lys alpacas kindly let us use their shed. The start of the day was slow, setup took quite some time, and it required a fair bit of thought to ensure that the collection bales were placed and labelled to avoid contamination as well as ensuring good movement throughout the shed. Sue and Trevor from Adaminca Alpacas were first to have their fleeces placed in the bales. Whilst in some ways this does not seem to be something to be excited about it is worth mentioning that this collection is the first of its kind to take place in Australia. These bales are destined for auction later in the year.
So over the past few months work has been undertaken to ensure that the fleece bales South Australia offer are of the highest standard possible. Working with Paul Vallely (AAFT) for guidance and support, a set of guidelines were drawn up, taking in to account the requirements of some known potential buyers. The bales are packed with fleece in increments of no more than two micron. As part of the quality control each fleece is laid out on a skirting table to check for consistency of fleece, any contaminants are removed, be that veggie matter, course fibres or second cuts. The fleece is then grid tested, weighed and packed into the appropriate bale. Whilst this process is going on, records are also being made of each fleece, the average micron from the grid test, its weight and bale, both on computer and paper. A receipt is then issued to the breeder.
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FLEECE COLLECTION REPORT ..... cont The collection bales range from < 18micron and increase in 2 micron intervals to >28 micron. With bales for <26 micron short fleece and <26 micron long fleece. Although tender fleece can be accepted none was received, the skirting bale grew steadily throughout the day. One of the benefits to this form of collection is the control you have as a grower over your fleece. Once graded for a bale you can chose not to submit the fleece. This happened on several occasions where a fleece was too long and rather than have the fleece downgraded to the <26 micron long bale the grower decided to keep it for hand spinning. Working with your fleece through the process of grading and baling is a very valuable experience. It gives you options that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x;t have by sending your fleece away. It was good to see everyone working together and enjoying what they were doing, in fact most who said they had to leave by a certain time were still there a couple of hours later! Over the course of the two days 161.495kgs of fleece was packed, our aim is to have at least two completed bales ready for auction in November. Over the course of collection Paul passed comment on the high standard of fleeces presented for the bales. Keep an eye out on the region web site to watch the process.
AUGUST 2011
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AUGUST 2011
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READ AND BREEDâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;OUR REGIONAL MAGAZINE Article, advertising and payments (payable to AAA SA Region) should be sent to :-
The Editors Sharon Warland:- Phone: 8532 3029/0438 072383 Postal Address: P.O. Box 595, MURRAY BRIDGE SA. 5301 Email: waradenealpacas@gmail.com
Rhonda Pitt:- Phone: 85322 553/0408814534 Postal Address: 28/5 Pugh Avenue, Murray Bridge SA 5253 Email: lomavista@virginbroadband.com.au
Deadlines for next issues: Issue 68
28th October 2011
Issue 69
27th January 2012
Issue 70
27th April 2012
Issue 71
27th July 2012
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AUGUST 2011
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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL COMMITTEE Visit our regional web site for up to date news and information. Website: www.aaasa.com.au
Executive Members President Vice-President
Sarah Wheeler
8388 3051
alpacas@prados.com.au
0434 982760
Derrick Hall
8389 3269
somadale@bigpond.com Secretary
Sue Drogemuller
08 8188 0027
adaminca@activ8.net.au Treasurer
Wendy Jones
8535 88280
wendy.jones@allianza.com.au
0415 250588
Committee Members Greg Scarlet
08 8556 1377
Lee.sadler@bigpond.com
Rosalie Brinkworth
8524 6805
Jo Oâ&#x20AC;&#x;Connor
8564 1384
lyneden@bigpond.com
Other Representatives Certified Males Directory
Susan Haese
8555 4163
Fleece Liaison Officer
Derrick Hall
8389 3269
Jodie Christian Memorial Trophy
Celia Smith
8388 2668
Merchandise
Susan Haese
8555 4163
Name Badges
Margaret and Jim Thompson
8278 2927
Website
Perry Wheeler
8388 3051
Publicity Officer
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AUGUST 2011
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GENUINE HERD REDUCTION
Award winning Coloured Huacaya and Suri Alpacas We have alpacas to fit everyone’s needs John and Sharon Warland Murray Bridge SA 5253 Ph (08) 8532 3029 Mobile 0438 072 383 www.waradenealpacas.com.au
GLENOVIS ALPACA STUD INTRODUCING BLACKGATE LODGE SIR OLIVER- Solid White Male SHOW RESULTS MT. PLEASANT SHOW 2009 – CHAMPION FLEECE 2010 STRATHALBYN SHOW – 1st SENIOR WHITE MALE STRATHALBYN SHOW – RESERVE CHAMPION SENIOR MALE MT PLEASANT SHOW 2011—CHAMPION FLEECE
! PLACED AT EVERY SHOW ENTERED ! SIRE: CAMELOT TOR DAM: BLACKGATE LODGE LADY OPHELIA GRAND SIRE: JOLIMONT WARRIOR DOB : 2/2/2008
Certified 11/6/2009
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY MATING OFFER $550.00 FIRST TEN CLIENTS TO GET SECOND MATING FREE, (DRIVE BY ONLY – mobile matings by negotiation) OLIVER HAS A FINE, DENSE, HIGHLY ALIGNED, LOW MEDULATED AND HIGH FREQUENCY CRIMPED FLEECE. WITH TOR, WARRIOR, AUZENGATE AND SCULPTOR IN HIS BACKGROUND, HE WILL IMPROVE ANY HERDS‘ GENETICS. HE IS READY TO WORK AND HIS FIRST CRIA ARE DUE IN AUTUMN 2011. IN 2010 OLIVER CUT 6.0kg OF FLEECE ALSO SELLING, SELECT PREGNANT FEMALES, WETHERS & PETS AT VERY REASONABLE PRICES CONTACT: FRED AND BERNADETTE DUNCKER PHONE: 08) 8370 7257 MOBILE: 0409 074 855 PROPERTY: LOT 13, TORRENS VALE RD. YANKALILLA SA 5203
EMAIL: fred.duncker@ugllimited.com Q-Alpaca 09/353