Alpaca British Alpaca Society quarterly magazine
YEARBOOK 2024
British Alpaca Society The fibre breed
www.bas-uk.com
Alpaca www.bas-uk.com THE BRITISH ALPACA SOCIETY c/o Grassroots Systems Ltd, PO Box 251, Exeter EX2 8WX. Tel (within UK): 0845 3312468 Tel (Overseas): +44(0)1392 437788 Fax: +44(0)1392 437788 Email: info@bas-uk.com BAS CHIEF EXECUTIVE Dr Duncan Pullar Tel: 07496 578781 Email: ceo@bas-uk.com
CONTENTS
4 CEO notes 6 The BAS 8 Registration 10 Andean alpacas and climate change
Joy Whitehead fears the whole Quechuan way of life may now be under threat.
EDITORIAL Editor: Liz Wright alpaca.ed@kelsey.co.uk ADVERTISEMENT SALES Wendy King Talk Media Sales Tel: 01732 448748 Email: wendy@talk-media.uk GRAPHIC DESIGN Jo Legg 07306 482166 jo.legg@flair-design.co.uk
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30 Excess Vitamin D exposure
54 Why plant a hedge when a fence will do? Jo Carter from English Woodlands looks at the surprising benefits of living barriers.
56 Inspirational ideas for fibre
A case we can learn from.
32 South Amercian Camelid Congress 14 Alpaca-centric whirlwind
Buckle up for a riotous alpaca filled adventure in the latest children's TV episode of Pop Paper City.
36 A global first
This year, camelid owners around the world will, for the first time, be offered the chance to attend a virtual conference for owners.
58 The 'spotty' alpaca
Clara Boulton believes that the spectacular spots can be combined with quality fibre.
38 What is the future of parasite control?
KELSEY MEDIA The Granary, Downs Court Yalding Hill, Yalding, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 6AL 01959 541444 MANAGEMENT Divisional Managing Director: Steve Kendall Group Publisher: Fiona Mercer Retail Director: Steve Brown Renewals and Projects Manager: Andy Cotton Senior Subscription Marketing Manager: Claire Aspinall Subscription Marketing Director: Kevin McCormick Print Production Manager: Georgina Harris Print Production Controller: Kelly Orriss
26 Forage analysis – the basics
44 Showcasing testing facilities 16 BAS National Show
The energy and buzz that fills the show rings for two and a half days each March is great to experience as an exhibitor and an observer.
In the Autumn of 2023, Wool Testing Authority Europe Ltd opened their doors to the North Shires & North Wales Regional Alpaca Group to host their first alpaca open day.
60 Therapy feedback
Feedback from BAS members outlining what therapeutic activities they carry out and the benefit they see.
68 It's all about the alpaca 22 Judges' calibration shows consistency BAS Judge Shirley Bettinson packs her thermals for a winter weekend of evaluating alpacas and fleece.
24 Destination mating Suri specialists Dark Sky Alpacas and Polgrain Alpacas have teamed up to offer a new mating proposition.
46 A new regional group
An initial three alpacas turned into a life changing business..
North Shires and North Wales Alpaca Group.
48 Can your alpacas join the textile journey?
Araminta Campbell is an Edinburgh based textiles company, and are thrilled to collaborate with the British Alpaca Society and have this opportunity to introduce themselves to BAS breeders.
70 Introducing the BAS alpaca breed standard 74 Get on course for life long learning
The British Alpaca Society gives access to a variety of courses for members from basic husbandry to advanced fibre recognition.
82 Regional groups www.kelsey.co.uk Cover photo: Oberyn, Natterjack Alpacas
Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
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WELCOME
CEO NOTES...
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Duncan Pullar: ceo@bas-uk.com
he society is dependent on the member volunteers who do much of the work for the society at National and regional level. We are fortunate in having those members who do so much, from organising and running our alpaca shows, to everything else the society does, including education and training through to welfare and industry development. Thanks to everyone who puts in such an effort to make these events happen, and to everyone who attends. This year BAS activities have included supporting members (and some non-members) with alpaca welfare queries, the delivery of education webinars and training events, producing EBVs, making contacts in Europe, running the Open Farm Days, running shows, and dealing with government agencies and the media. BAS membership and alpaca ownership continues to be healthy. At the end of 2023 BAS had 1,717 members with 41,170 registered alpacas. There were 3,000 new registrations in 2023. BAS welfare has been continually active this year with advice to owners, Trading Standards and the RSPCA. Approaching 30 alpacas have been re-homed successfully. A number of these animals were in a poor state and required veterinary intervention or shearing and sometimes transport. Thanks to all members who helped by alerting BAS to issues and, in many cases, investigating the situation. The use of Alpaca fibre within the textile industry continues to grow and develop. Alpacas continue to prove themselves as great attractions in farm diversification with Alpaca walking or trekking continuing to expand across the UK. The alpaca community in the UK has been characterised by steady and sustainable growth from its beginnings in the 1990s. Despite the recent national economic problems, the prospects remain strong with a steady flow of new entrants that ensures the continued growth of the community. New EU regulations came into force in April 2021 which caused considerable administrative problems and have still not been fully ironed out. Exporting to the EU by land and sea is still difficult and we are continuing to try and work with the relevant agencies to expedite the process. A small BAS team attended two shows in Europe, one in Austria and one in Germany, to promote British alpacas and explain the disease control measures we have in place. We ran a series of five evening webinars on a variety of subjects that attracted between 40 and 80 members each time. The video of the webinars generally had a further 100+ views. All past webinars are available through the members area of the BAS Website.
As individuals we can do our ‘bit’ to help the planet by way of modifying our thoughts and behaviours (e.g. recycling, replacing plastic with paper etc); so too can we, as individuals, set the foundations for the future in breeding best quality alpacas. As breeders we can utilise the tools in our toolbox to maximise the potential of those animals in our current herds and by making sometimes tough choices with our animals e.g., removing from the breeding herd our poorer/poorest animals who may be perfect candidates for pet homes, for not using little Freddie for breeding just because he is cute. We can apply scientific numbers and data to our choices – we can colour DNA-test our alpacas, use EBV’s, use fibre test results and historical data to improve our own herds quality. The third run of EBVs was calculated and published back to participants in January 2023. Thanks to all who submitted data. The size and quality of the data set is continuing to grow which makes it stronger. Most members who participated last year have submitted data again, along with some new recruits. The course content of the Affiliate Programme was reviewed and revised by the current affiliates, and it now reflects current thinking. New affiliates were also recruited, with 12 new affiliate trainers now educating alpaca owners. In a new venture an area at the National Show was given over to education and advice. The area known as World of Alpacas covered elements of shearing, fleece preparation, spinning, weaving and welfare. We also had four llamas to visit. BAS is here to support its membership on their alpaca journey with help, advice education and welfare support alongside a thriving show scene and strong regional communities which allow like-minded alpaca owners to meet and support each other. The BAS Chat forum has continued to grow its membership and provides an active forum for members to exchange views on a wide variety of alpaca related issues. At the time of writing there were 667 members signed up to the Chat forum. We have had a positive year with our regional alpaca groups. We have seen older groups that had been struggling resurrected with new enthusiasm, and new groups formed. With 15 regional alpaca groups there is definitely one near you! Making contact is easy by phoning or emailing me, Duncan Pullar for all your alpaca enquires. I remain optimistic for the UK alpaca industry and believe we are well positioned to grow and develop the market opportunity for UK alpacas both for breeding and blood stock, with the UK having the finest genetics in Europe, and some more potential for the use of alpaca within the textile industry.
DIARY DATES: Keep checking the website as more may be added 27 January 2024
WSAG Midland Show Venue: Three Counties Show Ground, Malvern
22-24 March 2024 BAS National Show 2024 Venue: Telford International Centre 6 April 2024
NWAG Alpaca Championships Venue: Borderway Mart, Carlisle, Cumbria
12-14 April 2024
Heart of England Spring Alpaca Fiesta Venue: Bury Farm Equestrian Centre
20-21 April 2024
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South of England Spring Live Alpaca Halter Show Alpaca YEARBOOK Venue: 2024 South of England Showground
27-28 April 2024
Scottish Alpaca Championships Venue: Lanark Ag Centre, ML11 9AX
16-18 May 2024
Devon County Show Venue: West Point, Clyst St Mary, EX5 1DJ
25 May 2024
Northumberland Championship Halter Show Venue: Hexham, NE46 3SG
20 July 2024
Cornwall Fleece Show (CCA Members only) Venue: Carn Tremayne Farm, Praze, TR14 9PG
Southern Sands Alpacas
THE HOME OF THE NATIONAL SUPREME CHAMPION SURI ALPACA 2023
THE WELSH SUPREME CHAMPION SURI ALPACA 2023
POPHAM SURI ARMSTRONG
SOUTHERN SANDS SWEET AS CANDY
OFFERING STUD SERVICES FOR 2024 FROM INCA MANHATTEN
SOUTHERN SANDS THE BADGERS NADGERS
SOUTHERN SANDS BASIL BRUSH
MOONSBROOK MALT WHISKY
ARTWORK B.R AMERICAN EXPRESS
SOUTHERN SANDS PRINCE CASPIAN
BECK BROW TRUMP CARD
POPHAM SURI ARMSTRONG
Inca Manhatten is a son of the prodigious Surtierra Shadow and Inca Grey Dubonnet. Known on farm as “Manny” he is a solid true black male with a great substance of bone and a dense fleece with good crimp. He is a good solid all-rounder with an outstanding pedigree and some grey genetics in his pedigree.
“Basil” is our mid fawn son of Toft Timogen out of one of our best producing dams. He has great conformation and substance of bone. This handsome male born in 2020 was placed 1st in the adult male fawn class at the national show 2023. Basil has a dense and very fine well-structured fleece carrying a good degree of crimp, his first fleece was recorded as 14.0 micron with an SD of 2.9. Whilst his 3rd fleece in 2023 was still only 16.5 micron and an SD of 4.1.
Affectionately known as Amex, this son of Snowmass Bronze Royalty comes with an excellent pedigree with a great deal of colour throughout. He is a full brother to double supreme champion Artwork B.R American Beauty. He has good density and his second fleece was recorded at 17.4 micron with an SD of 3.9. A striking male with a good substance of bone and excellent fleece coverage. Although white in colour, Amex has sired 4 cria in 2023, All of them coloured including a light fawn from a mating to another white alpaca.
Trump Card was previously selected to be one of their own herd-sires by Beck brow alpacas, and we were delighted to have him join us at Southern Sands in the summer of 2023. He is a dark brown son of Beck Brow On The Money and is stylish with a very attractive head type. Conformationally correct, he is very dense with a good level of fineness in a well organised fleece showing a welldefined crimp style. Trump Cards 2nd fleece was 19.2 micron with an SD of 4.3.
Southport Farm, Bristol Road, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4HA PHONE: Ben 07791 396986 EMAIL: ben@southernsandsalpacas.co.uk WEBSITE: www.southernsandsalpacas.co.uk
Affectionately known as “Badger” this male is a son of Pucara Sur-Real Rapper out of our Champion female Moonsbrook Bountiful. He exhibits a great depth of colour, has a fantastic look and body shape. He is a quality macho with a great attitude, has good density and style to his fleece.
“Whisky” is a fully mature macho who looks every inch a natural herd-sire. A midbrown Suri with a full colour pedigree boasting some of the best UK coloured alpacas of generations past. Conformationally correct and with a great attitude, his first fleece won reserve champion at the SWAG fleece show in 2020. He has good density and fineness and has passed many of his best attributes to his offspring for which he was awarded 1st place at the Somerset County Show for being the sire with the best 3 progeny. Those progeny between them have also been awarded 7 first places, 5 reserve championships (including 2 at the National Show) and 2 championships.
Prince Caspian is a classy son of our herd-sire Moonsbrook Malt Whisky, out of one of our best producing dams. As Champion fawn male at the Somerset County Show 2022, he then went on to become Reserve Champion at the prestigious BAS National Show 2023. Caspian has a superior lock length, good density and a great level of fineness. His 2 year fleece when assessed from tip to mid-section was recorded as 17.1 micron with an SD of 3.2 and mid-section to the butt 18.0 micron with an SD of 3.7. He is conformationally correct with a good substance of bone and a great look.
Popham Suri Armstrong needs little introduction as the BAS National Supreme Champion of 2023. (Available to view on YouTube). This exceptional light coloured male is conformationally correct with an outstanding fleece having all the attributes of being both dense and fine with a very long lock length. When his fleece was sent for analysis in 2023, it was analysed in 2 sections. The tip to mid-section had an average micron of 16.3 and an SD of 3.1, and the mid to butt average micron was 17.4 with an SD of 3.6. Armstrong is available for selected outside matings only.
THE BRITISH ALPACA SOCIETY
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Dedicated to the welfare of alpacas and the education of their owners in the UK.
he British Alpaca Society (BAS) currently has 1,717 members representing 41,170 alpacas spread in various densities all the way from Lands End to John O’Groats. As well as providing information and support to its members, one of the organisation’s most important functions is maintaining a pedigree registry for all alpacas in the UK national herd and a European directory for all BAS registered alpacas domiciled in Europe. The alpaca industry is at an exciting stage of development and the BAS is working hard to support its members in their initiatives – both in the UK and Europe. By joining the Society you become part of a national community, dedicated to all things alpaca. Membership offers knowledge, networking and support to help you protect your investment and work towards your own alpaca aspiration.
Regional groups
The British Alpaca Society supports a national network of regional alpaca groups who meet on a regular basis to share experiences and knowledge, organise events and talk about the alpaca. The autonomous groups provide an invaluable forum for sharing expertise through workshops, lectures and shows and related alpaca events, with the emphasis on self-help, accessibility and local initiative. Whether you are an owner, a prospective owner, or just interested in these fascinating animals, your regional group will always make you welcome.
Website
The BAS website is a one stop educational resource containing detailed information on the alpaca, the membership and the Society. The BAS also has its own Facebook page which it uses to keep members updated on news and the latest information on events and shows.
Alpaca magazine
The BAS provides its membership with an informative quarterly magazine dealing with all aspects of alpaca ownership. The editorial content is applicable to the aspirant, beginner and established breeder within the UK and Europe. The BAS also provides its members with regular electronic information updates.
Education and training
The BAS, through its regional representatives on the national Education Committee, provides members with a range of educational courses on alpaca assessment, advanced alpaca assessment, alpaca fibre and processing for breeders. Through its comprehensive BAS judge training scheme, it provides the UK industry with certified qualified judges to support the show circuits and through its training and Recertification programme, it maintains the standard and consistency of alpaca judging in the UK. Its National Fibre Committee provides members with information on shearing, skirting, sorting and processing alpaca fibre, keeping them up to date with all developments within the alpaca fibre marketplace.
Alpaca welfare
The BAS is dedicated to the welfare of alpacas. It facilitates training and educational dvd’s and documents to aid husbandry and care of alpacas and is involved in all facets of government liaison regarding disease monitoring and exports. The BAS have emergency contacts for welfare issues and support members who have husbandry related questions or need help.
Showing
BAS Show Committees support a programme of BAS accredited halter and fleece shows throughout the length and breadth of the British Isles. Not only do these shows provide a showcase and learning experience for the general public, they also play a major part in educating and informing alpaca breeders throughout the UK.
MEMBERSHIP FEES Single membership – £84 per annum Joint membership – £105 per annum £10 discount for direct debit payers Herd registration fee – £25
www.bas-uk.com 6
Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
BREEDING CHAMPIONS THROUGH THE GENERATIONS
Call Barbara: 07833 642752 Craig 07407 446766 www.beckbrowalpacas.co.uk
REGISTRATION IS WHAT YOU NEED
Libby Henson from Grassroots Systems Ltd explains why the BAS pedigree database is so important to the industry. An essential tool
A strong accurate pedigree database is an essential tool in the future development of our industry, and key to the development of a successful breeding strategy for all members. It provides the opportunity to look at trends within the national population, produce statistics for the BAS board, the marketing committee, Alpaca magazine, and potential new members. With easy access for all members the Online Registry holds a wealth of information on over 77,000 animal records including pedigrees, offspring, show results and images and helps members plan unrelated matings. Please ensure that your alpacas are part of the future – check your herd records in the Online Registry, and get all your animals registered.
If you need help or advice please contact the Grassroots Office on 01392 270421 or email pedigree@grassroots.co.uk Or write to: BAS Registry, PO Box 251, Exeter, EX2 8WX
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Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
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here are currently 41,170 alpacas registered as living in the UK in BAS herds ranging in size from two or three animals to several hundred. Most herds consist of 10 to 20 registered animals. It is important that all UK born alpacas are logged with the BAS even when they are kept as pets or for fibre production.
All alpacas should carry a microchip which is the primary form of identification and is the quickest way to positively identify a lost or stolen animal. Tag numbers should be allocated but do not have to be worn in the ear.
• All pet males which will not be used for breeding or have been castrated should be ‘Listed’ (free of charge). This is important because it keeps them in the registry, and maintains their mother’s breeding record. • All other males, whose destiny has not yet been decided should be ‘Notified’ (£5 +VAT) • Certificates are available for Listed or Notified males for an additional £5 +VAT. • Males selected as breeding studs must be fully registered. (£50 +VAT to include the compulsory DNA profile). The DNA profiles can then be used to parentage verify cria in the future. Late fees apply to all cria applications which are not reported to the registry until after their first birthday.
Registration
Transfer
Identification
All cria should be logged with the BAS registry as soon as possible, and before their first birthday. There are three sections of the registry – Registered, Notified and Listed. • All females should be ‘Registered’ (£20 +VAT).
Animals which have been sold should be transferred on the registry to the new owners. The transfer fee applies to ‘Registered’ females, ‘Registered’ and ‘Notified’ males and is normally paid by the vendor. Transfer of ‘Listed’ non-breeding males is free of charge.
Search for animals for sale by location, age, sex, colour and style
Registry available online
The details of all ‘Registered’, ‘Notified’ and ‘Listed’ alpacas is available via the Grassroots Online Registry at grassroots.co.uk/bas.html The landing page links to the animals you own (top left), your membership details and payment methods (bottom left). In the top right hand corner are the ‘action’ buttons: • The magnifying glass – to search for people and the animals they own, any animals in the database, and animals which are available for sale or hire. • Sort or filter the list offered, click on an animal to view its details; pedigree, offspring, show results and images if the owner has uploaded them from the Grassroots Mobile App. • The menu icon – for a list of all the actions you can apply to make online: report births, register previously notified males, transfer ownership out of your herd, report deaths, apply for DNA profiles (this is automatically included in the application to register a male).
Online show entry system
The online show entry system provides a full list of shows. You can go back in at any time to check which animals you entered, make changes up until the show is closed, and reprint fleece sheets. The entry system filters the classes to help you make the correct choice and reminds you of the shearing dates you logged for each animal at previous shows.
Check Mate
Use Check Mate in the menu list to look for common ancestors in potential matings.
Before you buy
Please do check that the animals are on the
Four ways to log your cria There are four ways you can apply to Notify, List or Register your cira with the BAS. You can:
1 2 3 4
Apply via the Grassroots Online Registry. You will need your herd letters and password. If you have forgotten them please click on the ‘forgot password’ or contact the Grassroots office for a reset. Apply via the Grassroots Mobile App which you can download from the Google Playstore or Apple Appstore. Search for Grassroots Systems.
Email a list of cria in an excel spread sheet.
Send a paper application form or email to the Grassroots office with all the details.
Please Note in 2024 the board have decided that all applications MUST be paid for before they can be processed. If you have not already done so please ask for and sign a Direct Debit mandate which will avoid any possible delays. BAS database or contact the Grassroots office for assistance on 01392 270421 or email pedigree@grassroots.co.uk. It is very important that animals are registered before you buy because cria can only be registered by the person who was the registered owner of their mother on the day they were born. If you purchase unregistered animals you will not be able to register them yourself, and any cria they subsequently produce will only be eligible for listing. Remember if you are
Use Check Mate to identify common ancestors in potential matings
planning to show, or to breed animals you may wish to sell in the future, you must begin with pedigree registered stock. Registration is also important because the pedigree of an animal, its offspring, siblings and other relations are a good indicator of breeding potential and that of any descendants. If you want to breed to improve your stock, you need to know as much as possible about what you are buying.
Grading-up scheme
If you do already own unregistered stock, please contact the BAS registry for advice. It may be possible to trace their registered parents and arrange for late registration and transfer. Failing that, there is a ‘grading-up scheme’ which enables unregistered stock to be brought back into the fold, over three generations.
Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
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ANDEAN ALPACAS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
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Joy Whitehead fears the whole Quechuan way of life may now be under threat.
ver the years since 1989, when I bought my first five alpacas, I have attended every learning opportunity that came my way, including seminars in the UK, Canada, USA and Peru. I recall wonderful weekends with for example Murray Fowler, LaRue Johnson, David Pugh and David Anderson, giants in the field of veterinary progress for alpacas and llamas. There was so much knowledge and experience promulgated at every event. More recently in November 2023 I attended the Nutrition Seminar offered by Camelid Vet Services (UK) and Professor Robert Van Saun of Pennsylvania State University. Professor Van Saun has spent years dedicated to animal nutrition. In his opening presentation he highlighted the plight of the South American Camelids currently in Peru, where the small farmers with marginal alpaca
operations are now suffering even more than before due to the more frequent El Niño and La Niña events brought on by climate change and the inevitable changes in weather patterns. Professor Van Saun pointed out that previously the rains were far more concentrated into the ‘rainy season’, and that in fact the quality and quantity of the forage the alpacas were getting in the rainy season had been proven to be critical to their survival.
A precarious marginal existence
In the last few years, the rains have been spreading out more across the year. This sounds as if it should be good for increasing the quality of the grazing, but what appears to be happening, according to a scientific investigation by Professor Van Saun and Dr San Martin of San Marcos university in Lima, is that the extended rain period has modified the
Vicuña at Chaccu, Peru, 1997
grass growth such that less nutrients are actually being drawn up into the sparse grasses at the critical time the female alpacas most need it: leading up to parturition, lactation and re-breeding, so the animals are actually experiencing lower nutrition levels than before, which makes their marginal existence even more precarious. This goes on to adversely affect the desperately poor Quechua herders who own and depend on a small number of alpacas, along with their meagre potato patches, for their existence. We learned from Professor Van Saun that alpacas are able to change their metabolism to get them through periods of low quality and low quantity grazing in the dry seasons. Also that there were metabolic adaptations in the alpacas that had been necessary to achieve that, but that was before the latest climate change challenges arrived. The reduced nutrition levels they are now experiencing mean that the alpacas are more susceptible to diseases. Fibre production is also under threat: the climate crisis has visibly transformed the region’s high-altitude pastures, with adverse weather events such as frosts and snowstorms becoming more frequent and unpredictable. Then recently, La Niña events have intensified periods of drought. There was a drought in South America during 2022/23 which has made matters even worse. This began with extreme temperatures in many
Wild Guanacos, Chile 1993
regions that lasted for months. It was the driest season recorded in 58 years. This has affected the quality of the pastures, the availability of water and in turn the quality of the alpaca’s fleece.
Vicunals and Guanacos
Of course it is not only the farmed alpacas and llamas that are affected, but also the wild vicuñas and guanacos. Vicuñas are a protected species in Peru, but vicuña fibre plays a part in bolstering incomes on the altiplano, with hundreds of local people playing their part in the ‘chaccu’, which is an ancient custom that consists of capturing vicuñas for a few hours in order to be able to shear them so that their fibre can be obtained without altering their population or behaviour. Ken and I took part in this event when we attended the first International Alpaca Festival in Arequipa in 1997. I fell in love with Peru in 1991, when Ken, Claire and I went on a weaving and camping trek through the Andes to visit and see Quechua people drop-spinning, dyeing, weaving their own alpaca fibre to convert into warm clothing. I fear that not only fibre production but the whole Quechuan way of life may now be under threat. >> Continued on next page
About 70% of the world’s alpacas live in Peru where the fibre generates about £150m annually
Quechuan visitors to our campsite,1991
http://tinyurl.com/LifeUnderThreat << In recent decades, alpaca fibre production became a primary source of income for local herders, as luxury fashion brands adopted the fibre, selling high-end products in cities like London, Paris and New York, sometimes for thousands of pounds. About 70% of the world’s alpacas live in Peru where the fibre generates about £150m annually. However, prices paid by the manufacturing industry for 1kg of alpaca fibre have actually fallen, with the breeders having to sell the fibre at a loss. At the same time as fibre prices paid to the breeders are falling, the buyers are urging the breeders to increase production to meet demand! The Guardian looked at this problem in October 2023. Milagros Aguilar Calla, a veterinarian and vice-president of the Centre for Studies and Promotion of Development of the South (Descosur) said: “The current situation of the alpaca herders has been critical since last year, mainly due to climate change and because of the drought.” She continued: “Since last year, an extreme drought has been increasing offspring mortality and miscarriages. Breeders are selling their animals at meagre prices because there is no pasture, and the weather conditions are unfavourable.” Researchers and local associations stress that the future of the alpaca sector requires equitable and sustainable restructuring by the government. The Peruvian government has introduced aid programmes, but these have been insufficient, said Aguilar Calla. “There are no incentives to add value and improve the breeders’ quality of life. If nothing changes, the future of alpaca production is critical.” Professor Van Saun told us that, just before the Covid-19 pandemic struck, a pilot project had been introduced on one of the larger alpaca
Quechuan young girl, 1991 enterprises operating on the altiplano. They had hopes that offering feed supplementation might help mitigate some of the issues they were already having to deal with at that time, so they made pellets using some forage by-product with oats, and put them out for the animals to eat on top of the forage. But how might this be expanded to benefit the thousands of marginal subsistence farmers? There is now an even greater need in Peru to start thinking about providing additional nutrients to the alpacas. My heart goes out to those resilient Quechuan herders I visited in 1998, farmers who sold me wonderful Peruvian alpacas, including individuals I still remember with great affection and with gratitude for their contribution to our legendary Bozedown bloodlines.
Selection alpacas showing dry Andean pasture in the background, Peru 1998
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ALPACA-CENTRIC WHIRLWIND
Buckle up for a riotous alpaca filled adventure in the latest children's TV episode of Pop Paper City titled Farmyard Runaways
G
eorgina Hurcombe, the creator behind this vibrant and crafty animated series Pop Paper City that is airing globally and on Channel 5 in the UK, spills the beans on how her quirky, fun-loving alpacas ignited the silliest escapade yet. For four years, Hurcombe's adorable alpacas have been the lifeblood of mischief and laughter, and now their whimsical antics take center stage in Pop Paper City. Produced by LoveLove Films, this 3D craft show-meets-adventure whisks kids away to a world where dreams come to life amidst endless paper wonder. The Farmyard Runaways episode is where the alpacas steal the spotlight! Plom and friends from pop paper city embark on a quest to corral the mischievous 'Poppacas'—a pack of playful alpacas that'll warm your heart and tickle your funny bone. "Owning alpacas has been great, they've inspired this hilarious escapade capturing their playful spirit," beamed Georgina Hurcombe. "We even have the animated alpacas spit in the episode... rainbows, of course! It's a children's show after all," she chuckled "much nicer than the real thing!" This alpaca-centric whirlwind is a jubilant celebration of these charming creatures, showcasing their quirks and joy within the bustling energy of Pop Paper City. LoveLove Films, the creative powerhouse based in Dorset UK led by Hurcombe, expertly weaves alpaca-inspired mischief into the show, ensuring
endless giggles and wacky storytelling for kids across the world – the series is distributed to over 170 territories worldwide dubbed in many languages and distributed by Aardman animation. The show currently airs on Milkshake (Channel 5) in the UK but is also on ABC Australia, CBeebies, and HBO to name a few and the show consists of 52 episodes! As the Farmyard Runaways brings the alpacas' whimsy to life, Pop Paper City gets its nod as a finalist for 'Best Pre-school Programme at the Broadcast Awards 2024 which showcases the best of what British TV has to offer. Georgina Hurcombe's delightful alpacas shine as the stars behind this uproarious tale, highlighting the series' dedication to infusing sheer joy, fun, and adventure into children's entertainment. Georgina commented: "I produced 52 episodes; that is over nine hours of children's TV and luckily I managed to sneak an alapca themed episode into Pop Paper City – it had to be done really," she laughed.
About Georgina Hurcombe and LoveLove Films
Georgina Hurcombe, the brain behind Pop Paper City and owner of eight adorable alpacas, infuses their playful charm into the show's heart. LoveLove Films, under Hurcombe's spirited guidance, crafts innovative and engaging storytelling adventures for young audiences. Georgina can be found at Elements herd in Hampshire.
Join the extravaganza
Join the alpaca extravaganza on Channel 5 or catch up on My5 episode named Farmyard Runaways
14 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
IT’S IN OUR DNA
THE BAS NATIONAL SHOW
ENERGY AND BUZZ
T
he annual BAS National show is a celebration of all things alpaca which is a genuine highlight for many BAS members each year. The energy and buzz that fills the show rings for two and a half days each March is great to experience as an exhibitor and an observer. The audience includes visitors who have been working with alpacas for years, people thinking about starting and everywhere in between. There is always a good number of visitors from Europe. Exhibitors are always keen to chat about their animals and explain what is going on to any, and all, who visit. The climax of all the excitement happens on Sunday afternoon when the Supreme Champion Suri and Huacaya are selected. For those two animals to be considered “the best”, for the year from around 600 alpacas presented, is truly an achievement for the owner and breeders involved. The entries will be judged by two judges working in two rings simultaneously. It is quite an undertaking for the judges to work through 150 alpacas each a day but they always seem to be enjoying what they do. The Halter Show is the main attraction for most, but the supporting cast includes the National Fleece show, a fibre zone, a “village” of trade stands. The National Fleece show is billed as the “Champion of Champions” because all fleeces entered need to have been a Champion or Reserve in a BAS fleece show in the year before. The fibre zone has grown in recent years and includes home crafted products as well as commercially made items. The quality, inventiveness, and appeal of the products on display never ceases to amaze. 16 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
The trade stands cover the full range of “stuff” that you need to keep an alpaca comfortable, as well as alpaca products. At one end of the scale you will find field shelters and machinery for paddock maintenance. In the middle there are equipment, feed and vet supply businesses and finally garments and even jewellery made from alpaca fibre. The whole event is an exciting weekend of interest and socialising. The Dinner on Saturday is a focus for fun and meeting old friends. So, if you haven’t been before then make 2024 the year you come and share the excitement. Get yourself to the TIC Telford on the weekend of Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March 2024. The latest information is always available on the National Show website.
22-24 March 2024 www.basnationalshow.co.uk The 2025 Show will be held on Stafford Show Ground on 22-23 March. We think Stafford is a brilliant new venue for us because we will have exclusive use of the entire venue, with all its facilities for the duration of the show – which include plenty of both indoor and outdoor space. Bingley Halll can accommodate everyone with the opportunity for a more vibrant, inclusive experience for exhibitors. There is also an open mezzanine level which means that viewing the proceedings will be better and easier than ever.
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17
THE BAS NATIONAL SHOW
THE STUD AUCTION
T
Organisers: Tim Hey – timhey@incaafpaca.co.uk Barbara Hetherington – barbara@beckbrowalpacas.co.uk
he Stud Auction plays a big role in the National Show every year. It works by some of the top breeders in the country being generous enough to donate a drive-by stud service from one of their established stud males. Each male is then auctioned, allowing breeders to bid against one another to obtain a mating and gain some top class genetics. All the proceeds of the auction go towards financing the National Show, a huge contribution to allow us to make this the world class event that it is each year.
This year, we are delighted to have an amazing line up of 30 stud males – you will have been able to find all their details on the National Show "Website from early January and start working out which to put a bid on! We will be promoting each male on our Facebook page as they come up to their auction slot and the auction will run for four weeks from the end of January.
Key dates
Auction starts Monday 29 January for four weeks
THE FIBRE ZONE
Organiser: Alison Wiseman alison.wiseman@googlemail.com
T
he National Show is about furthering our collective ambition to breed alpacas with the most luxurious fleece, and the Fibre Zone showcases some wonderful things being made from alpaca fibre across the country. With a range of classes from hand made craft items through to machine made products, this is a great chance to share what you make from your alpaca fleece. There's also a crafting challenge this year which promises to be great fun. The full class list and entry instructions are now up on the National Show website. Entries are just £5 per class or £12 for three classes.
Key dates
Entry forms to be submitted by Friday 8 March
18 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
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Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
19
SHOWS
SOMERSET COUNTY SHOW
16-17 September 2023 – The SWAG created a memorable showcase for alpacas with their ‘Alpaca Village’.
T
he 2023 Somerset County Show took place on the weekend of 16 September at Taunton Racecourse. It’s a pleasure to work with the show’s organising committee who really value having alpacas as a big public attraction. This year, SWAG created the ‘Alpaca Village’ incorporating the Fleece Show, Halter Show and some great stalls packed with alpaca products. With a fabulous turnout of entrants for both the halter and fleece shows and BAS Judges Roger Clarke and Mary Jo Smith on duty, it was a wonderful display of some of the best alpacas in the country. The fleece show was judged by Mary Jo in advance with the champions and supreme fleeces on display for the show and the big reveal of the results. Huge congratulations to Artwork for Supreme Huacaya Fleece and Pure Alpacas who were awarded Supreme Suri. It was great to have Mary Jo at the show to talk through the winning fleece qualities and award the trophies to Ken & Liz and Jay. After a glorious day for arrivals and setting up, Roger had his work cut out to judge just short of 150 alpacas in the ring on the Saturday in rather damp conditions. Everyone was very appreciative of his perseverance and reassured by him that these were ‘normal Irish conditions’ in which to appraise alpacas!! Both the Huacaya and Suri supreme line ups were of excellent quality and after much deliberation, the ultimate awards went to Bozedown for Supreme and Judges Choice Huacayas. In the Suri competition, Lane House took Supreme and Pure Alpacas were awarded Judges Choice.
Insights into owning and breeding
The action in the ring was entertainingly narrated by Tom Scott and Tim Hey on the microphone and attracted a good crowd throughout the day.
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We hope everyone enjoyed some new insights into owning and breeding alpacas and it was fabulous to have the Fleece Show display on hand with samples available so that people could feel the two types of alpaca and also compare them to the wool of sheep. Our stall holders also put on a great display and the opportunity to buy all sorts of alpaca products and experiences and Sophie, from Watery Lane Alpacas and Studio, was demonstrating spinning yarn for use in her woven alpaca rugs. It was our hope that the second day of the show would be given over to activities in the ring and the marquees dedicated to show visitors, illuminating and encouraging all aspects of alpaca ownership and generally increasing awareness and love for these lovely animals. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other ideas and the whole show had to be brought to an early conclusion due to torrential rain which was a great shame. We hope for better fortune next year and are considering improved marquee coverage – which probably means there will be a heat wave! Despite the rain, we hope that everyone enjoyed the show! As always there are many people to thank. All of this was only possible with the generous support of our sponsors and of course the participation of the exhibitors in both Halter and Fleece Shows. Many thanks must also go to our judges for their expert evaluations and all the stall holders for putting on a great show. Huge thanks to the organising committee who worked tirelessly before, during and after the event, striving to ensure it was a great experience for exhibitors, stall holders, visitors and alpacas. Special shout outs to Isla May who put in a sterling shift as our ring steward and to Wolfridge Alpacas who put on catering throughout the show for exhibitors with hot drinks and an amazing selection of cakes and biscuits. Finally, we were treated to a wonderful Saturday evening at the Rat and Alpaca by Mark and Sue Steele of Patou Alpacas. In their wonderful private ‘pub’ at the farm, fabulous BBQ grub, a drink or two and the entertaining company of each other, we all enjoyed the chance to get together and have fun after the fierce competition of the day. We hope we are not barred and may be invited back!
Halter Show results Huacaya Supreme Champion Bozedown Colour of Magic (BNBAS16479) Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd Judges Choice Huacaya Bozedown Beautiful Dreamer (UKBAS42880) Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd Black Female Champion Inca Incognito (UKBAS25251) Inca - Inca Alpaca Ltd Black Male Champion Inca Palladium (BNBAS15466) Inca - Inca Alpaca Ltd Grey Female Champion Inca Grey Ritz (UKBAS42657) Inca - Inca Alpaca Ltd Grey Male Champion Usk Valley Just The Ticket (BNBAS16057) Usk Valley - Mr & Mrs Morgan Modern Grey Male Champion Usk Valley Jewel (UKBAS42227) Usk Valley - Mr & Mrs Morgan Modern Grey Female Champion Snowshill Olörin (BNBAS16098) Snowshill - Mr Roger & Mrs Mary Mount Brown Female Champion Popham Olivia (UKBAS42247) Southern Sands - Mr Ben Robinson Brown Male Champion Artwork V.V. American Flyer (UKBAS43853) Artwork - Mr K Freivokh & Miss E Windsor Fawn Female Champion Artwork M.S. Mimi (UKBAS42517) Artwork - Mr K Freivokh & Miss E Windsor Fawn Male Champion Artwork Jack The Lad (UKBAS40095) Artwork - Mr K Freivokh & Miss E Windsor Light Female Champion Bozedown Beautiful Dreamer (UKBAS42880) Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd Light Male Champion Bozedown Secret Agent (BNBAS16500) Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd White Female Champion Bozedown Lolita II (UKBAS42849) Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd White Male Champion Bozedown Colour of Magic (BNBAS16479) Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd
Supreme Suri Champion
Suri Supreme Champion Lane House Zephyr (BNBAS15967) Lane House - Mrs D Lane & Miss J Lane
Supreme Huacaya Champion and Judges Choice Huacaya
Judges Choice Suri Pure Teine (BNBAS16253) Pure - Mr Jay Holland
Fleece Show results
Black Male Champion Snowshill Black Shadow (BNBAS16104) Snowshill - Mr Roger Mount & Mrs Mary Mount
Supreme Champion Huacaya Fleece (85.5) Artwork Jack The Lad (UKBAS40095) Artwork - Mr K Freivokh & Miss E Windsor
Grey Female Champion Chapel Ground Bibi (UKBAS41800) Chapel Ground - Mr Nicholas Harrisson & Mrs Tamsin Harrisson
White Huacaya Fleece Champion (82.25) Latton Bonnie (UKBAS42651) Latton - Latton Alpacas Ltd
Grey Male Champion Lane House Grey Masquerade (BNBAS15971) Lane House - Mrs D Lane & Miss J Lane Modern Grey Female Champion Snowshill Aerin (UKBAS42308) Snowshill - Mr Roger Mount & Mrs Mary Mount Brown Female Champion Dark Sky Hnoss (UKBAS42357) Dark Sky - Mr & Mrs Tom & Wendy Scott Brown Male Champion Snowshill Elrohir (BNBAS16109) Snowshill - Mr Roger Mount & Mrs Mary Mount Fawn Female Champion Dark Sky Dolly P (UKBAS42359) Polgrain - Mrs Heather Lester
Light Huacaya Fleece Champion (78.0) Artwork V.V. Roxanne (UKBAS38627) Artwork - Mr K Freivokh & Miss E Windsor Fawn Huacaya Fleece Champion (85.5) Artwork Jack The Lad (UKBAS40095) Artwork - Mr K Freivokh & Miss E Windsor Brown Huacaya Fleece Champion (79.5) Willowbrook Brown Sugar (UKBAS43342) Willowbrook - Mrs Hannah L Welch Grey Huacaya Fleece Champion (73) Usk Valley Just The Ticket (BNBAS16057) Usk Valley - Mr & Mrs Morgan Black Huacaya Fleece Champion(73.5) Inca Oklahoma (UKBAS39039) Inca - Inca Alpaca Ltd
Fawn Male Champion Pure Teine (BNBAS16253) Pure - Mr Jay Holland
Supreme Champion Suri Fleece Champion (77.5) Pure Katari (UKBAS40032) Pure - Mr Jay Holland
Light Female Champion Dark Sky Demelza (UKBAS42353) Dark Sky - Mr Tom Scott & Mrs Wendy Scott
White Suri Fleece Champion (77.25) Snowshill Glorfindel (UKBAS36044) Snowshill - Mr Roger Mount & Mrs Mary Mount
Light Male Champion Lane House Zephyr (BNBAS15967) Lane House - Mrs D Lane & Miss J Lane
Suri Light Fleece Champion (77.5) Pure Katari (UKBAS40032) Pure - Mr Jay Holland
White Female Champion Dark Sky Stella (UKBAS42352) Dark Sky - Mr & Mrs Tom & Wendy Scott
Suri Fawn Fleece Champion (75.5) Pure Kubla Khan (BNBAS13122) Pure - Mr Jay Holland
White Male Champion SilverCloud Casablanca (BNBAS16712) SilverCloud - Kim Swetman
Suri Grey Fleece Champion (70.0) Snowshill Leonides (BNBAS15044) Snowshill - Mr Roger Mount & Mrs Mary Mount Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
21
JUDGES’ CALIBRATION SHOWS CONSISTENCY
BAS Judge Shirley Bettinson packs her thermals for a winter weekend of evaluating alpacas and fleece
S
itting in the warm at a Judge’s Zoom meeting it was an easy decision to decide to go North for our Annual Calibration. It was agreed that Paul and Debbie Rippon had plenty of alpacas to make up classes and had good barn facilities. This was true but boy was it cold that weekend. We were warned, just before we set off, to pack our thermals as the forecast was for minus figures. In true British style we all enjoyed talking about how many layers we had on and how long the journey had taken on a Friday afternoon. Our host farm was Barnacre Alpacas where Paul and Debbie had cleared and cleaned a fabulous large barn for us to assess several classes of six throughout the weekend. We were divided into two groups and our placings 22 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
written on a large chart so that we could see how close we all were. Lots of discussion after each class and we were delighted to find that we were all placing very similar to each other – right from the first class of six white intermediate huacayas through to our final six light suris. I’ve got to say that even though we were all concentrating and focussing on our classes in a very cold environment we had a great time. We do enjoy getting together and ‘chewing the cud.’ Trait weighting and championships ’to be or not to be? ‘ that was the question. It was a welcome relief to get inside to score fleece samples and fleece judge. We pooled our thoughts and experiences to make possible amendments to the new fleece judging system. Thanks again to Paul and Debbie for their generous hospitality and for providing well behaved alpacas and handlers.
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Looking for Quality Genetics, choice of colour, well-trained alpacas? Look no further...
• Alpacas for sale • Agistment services • Adopt an alpaca • Alpaca experiences • Alpaca walks • Hand knitted alpaca products
www.csalpacas.co.uk Julia Corrigan-Stuart
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23
BREEDING
DESTINATION MATING
As your thoughts turn to the next steps in your breeding programme, Suri specialists Dark Sky Alpacas and Polgrain Alpacas have teamed up to offer a new mating proposition.
D
ark Sky Alpacas and Polgrain Alpacas both specialise in Suri and have already decided to collaborate across both herds to advance their breeding programmes. It was a natural next step to think about how to offer stud services to other Suri breeders. While being tucked down in the south west corner of the country could be perceived as an issue in terms of distance, Dark Sky Alpacas and Polgrain Alpacas were also convinced it could be a huge plus point given all that Cornwall has to offer and the beautiful setting of both farms. Having experienced using outside stud services in various formats – mobile matings, drive by matings and females staying on site at the stud farm – it was felt it was possible to develop on site facilities to create the ideal accommodation for visiting alpacas (biosecure luxury, with the aim of creating a stress free environment). For humans, both Dark Sky Alpacas and Polgrain Alpacas already had fabulous, exclusive accommodation options and the advantage of being in easy reach of both the north and south Cornwall coasts. The idea of Destination Mating was born – a mating experience that is great for your alpacas and also great for you.
How destination mating works
1. Choose from the any of the superb, pedigree studs owned by Dark Sky Alpacas and Polgrain Alpacas – for the 2024 season there are four proven Suri studs, all with champion progeny, and a further four up and coming Suri studs providing a breadth of genetics and colour choices – all have been genetically colour tested. There is also a fabulous Grey Huacaya stud. In case Huacaya owners would like to join in. 2. Take the stress out of mating by taking your females to one destination, either Dark Sky Alpacas or Polgrain Alpacas – then let the Poldark team bring the males to them, manage the matings and spit offs and make sure the girls are pampered in top notch biosecure paddocks, each complete with its own shelter. 3. Kick back and indulge in some time for yourself by staying over in one of the beautiful cottages at Dark Sky Alpacas or Polgrain Alpacas – both in stunning locations and also close to the coast and the ‘foodie heaven’ available in Padstow, Port Isaac, Newquay and Fowey.
For more information about Destination Mating
Visit www.poldarkalpacas.com or the facebook page ‘Poldark Alpacas’ or feel free to call any member of the team to discuss options
Great choice, no stress, and a bit of ‘you time’
More about Poldark Alpacas
The name Poldark Alpacas is not only the conjunction of the herd names – Polgrain and Dark Sky – it also reflects that both are based squarely in ‘Poldark country’ – so fans of the series and the books will know what to expect from this beautiful part of the country.
Dark Sky Alpacas
Wendy and Tom moved to Cornwall and established Dark Sky Alpacas six years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed throwing themselves into the ‘alpaca world’. After starting with a mixed herd of Suri and Huacaya, Wendy and Tom quickly chose to specialise in Suri having fallen for the breed and were set on really focusing on the breeding programme. Big enthusiasts of participating in shows and everything you learn from the judges and other breeders, Wendy and Tom have been thrilled with their progress and are proud to have a growing number of national and regional show champions in the Dark Sky herd. Wendy is the Chair of their regional group, the Cornwall Camelid Association, and Tom is part of the National Show organising committee and they have both just completed the BAS Intermediate Alpaca Assessment course. They have also thrown themselves into creating luxury products with their fleece. Their first venture created professionally knitted Cornish Alpaca ‘Fisherman’s Smocks’ and most recently they have designed and registered their own Dark Sky Alpacas tartan which has been woven into scarves, shawls, throws and fabric and is marketed under the trade name ‘The Tartan Alpaca’. In addition to their ventures with fleece, each year on the farm there is a major project –
last year it was getting off grid, this year it’s hand building an authentic ‘whole log’ cabin – this will be one of the Destination Mating accommodation options – in due course!
Polgrain Alpacas
Heather and David had a similar journey transitioning from corporate life in London to farm life in Cornwall at around about the same time. With almost 130 acres to tend, some of their land is turned over to sheep and pigs but alpacas are their passion. Polgrain Alpacas was originally a Huacaya herd but they now focus on Suri, partly driven by Heather’s love of weaving and textile design and with ambitions to develop both the herd and alpaca products. Heather is about to complete her Handweavers Studio 2 year Diploma and they are both active members of the CCA and local farming community. Their farm sits in the heart of Cornwall and offers spectacular views and plenty of space to develop biosecure paddocks for visiting alpacas – they have commissioned two specifically for the Poldark Alpacas stud services adopting best practice in design and professional biosecurity advice.
Select the ideal matings for your chosen females
From the top class suri studs owned by both Polgrain and Dark Sky
Bring your girls down to the biosecure paddocks at Polgrain or Dark Sky Where they can stay until they have been successfully mated and spat off – the selected males will be brought to them
Take advantage of the option to stay in one of our cottages When you drop off and / or pick up your alpacas – or stay longer and make it into a proper holiday
Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
25
HEALTH AND WELFARE
FORAGE ANALYSIS – THE BASICS
Forage makes up the major component of the diets of all ruminants and pseudo-ruminants. In the UK the most common forages available for alpacas will be grass, hay and haylage, writes Rob Pullar, National Nutritionist at ForFarmers.
Do consider your forage quality before selecting a compound feed, high quality forage
N
ot all forages are created equal, variations in nutrient supply can be caused by soil type, fertiliser use, plant species mix/varieties, growing season, and harvest process. Forages will go a long way to meeting the nutritional requirements of alpacas, however there will be some shortfall with poorer quality forages. By testing your forages to see what nutrients they are providing you will be better equipped in selecting how much, and what types, of other feedstuffs to feed alongside your forages to provide a balanced ration that meets the needs of the alpaca.
Nutrient fractions
Dry Matter/Moisture – Alpaca feed intake is limited by the amount of dry matter (DM) they can consume, rather than the fresh weight of the feedstuffs they eat. The fresh weight is the weight of a material as you use it, whereas the dry matter in a feed is the fresh weight with weight of the moisture content removed. Alpacas are likely to eat around 2% of their bodyweight each day in DM 26 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
terms, a 60kg animal would therefore eat around 1.2kg DM/day. Eating fresh grass at around 25% DM an alpaca would require 4.8kg, but the same animal on 90% DM hay would only eat 1.32kg! Whenever you work with nutrient values for alpacas take careful consideration of whether the values you are looking at are in DM or fresh! Typically forage analysis reports the items in the table on page 28. As you can see the major differences are in the Metabolizable Energy (ME) and Protein values, these are key to alpaca growth and performance. The good hay is still likely to have deficiencies on mineral and vitamin supply – see table below. >> Continued on next page Nutrient
Alpaca requirement
Hay Supply
Calcium
0.6%
0.3%
Phosphorus
0.45%
0.25%
Selenium
0.35 mg/kg
0.2
Vitamin D
7.5mcg/KG
0 mcg/KG
Meadow Farm
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27
90
84.3 84.4
Nutrient comparison of grass hays
Poor
80 70
Good
58.3
60
52.5
50 40 30 20 8
10 0
12
9.7
13.7
9.2 11.3 0.9 0.9
Dry matter (%)
ME (Mj/kg)
Crude Protein (%)
<< Hay and Haylage are likely to be deficient in vitamin and minerals so further supplementation is required, this can be done with pastes, injections, mineral packs that can be mixed in or top dressed on feed, and from compound feed which is already supplemented. Compared to fresh grass a significant amount of the vitamin levels will be lost during
Starch (%)
Sugar (%)
NDF (%)
the production and storage process with losses increasing over the storage period. For most alpacas on most forages, it is reasonable to supplement with compound feed to guard against vitamin and trace element deficiencies. However, do consider your forage quality before selecting a compound feed, high quality forage with good protein and energy supply can be balanced out with reduced
3.1 6.1
2.5 2.5
Ash (%)
Oil-B (%)
volume of compound or a lower nutrient density of feed, whereas forage that is low in protein or energy can be adjusted for with increased compound in the diet or switching to a more nutrient dense product. Too much highly fermentable compound feed can upset the pH in the foregut so do pay heed to the maximum advised rates. If in doubt, please consult your feed provider/nutritionist.
Nutrient
Test process
Metabolizable Energy (ME)
Energy from fermentation (starch, sugars and fibre) plus oils
Representative of energy value
Crude Protein
Calculated for the total nitrogen content of a feed multiplied by 6.25
Representative of the protein a diet can provide, contains non protein nitrogen which rumen bugs can convert into amino acids
10%-18% in grass hays
Oil/Fat
Total oil/fat, can be tested for by Ether extract (Oil A) or Acid Hydrolysis (Oil B). Oil B results are usually slightly higher
High in energy but not fermentable in the rumen, too much can inhibit rumenzfunction
2%-6%
Crude Fibre
Representative of total fibre in a feed. Can also be reported in the form of NDF and ADF
Slower fermentable energy source for alpacas, sufficient levels are required to encourage rumination (cud chewing)
Ash
What remains of a feed that has been combusted with pure oxygen.
Mineral content of the diet, high values can be caused by soil contamination.
<8%
Starch
Multiple tests producing similar values
Expect low values in grass forages, too high a level in the diet can contribute to acidosis
<2% in grasses
Sugars
Multiple tests producing similar values
Highly fermentable energy source for alpacas, will vary with season and forage type
Around 8%-13%
NDF
NDF is a measure of insoluble fibre. Including Hemicellulose, Cellulose, and Lignin
The difference between ADF and NDF shows the hemicellulose fraction, this is a more fermentable fibre
>45%
ADF
Cellulose, lignin and other poorly digestive components comprise ADF
Lignin is very difficult to break down, high values will slow the digestion and fermentation of feed
<40%
28 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
Role in animal
Typical values 8-13 MJ/Kg
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Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
29
HEALTH AND WELFARE
EXCESS VITAMIN D EXPOSURE Sarah Finch (Caldwell), BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon at Castle Veterinary Group and Consultant at TheHumanVet Ltd writes about a case that we can all learn from. Similar yellow cysts embedded in the submucosa of the caecum
A
Wall of C3 containing 2-3mm yellow round calcified cysts
n adult male Huacaya alpaca, ‘Jack’, who was presented to us, at Castle Veterinary Group, by a concerned owner having developed severe, watery diarrhoea. He was off his food, lethargic and had a slight arching to his back but was otherwise clinically unremarkable except for having dry gums and sunken eyes, suggesting a level of dehydration more than 8% of his body weight which is particularly significant in alpacas due to their ability to retain fluid. Whilst obtaining a history, it came to light that some of the herd had received an accidental, ten-times (20,000 IU/Kg) higher than recommended dose of vitamin ADE injection at their routine winter dosing. Over the following 78-hour period, my colleague Charlotte Bain and I visited Jack to provide supportive therapy including anti-inflammatories, intravenous fluids, antibiotics and thiamine, and gastro-protectants, in addition to obtaining diagnostic samples. A blood sample processed at the surgery highlighted: Value
Reference Range
White Blood Cells
2.44 x 10^9/L
7.1 - 18.6 x 10^9/L
Glucose
19.26mmol/L
4.0 - 8.0mmol/L
Calcium
2.11mmol/L
2.0 - 2.6mmol/L
Phosphorus
3.75mmol/L
0.8 - 2.7mmol/L
Creatinine
318umol/L
115 - 239umol/L
Urea
33.8mmol/L
4.3 - 11.8mmol/L
The results overall supported a diagnosis of dehydration and an active infection. The high phosphorus did correlate with excess vitamin D exposure and the elevated creatinine and urea, indicated kidney dysfunction. A direct-faecal sample ruled out the presence of gut parasites and Johne’s disease. Unfortunately, before any further tests could be performed, Jacks condition deteriorated, and euthanasia was deemed the kindest option. Due to the complex nature of this case the owner agreed to have a post-mortem 30 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
conducted at Starcross Veterinary Investigating Centre. The main findings and interpretation from the post-mortem were: 1. Calcified lesions through the gastro-intestinal tract, lungs, heart, kidneys and abdominal lymph nodes. ‘Calcinosis’ is reported in alpacas that have received vitamin D overdoses. 2. Salmonella typhimurium and E.coli were cultured from the caecum, and were both resistant to Tetracycline and Penicillin antibiotics. This finding explained the active infection seen on the bloods and was likely secondary to the gut damage from the calcification and previous parasite burdens. 3. Ulceration of the stomach Compartment 3 (C3) due to historic parasite insult and further ulceration in the oesophagus most likely from the elevated urea level from kidney damage. To determine the significance of the ADE overdose in this case, a blood sample for Vitamin D was analysed. The result was 256.2nmol/L, which was not in the toxic range (over 375 nmol/L) but was significantly higher than the adequate range (over 50 nmol/L) despite being five-weeks post treatment. We therefore consider the calcification observed on the post-mortem to be directly correlated to the ADE treatment. The remainder of the herd are under close supervision and have had bloods taken for calcium and phosphorus, all of which remain within acceptable levels. This supports the theory that there is an individual tolerance for ADE as Jack was one of the larger males. Two other males did develop diarrhoea, but testing did not identify any infectious or parasitic causes and they have since resolved. It is possible they too, have developed calcified lesions. The take home from this case, and the reason why the owner kindly let me share it, is that it is easy to make a simple error that can have serious consequences. Please double check your ADE dosage at the point of administering. Following this case, we are in discussions with Starcross Veterinary Investigating Centre about evaluating previous, and on-going alpaca submissions to better understand the amount and consequences of calcification from giving routine ADE treatment. Sarah also thanks her colleague, Charlotte Bain BVMSci MRCVS, in the case and the article write-up.
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HEALTH AND WELFARE
SOUTH AMERCIAN CAMELID CONGRESS
I
Claire Whitehead BVM&S MS DACVIM MRCVS reports on the South American Camelid Congress that took place in Vienna in December.
n 2019, the British Veterinary Camelid Society invited Sonja Franz from the Vienna University of Veterinary Medicine to speak at our conference in the UK. During the conference, Sonja decided to invite the BVCS to join with the Austrian vets at a conference in Vienna in 2020. Obviously, due to events beyond our control that never happened, but finally in December 2023, a joint conference between the Austrians and BVCS finally took place. I was absolutely blown away to find around 170 people in attendance – the vast majority were vets from all over Europe, but also around 10-15 breeders. It really feels as though camelids have now reached a population size that means that they’re no longer being considered a passing fad. Those had very much seemed to be the sort of comments you’d hear from vets when I first started out in practice in 1999. It was really heart-warming to see such a level of interest in camelids and so much research being done and presented at the conference. Until now, it has seemed that most of the advances in our knowledge about camelids were coming from North America. Now there is considerable momentum within Europe. As a result, I think we can expect
32 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
to see the standard of care improve across the board over the coming years, especially with an increased possibility of referral to specialist centres for camelids. There were 10 keynote speakers including Chris Cebra and Bob Van Saun who travelled from the US for the event. In addition, there were three keynote speakers from the UK – Karin Mueller, Graham Duncanson and myself – Henrik Wagner from Germany, Patrik Zanolari from Switzerland, Matthias Gauly from Italy, and Anna Stölzl, Cassandra Eibl and Sonja Franz from Austria. There were numerous 15 minute abstracts presented in between the keynote talks, presenting topics concerning infectious diseases, genetics, reproduction, cria care, anatomy, fibre and husbandry. On the Friday evening, we were treated to a traditional Viennese Heurigen dinner at a vineyard on the outskirts of Vienna. It was a lovely opportunity to meet and chat with colleagues! Since this meeting has been such a success, we have decided to continue to run the event every other year, moving around Europe. We plan to offer the event in the UK in 2025. Watch this space!
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Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
33
HEALTH AND WELFARE
NUTRITION MASTERCLASS
One weekend in November, Claire Whitehead BVM&S MS DACVIM MRCVS from Camelid Veterinary Services Ltd hosted Professor Bob Van Saun teaching a full weekend of knowledge gleaned from many years of working in nutrition.
P
rofessor Bob Van Saun has been particularly interested in small ruminants and camelids during his career. It turned out to be an incredible learning experience for the attendees as Professor Van Saun took attendees on a journey from the basics through applications of understanding forage analysis and building feeding programmes and then on to the implications of nutrition on reproductive success and cria growth. Nutrition is crucial to optimising health and production in all animals. While it’s relatively easy to find hay and a bag of feed and feed these animals, it’s harder to ensure that each animal maintains an optimal weight, and harder to ensure that the ration is balanced appropriately in order to optimally support the body’s function.
Understanding the camelid gastrointestinal tract
The course started with a thorough outline of how the camelid gastrointestinal tract is different from that of other large animal species and how they can adapt to different environments. Camelids have extremely efficient nitrogen recycling and this enables them to survive on poor forages – however, it is not compatible with optimal production. In the context of alpaca farming, this means growth, fertility, foetal growth, mammary development and lactational performance as well as maintenance of weight and fibre production. Professor Van Saun stressed the importance of taking care of the microbial populations in the gut, not just by making sure that you don’t change the microbial pH (which will kill off those important microbes) but also by getting the balance of energy and nitrogen right. If you mismatch protein and energy, the microbes are unable to make best use of them. Even feeding the forage, protein and carbohydrate in the right order is important for microbial function.
Know what you are feeding and test
The next section of the course showed delegates the importance of forage testing and how to read forage testing results, demystifying all of those confusing terms. One of the biggest takeaway points of the course was just how crucial it is to know what you’re feeding your animals in the forage because not all forages fit the specific needs of your animals at all stages. Also that it is impossible to guess the quality by sight and smell of the forage – those methods are highly inaccurate and can lead to a problematic mismatch of requirements and supply. Those animals with higher needs for protein that are fed poor quality forage will need provision of more concentrate and that can cause problems in itself. So matching forages to suit requirements is more of a skill. Hardly anyone in attendance was using forage testing in their herd management but everyone could see the value of incorporating it into their nutrition plan and planned to do so.
How much to feed and understanding forages and supplements
Professor Van Saun then moved onto the topic of understanding how to determine what and how much to feed camelids, what sort of products would be appropriate and how to critically evaluate camelid supplements and how to use them together with forages in formulation of their diets. In the last session on the first day, Professor Van Saun discussed how to develop practical feeding programmes using all of the information we’d discussed up to that point. He talked about how to increase and decrease weight as well as supply for growth and maintenance. The most practical part of the day was learning how to use the Pearson Square to adjust rations to provide for the particular needs of different groups of animals. Delegates were provided with an absolutely brilliant Ration Formulation Tool that Professor Van Saun has put together. With this tool, you could input the specific requirements of particular groups and then determine what their macro and micro nutrient requirements would be, input the nutrient profile of your available feeds and forages, and then finally use the Pearson Square to figure out how much of each component you’d need to feed.
The importance of feeding for breeding
On day two, the subjects covered moved into some more applied aspects of feeding – that is, how to properly feed camelids to support their reproductive activities of breeding and pregnancy, and also how to ensure optimal health and growth of crias by addressing nutrition during four different feeding stages, namely during pregnancy, colostrum feeding, first compartment development, and weaning/post-weaning. Interestingly, it has been shown that if llamas were fed a restricted diet (ie not enough energy/protein to suit requirements), they had smaller CLs and lower progesterone concentrations as a result. >> Continued on next page 34 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
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HEALTH AND WELFARE << Lower progesterone concentrations may result in pregnancy loss. Animals will often have a negative energy balance and lose weight in the first couple of months of lactation. Additionally, recent research has shown that alpacas that go into parturition with lower body condition (of <2.5/5) have a lower chance of conceiving, greater risk of embryonic loss and lower chance of pregnancy overall. However, if you think that feeding them loads is the solution, well, if you overfeed protein then that can also cause greater pregnancy loss and increased rates of endometritis. So, it’s best to reduce weight losses and avoid overfeeding an excessive amount of protein in order to have better pregnancy success. Hence, having a better handle on what your feed and forage provides, not just on what their body condition is, will be really key here.
The value of the course
Finally, if you’re wondering what delegates thought, I can tell you that this course was valued highly by all the delegates (including myself!). All of the delegates gave the course a satisfaction score of 8 or more out of 10, and they all considered that it was good value for money. In fact, Eric Lohmann commented: “My initial thought was, I can’t afford to spend two days with this course when I have so much to do. Absolute nonsense, it was so worth
the time, in fact, I’ll be investing more time to figure out what I missed. My herd will appreciate this in the long run.” Carolyn Cumper commented the following: “As a participant from Australia I was unsure if the course would fully meet the needs of a participant from overseas, Claire had assured me that the content would be suitable for all regions of the world and true to her word the information provided gave participants the skills to take the nutritional requirements for their alpaca and apply it to the available nutrients in their regions. What an amazing lecturer Professor Van Saun is, bringing the complexities of nutrition down to layman's terms along with providing the tools to simplify the calculations needed for the alpaca diets at different stages of their life cycle from maintenance feeding through to production feeding… My alpaca and my bank balance will be beneficiaries of the knowledge I have gleaned from undertaking this course.”
Another chance to attend the course
Fortunately, if you think you could benefit from attending this course, Professor Van Saun and I have plans to run it again later in 2024. Please let me know if you are interested by emailing me at claire@ukalpacavet.com and I’ll make sure you hear about the next dates.
A GLOBAL FIRST
This year, camelid owners around the world will, for the first time, be offered the chance to attend a virtual conference for owners, organised by Claire Whitehead from right here in the UK. The theme for this first online Camelid Owners’ Conference will be health, with disease prevention and diagnosis.
W
e have the following speakers confirmed for the event, respresenting a spread from across North America, Europe and Australia: • Chris Cebra, Oregon State University • Sue Tornquist, Oregon State University • David E Anderson, University of Tennessee • Bob Van Saun, Pennsylvania State University • Julie Dechant, University of California Davis • Karin Mueller, University of Liverpool • Daniela Bedenice, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine • Andy Niehaus, The Ohio State University • Elly Po, Cambridge University • Sonja Franz, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna • Norm Evans • Joe Smith, University of Tennessee • Caroline Griffin, University of Tennessee • Jane Vaughan, Cria Genesis • Claire E Whitehead, The Alpaca Vet (formerly Camelid Veterinary Services) This is a pretty comprehensive list of the world’s top veterinary speakers in the field of Camelid Medicine & Surgery. Definitely an opportunity not to be missed and the investment in your learning will be well-worthwhile. The dates of the conference are Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 February 2024. The timings for those in the UK will be split between first thing in the morning and the evening, so it won’t interrupt animal feeding or the day job! The reason for the slightly strange timings is to try and enable people from all over the world to tune in... If you can’t make a particular session, don’t worry because recordings will be available, so you'll be able to view them later. 36 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
• Thursday 22 February 8pm til midnight (UK time) • Friday 23 February 7-9am 8pm til midnight (UK time) • Saturday 24 February 7-9am 8pm til midnight (UK time) Early bird pricing will be available until the 29 January 2024, but booking will be open up until the event or when it sells out.
Register
For more information, and for the link to register: LOCATION-ARROW www.ukalpacavet.com/news
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HEALTH AND WELFARE
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF PARASITE CONTROL?
Dr Ami Sawran BVSc CertAVP (CP) PgCertVPS PhD MRCVS gives some insights including how you can help your flock.
38 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
KW Animal Services_Alpaca_JB.pdf
1
23/09/2020
12:39
I
don’t think it will be news to anyone that it has been a bumper year for parasites. Our prolonged, warm and very wet weather has meant that we were still finding many significant gut worm infestations in December. We were dealing with flystrike well into October. We breathed a sigh of relief when frost descended, but this is no time to become complacent; Are you looking for or in need of a little extra help with this could very well be what ‘parasite season’ looks like going your animals and their routine husbandry tasks? forwards. KW animal services offers that extra pair of hands. Jobs include: Awareness of parasite management is increasing among camelid keepers, Shearing of alpacas | Vaccinations | Worming as are proactive measures to identify burdens, yet parasite infestations are Halter training | Foot trimming | Microchipping still one of the top reasons that alpacas receive veterinary attention. I suppose I can also offer advice and help with a range of other issues such as matings, birthing, common husbandry problems and paddock management. Reasonable rates the problem is that once we think we have a handle on them, they adapt. We only have limited tools to fight against a constantly evolving population, Why not contact me to discuss your requirements and it is not likely that further anthelmintic classes will be developed anytime Tel: 07748 613771 | Email: kwilde1@yahoo.com soon, not least anything licenced for alpacas! The effects of a parasite burden can have long term consequences for an Chilla Valley Alpacas is a small rural animal’s health; it’s not always as simple as getting rid of the burden, and the business based in Cornwall where we animal regaining weight and thriving. Sometimes, lifelong damage to the gut have a herd of breeding alpacas is done, and an alpaca may be prone to other diseases or ill thrift as they age. We are a small family run alpaca In some situations, space does not allow for movement of animals onto clean breeder based in Devon where we specialise in quality genetics over pasture, trapping owners in a cycle of treating and repeating, risking further quantity. We produce selectively bred strong healthy animals with development of resistant parasites. So how do we manage this continually desirable fleece characteristics. All of our animals are BAS registered evolving threat as a community? and microchipped. We have a small
Know what you’re dealing with
number of alpacas in a variety of colours for sale this year and would be pleased to receive your enquiries.
www.chillavalleyalpacas.co.uk
Also available is our range of yarns, Thankfully, many keepers recognise that it is important to know the knitting kits, duvets and socks. no: 01409 221699 All animals Telephone BAS registered and microchipped parasite risk profile on a holding. Your parasite population will not be the Potential stud males and pregnant females for sale same as your breeder or that of a farm in another part of the country, See our range of yarns, kits, and socks therefore their worming practices may not be the right fit for your farm. 07966 938448 sales@chillavalleyalpacas.co.uk Understanding which types of worms exist on your pasture and within your www.chillavalleyalpacas.co.uk herd relies on you undertaking faecal sampling. Many have trained and are able to conduct faecal egg counting (FEC) on farm – this is an excellent monitoring tool. It is important that anyone conducting FECs (including laboratories and vets) send periodic samples to accredited laboratories for quality control checks. If you are completing your own FECs, make sure that the sample you send to the lab is prepared from the same contributing animal(s), in the same way – then split it in half to conduct your test before sending the other half to an accredited laboratory. Your vet can recommend PARASITE CONTROL MANAGEMENT FOR ALL GRAZING ANIMALS an external facility for this, as not all laboratories are suited to quality control. If your counts match, then you can be assured that your readings are An independent testing service for faecal egg worm accurate. If not, then your protocol or materials may need adjustments. No counts by a Qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist. matter how your FECs are conducted, make sure to discuss the results with AMTRA trained RAMA /SQP following BVA guidelines. your vet, as an alpaca’s age, life stage, history and body condition score (BCS) 2 FREE will all factor in to how a burden is managed. WORM COUNTS It is not enough to test and treat – effectiveness of the treatment should Worth £40 for NEW BAS be monitored. This means repeating FECs on the same animals in a set members then 25%OFF timeframe after treatment (ranging from 7-14 days depending on the Worm Counts after that* *Terms and conditions apply anthelmintic. For a treatment to be deemed successful, we generally want to see at least a 95% reduction in worm counts in this second test. If this OTHER TESTS AVAILABLE is not the case, then processes need interrogating; such as method of Clostridium • Rotavirus • Giardia • Cryptosporidium administration, dose (animal weight), and calibration of any equipment used. Ectoparasite & Fungal testing
Worm Counts
Not all wormers
A recent study noted a considerable variation in the dose rates of the same anthelmintics given to camelids in the UK. This, coupled with the varying efficacy of methods of administration for certain groups of anthelmintics means that we run the risk of potentiating resistance development (largely by under-dosing, or dosing too frequently). The study highlighted that there are many, varied sources of information used to determine farm protocols. To me, this suggests that keepers may be struggling to find the best quality and most up to date advice. Many parasite control methods are extrapolated from extensive work done with sheep. >> Continued on next page
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Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
39
HEALTH AND WELFARE << There are some sensible principles to carry over to alpaca parasite management; namely pasture management, and not routinely, or blanket worming animals. FAMACHA scoring (checking mucous membrane colour) alongside BCS and FECs is also a useful tool. For example, you may wish to treat only paler, thinner animals, but omit fitter animals with good colour to prevent buildup of resistant worm populations. If you are prepared to make the investment, weigh scales are extremely helpful in determining doses for your alpacas, and can increase the safety in treatments, particularly for medications with low toxic thresholds. I still come across animals who are ‘wormed at shearing’ – this is not advisable for various reasons, not least because it is not legal for shearers to administer medication. Secondly, it is often not known what sort of burden (if any) animals are carrying, meaning that animals are often treated unnecessarily. Thirdly, even if a worm burden is present, a commonly used product, injectable ivermectin, may not be appropriate for the burden. Lastly, wormers do not have action against other internal parasites such coccidia. It is possible to be lulled into a false sense of security, believing animals have been wormed, and then not factoring this into potential reasons for ill thrift later in the year.
Plan for an extended risk period
Any animals that appear weak, slow, lethargic, ill thriven, that are losing weight (or failing to gain weight), and particularly any with pallor of the mucous membranes need swift evaluation, regardless of the time of year. In my experience, when alpaca owners feel there is something not quite normal about one of their animals, they are invariably right, and parasites are generally the first issue to rule in or out. As the worm risk period (warmer, wetter weather) is likely to be extended, it is sensible to continue conducting regular counts (particularly of youngstock) into the Autumn now. Your vet should be able to help you perform a risk assessment for your farm to determine this frequency.
Pasture management to prevent a high burden of parasites
Keeping stocking density low (between 4-7 alpacas per acre generally), can reduce pasture contamination. Alpaca keepers are quite ahead of the curve in removing poo from pasture – it reduces parasite risk considerably,
Worm warning
We are still seeing large burdens of haemonchus: • Though the weather has turned a little, high burdens are still showing up in FECs. • Haemonchus is often called the 'barber's pole' worm • Adults and larvae both feed on blood and debilitate animals significantly • Affected animals may be pale, but may not necessarily have diarrhoea • Don't be fooled by low WEC - larvae can produce clinical signs without having yet laid eggs • Scouring / diarrhoea can lead to flystrike • Common signs include: failure to thrive/weight loss, pale mucous membranes, collapse, +/- diarrhoea especially if done every 2-3 days. Planning pasture rotation is very important, particularly if breeding; consider where you might move newly weaned animals. Young, sick or elderly animals are not very tolerant of parasite burdens and require cleaner pasture. It’s also worth contingency planning in case of infestations; if your pasture becomes ‘sick’ and highly contaminated, could you rest it for a minimum of three months? Pasture management is not just limited to gut worms and coccidia; it’s also relevant in the management of liver fluke risk and even fly irritation. Try to fence off water courses, or marshy areas where mud snails (the intermediate hosts of liver fluke) may prevail. Water courses also lend themselves to midge activity; as well as being hosts of diseases such as bluetongue, they can also irritate more sensitive alpacas. While treelines are excellent for providing natural shelter from the elements, they are also associated with more fly activity, so it’s worth considering man-made shelter to draw your alpacas away from treelines where they may be annoyed (or worse, struck) by flies. It's also very important to protect your pasture from any visiting animals; if you bring new alpacas on to your holding, undertake faecal testing (and evaluation of their skin) and relevant treatment to prevent ingress of novel worm burdens and mites to your pasture. If you have visiting animals, consider keeping them in quarantine facilities where you can clean up and disinfect after them. >> Continued on next page
The worm risk period (warmer, wetter weather) is likely to be extended
AlpacaHandbook2023.qxp_Layout 1 06/01/2023 12:10 Page 1
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41
HEALTH AND WELFARE It’s worth considering man-made shelter to draw your alpacas away from treelines where they may be annoyed (or worse, struck) by flies
Alternative parasite control methods
It is important to maintain an holistic approach with parasite management; evaluating the risk of certain parasites within your own farm system, then utilising various methods of prevention and monitoring alongside any antiparasitic prescribed by your vet. A newer form of nuisance fly management as an adjunct to fly-prevention sprays and pour-ons, are parasitic wasps or ‘fly parasites’. Don’t let their name fool you, these ‘friendly flies’ feed on nuisance and biting flies, working to reduce the breeding population of flies on your farm. They are laid down in areas of sustained fly activity, such as near poo-piles and around housing. Many veterinary practices are offering fly-parasite laying as a service, so it’s worth asking to see if it will be beneficial on your farm.
Take home messages
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parasite management. They present a huge challenge, particularly in the face of an unpredictable climate here in the UK. Not every ‘ideal’ suggestion will be practicable on every farm, but the important thing is to work on what is controllable and within your capabilities on your specific holding. For the vastly experienced amongst you, this will come as no surprise, however given that parasite burdens are still one of the top reasons that alpacas are presented to vets, I hope that some practices noted can reduce the incidence in some herds. Be mindful of parasite forecasts that your vet may highlight in newsletters or via their social media channels, and don’t leave it too late to consider contingency if the worst should happen. I am wishing you all a happy, productive, and healthy 2024
You might consider fencing off any very wet areas - at least while they are so wet
42 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
About the author
Ami graduated from Liverpool in 2011 and completed a farm internship and PhD at the Royal Veterinary College. As clinical director of Westpoint Farm Vets in Chelmsford, she has found her niche catering to camelid health and welfare. She has a certificate in Advanced Veterinary Camelid Practice, heads the Pro: Camelid consultancy group at Westpoint and the Camelid Special Interest Group at VetPartners, aiming to deliver relatable CPD and resources to help farm vets care for camelids.
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FIBRE
SHOWCASING TESTING FACILITIES
In the Autumn of 2023, Wool Testing Authority Europe Ltd opened their doors to the North Shires & North Wales Regional Alpaca Group to host their first alpaca open day. The group were given a presentation followed by a Q&A session followed by an all-access tour of the testing facilities. The day ended with demonstrations of the OFDA 2000 testing equipment as explained by Courtney Pye.
W
e were delighted to host this open day for local alpaca breeders. It gave us a real opportunity to showcase our testing facilities and services to the industry and for breeders to see this first hand. We wanted to give breeders a hands-on experience and thought it was important to present the whole package to them. Being an IWTO approved test house, we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise on site which is much easier to demonstrate in person than through social media and other forms of advertising. The day was organised jointly by Shaun Lock, Chairman of the North Shires & North Wales Alpaca Group and Courtney Pye. The day started with a 30-minute presentation from Courtney where she had the opportunity to introduce the business and explain where WTAE sits within
Wool scouring
44 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
the natural fibre industry. Courtney explained: “We discussed certified and non-certified testing, our IWTO licencing & UKAS accreditation, our calibration and quality control policies, grease correction factors, interpreting test results and the OFDA 2000 methodology. The Q&A session was open and relaxed with breeders able to address any concern and ask questions directly.” Courtney added: “There is a misconception that we are not qualified to test alpaca fibres so being able to speak face-to-face really benefitted the attendees and ourselves as we were able to have an open and honest discussion.” Courtney continued: “The real jewel in our crown is our testing facilities. It always comes as a surprise to visitors just how thorough and regulated the wool testing industry is and it never fails to impress.” The group spent about an hour touring the facilities and seeing IWTO level testing first hand, as Clara Boulton of Natterjack Alpacas explained: “As an alpaca breeder, ‘fibre’ is our
Grease extraction banks favourite topic, and I think for all the attendees, this was the school trip of dreams! At the start of the day, I think we all had a similar understanding on fibre testing, which likely began and ended with the use of the ODFA 2000. By the end of the day, we had a greater understanding on wool testing, from how huge batches of wool are tested, to the other equipment that can be used to measure a range of parameters including brightness and even the average level of impurities within each batch of wool. Whilst as an alpaca industry we may not be at this point yet, it was largely inspirational to see how serious and well monitored wool testing is, and what we could strive towards as a UK alpaca industry.” Courtney added: “there is no recognised certified testing for alpaca fibres, but we thought it was important for the group to see that our claims of expertise have a solid foundation. We are the only regulated test house in the Northern Hemisphere and there is a good reason for that which we were able to demonstrate during the tour. To truly understand why WTAE are industry leaders, the laboratory needs to be seen firsthand. Considering this, we felt the laboratory tour was a very worthwhile exercise. Whether rearing sheep, goats or alpacas – they are all members of the natural fibre community and we do not exclude anyone from that group.” The tour ended with a demonstration session with the OFDA 2000. Attendees were able to witness their samples being analysed with the OFDA 2000 free of charge. Clara continued: “As a group, having the opportunity to sit together and compare our samples both before and after getting our results was invaluable, particularly as this was entirely free of charge. Alongside this, to be able to qualify for ourselves the professionalism and experience of all the staff at WTAE when handling our fibre samples was truly invaluable. We would really recommend to all regional groups, or just groups of individual owners, organising a trip along to spend some time with the amazing team there, who we can guarantee will be delighted to answer all the questions you may have.”
Open days
WTAE are happy to host further open days for any alpaca breeders either as a group or individually. There is plenty to see at the laboratory and any tours would be given full access to the OFDA 2000 machine during their tour to test fleece samples on site. If anyone would be interested, please contact the laboratory. Contact details can be found on our website: www.wtaeurope.com. Further to this, WTAE also have the facility to book and pre-pay for fleece tests on their website meaning it has never been easier to send samples to the lab.
WTAE drying cans
OFDA 2000 Fleece samples
Samples for testing
FIBRE
A NEW REGIONAL GROUP North Shires and North Wales Alpaca Group.
A
new and exciting regional group has recently been formed which includes North Wales as well as the ‘North Shires’ area (covering from North Staffordshire up to Lancashire). The goal of this new group is to connect owners within these areas, sharing the wealth of knowledge and expertise that they all hold with regards to alpacas. With the regional group membership currently standing at 86 members as of November 2023, the committee have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm from those who have decided to join ‘NSNWAG’. Despite only being formed in July 2023, the group have already had a number of interesting webinars, ranging from fleece showing to an informative talk on parasites. The diary of webinars only appears to get more varied, with planned talks from shearers, international alpaca breeders, and mills! The single goal of the committee is to provide as much as possible to the membership and ensure NSNWAG have one of the most well connected and active groups in the country. The first year of membership is currently free to welcome all alpaca owners (or enthusiasts) to join. As well as taking advantage of the reach that can be gained by offering Zoom webinars, field trips are also an important aspect to the regional group. So far, there have been a fantastic day trip to The Wool Authority. The Wool Authority, gave a detailed and interactive presentation on fibre testing and their services, followed by a tour of the facilities. To finish the day, NSNWAG members enjoyed refreshments and had a number of samples tested, which encouraged conversations between breeders; comparing and contrasting their results. 46 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
To further connect the local alpaca community, the first lunchtime meet up will take place in early 2024, which Clara Boulton of Natterjack Alpacas believes all attending members are very excited about. Clara said: “With education as our core value as a committee, we are also arranging two field trip days with NSNWAG member, Charlie Lambert (owner of The Vet Shed). One of which will be on birthing, and the other on parasites, which will be hosted by members of the NSNWAG committee, Stuart and Angela Wilson at Acton Hill Alpacas.”
To join this regional group, and be part of a great group of ‘alpaca people’ please visit their Facebook page ‘North Shires and North Wales Alpaca Group’. Or email chair.nsnwag@gmail.com
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47
FIBRE
CAN YOUR ALPACAS JOIN THE TEXTILES JOURNEY? Araminta Campbell is an Edinburgh based textiles company, and is thrilled to collaborate with the British Alpaca Society (BAS) and have this opportunity to introduce the company to BAS breeders. Araminta looking at fleece
A
raminta Campbell's focus is on creating exceptional textiles that embody Scotland’s natural beauty and weaving heritage. Three of the core collections are made using British alpaca to create a stunning range of interior and fashion accessories from fully traceable fibre. Each of the collections has been designed and developed by creative director and key designer Araminta to showcase the exceptional qualities of alpaca fibre, due to her long-standing passion for creating textiles with a story, from the design to where the fibre is from to the person who has woven it. Using vintage looms, the talented team handweaves the Signature Collection of British alpaca accessories, with designs drawing inspiration from Scotland’s landscapes and using a full range of undyed British alpaca fleece which can be traced back to the individual alpaca. The Heritage Collection of exclusive brand tartans is again handwoven using British alpaca dyed to match Araminta’s natural colour palette, then finally MINTA a collection of interior pieces woven in an artisan mill in Scotland in white, grey and caramel. The MINTA Collection has been stocked globally including at Fortnum & Mason in London and Goop in New York. Araminta Campbell are seeking to expand our sourcing across all three collections to increase traceability across each of the offerings. >> Continued on next page
two rivers mill now operating from our new premises in N. IRELAND
Scotfield ScotfieldAlpaca.co.uk
making high quality bespoke worsted yarns in alpaca and alpaca blends for existing and new customers in UK, EU and beyond
www.tworiversmill.com
Mid-Cornwall’s premier alpaca herd Our breeding aim is to maximise fibre production and improve fibre quality generation upon generation, with a view to providing the ultimate fibre for yarn production.
AVAILABLE FOR SALE A GROUP OF REASONABLY PRICED, QUALITY, BREEDING FEMALES
Higher Carpalla Farm Foxhole St Austell 01726 338580 07974 796792 nigel@nigelretallack.co.uk www.carpallaalpacas.co.uk
Clothing and accessories designed and made here on our family run farm.
Made with 100% alpaca yarn Totally natural, hypo-allergenic, PURE no dyes & no blends.BRITISH ALPACA Grown in the UK
PURE
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A PACAS Nigel and Margaret Retallack
Grown in the UK
01344 486969
Scotlands Farm, Warfield, Berkshire RG42 6AJ
Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
49
FIBRE See them on Countryfile
Araminta Campbell emphasises ethical practices, nurturing collaborative relationships with alpaca fleece suppliers, prioritising traceability, and supporting sustainable, local sourcing and manufacturing. As a team who specialise in weaving, Araminta Campbell seek to develop relationships to expand their knowledge of alpaca fibre, showcase the incredible work and care that is required to produce top quality fleece and strive to highlight the quality of UK-produced alpaca fibre globally. Most notably Araminta Campbell welcomed Dame Judi Dench and the Countryfile team to their handweaving atelier and showcased the quality of British alpaca fibre, the weaving and finished items (You can still catch up on BBC iPlayer). Fleece sourcing is an area we need to grow within the business, and it is our aim to work closely with British alpaca breeders who are willing to support us in expanding our fibre knowledge and sourcing capacity through friendship and collaboration. Araminta Campbell hope to work with breeders on a long-term basis through a combination of clear communication, shared values and a mutual commitment to fibre quality.
Weaving workshop
Araminta Campbell are reaching out to BAS members as we are looking to expand our fleece sourcing. Araminta Campbell seeks to forge lasting partnerships with BAS breeders who share the same values and commitment to fibre quality. In 2024, Araminta Campbell aim to procure alpaca fibre between 18 and 21 microns. Initial focus will be on white but there is a requirement for small quantities of other colours. Araminta Campbell aspire to expand on this in the following years but to achieve this we need to know we have secure sourcing as a starting point. Breeders interested in joining the journey are invited to contact Corine to explore collaboration opportunities further: ✉ contact@aramintacampbell.co.uk
Dame Judi Dench with the team
Over 20 years at the top Winners of the 2022 Felipe Benevides Trophy Eight Supreme Champions in 10 years Over 50 Championships since 2002
Where experience and top genetics consistently produce Champions
Quality alpacas and multi Champion stud males available at sensible prices Contact us today – 01308 488661 / 07739 382483 didavies@alphaalpacas.com
Snowshill Alpacas Snowshill Hill Barn, Temple Guiting, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 5XX
Contact Roger Mount on 01386 853 841 or 07711044106 Email: snowshillalpacas@btinternet.com Web: www.snowhillalpacas.com
We have a large selection of potential Stud Males, Pet Males and Breeding Females available in a variety of colours. Stud Services – we have several proven/championship winning Huacaya and Suri boys to choose from. Pre-arranged visits are very welcome. We adhere to good biosecurity practices and badger deterrent fencing has been in place since 2009. Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
51
FIBRE
BEAUTIFUL USE OF FIBRE Claire Graham reports from Northern Ireland.
N
orthern Ireland Alpaca Group held their annual halter show on 5 November 2023. This was the first year that had a craft show in connection with the show. Northern Ireland Alpaca Group hoped to be able to highlight the use of alpaca fleece to both members and the general public. The classes were hand spun yarn, mill spun yarn, crocheted, knitted, woven, felted, miscellaneous. There were 40 items entered, some commissions, but mostly hand crafted by our members. The knitted selection drew the most entries and was therefore split into four further sub sections, (handspun and hand knit, machine knit, hand knit, hand 52 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
knit and dyed yarns) to award a larger number of people for their efforts. The Best in Show was made by Ann Mathers who produced a beautiful hand knit, long green summer dress with cable detail. Ann Mathers was also the winner of the hand knit and dyed yarn section. The yarn was produced by Freddie and Sorrel of Ashtonelle Alpacas which is owned by Anne’s daughter Kathleen Mathers. Reserve Best in Show was made by Trish Kerr of Irish Alpaca Yarns. Trish produced a tailored hounds tooth skirt and scarf, from her handwoven alpaca fabric. The judges on the day were Barbara Hetherington and Mary Jo Smith.
Here at Mulberry Alpacas we have:
drum carders for ,ibre preparation
www.classiccarder.co.uk
Alpaca socks Lovely knitted items Penrose alpaca duvets and pillows Alpaca yarn and fleece Cuddly toys And a herd of friendly Alpacas So, come and visit soon! Mulberry Grange, Red Hall Lane Higher Penley, Wrexham LL13 ONA
ONLINE SHOP OPEN NOW!
Tel: 07713 639 447 or 01978 710224 Email: mulberryalpacas@btconnect.com We’re 4 miles north of Ellesmere Open Saturdays 10.00 until 16.00 and by appointment TELPHONE ORDERS WELCOME
Tel: 01746 714130 paulbri9ain@mac.com
www.mulberryalpacas.co.uk
Bozedown Alpacas
World Class Alpacas
Shear Excellence since 1989
✓ Courses on all aspects of alpacas: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced
✓ Legendary Stud Services ✓ Champion Pedigree Genetics ✓ Fabulous fleece and conformation ✓ Breeding females, Stud males and pets for sale ✓ Genuine value for money at affordable prices ✓ Comprehensive support and training given ✓ Viewing without obligation
contact Mary-Jo: 0771 875 0303, 0118 984 3827 www.bozedown-alpacas.co.uk Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
53
WHY PLANT A HEDGE WHEN A FENCE WILL DO? Jo Carter from English Woodlands looks at the surprising benefits of living barriers.
About English Woodlands
English Woodlands, a tree and hedge specialist based near Heathfield in East Sussex, delivers top quality plants across the UK. Trade and retail customers receive valuable advice and guidance from knowledgeable staff at this certified Plant Healthy nursery which is open to the public six days per week. 📞 01435 862992 ✉ sales@englishwoodlands.com LOCATION-ARROW www.englishwoodlands.com
Boundaries soft and hard – stock wire fencing on the left and mature hedgerow on the right
A
physical boundary is vital to any property and represents one of the most useful assets for those living in rural locations. Not only does it mark ownership of land and provide both privacy and screening, but boundaries also form divisions – essential for people tending to livestock and managing the land. But will any old boundary do? English Woodlands, specialist tree and shrub supplier, helps you to decide: • Cost. Undoubtedly an important factor. Hedging plants are inexpensive to purchase provided you buy them as bareroot stock which should be planted during the dormant season. They could need protection in the form of rabbit or deer guards, but the overall cost will be less than most other forms of fencing and walled boundaries. A young hedge is relatively easy to plant. It will establish quickly but is not instant unless you purchase much larger plants. Maintenance costs are low because a living boundary can repair itself, unlike a fence or wall which will gradually deteriorate. 54 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
• Appearance. The visual appeal of a hedge is softer on the eye than solid fence panels, post and rail or wire stock fencing. When set in the landscape, hedges blend with the environment and are in tune with the surroundings, provided the species within the hedge are chosen to suit the location. It’s essential to select the right plant for the right place. • Shelter. Hedges filter and calm the wind as it passes through, unlike a fence or wall which tend to divert the air flow upwards, creating turbulence. A hedge therefore creates a microclimate which can result in warmer soils and better growing conditions. This environment also provides shade and shelter for livestock. • Wildlife. Hedges provide the very best habitats, resources and corridors for wildlife including pollinators which are vital to crops. Birds, insects and invertebrates, small mammals and reptiles benefit from food and shelter provided by fruit, flowers, and leaves. Many depend on hedges for nesting and safety from predators.
After planting • Carbon capture, pollution, and toxins. Plants capture carbon in their woody growth, roots, leaves and soil. Increasing the number of hedgerows in the UK has been identified as a key change required to reach Net Zero by the year 2050. Hedges absorb pollution and traffic particulate matter, resulting in cleaner air. They can filter out up to 50% of toxins within the immediate environment. • Soil stabilisation and water management. The strong root system of plants within a hedge provides a natural method of stabilising the land, thus protecting the integrity of a boundary by reducing erosion. Roots act as a sponge to help soak up excess water and they intercept nutrient run-off, thereby helping to reduce water pollution. Even the structure and leaves within a hedge slow the rate that rainwater reaches the ground. • Noise reduction. Many different types of boundaries can help to reduce noise levels. A mature hedge will help to block sound, but it does depend on the height, depth, and density of the hedge. The bigger the better!
Before planting
Which plant species?
You might need a hedge that is livestock-friendly; a thornless hedge for areas next to footpaths, an edible hedge with fruit that can be used in the kitchen or a wildlife hedge with extra attraction for small creatures. Evergreen hedges provide maximum privacy all-year-round and singlespecies hedges can look highly effective in a more formal setting – around the garden perhaps. Some plant species are more suited to damp or boggy ground and others can thrive in chalk and free-draining soils. English Woodlands loves to help customers solve their problems! Bareroot hedging and trees are available to pre order now, ready for planting during the dormant season.
Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
55
FIBRE
INSPIRATIONAL IDEAS FOR FIBRE
Judy Clarke of West Hay is looking at some beautiful options.
I
have had alpacas for over 26 years. I started with four and over several years of breeding I had 120 alpacas... so a lot of fleece. I started with a partner Helen Newman, who designed for Nicole Farhi, and we created PEA which is “Pure English Alpaca” producing baby garments. The issue was finding a knitwear manufacturer who would make up small quantities. Most had a minimum order of 2,000 in one design and colour. This we did but they let us down when a shop ordered 60 hats and they took six months to make them. Helen and I then went our separate ways and everyone kept asking me for adult scarves and hats. I then set up Noop Designs and after spending hours on the internet trying to find a manufacturer I found O19 who came up trumps and they had a special machine that created hats without a seam. 56 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
I then read an article about the Bristol Weaving Mill setting up and we worked out the best way to create the throws. I also got them to make up some fabric to make shooting trousers and a gillet for my husband. Both the throws and fabric were expensive but beautiful. As I still have a quantity of PEA items left and lots of yarn I have just had a selection of scarves and hats made having found a manufacturer who understands what I require. When I first started having the fleeces made into yarn it was £39 a kilo. The last lot I got done was £100 a kilo. So this does make it a challenge for UK breeders to sell goods with cheap alpaca being imported from Chile and Peru. Even though I now have only the 11 alpacas, I am still using up my stock of fibre and although I don’t sell on a website now, I still undertake market stalls.
FIELD TO FASHION LADIES JACKETS WAISTCOATS TODDLER COATS THROWS • All alpaca sustainable fibre • Spun, woven and sewn in UK • No plastics in waterways and oceans • Focus on well-being of alpacas. • Supporting the natural environment.
Well established, BAS registered, friendly herd
PURE
BRITISH
ALPACA
Thruxton Down, Hampshire.
www.watershipalpacas.co.uk Tel: 07592 303555
Grown in the UK
PURE
BRITISH
ALPACA Grown in the UK
Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
57
FIBRE
THE ‘SPOTTY’ ALPACA
Clara Boulton believes that the spectacular spots can be combined with quality fibre.
H
Natterjack Snow Leopard
Natterjack Mosaic of Dreams
ere at Natterjack Alpacas, the ‘spotty’ alpaca has always been, for us, the most beautiful alpaca we could imagine. Since first seeing true Leopard Appaloosa alpacas down at Putjade Alpacas almost five years ago, our hearts have always been set on breeding leopard Appaloosa alpacas. Despite having 100 alpacas, only around 10% of our herd are appaloosas, but this is not by accident. When deciding to breed (deliberately!) for spots, we also decided that for us fibre quality could not be compromised. When breeding for our appaloosas, we take as much care as we would when planning any other mating outcome, so we simply focus on having a handful of quality appaloosa cria every year. As the quality of Appaloosas in our herd improves, so should our number of offspring every year!
Introducing the ‘main men’
Natterjack Diamond of the Season
Putjade Appaloosa Nirvana is who we refer to as our ‘main man’. He was our first Appaloosa purchase, and we still have to pinch ourselves on a daily basis that he is ours! Nirvana appears to have a very high success rate when it comes to producing the most beautifully marked offspring. He has an incredible temperament, and we are very happy with his fleece qualities, which are passing down to his offspring. Nirvana’s main challenger on the farm over the past year for our ‘main man’ position, has been Putjade Quantum of Solace. Quantum has had a very successful showing career over 2023. Quantum is unrelated to Nirvana, and as such we are very excited for their future working on our farm together, and we suspect they will have to share the title of ‘main men’. For us to get truly excited about an Appaloosa, it needs to be a ‘Leopard Appaloosa’ which as per the British Alpaca Society definition, basically means ‘covered in spots from head to toe’ (or ‘nose to tail’ in an alpaca’s case). We find the Leopard Appaloosas have a very distinct look, and this does appear to be a different type of pattern entirely to other spotty patternings. The only slight irony with calling them ‘leopards’ is that as many of our fantastic farm visitors point out, they can definitely look more like ‘giraffe Appaloosas’! When Leopard Appaloosa fibre is spun up in as close to a raw state as possible, it will produce the most beautiful mottled and marbled yarn. What makes each appaloosa fleece so unique, is the specific mix of shades and patterns that make up that blanket. Some may just be beige and dark fawn/brown, but many will have extra black, grey and white spots. So anything then created from this yarn will be totally unique. Out of all the requests for alpaca fibre that we have from prospective purchases after shearing, the top request is always whether they can prize one of our appaloosa fleeces from us. As a hand spinner myself, until we have 100 Leopard Appaloosa alpacas on farm, I doubt the answer will be anything but ‘no, but maybe in 10 years!’ We do however provide Appaloosa fibre products in the form of the hats, scarves and other items we make ourselves. They are, however, always the first to sell out!
Natterjack Oberyn
THERAPY
THERAPY FEEDBACK Jean and Stuart (Velvet Hall) and Penny Rackett (Anima e Cuore), who is a psychologist wondered how much evidence there was for the therapeutic impact of alpacas. What follows here is feedback from BAS members who kindly completed questionnaires and interviews, outlining what therapeutic activities they carry out and the benefits they see.
A
number of BAS members kindly responded to the questionnaire circulated via the newsletter. There were a maximum of 18 responses from members who carry out some kind of therapeutic contact with alpacas (not everyone answered all questions) out of 1800 BAS members, a 0.01% response. A statistically valid return rate with a 10% margin of error would be 1.6% of the membership, namely 288. However, we do not know how many members offer some kind of therapeutic contact. If we scaled up from the 18 responses, then we could hypothesise that 112 members of BAS carry out these activities. It would be interesting to know how accurate an estimate this is.
About half the respondents carry out AAT or AAA:
Do you carry out Animal Assisted Therapy or Animal Assisted Activities with alpacas? Yes, Animal Assisted Therapy with alpacas
4 (22.2%)
Yes, Animal Assisted Activities with alpacas
8 (44.4%) 11 (61.1%)
Neither of these
0.0
Penny Rackett
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
Over half of those who do carry out AAA or AAT evaluate the impact in some way:
If you answered yes to either of the above, do you, or who you work with, evaluate the impact of the therapy? Yes
7 (63.6%) 5 (45.5%)
No
0
2
4
6
8
Whereas members who carry out therapeutic contact are only slightly more likely to carry out some form of evaluation:
If you carry out 'therapeutic contact' with alpacas, do you evaluate what you do?
No 46.7%
Yes 53.3%
Schools/nurseries Disadvantaged
support
Care
provision
alternative difficulties
learning and/or
treatment
Cancer
residents
Private programme therapy
visit
ASN/SEN
Children mental health needs come adults trauma
HAF educational experienced
abuse
provide
centre
homes
ALPACA
PODS
Types of ‘therapeutic contact’
This wordle illustrates the range of activities, with those in larger font representing the most frequently carried out. Children figure prominently, with many alpaca owners either going to a location or enabling visits to happen at their own farms. As can be seen, BAS members visit care homes (for the elderly, those with dementia, experiencing mental health difficulties and learning disabilities); education environments, including specialist provision; and cancer treatment centres. Clients, both children and adults, have a range of support needs including: autism, learning, sight, mental health, trauma, abuse, care experience, physical illness. >> Continued on next page
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THERAPY << Some BAS members did not offer these more targeted experiences, but still offered activities where they could see the wellbeing impact on children and adults. These included: • Meet and greet/herd feeding/any contact with the alpacas • Walking with the alpacas • Yoga with the alpacas • Craft sessions, sometimes alongside the alpacas Some people were happy to go through a semi-structured interview about their therapeutic activities with alpacas and what evaluation they carry out. Analysis of these interviews used a research method called Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, which involves identifying themes and checking with interviewees to ensure that their responses have been understood correctly. This gives the information a certain validity and reliability.
Getting started
There were two main routes to people starting to work with alpacas in some therapeutic manner: background (the alpaca owner already had qualifications and experience in therapy or pastoral education) and observing the impact alpacas have on people.
Choosing/training the alpacas
Knowing the alpaca and prioritising their welfare is crucial. Most people choose alpacas that have a calm, gentle personality, are happy to be near people, be stroked and even “have an instinct for people with a vulnerability”. Having a tolerance of sudden noise and movement when working with children with significant additional support needs is helpful. Some match individual alpacas to specific people they work with. One person has a four week training course for the alpacas, to prepare them for the work, on top of choosing those who seem best suited. Another key theme was allowing the alpacas to be themselves: some alpaca owners
62 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
follow the Camelidynamics approach, which means the alpacas could choose to interact or not and this was an important element of the sessions. “Alpacas can express their natural behaviour, including the avoidant natural behaviours, so that the individual client has to work in particular ways to get their co-operation…Natural behaviours mirror people’s experiences.” This was particularly important if Alpaca Assisted Therapy was taking place. A key theme was alpaca welfare “The work is based on the alpaca’s welfare first of all – they have to enjoy it.”
Training the humans
If the alpaca owner is mainly involved in wellbeing visits (either on or off site) then they are most likely to have no training – although some people went on to train in Camelidynamics, and do an online course in Animal Assisted Therapy. If something more targeted is being offered (alpaca therapy, alpaca assisted activities, alternative educational provision), then the person delivering this has a professional background (eg counselling, pastoral education, delivering workshops to young people) as well as further qualifications – for example, in one case, the provider is an AnimalAssisted Intervention Professional. In another case, the lead person has developed their own six week training course for other adults working with clients, based around how alpacas think, behave and communicate.
A typical session
They vary from one off sessions (on or off site) to three to six week/ session programmes, with some young people coming for much longer (up to two days a week for two years). Visits to care/residential homes, school, nurseries, hospices, hospitals, various groups often include going inside, including people in bed, allowing residents to feed and stroke the alpacas and sometimes to take the lead rope. >> Continued on next page
There’s nothing quite as magical as watching your crias pronking around the paddock on a warm summers evening! Here at Pemberley we breed for quality, having a selection of advanced phenotype Huacaya alpacas in various ages and colours. All our stock are British Alpaca Society registered with full documentation Pregnant females with cria at foot Live cria guarantees provided when purchasing pregnant females Discount packages available Full documentation on the medical and health history of each animal Halter trained Stud male services (All studs are either Supreme Champions/Champions/ Reserve Champions in either UK or New Zealand) Pet males
Fields Farm, Fields Farm Road, Layer-de-la-Haye, Colchester, Essex CO2 0JN Telephone: 07969 952247 Email: pemberleyalpacas@gmail.com Website: www.pemberleyalpacas.co.uk
THERAPY Visits to alpacas are made by a broad range of people seeking some << input to their wellbeing and include: children and adults with additional support needs, carers, wheelchair users, young people experiencing trauma, adults recovering from cancer. Most frequently people offer walking with the alpacas, mingling with them freely and feeding them. A key theme for some was providing activities that the alpacas respond to that lead to connection. Also, while tuning into what the individual person needs is important, of equal importance is that the alpacas are free to interact or not. Offerings to groups, especially of people with autism, often include a session on crafting, alongside interaction with and husbandry of the alpacas. There were different types of more targeted offerings reported, including: • “The basis of the session is attunement to people and alpacas. It is therapeutic, not therapy, as there is no qualified therapist. The aim is to understand the person in the first session and provide three to four sessions based on interactive activities eg putting on a halter, tailored for specific needs, eg autism, extreme trauma.” • “We provide alternative educational provision for young people for a maximum of two days a week; some have been coming for two years. Sessions focus on care and husbandry but also focus on supporting social interaction skills.” • “I run a six week programme, based on the Camelidynamics handling course, with opportunity to talk, build confidence and self-esteem, be sensitive to issues raised, reflect back to them on what might relate to their personal experiences. The sessions are based on the interaction between the person and the alpaca. I prefer one to one because I need to read both the person and the alpaca.”
Impact on the clients
Very little formal evaluation is being carried out. Although some providers send out feedback questionnaires, with variable levels of response. Therefore most impact is seen visually, including:
Pearson and Warpaint of Velvet Hall
64 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
• Calm/quietening: “Young people go from being keyed up on their arrival to tranquil when they leave”; “When the minibus from the National Autistic Society arrives, energy is very high; when it leaves, the young people are very calm and relaxed. The visit and trek always has a waiting list and is one of the most popular events in the calendar.” • Smiles/lit up faces/delight; • Tears of emotion: “A farmer in a care home burst into tears with delight at being able to be with an animal again.” • Confidence; • Learning to trust; • Increased social interaction, including after Covid-19; • Facilitating conversations about people’s personal lives, and also between people who may not otherwise talk easily; • People coming out of their bedroom who usually never came out; • Children and young people use voices that are hushed and quiet around the alpacas; • Sensory delight of fleece; • Lots of repeated visits. There were two case study examples of the impact on young people who struggle to attend school: • “Pride and accomplishment particularly happens over time. One girl who struggled to attend school came and worked every Friday for four to five months. When a video for funders was being made, with a script written for lots of different people, she took part and asked if a copy of the video could be sent to her guidance teacher [pastoral teacher at school]. Her mother said she never would have done this five months previously”. • “One young person has been experiencing health problems and bullying, and was avoiding school. First of all, she struggled to come and to stay by herself without her parent. Over time, she became more confident, actively chose to come and stay by herself; when she changed school, she used what she had learned from the alpacas: watching, waiting, observing and how to learn to trust.” >> Continued on next page
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THERAPY << There were many other individual examples of what impact the alpacas had on people such as: “A young person who had autism and was nonverbal, came for a trek and didn’t seem that interested, but he came back for another one and spoke the words ‘Paca! Paca!’” “A girl who was blind from birth came on a visit and was initially scared of the alpacas. One of the alpacas stood next to her, on a halter but willingly, while she felt him all over. ‘I won’t feel afraid anymore’ she said.” “A man in a care home we visited usually never speaks – when the alpacas came, he talked and talked, the staff couldn’t believe it.” “When the young people start coming to us, they are very angry and disengaged. Over time, they become very hard working, caring and with a strong sense of responsibility. They also develop the ability to talk and interact with others.” “Although there are lots of different animals, I’ve noticed how much the young people like to observe the alpacas – they seem mesmerised. They point out to each other what they’ve seen, identify the different personalities and what individual alpacas like and don’t like.”
Impact on the alpaca
Many use an approach that means alpacas are free to respond with natural behaviour. Some felt their selection of the alpaca leads to the alpaca being happy with the work/activity. Some see specific benefits to the alpacas, including: • More sociable (seen in the way they then choose to go up to people); • They recognise people who come regularly; • Less on their guard; • Get used to being touched and stroked, allowing people to do this; • Growth in confidence (visiting new places, meeting new people); • Alpacas like to watch people, especially children, and see what they’re doing. Several alpaca owners talked about one or two females in their herd who regularly approach people, some making gentle physical contact, others sitting down and waiting to be stroked. “One boy has developed a particular instinct for who is most at need, he will approach them and put his chin on their head” “When we have visits from children with autism, the alpacas just stand quietly and let themselves be stroked.”
“I think the alpacas generally respond to calm, empathetic handling on a daily basis. People comment on how calm our alpacas are.” “Two girls who regularly choose to interact with people can start orgling if stroked too much so the people need to step away at that point – the alpacas can step away themselves whenever they want.”
one occasion, Rock the Casbah walked up to a student in a wheelchair who was emitting high pitched noises and put his head in her lap: she immediately became calm relaxed and transfixed. None of the alpacas showed signs of distress during or after the visits, such as turning away, bodily agitation or humming; they appeared relaxed when handled.
Future plans
Summary and key questions for the future
• Do more, love it! • Develop programmes further or new programmes eg Bodywork with alpacas, mindfulness walking; • Obtain funding for a qualified therapist; • Increase accessibility for wheelchair users.
Role of BAS
• Guidelines/standards; how to safeguard the positive welfare of alpacas and humans; • Separate section/forum for sharing practice, ideas, development; • Resource centre: different aspects of therapeutic work; what qualifications are available for working therapeutically with alpacas; • Spread the word.
Velvet Hall Alpacas
Jean and Stuart from Velvet Hall Alpacas carried out their own project, to evaluate the impact of regular visits to a specialist provision for senior school students with severe and complex needs, going every two to three weeks. The students were free to interact as they wished and could take a halter rope to walk them a short distance or simply hold it. There were no structured activities and no accompanying therapist, so the visits fall into the category of ‘therapeutic/wellbeing contact’. Several outcome measures were put in place that were unfortunately not completed by the school. However, Jean and Stuart noticed many positive benefits including: increased confidence over time; visible pleasure, excitement for some, calm for others; a sense of pride and responsibility when showing them to the mainstream school; an opportunity for inclusion with the mainstream students. As for the alpacas, they went in a group of three, two younger boys and Pearson, a very special alpaca who seems to intuitively understand which human needs extra support and goes to give it. The two other alpacas looked to him for guidance and followed his lead – on HEALTH AND WELFARE
I would like to thank everyone who has given their time to be part of this study. If anyone would like a copy of the outcome measures identified and created for the school visits, please email me at and I will send them to you: ✉ penrackett@yahoo.co.uk
What is Animal Assisted Therapy? happening
THE THERAPEUTIC IMPACT OF ALPACAS The first in a two part series, Penny Rackett evaluate some of the evidence.
Delivering therapy, structured programmes and wellbeing sessions with alpacas is a relatively recent but quickly growing area of activity. There is as yet very little research on what elements of these activities are effective for which population groups, although anecdotally positive benefits have been seen. There is also little or no regulation in this area, meaning that the safeguarding of alpaca and human welfare is potentially unprotected (The word potentially is used because all the BAS members spoken to have high ethical standards in this regard). There seem to be several key questions which a BAS working group might help with: • What guidelines could BAS draw up to help promote alpaca and human welfare, similar to ones created for trekking activities? • Should BAS promote accurate descriptions of activities e.g. only use the term alpaca therapy when delivered by a qualified and registered therapist? • Could appropriate courses, qualifications and resources be identified, to support BAS members? • Might there be a forum for members to share what is working well for them and to learn from each other? • Could there be ongoing sharing of outcome measures used by members and even collection of data, to create a growing evidence base? As more than one of the BAS members said, “Alpaca welfare has to be at the heart of the work” – perhaps some of the suggestions above could ensure this is the case. It has been truly inspirational to hear how many alpaca owners create opportunities for wellbeing activities, after seeing the positive affect alpacas have on people. It has been equally inspirational to hear about the individual alpacas who choose to spend time with people, often showing care and affection. Alpacas are truly amazing.
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) often focuses on the interaction is happening in between the animal and the human: reflecting on what relationships and the moment can help a person explore feelings, other relax and talk situations. Simply being with an animal can help someone the therapist. The about themselves and what they need, facilitated by there are no set welfare of the animal has to be paramount. Currently, BACP state on standards covering all animal assisted therapies. However, and a member their website: “Your therapist should be qualified, experienced they’re committed of a professional body, such as BACP, which demonstrates to working to high professional and ethical standards.” the largest nonprofit Pet partners (formerly known as the Delta Society) is worldwide [Pet therapy animal-assisted organisation setting standards of types of animal work Partners 2020]. The organisation has specified three are defined as AAI in the field of animal-assisted therapy, which altogether (Animal Assisted Intervention): meeting with • AAA (Animal-Assisted Activities): Human-animal the quality motivational and educational function focused on enhancing of places of patient’s life. AAA sessions can be conducted in a variety therapist, and a (facilities) by someone who need not be a professional specially trained animal. goal-oriented • AAE (Animal-Assisted Education): Planned and is on educational therapeutic intervention with animals. The main focus goals. It is often used for children with learning disabilities. form of animal• AAT (Animal-Assisted Therapy): The most advanced a specific assisted intervention planned and focused on achieving the physical, social, therapeutic goal. The aim is to improve functioning in patients’ specific emotional, and cognitive sphere. AAT is adjusted for needs and record keeping is mandatory. Animal Assisted While AAT is a treatment, delivered by a trained therapist, that support Activities (AAA) cover a broad range of specific activities They can also be education, wellbeing and enhance the quality of life. still tend to have delivered by a broader range of people, although they alpacas, such as specialist training and experience. Many activities with of ‘therapeutic or visits to care homes, probably fall into another category programme, but aim wellbeing contact’, in that they do not form part of a lives. people’s nevertheless to enhance to safeguard both The purpose of being clear about these definitions is between therapy and people and alpacas – by understanding the difference they provide is offered therapeutic, BAS members can ensure that whatever with knowledge and integrity.
sets out to
For a full list of references and a discussion on what constitutes alpaca therapy and therapeutic interactions, see Alpaca magazine, Autumn 2023
Evidence concerning alpacas
H
this ow can you not feel a sense of wellbeing looking at started face? As with many important discussions, this all Jean, over a cup of tea between feeding and poo picking! more Stuart (Velvet Hall) and Penny (Anima e Cuore, but evidence there to the point here, psychologist) wondered: how much the UK carries out is for the therapeutic impact of alpacas and who in therapy with alpacas, as opposed to therapeutic activities? and could see the We knew there was evidence for animal related therapy unsure what evaluation visual impact alpacas have on many people, but were a snapshot of gathering of idea the born was there From place. was taking therapy with alpacas what BAS members do, an overview of any research into provision for that may exist and a project of fortnightly visits to a specialist then By evaluate. would young people with severe and complex needs, that I was to support sharing all this information with BAS members, the hope a growing area of ongoing discussion of what, anecdotally, seems to be interest and activity.
Why differentiate between therapy with alpacas and therapeutic activities/contact? distinction. It might appear at first glance that this is a nitpicking professional bodies, However, all therapy with humans is regulated by British Association such as the Health and Care Professions Council, the Kingdom Council for of Counselling and Psychotherapy and the United qualified, Psychotherapy. This is to ensure therapists are appropriately they keep up agreed abide by a code of ethics and practice, and ensure work with. professional standards – all to protect the clients they be evidenced There are many kinds of therapy, but they should all at relieving based, and are generally a form of treatment aimed usually involves emotional distress and mental health problems, which choices. and patterns behaviour, gaining insight into
evidence As many BAS members know, there is a good body of can have on mental demonstrating the positive effect animals in general dogs, horses and health and wellbeing. However, most research involves are effective in other animals. We cannot take for granted that alpacas Therapy (2015) therapy: Nimer & Lundhal’s meta-analysis of Animal Assisted is good, not all animals, indicates that while the evidence for dogs in therapy including horses, have the same impact. impact of There are as yet very few studies that explore the specific researchers, have alpacas in therapy. Kapustka and Budzynska, two Polish with alpacas collaborating that state They area. this in work carried out some gentle temper, in therapy is on the increase “due to their appearance, guidelines for good and predisposition to training”. (2020) They describe alpacas with a “mild practice: not working with one alpaca alone; selecting they can walk temperament”; giving them adequate preparation; ensuring to touch. This of on a lead; desensitising them to tactile stimuli, particularly with alpacas would course is their view – some people who carry out therapy and it is the human feel that it is important for the alpaca to behave naturally therapeutic the of part form can that behaviour alpaca’s reaction to the intervention. >> Continued on next page
IT’S IN OUR DNA
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MEMBER STORY
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE ALPACA
Bev Hebbs initial three alpacas turned into a life changing business.
LOCATION-ARROW
www.hebbsalpacas.co.uk
B
e warned, alpacas can be addictive! Those few ‘pets’ in your paddock can and do become a passion when you realise their potential and the variety of ways they can not only enhance your life but also the lives of others. Most people know about the luxurious fibre (but that can lead to a life long learning and development of skills in creating garments), but they also provide enjoyment for those that come to see them or even take them on walks. And then there are things like helping wild birds with their nests. Hebbs Alpacas embrace all of these activities and their journey began with three alpacas. Bev Hebbs takes up the story: “I bought three female alpacas (one with a cria) as my two ponies had far too much grass on their four and a half acres. I needed some field animals to help keep the grass under control. I did look at sheep but having been introduced to alpacas I knew it had to be them. I soon realised how much I enjoyed working with alpacas and I very much wanted others to feel the same pleasure. I decided that trekking would be a good way of sharing my experiences in our beautiful landscape so we bought some additional land.” Bev’s farm is in a breathtakingly beautiful area. It is right on the borders of Scotland and Bev explains that one child goes to school in Carlisle, England and one in Langdon, Scotland! It’s convenient for visitors – 20 minutes from the M6. 68 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
Thirteen years on from those first three (and a bit!) alpacas, Bev has moved house because of the alpacas and the number of has increased to 90! How did this happen? Bev said they had experienced issues with planning on the land they had bought so they took a big step and sold what they had and bought a farm with significantly more acreage with a view to being able to trek without leaving their own acreage. Bev feels this is very important as you cannot control the environment if it is not your land. By that she means other users such as off roaders, motorbikes and quads on by-ways and dogs on all rights of way. It makes the essential risk assessment that you need for trekking, more straightforward and predictable and helps in planning routes for different groups if you can stay within your own farm. You can also enhance parts of the land for say a picnic site or even shelter. How do you find an alpaca that is willing to be part of a trek and be handled by strangers? Bev explained that every alpaca on the farm is halter trained as a routine. She said her children are a great help in achieving this and also getting alpacas used to younger people. She is adamant that they are halter trained not for trekking but for their own welfare so that every alpaca will lead and be handled on a halter. This way vet visits, or foot trimming is so much easier and can be done routinely. Bev now has a very big pool of alpacas that are comfortable about being led and interacting with
Always looking at the fleece
Cria born in the rain just getting a bit of help to dry and get warm
people for her treks. Having said that though, they choose only to walk the males. An advantage of all this close contact is that Bev feels they get to really find out the different temperaments of the alpacas which is also a help with breeding. She said every alpaca has a different personality and this way you can really see what they are like.
Fleece and fibre
But trekking is only part of the farm’s ethos. Fibre and the continuous improvement of fleeces, also plays a big role in what the farm does. Originally they started with Huacayas but now at least ten percent of the herd are Suris and Bev believes these are also the best trekkers and strongly feels they do not deserve the myths that they are harder to look after and more temperamental. The people who come to walk love to see them. They do not stick to a single colour of alpaca but are very thorough about the fleece and share a testing machine with West Wight Alpacas. They also send some of the fibre away to be tested for additional information and to check the figures. When mating Bev is careful to look honestly at the negatives and positives of each alpaca and then look for a
Cria born that day with mum
Hand made hat
male that will breed back the traits that are deficient. Details of stud males and their genetics can be found on the website. The fibre is sent off to various mills, including Two River, the Alpaca Mill and Lillipop and Bev chooses the mill depending on which product she wants to create. You can see a huge range in her online shop. The products are hand made mostly by Bev but certainly by the family. “My mum taught me to knit but I extended my range by teaching myself cable stitch and more advanced knitting skills. You need patience for knitting. My children are sporty so I knit at their events. I also taught myself to crochet and I make the cowl that I sell in the shop. Cowls are worn around the neck to keep you warm, but also to look good.” One of the other products sold in the shop which is very popular is the Acorn Nesting Material Holder for birds and packets of alpaca fibre for nesting. This helps to use the parts of the fleece that cannot be used for yarn. Bev said: “I try to do as much as I can with my alpacas from breeding and trekking to every use of the fibre I possibly can. To me alpacas have so much to offer in so many roles. We may have rather fallen into our alpaca enterprise but to me it is all about showing what alpacas can do!”
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INTRODUCING THE BAS ALPACA BREED STANDARD
In the UK population it is expected breeders will want to continually improve all the traits. This BAS breed standard has been developed to encourage the objective assessment of the form and function of alpacas in the UK. It is intended as a guide for breeders to help promote the pursuit of alpacas exhibiting high quality fleece traits on a correct frame. Photo:: Amberly Alpacas
A
BAS working group, led by Ken Freivokh, took on the task of developing a BAS Breed Standard. BAS are delighted to present the product of these labours below. Thank you to everyone who contributed. The process of discussion and consultation with members was designed to try and involve as many people with an opinion and interest as possible. One of the guiding principles employed in the development was to keep the standard simple enough to be useable and relevant to as many BAS members as possible. The temptation to be too detailed was, hopefully, avoided. The ideal alpaca should be fit for function and embody the best conformational and fleece traits of the breed. Simply put, an ideal
alpaca is one that produces high quality fibre over a long, healthy, and productive life. The breed standard describes traits as ‘ideal’ and ‘negative/undesirable traits’, most alpacas will fall somewhere between the two on the continuum of the different characteristics. The “ideal” element of the breed standard promotes the goal of reaching the ideal through selective breeding, resulting in genetic gain and improvement in phenotype. The traits are not listed in any particular order. In the UK population it is expected breeders will want to continually improve all the traits. Thoughts about what represents the ideal can, and do, change as new knowledge is acquired and this standard is not intended to be a static document, but to evolve alongside alpaca breeding in the UK and reflect the thinking of the time.
CONFORMATION
IDEAL
NEGATIVE/UNDESIRABLE TRAITS
Phenotype
• Alpacas should have a balanced, proportioned frame, free • Obvious lack of balance moving, with a strong substance of bone and an alert stance • Light substance of bone • The head should be carried high • Narrow head
Side Profile
• Squared-off appearance, neck and legs should be the same length and 2/3 length of the body • Topline (back) straight and level rounding off at the croup to tail creating a slightly sloping rump
• • • • •
Obvious incorrect proportions Low neck set High tail set with tail straight from spine Swayback or humpback Curvature in spine, neck and/or tail
Head
• • • • •
Dense top knot (Huacaya) Dense top knot with well-defined locks (Suri) Wide and deep, wedge-shaped muzzle The eyes should be clear, bright, and set well apart The nose should exhibit two well-defined symmetrical nostrils • The upper lip is divided and mobile • The incisors should meet the front edge of the upper dental pad • The ears are of medium length, erect and spear-shaped
• • • •
•
Open, thin topknot Very narrow head, shallow muzzle Eyes with cloudy appearance, pale blue eyes Excessive fleece on the bridge of the muzzle beyond the age of three years Asymmetric nostrils Incisors excessively under or overshot Ears excessively out of proportion to head, banana shaped, fused or gofer Wry face
Forequarters
• Chest should be broad and deep, well sprung ribs • The withers well fleshed, set well into the shoulders forming a straight line with the back • Forelegs should be strong and straight • Pasterns should be firm and upright • Feet should be neat and well-formed and bear two forward pointing toes • The sole of the foot should be covered with a callused membrane
• • • • • • • •
Very narrow chest Loose shoulder blades Severely base narrow or base wide Buck knees, calf knees, severe knock knees Very prominent withers Weak, dropped or camped over pasterns Polydactylism Syndactylism
Hindquarters and Tail
• Rump broad • Well-spaced pin bones • Tail should be straight and long enough to cover the genitalia • Thighs should be well-muscled • Hind legs should be straight from hip to the centre of the foot and parallel when viewed from behind and the correct angulation when viewed from the side • Pasterns should be firm and upright • Feet should be neat and well-formed and bear two forward pointing toes • The sole of the foot should be covered with a callused membrane
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Severe cow hocks Obvious sickle hocks Severe post legged Luxating patella Very narrow hindquarters Severely base narrow or base wide Weak, dropped or camped over pasterns Bent or kinked tail Steeply sloping rump Squared-off rump Tail absent or abnormally short Polydactylism Syndactylism
Genitalia & reproduction
• A female’s udder should show good capacity, with four uniformly positioned teats • Females should have a normal size functioning vulva • Males should have external genitalia correct in size, shape, and position, with two evenly sized, firm testicles descended into scrotal sacs of appropriate size for age
• Less or more than four teats on males or females • Fused teats • Testicles that are too small or of uneven size or undescended into scrotal sac • Fused vulva
Height
• A mature alpaca should measure no less than 32”/81 cm at the withers
• Obviously undersized or oversized for age
Movement and Tracking
• Alpacas should move soundly and exhibit an even stride length with two distinct tracks, the hind feet following the front ones • Alpacas should have a fluid movement
• Paddling on the front feet • Rope walking • Obvious uneven stride and/or length of stride
• • •
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FLEECE TRAITS HUACAYA
IDEAL
Uniformity of Micron
•
NEGATIVE/UNDESIRABLE TRAITS
Uniformity of fibre diameter (micron) within the staple and across • the body resulting in a low standard deviation measurement (SD) Minimal difference in micron between primary and secondary fibres
High degree of variance in micron between primary and secondary fibres both within the staple and/or across the body (high SD)
Low micron not only in mid-side sample but across the animal into extremities Low transition line Soft and silky handling fleece
• • •
High levels of coarse fibres High degree of variability in the fibre diameter Harsh handle (prickle factor)
•
Lacks density - open fleece
•
Uniform, well aligned fibres both within the staple and across the body High ratio of secondary to primary fibres
Character
• •
Highly aligned fibres with crimp definition Very well-defined staples which break into micro staples
•
Lacks any crimp definition or organisation
Brightness
•
High degree of brightness displaying across the fleece which enhances handle
• •
Very dull Chalky look and feel
Uniformity of Colour
•
Uniformity of colour in staple and throughout the fleece (on solid-coloured alpacas)
•
Strong variance in colour within the staple, in patches or spots (multi-coloured alpacas and the white tuxedo pattern in traditional greys not included) Strongly differing colour in primary fibres compared to secondary fibres
• Fineness and Handle
• • •
Density
•
• Staple Length
•
Producing a staple length each year that is suitable for processing and is uniform in length across the body
• •
A length not suitable for processing Variable in length across the body
Guard Hair
•
Low levels of guard hair across the body
•
High levels of guard hair (stronger straighter fibres) in main blanket area
Ears Bonnet/Top Knot Eye
Croup Rump
Withers Back
Mouth
Ribs
Hind Cannon Hind Ankle
Stifle
Mandible (lower jaw)
Hip
Chest Shoulder
Elbow
Flank
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Orbit Maxilla (lower jaw)
Femur
Tail
Hock
Tail/coccygeal vertebrae
Vertebrae (back)
Pin bone Neck
Gaskin
Pelvis
Muzzle
Cervical vertebrae (neck)
Patella Hock
Knee Hind Pastern
Stifle
Ribs
Metacarpus
Scapula (shoulder blade) Shoulder joint Humenus Elbow Radius Carpus Metacarpus Fetlock Front Pastern
FLEECE TRAITS SURI
IDEAL
NEGATIVE/UNDESIRABLE TRAITS
Lustre
•
High degree of lustre
• •
Severely lacks lustre Extremely chalky, dull, or flat
Uniformity of Micron
•
Uniformity of fibre diameter (micron) within the lock and across the body, resulting in a low standard deviation measurement (SD) Minimal difference in micron between primary and secondary fibres
•
High degree of variance in micron between primary and secondary fibres both within the staple and/or across the body (high SD)
• •
Low micron not only in mid-side sample but across the animal into extremities Low transition line Silky and cool handling fleece
• • •
High levels of coarse fibres High degree of variability in the fibre diameter Harsh handle (prickle factor)
Density
• •
Uniform, well aligned fibres both within the lock and across the body High ratio of secondary to primary fibres
•
Lacks density - open fleece
Lock Structure
•
• •
Lacks any lock structure or solidity to the lock Lofty
•
Lock can be wave & twist, tight twist, corkscrew, or straight but should be highly aligned and start close the skin, layering and carrying solidity to the lock Individual locks breaking down into micro locks
Guard Hair
•
Low levels of guard hair across the body
•
High levels of guard hair (stronger straighter fibres) in main blanket area
Uniformity of Colour
•
Uniformity of colour in lock and throughout the fleece (on solid-coloured alpacas)
•
Strong variance in colour within the lock, in patches or spots (multi-coloured alpacas and the white tuxedo pattern in traditional greys not included) Strongly differing colour in primary fibre compared to secondary fibres
• Fineness and Handle
•
• Lock Length
•
Producing a lock length each year that is suitable for processing and is uniform in length across the body
Glossary of terms
• • •
A length not suitable for processing Short annual fleece growth Variable in length across the body
Humpback
The backline is convex
Balance
Neck should be same length as legs and two thirds the length of the back
Knock Knees
Knees bending inward (towards each other – viewed from the front)
Base Narrow
Legs set close together
Lock
A group of fibres of similar character, usually when referring to Suri
Base Wide
Legs set too wide apart
Lustre
Blanket
Prime fleece from shoulder to mid-section to rump, both sides
The amount of light reflected by the fibre. The sheen or gloss. Can vary with lighting
Buck Knees
Knees bowed forward (viewed from the side)
Luxating Patella
Loose patella (kneecap)
Calf Knees
Knees bowed backward (viewed from the side)
Mid-side
An area midway between the front and rear legs on the side of an alpaca and approximately 6-8 inches down from the backbone
Camped over
Bowed out at the fetlock (viewed from the side)
Organisation
Character
The demonstration of the crimp throughout length of staple
How the fibre lays within the lock/staples that make up the overall appearance of the fleece
Consistency
The uniformity of the micron, crimp, character, and density within the lock and throughout the fleece
Phenotype
The alpaca’s appearance
Polydactylism
More than two toes on a foot
Coverage
The distribution of continuously growing fibre across the whole body of the alpaca
Post Legged
Rear Legs straight – no angulation from hock to fetlock (viewed from the side)
Cow Hocks
Rear legs turned inwards at the hock (viewed from behind)
Rope Walking
Crimp
The natural wave or curl of individual fibres, grown into the fibre from the follicle
Front and back feet are walking on the same centre line, or crossing over the centre line
Sickle Hock
Too much angulation at the hock (viewed from the side)
Density
The number of fibres measured per square unit area
Staple
The group of fibres or lock
Dropped Pasterns
Too much angulation at the fetlock (viewed from the side)
Staple length
The length of the staple from skin to tip
Fineness
The diameter of fibres measured in microns
Strong
Thick, coarser fibre having a higher micron measurement
Fleece
The fibre from a single live alpaca, in its natural state
Style
Fused Ears
Ears look normal from the outside, however, the inside of the ear’s cartilage is fused together
A cumulative and overall aesthetic effect of fibre characteristics found in a fleece
Substance of Bone Circumference of bone
Fused Teats
Front, back or both quarters teats are attached to each other
Swayback
The backline is concave
Gopher ears
Very short stubby ears
Syndactylism
Fusion of two toes on the same foot
Guard hair
Coarse, modulated (hollow or partially hollow) primary fibre, usually greater than 30 microns in diameter and straight
Uniformity
The even distribution of characteristics within a fleece – micron, crimp, length of staple, colour, fineness
Handle
A tactile feel of the fleece to the hand – soft, harsh, etc.
Withers
Area at the base of the neck along the first part of backline
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TRAINING
GET ON COURSE FOR LIFE LONG LEARNING
The British Alpaca Society gives access to a variety of courses for members from basic husbandry to advanced fibre recognition. Here George Morgan of Usk Valley Alpacas talks about what it takes to be a BAS Affiliate Trainer.
S
tarting my journey to becoming a BAS Affiliate Trainer was quite a daunting task for a fairly young alpaca breeder, but I was confident in my existing knowledge and so was hopeful of becoming approved. The application phase was very clear and easy to follow. To start with, I had to put forward an application form answering questions about both myself, and my farm, to include any training experience, any BAS or non-BAS courses I may have done with general training, or alpaca care/ management. Luckily for me, I have completed both the Intermediate, and Advanced Alpaca Assessment courses run by BAS, and attended Judges Training 1 in the winter after the training day. We had also run a few courses ourselves on the farm on a more informal basis. The form was also designed to find out a little more about me – how long have I kept alpacas, how many I have, and my overall experience of looking after and caring for alpacas. It was very useful when filling out the form to see the expectations that BAS have from an Affiliate Trainer. Once this application had been accepted, I could then go onto the next stage – a one day training course held by Emma Taylor and Kate Brookes. I must admit, driving to the course, I was feeling quite apprehensive and nervous. I was almost sure I would be the youngest person there; would this be a problem? Of course not, when I arrived, I was greeted with smiles and a warm welcome. Some familiar faces were on the course, and some I had not met before. The training day was a really enjoyable experience, it was very thought provoking, informative, but also was designed to be fun. It was made clear that Emma and Sue really wanted us all to be approved, and they were there for positive support, and not to try and make us fail! There were various tasks done during the day, from help with risk
George took a great interest in alpaca husbandry since he was a young man, particularly in the area of breeding and genetics. He has subsequently gone to Australia for 12 months to learn more from the world’s leading alpaca breeder. Whilst there he worked with over 3,000 alpacas and, on his return, he used the knowledge he had gained, and now runs the breeding programme at Usk Valley Alpacas.
assessments, to working in pairs to deliver a particular subject in one of the modules. Whilst I had run previous informal courses, the BAS program gave me an excellent structure to follow that will be hugely beneficial for both myself and attendees. Another benefit of going on the training day was to mingle with a number of like-minded alpaca owners. On the coffee breaks, it was a great time to chat to everyone and ask plenty of questions about how their breeding programme is going, how they faired through Covid-19, and other questions. The alpaca owners there were all very well practised to meet the requirements of being an Affiliate Trainer and so the information they were giving in general conversations was so useful. I gained a lot from this alone, never mind the benefits of the course itself. A few weeks later, I was approved as a BAS Affiliate trainer and was over the moon. It makes me very excited to pass on my skills to new, or future alpaca owners. As chairman of the South Wales Regional Group, it is a great thing to be able to offer to members of our regional group and I think will be a huge benefit.
BAS Affiliate courses*
Courses offered by BAS Affiliate Trainers are from the set of nine approved by the Society: • Module 1: Feeding and basic management • Module 2: Vaccination, Supplements, Illness and Ailments • Module 3: Handling Alpacas 3a) Herding and catching 3b) Fitting a head collar 3c) Basic Halter Training • Module 4: The Alpaca – What to look for • Module 5: Understanding shearing day • Module 6: Fleece – what to do with it • Module 7: Breeding and mating • Module 8: Birthing • Module 9: Marketing your alpaca business *(This course was revised and updated in October 2022 and was formerly 11 modules. The content remains the same)
Upcoming courses
There are affiliates all over the country to find someone near you check out the website or look at the fortnightly newsletter. Please apply directly to the affiliate concerned. Want to consolidate your knowledge or need a spring board to go further? This is a fabulous course that not only gives you so much information, it also signposts you to go further.
Introduction to Alpaca Assessment
A one day course on alpaca conformation and fibre covering: • Basic conformation including teeth, stature, genitalia, legs, gait and body scoring; • Fleece – how to recognise the different qualities and traits of fibre including weight and value, fineness, density, crimp, uniformity, length, colour, amplitude and frequency and an introduction to histograms. You will have the opportunity to assess fleeces and discuss the merits of different qualities and styles. Course notes will be provided including a glossary of terms. There will be a maximum of 12 people on the day. Cost: BAS Members £ 65 + VAT Non Members £85 + VAT This course will only run if there is a minimum of eight people. Regional groups are encouraged to arrange for this course to be held locally for the benefit of their members so look out for details on their websites or email or call BAS for more information. Following on from this course there are two more available. >> Continued on next page
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TRAINING Intermediate Alpaca Assessment
A three-day, in-person course on alpaca conformation and fleece for Huacaya and Suri – a thorough overview of the major fleece and conformational traits for both Suri and Huacaya alpacas. This enables delegates to: • Gain confidence to assess and verbally deliver fibre and conformational characteristics to other owners and potential customers. • Make informed selection decisions within their own herd, at shows and when buying stock in. • Gain the necessary information to make appropriate breeding choices. • Gain valuable experience at handling and assessing a high number of alpacas of varying quality, sex, and type. Suitable for all members and overseas guests who are interested in learning more about assessing both conformational and fibre traits. This course is a comprehensive package in furthering alpaca assessment and applicable to all.
Advanced Alpaca Assessment
A two-day course on alpaca conformation and fleece for Huacaya and Suri that builds on the Intermediate Course. Suitable for alpaca owners that want to develop their skills in breeding and those who may wish to become judges. Content will be mainly practical and will be approximately one-third classroom, two-thirds hands-on practical. It will cover both Suri and Huacaya. This course is part of the judge training programme but does not include formal oral reasoning. The course includes: • A full and thorough overview of conformational traits and the way they impact on reproduction, growth and general fecundity. • Advanced visual and hands on assessment techniques for alpaca selection for sale, purchase, showing and breeding.
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• The ability to learn to orally compare and critique alpacas, in particular herd sires. • An opportunity to exchange ideas and techniques with other likeminded breeders. It is a fun couple of days fully immersed in the latest and most in depth alpaca assessment and breeding techniques.
Review of Basic Alpaca Assessment
• Conformation positive and negative traits – more detail on limb angulation, dentition, testicles, and other issues • Fibre – review – Understanding follicular development – Cell structure – Primary and secondary follicles, – Detailed examination of fleece qualities – density, fineness, character/ lock, micron – Understanding fleece testing and histogram – Relationship between characteristics – Hands on alpacas – fleece – Hands on alpacas – conformation – Micron assessment • Advanced fibre/fleece assessment • Selecting a stud and heritability • Multiple generations of progeny A Practice Assessment includes: • Looking for positive and negative traits passed down from the female or male and providing an explanation. • A group of alpacas to assess and put in order of preference and provide a reason why. Tutors will provide written feedback to each delegate. There is no pass or fail. After completing the Advanced Alpaca Assessment the Judge Training Stage 1 can be attended. >> Continued on next page
USK VALLEY
ALPACAS Inca Grey Limelight
NEO Summerhill Aspen of UVA (IMP)
Usk Valley Fine Design
South Wales’ leading huacaya alpaca herd. Whilst owning champion grey males and females, we are committed to breeding quality alpacas of all colours.
Contact us today for more details George Morgan, Farm Manager Office: 01600 473 222 Mobile: 07785 116 015 Email: info@uskvalleyalpacas.co.uk www.uskvalleyalpacas.co.uk
Alpaca & Llama handler training with...
Is your relationship with your animals all you had hoped for? How can Camelidynamics techniques help me on my alpaca journey? Camelidynamics is an approach to and collection of methods that represent the most positive, least intrusive techniques for training and managing alpacas. This two day handling course will change the relationship you have with your animals forever. Understand why camelids behave the way they do and learn kind and efficient methods that are science-based, for safe handling and husbandry that’s fun. Tell your vet that we have courses for them too. For those interested in finding out how this approach can inform and support your human/alpaca interactions in the therapeutic arena, we are now offering courses for owners and professionals. Working with Alpacas in Animal Assisted Activity or Therapy.
For more details and to book your places go to
www.SimplyAlpaca.co.uk
SENIORCONSULTANT
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TRAINING << Judge Training Stage 1 Delegates must have attended the Advanced Alpaca Assessment course before starting this training. Judge Training Stage 1 is a two-day course on the skills needed to be an effective alpaca judge. There is an exam for each element of training which must be passed to proceed to Judge Training Stage 2. In advance of the course, participants are recommended to: • have read the latest version of the BAS Show Rules and Fleece Manual • helped at halter and fleece shows. This course focuses in its entirety on the training of individuals to assess alpacas (Suri and Huacaya) using the comparative method for halter and the absolute method for fleece. This course will be primarily of a practical nature. Delegates will: • revise previous training courses • be taught show ring procedure • discuss ethics of judging • be taught a system for delivering oral reasons • practice judging of the shorn fleece using the BAS fleece manual • practice judging halter classes of 4 • be tested on each element.
Judge Training Stage 2
This is a two-day course on the skills needed to be an effective alpaca judge. There is an exam for each element of training which must be passed to proceed to Judge Apprenticeships. Delegates must have attended and passed Judge Training Stage 1. In advance of the course, participants are recommended to: • have read the latest version of the BAS Show Rules and Fleece Manual • helped at halter and fleece shows. This is a largely practical course with emphasis being placed on:
The Pennybridge Herd
‘Love The Alpacas’
©
• Starter Herds
• Fancy Grazers
• Sheep Guards • The Alpaca Experience
www.pennybridgealpacas.co.uk joy@pennybridgealpacas.co.uk 01256 764824 Based in North Hampshire near the Surrey/Berkshire Borders. Less than 5 mins from M3 J5. Close to Ports & Airports.
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• Accuracy and consistency of class placements • Oral reasoning, accuracy and the ability to justify placing and use of correct and varied terminology. • Improving speed whilst maintaining accuracy • Fleece judging, accuracy • Manner and handling of alpacas • Detailed knowledge of BAS Rules • Show ring management. • Judges’ presentation, presence, and etiquette. Course Content • Review of judging criteria and oral reasons: – Fibre and Conformation – Description of fleece samples – Any recent changes to criteria and rules • Hands-on review in barn • Judging halter classes of up to six alpacas including giving oral reasons – Huacaya and Suri • Judging classes of six fleeces • Video feedback. Course notes will be provided including a glossary of terms and copies of the show rules and fleece judging manual. There will be a maximum of eight people on the day. Ideally this course will only run if there is a minimum of four people (at BAS Board discretion). Delegates must have completed and passed the Judge Training Stage 1. Exercise to develop oral reasoning: Produce written oral reasoning for 50 classes of alpacas (25 Huacaya and 25 Suri). This is practice and is not examined. Judge apprenticeships: Following successful completion of Alpaca Judge Stage 2, candidates must apprentice with three different BAS qualified judges at three halter and two fleece BAS shows in the UK. One of the halter shows must have more than 100 entries present. An apprentice day must have a minimum of 60 alpacas judged to be considered a full day. On receipt of satisfactory reports, they may proceed to Certification.
Starting this year… BAS Apprentice Shearers Scheme
BAS are pleased to announce a pilot scheme to train more shearers. Working with Colin Ottery as the course lead tutor the aim is to recruit and train people who already have some shearing experience with alpacas, sheep or goats. The course will cover alpaca techniques, the equipment needed and how to make the most of the alpaca fibre. Colin said: "Understanding how the quality of shear affects the value of the fleece is very important. You need to see the whole picture." There are a limited number of places so if you are interested please email or call Duncan Pullar, BAS CEO to get your name on the list. Call 03453 192468 or email ceo@bas-uk.com
A DELIGHTFUL JOURNEY
I
Editor Liz Wright talks about the first year of editing Alpaca.
came to this with a degree of confidence that I knew something about alpacas from my previous editing and book writing experiences and the benefits of a course at Toft Alpacas some years ago. But I was determined to take the opportunity to learn as much as possible about these fascinating and extremely versatile animals plus their organisation, the British Alpaca Society. Thankfully so many people in the alpaca world have been so kind with their time and have shared their experiences freely, that I can only now realise how much there is to learn. In fact I can see this as a life time of learning. I was fortunate to attend the online fibre course with Mary Jo from Bozedown and this really stimulated my desire to know more about fibre and led me to attending some shearings and trying to help! I even attempted some ‘noodling’. I want to further that knowledge next year
with a practical fibre course and more assessments. With regards to the Society, I have met some wonderful people who have given time and energy to the alpaca world and led me through some of their inspiring experiences. I get the impression of an animal whose undoubted beauty, peacefulness (I’m sure some of you are laughing here but they are calming to watch), luxurious fleece and ability to benefit people in so many ways, makes them very special. I’m looking forward to more alpaca encounters in 2024 especially in the uses of fibre. Alpacas give pleasure to so many people, their owners, in therapy and therapeutic activities, trekking and even as ring bearers at weddings, that I think their praises should be sung far and wide. Thank you so much to the many people who have helped to make what is this 100th issue of Alpaca possible and all the magazines since I started. It is YOUR magazine so do keep talking to me and sending me your contributions. I really do love to hear from you.
Alpaca Alpaca Alpaca Alpaca British Alpaca Society quarterly magazine
British Alpaca Society quarterly magazine
YEARBOOK 2023
British Alpaca Society The fibre breed
www.bas-uk.com
British Alpaca Society quarterly magazine
SUMMER 2023
ISSUE 97: SPRING 2023
British Alpaca Society The fibre breed
British Alpaca Society The fibre breed
www.bas-uk.com
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British Alpaca Society quarterly magazine
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AUTUMN/WINTER 2023
British Alpaca Society The fibre breed
www.bas-uk.com
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ALPACA DEADLINES
Do you have something to share? Why not write it for your Alpaca magazine? Either send it to us by email (liz.wright@kelsey.co.uk), or give Liz, the Editor, a call to discuss. If you feel you don’t want to write it, then we can do it for you – but most of all we’d like to hear from you. You can reach Liz on 0795 175 3991 or on most days during office hours, on 01354 741538. Spring 2024 issue: Deadline for most copy is anytime up to 11 March. Because we will also want to cover the BAS National Show the exception will be if you want to share your experiences or send your photos of this show which is on 22-24 March, then do please send them before 27 March latest. Please call or email to say what you are sending before the show so we can leave space. The magazine is mailed out 19 April. Summer 2024: Deadline is anytime up to 10 June. The magazine is mailed out 22 July. Autumn 2024: Deadline is anytime up to 9 September. The magazine is mailed out 21 October.
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Alpacas for sale
A list of BAS members who are breeders and advertising their alpacas for sale
SOUTH EAST
ALPACA ANNIE Breeding quality, friendly alpacas on the Romney Marsh, we pride ourselves on the relationship we have with our animals and our high welfare standards. Many of the herd have been halter trained and are great walking companions. We can help you find anything from a fleecy friend to a show winning fleece. For new keepers we have well bonded starter herds available with a full support package including – training with our head herdsperson, home visits, shearing, ongoing phone/ face-to-face support and a ‘Home for Life’ guarantee as standard. So please come on down and meet the herd! TEL: 01303 870527 EMAIL: office@alpacaannie.com WEB: www.alpacaannie.com
LIGHTFOOT ALPACAS Lightfoot Alpacas are situated in Hawkhurst in the Weald of Kent. We have been breeding alpacas since 1997 and have over 250 Huacaya. Lightfoot is a closed herd, we believe that the bio security and health of our animals is paramount to their breeding and care. We have a range of colours and ages, mainly Huacaya and some Suris. Our animals are known for being friendly as we spend time with them and know them individually. We provide after sales advice and back up services when we sell our animals. Whether you are looking to improve or expand your herd or just thinking of alpacas as pets, why not contact us to arrange a visit. TEL: 07802 263589 WEB: www.alpacabreeder.co.uk EMAIL: graham@alpacabreeder.co.uk
EAST MIDLANDS
JANDJ ALPACAS The family run JandJ Alpaca herd was established in 2005 with four breeding females, today we have over 90 beautiful animals. We are located in Lincolnshire on the Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leiceistershire border just off the A1. With years of experience our aim is to help you choose the best alpacas to start you journey, whether it be breeding females, stud males or pet boys. Stud services also available from top coloured genetics. TEL: Martin or Clare 01636 626990 EMAIL: sales@jandjalpacas.co.uk WEB: www.visitalpacas.co.uk
ADVERTISE HERE
Your booking will include an online listing in the Alpacas for Sale section on the BAS website. TEL: 01732 448748 EMAIL: wendy@talk-media.uk
SOUTH WEST
DARK SKY ALPACAS
Located in rugged and beautiful North Cornwall, we focus on Suri and have a herd of elite alpacas with some of the best and varied Suri genetics in the country. Alongside our own animals we have invested in top quality alpacas from specialists in the UK and New Zealand. Our farm has been ‘custom made’ for alpacas, with biosecurity and welfare of paramount importance, and we love and care for the herd ourselves. We offer full stud services and in particular Suri starter herds, quality breeding stock and luxury alpaca products. WENDY: 07712 136949TOM: 07825 105530 EMAIL: tomandwendy@darkskyalpacas.com WEB: www.darkskyalpacas.com
WINSAULA SURI ALPACAS
We specialise in breeding the rare and majestic Suri Alpaca, which account for approximately 7% of the overall UK Alpaca population. A multiple UK award winning ‘Best Small Breeder’ we are home to multiple Champions and Supreme champions in all Alpaca colours, but primarily specialising in top quality black and the very rare grey Suri. We have animals to suit all budgets from groups of pet boys, to elite pregnant female starter herds with Cria at foot, and champion stud males. We also offer stud services from champion fawns and browns to multiple supreme champion grey studs and Champion black studs imported from New Zealand, bringing the top black genetics into the UK if you are looking to introduce new genetics into your herd. TEL: Paula 07540 124768 Mark: 07748 844990 EMAIL: prwinsor@icloud.com / mwinsor@me.com
SOUTHERN ENGLAND
PENNYBRIDGE ALPACAS
SCOTFIELD ALPACAS
The PennyBridge Herd and Stud. One of the first alpaca farms set up in the South of England, still producing show winners from champion stock. Good quality starter herds, proven and potential stud males, fancy grazers and sheep guards available.
We are a family run farm in Warfield, Berkshire, breeding high quality Huacaya and Suri alpacas from show winning sires. We would like to welcome you to Scotlands Farm to see our wonderful herd of both white and coloured animals.
‘Home of The Alpaca Experience’.
We are happy to discuss your requirements, be it for pet males, stock guards, or breeding females to suit your budget but with no obligation to purchase. We have over ten years of experience with these adorable animals. Give us a call and let us see if we can help you.
Full range of alpacas for sale, attractive pets to top show quality breeding girls and stud boys. Large choice of stunning stud males available to service your girls. Also offering natural alpaca fabrics made in the UK from the fleece of our own herd.
TEL:
TEL: 01386 853841 or 07711 044106 EMAIL: snowshillalpacas@btinternet.com WEB: www.snowshillalpacas.com
Situated in North Hampshire, close to the Surrey and Berkshire borders with good access to ports and airports, less than five minutes drive from both J5 and 6 of the M3. TEL: 01256 764824 or 07801 132757 EMAIL: joy@pennybridgealpacas.co.uk WEB: www.pennybridgealpacas.co.uk
CENTRAL ENGLAND
Sue Hipkin 07770 455533 Lisa Hipkin 07770 455534 WEB: www.scotfieldalpacas.co.uk
WEST MIDLANDS
FAERIE TALE ALPACAS
TOFT ALPACAS
Faerie–Tale Alpacas is a small family run farm based in Kenilworth in Warwickshire J15 of M40. We focus on breeding sound, healthy, friendly, elite alpacas with gorgeous fleeces and top class genetics at very reasonable prices.
Based in North East Warwickshire we offer over 120 pedigree alpacas in all colours, ages and price ranges. We run a number of prizewinning stud males and offer on farm and mobile mating services. We are confident that our prize winning herd will live up to all your alpaca expectations. Shirley and I have been qualified BAS judges for a great number of years and have judged throughout the UK and Europe.
We know each alpaca and have most colours available from blue black to dazzling white. Whether you are new to alpacas or wish to expand your herd we have an alpaca to suit you! Prices to suit all budgets and with full after sales support given. We offer: • Quality breeding stock • Starter herds • Stud services • 2 hour alpaca experiences • Alpacas for weddings and events • Luxury range of hand knitted alpaca garments and accessories using our own fleeces
We run regular alpaca husbandry workshops every month throughout the year. We have been breeding alpacas for 25 years and are dedicated to sharing our extensive experience to guide you towards realising your own alpaca aspiration whatever that maybe. Please ring to book.
TEL: 07950 671672 FACEBOOK: Faerie Tale Alpacas EMAIL: info@faerietalealpacas.co.uk WEB: www.faerietalealpacas.co.uk
TEL: Shirley 07970 626245 / Rob 07973 123008 EMAIL: shirley@toftalpacastud.com / rob@toftalpacastud.com WEB: www.toftalpacastud.com
80 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
SNOWSHILL ALPACAS Established in 2002 and situated on the North Cotswold hills close to the picturesque village of Snowshill, the current herd numbers over 300. We breed both Huacaya and Suri alpacas (approximately 80% are Huacaya). Although our breeding programme is biased towards the darker colours, we do also have superb quality whites and beige alpacas.
NORTH WEST
KING GARTH ALPACAS
King Garth Alpacas
Located on the Solway Firth, in Cumbria, King Garth Alpacas is a family-owned herd where we aim to breed beautiful, happy, healthy and friendly alpacas with top show winning genetics. We have alpacas to suit everyone and all budgets; from pet boys to starter herds, elite females and stud males. We offer full support and advice before and after sales. Please feel welcome to get in touch and chat about your alpaca needs. We also offer stud services, alpaca experiences, luxury alpaca products. TEL: 07762 286050 WEB: www.kinggarthalpacas.co.uk
Fibre Processors and Retailers SUPPLIES AND SERVICES
M.R.HARNESS M.R.Harness was founded in 1995 after existing part time for a number of years. Mary herself is a qualified engineer and is well placed to assess materials and their useage.
FIBRE BUYERS AND PROCESSORS
JG ANIMAL HEALTH
CLASSIC CARDER
High specification organic chealated nutritional supplements
Company policy is to test as many of the webbing designs as possible before release, as each item is unique to the animal it is designed for. This has led M.R.Harness to become the supplier of choice for headcollars, leads, coats and harness for all the various smallholding animals, but specialising in alpacas and llamas, and working ponies.
suitable for all camelids.
All items are hand crafted ‘in house’, in England, so you can be assured of good workmanship and quality products that last.
• A, D3 & E Paste
So please come and try the ‘Choice of Champions’.
EMAIL: jganimalhealth@aol.com
TEL: 01299 896827 EMAIL: mary@mrharness.co.uk
WEB: www.jganimalhealth.co.uk
HOMESTEAD FARM SUPPLIES Everything you need for your alpacas delivered to your door! We are a one-stop-shop for alpaca supplies, including headcollars and leads, vitamins and nutritional supplements, healthcare and welfare supplies, colostrum, coats for cria and adults and microchipping equipment. We also have a good selection for your other animals, including dogs, chickens and horses, as well as a range of farmhouse items and gifts, including our famous home cheese-making kits. We are alpaca owners ourselves and we are always happy to help with your questions and enquiries. Order direct from our website or by phone. You can expect fast, friendly service and advice. TEL: 01295 713188 EMAIL: homesteadfarms@btinternet.com WEB: www.homesteadfarmsupplies.co.uk
Classic Carder produce a full range of British, handmade
• Premier Camelid Drench
drum carders for fibre preparation. Featuring our unique
• Premier Mineral Supplement
interchangeable drum system which allows quick and easy
• Premier Mineral Bucket
drum change for carding different fibres. TEL: 01746 714130
TEL: 07866 607466
EMAIL: paulbrittain@mac.com WEB: www.classiccarder.co.uk
ADVERTISE HERE
Your booking will include an online listing in the Alpacas for Sale section on the BAS website. TEL: 01732 448748 EMAIL: wendy@talk-media.uk
BAS Member's exclusive BAS Members get free membership to My Society and can benefit from a number of exclusive offers. ANIMAL HEALTH
The Professional Solution
20% OFF
Discounted Prices on Microchips*
Safe4disinfectant Terms and conditions apply
Terms and conditions apply
2 FREE worm counts worth £40 for NEW BAS members then 25% OFF Worm Counts after that* Wildwood Animal Health www.wildwoodanimalhealth.co.uk
Terms and conditions apply
Free bag of Camelibra NG2 (worth £28 & free delivery) Terms and conditions apply
Checkout these and many other offers on the BAS website by clicking on Join the BAS link
www.bas-uk.com
Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
81
M
BAS REGIONAL GROUPS
embers meet on a regular basis to talk alpaca, organise events, seminars, workshops, and generally share their experience and knowledge on all things alpaca. The groups are not exclusive (to BAS members or by Geography) and are open to all. Their aim is to allow new and existing members to come together, socialise with other breeders in their locale and learn more about alpacas. Should you be an owner, prospective owner, or just interested in these fascinating animals, your regional group will always make you welcome. The groups also provide invaluable expertise by providing qualified judges, welfare advice, nutritionists and lecturers, with the emphasis always on self-help, accessibility and local initiative. Each group organises its own area slightly differently; some hold their meetings in the same place and some move venues. Meetings are organised around barbecues, suppers, coffee mornings and workshops; most groups ask for a small contribution to cover the costs of the event.
Establishing a new BAS group No group in your area? Form your own. The BAS Regional Groups are designed to provide local activities for and contacts between members within a region. Groups are responsible for organising meetings for members and for disseminating information from the Society to members and passing feedback to the Society. Groups are responsible for their own financial affairs and meetings of the group should be financially self-funding. Alpaca shows within the Group’s area would be organised by the Regional Group with assistance from Grassroots Systems Ltd (if required) with regard to online entries and catalogues. Shows are expected to be self-financing. Groups are encouraged to provide reports of their activities to the Editor of Alpaca magazine. Notices regarding Group events can be included in the BAS Newsletter sent by email to all members, posted in the Facebook BAS Chat Forum and posted on the appropriate page(s) of the BAS website – www.bas-uk.com. Details of events should be sent to ceo@bas-uk.com 82 Alpaca YEARBOOK 2024
To be recognised by the Society, the Group must have an appointed Secretary and Treasurer. It must have its own bank account for Group funds. When these items are in place, details should be submitted to the BAS Board which will consider the formal recognition of the Group. Minutes of meetings must be produced to the BAS CEO and be made available if requested. It is suggested that those interested in establishing a new Regional Group hold a meeting of members within the area to gauge interest and to determine what type of activities local members would support. A list of all Regional Group contacts is included on the BAS website and it is also sent to all new members who are encouraged to join the one
nearest to them. • Northern Ireland Alpaca Group • North West Alpaca Group • North Shires and North Wales Alpaca Group • West Shires Alpaca Group • South Wales Regional Alpaca Group • Cornwall Camelid Association • South West Group (SWAG) • Heart of England Alpaca Group • South East Alpaca Group • Eastern Alpaca Group • East Midlands Alpaca Group • Yorkshire Alpaca Group • North East and Borders Alpaca Group • Scottish Group • Suri Network UK Group
Supreme Champion alpaca breeders with 30 years experience Inca Primero – Supreme Champion Male
We are proud to offer: Business plan for new breeding herds and full herd assessment and business review for established breeders. Elite pedigree breeding and pet stock for sale in the UK and for export to the EU, Middle East and India. Help obtaining planning permission for a dwelling using alpaca breeding as justification – we did it and have helped others.
www.incaalpaca.co.uk Please call Tim to talk more about alpaca ownership: +44 (0) 7875 532827
incaalpaca.co.uk