Alpaca Issue 85 by KELSEY Media

Alpaca British Alpaca Society bi-monthly magazine

ISSUE 85

£5.99

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 EDITORIAL Editor: Liz Mason alpaca.ed@kelsey.co.uk ADVERTISEMENT SALES Wendy King Talk Media Sales Tel: 01732 448748 Email: Wendy.King@talkmediasales.co.uk GRAPHIC DESIGN Jo Legg 07306 482166 jo.legg@flair-design.co.uk

CONTENTS

Not so glorious mud

Met Office figures confirm that UK winters are becoming wetter. BAS CEO Duncan Pullar takes a look at the impact on paddock management and offers some advice to limit the damage..

10 Improved drainage

The alpaca herd at Oak Tree Farm provides a valuable source of manure to grow edible flowers and herbs and is at the centre of the farm’s business.

34 Over the years

BAS judge Barbara Hetherington takes us behind the scenes at the BAS National Show and gives an insight into the hard work and dedication of all those involved in staging the flagship event.

16 Trekking and planning rules

How planning rules apply to alpaca trekking businesses.

18 Saving Dotty's life

Treatment and recovery after colic was confirmed.

38 Future prospects for ﬁbre

Keeping a close eye on the evolving marketplace for products made from natural fibre.

40 Lifting lockdown spirits

PRINTING Precision Colour Print

Kelsey Media takes your personal data very seriously. For more information of our privacy policy, please visit Kelsey Media takes your personal data very seriously. For more information of our privacy policy, please visit https://www.kelsey.co.uk/privacy-policy/ . If at any point you have any queries regarding Kelsey’s data policy you can email our Data Protection Oﬃcer at dpo@kelsey.co.uk.

32 Talking about shearing

14 Helping a business grow

DISTRIBUTION Distribution in Great Britain: Marketforce (UK) 3rd Floor, 161 Marsh Wall, London, E14 9AP Tel: 020 3148 5000

Kelsey Media 2021 © all rights reserved. Kelsey Media is a trading name of Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with permission in writing from the publishers. Note to contributors: articles submitted for consideration by the editor must be the original work of the author and not previously published. Where photographs are included, which are not the property of the contributor, permission to reproduce them must have been obtained from the owner of the copyright. The editor cannot guarantee a personal response to all letters and emails received. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Publisher. Kelsey Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for products and services oﬀered by third parties.

Whether you’re a seasoned alpaca breeder or new to the game, and whether it’s the alpacas first or fourth time, there are several questions you must ask before breeding from your animals.

We can’t change the weather but there are simple solutions for use with a compact tractor to improve drainage and reduce the volume of water sitting on or near the grass.

KELSEY MEDIA The Granary, Downs Court Yalding Hill, Yalding, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 6AL 01959 541444 MANAGEMENT Chief Executive: Steve Wright Chief Operating Officer: Phil Weeden Managing Director: Kevin McCormick Publisher: Jamie McGrorty Retail Director: Steve Brown Renewals and Projects Manager: Andy Cotton Senior Subscription Marketing Manager: Nick McIntosh Subscription Marketing Director: Gill Lambert Subscription Marketing Manager: Kate Chamberlain Print Production Manager: Georgina Harris Print Production Controller: Kelly Orriss

30 Fit to breed

24 Recognising Johne’s disease Owners and vets need to recognise its potential impact.

26 Practical management Nutrition 44 BAS regional spotlight

The Northern Ireland Alpaca Group.

46 A letter from...

Maureen Hamstra, AlpacaOord in The Netherlands.

www.kelsey.co.uk

50 Seasonal ramblings

Cover photo: Amberly Alpacas

Alpaca #85

FROM THE EDITOR

T: 01959 541444 E: alpaca.ed@kelsey.co.uk @BritishAlpacaMagazine

elcome to the March issue. Spring has never been more welcome – signs of new growth, longer days and a route out of lockdown that will we hope soon see businesses open and welcoming visitors for alpaca walks and experiences. Meanwhile Zoom is established as part of our new normal and enterprising alpaca owners have been using this online platform to brighten business meetings, entertain children and generally bring alpaca cheer into homes. In this issue BAS judge Jo Bridge, Hilly Ridge Alpacas, and Bob Crosbie from Bobcat Alpacas in Scotland, tell us about their alpaca Zoom experiences and young handler Darcey Croshaw’s story highlights how an over the fence encounter with alpacas can make someone’s day. As BAS CEO Duncan Pullar highlights learning online, through Zoom or live webinars, looks set to stay with us after lockdown ends. But there are events, and hands on experiences, that Zoom cannot replace, including the BAS National Show. BAS judge Barbara Hetherington, Beck Brow Alpacas takes us behind the scenes and looks at the work involved in staging this flagship event for the BAS. The show team is looking ahead to a bigger, better event for 2022 and seeing the UK’s top alpacas gathering again under one roof for one of the alpaca’s world’s most prestigious events. › Liz Mason Staying healthy has been the focus for us all this past year

and in this issue we take a look at several health related topics. Kate Brookes, Mullacott Alpacas, shares her personal experience and offers a comprehensive, practical guide to nutrition – the foundation for good health. Ami Sawran, from Westpoint Farm Vets, focuses our attention on fitness for breeding – are your alpacas fit to breed? Sarah Caldwell, camelid consultant at The Human Vet, shines a spotlight on Johne’s disease, which can go unrecognised and Caroline Hambling and Olivia Franks, from The Farm Vets, share Dotty’s story and her welcome recovery from life threatening colic. Alison Abbott, Headshope Alpacas also tells us about her rare twin birth – thankfully mother Kit Kat and twins Hope and Buttons are all doing well. As grass growth takes off hopefully days of endless heavy rain and waterlogged paddocks and muddy gateways will become a distant memory. But it’s a good time to take a look at possible solutions. BAS CEO Duncan Pullar and Andrea Pickerin from RT Machinery provide some answers to remedy poor drainage. Finally, looking ahead to shearing season professional alpaca shearers Nigel Woods and Colin Ottery talk to Alpaca about their work and share some thoughts on training and good practice. In our next issue we will take another look at shearing, share some new tools to help the science of breeding and prepare for the arrival of cria. Wishing you a safe Spring.

CEO NOTES...

Duncan Pullar

do like the changing of the seasons that we experience in the UK, but I have had enough of wet this winter! Roll on warmer and drier spring days where you can go for a walk without any squelching underfoot. In fact, how nice not have to wear wellies when you are out and about. Where are my trainers? In recent weeks the BAS has been running some educational webinars that seem to have gone down very well with members. The opening session was presented by Ami Sawran and gathered over 70 delegates and since then the popularity has grown. Subsequent webinars have passed this level of attendance with ease. It’s not the same as meeting face to face, and some subjects definitely benefit from a hands on approach, but with our enforced isolation it shows there is a

place for online learning. If you missed any of these webinars, they are available on a private YouTube channel, for a limited period, just email me for the link. The member led resolution revising screening rules was passed by a vote of the members. This means imports from specific named countries are considerably less onerous in terms of screening hurdles to clear. If you are considering importing, please remember the BAS must be made aware of any imports from the US, Australia or New Zealand in advance of the shipment taking place. Also important to note is that retrospective registration only applies to animals in the UK before January 2021. It will be interesting to see what type of alpacas will arrive in the UK in the next year or two. Hopefully BAS members’ breeding programmes will benefit from the new genetics and some great alpacas will result.

Become a BAS member www.bas-uk.com

Alpaca #85

British Alpaca Society The ﬁbre breed

Suri Sales and Grey Stud Services 17 Championships incl 3 Supreme National Fleece Show 2020 Champion of Champions Grey Suri & Judges Choice Suri

All Enquiries

01934 732324 prwinsor@icloud.com Finding us

Winsaula Alpacas Badgworth, Somerset BS26 2QP @winsaulaalpacas

Winsaula Joker Triple Supreme Suri Champion

Alpaca #85

NEWS

National Alpaca Farm Day

he UK’s first National Alpaca farm Day is attracting support from owners with more than 60 farms signing up to help promote alpacas to the public. The initiative will see farms throughout the UK open their doors on 4-5 September 2021 enabling visitors to meet the alpacas, learn about keeping these wonderful animals and buy alpaca related products. The initiative also offers a fantastic

UK alpaca insurance

L U S T R E O I U B 10 D B A 12 M A C H O O N U 18 19 T W I N K L H N E 27 F L E E 29 A W L A 33 34 G A M B 37 G A S A E T I 40 N O T E N 46 T E A 50 I N S E T C 55 56 A L P H A B L A L I 58 Y E A R

A S V 8 B H U MM I N R U O C 11 N A N A O U N 13 D R A T N 14 15 E I H U A C D Z R 20 E O S K I 22 S M 23 24 M U C K H E A P C E I D 30 D O W N A 32 U R U M I O L H 38 L G U A N A A B 41 42 I T U S S A L T E U R W 47 N D E S B E O P N 53 S E T E 57 E T I C A L L Y B T E T A E A W 59 G D A F F O D

T O N I E D E R N E G

A Y A

U R T I N G 25 26 A U 28 P A L P A N A N T 35 L E C O 39 O C 43 S U R A I 48 C A 51 B T R A H A Z I I L S

Answer: Altiplano 6

Alpaca #85

G U E I 9 R C A T H F R F I E S 21 G T M M B R A S 31 S T R 36 A G L E Y E M S I 44 45 H V M E L I R T 54 E D R A A M R I S N 60 A U D

S A T

For more information: ceo@bas-uk.com

Plasma reminder

nsure My Alpaca has been launched as the new brand of the former Armitage Livestock Insurance. The online alpaca insurance product, owned and operated by rural and business specialists H&H Insurance Brokers, aims to provide an almost instant quote and meet the needs of the growing UK alpaca industry. The company says insurance is provided by a specialist team familiar with the liability issues related to alpacas. It has worked with specialist underwriters to ensure the product offers protection for theft or death and when travelling to shows. It also includes compensation and public liability when attending events, and for trailers used for transport. H&H adds that the protection gives “peace of mind to businesses offering alpaca walks and tours”. Paul Graham, H&H managing director said: “We are very excited to be offering this exclusive insurance to owners and breeders of an often neglected livestock. At H&H, it is important to us to bring especially designed insurance to meet the range of specific needs that we see across rural industries. “ Underwritten by Lloyd’s, there is security and peace of mind for customers in knowing that ‘Insure To obtain a quote: My Alpaca’ ensures that their alpaca herd is fully www.insuremyalpaca.co.uk catered for and covered.”

opportunity to promote alpaca businesses in the local and national press as well as social media. BAS CEO Duncan Pullar said the range of farms involved is “very pleasing with experienced and established herds through to new herds”.

ets are asking owners to check stocks of life saving blood plasma before birthing starts. A plasma transfer can save a sick cria’s life and vets are reminding owners to ensure they have their own stocks as timing is critical. North Devon Torch Farm Vets will be collecting blood for spinning into plasma later this month – each donation will make two plasma packs which can be kept in the freezer and stored for several years. Blood samples are taken from a healthy adult male (or non- pregnant) female. These should be halter trained, calm and up to date with clostridial disease vaccinations. Bristol based Langford Vets also offer a camelid plasma harvesting service. Collection can be done by the owner’s vet or Langford Farm vets and processed at the Bristol site. Alpacas can also be brought by arrangement to the practice.

Crossword winner

L E O P I D O O P T E R I S T D 52 A D V E N I T

> Christmas crossword prize winner Steve Baker, Stoke Wood Alpacas, in Somerset wearing alpaca socks, kindly donated by Cotswold Alpacas

WINNER

Here at Mulberry Alpacas we have:

ColinTelephone Ottery: The Colin Alpaca Ottery Shearer for a Alpaca Shearing since 2005 friendly and professional service Please contact me for a with competitive rates. friendly and professional service with 01884 competitive rates 38782 All size herds considered 07773or440354 07746 957110 07773 440354 Email: alpaca2shear@gmail.com Email: alpaca2shear@yahoo.co.uk www.alpaca2shear.com

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 Tel: 07713 639 447 or 01978 710224 Email: mulberryalpacas@btconnect.com We’re 4 miles north of Ellesmere OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ❘ TELPHONE ORDERS WELCOME

www.mulberryalpacas.co.uk

insure my alpaca Specialist Camelid Insurances Our friendly and professional team are able to offer a wide range of bespoke insurance products to suit your needs: • Mortality

• Worldwide transits

• Theft

• Personal accident

• Vet fees

• Public & employer’s liability

Plus our Combined Smallholder’s Policy includes farm buildings, equipment & trailers… all at competitive rates. Please contact us to discuss your requirements t: 01228 406290 | e: alpaca@hhib.co.uk | insuremyalpaca.co.uk Insure My Alpaca is a trading name of H&H Insurance Brokers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA No: 305809

Alpaca #85

PADDOCK MAINTENANCE

NOT SO GLORIOUS MUD

Met Office figures confirm that UK winters are becoming wetter. BAS CEO Duncan Pullar takes a look at the impact on paddock management and offers some advice to limit the damage.

> If drainage is not improved it could result in a bare patch

igures show that, as well as becoming milder, the UK is seeing record breaking rainfall statistics. Last year was “a remarkable year”, according to Met Office scientists. Our winter was the fifth wettest on record. The general trend to wetter, warmer weather is the direct result of climate change, scientists say. Experts predict that increasingly extreme weather will be one of the most damaging impacts of climate change and extreme weather events will happen more often. Dr Mark McCarthy, head of the Met Office’s National Climate Information Centre, said: “We have seen a number of exceptionally wet winters in the last decade, and due to climate change, we expect UK winters to become wetter.” Last winter saw record breaking rainfall – with the wettest day on record in early October following Storm Alex. This winter is proving similarly stormy. Met Office records show some eastern areas exceeded their normal December rainfall by the middle of the month. Storm Bella brought more heavy rain and strong winds on Boxing Day followed less than a month later by Storm Christoph. And recent cold weather has not changed the overall forecast for wetter

Alpaca #85

warmer weather. A winter as cold as this January used to occur in seven out of ten winters, said Dr McCarthy. “In more recent decades this has dropped to three in ten. So although we are still subject to cold weather in winter these cold spells tend not to be as severe or as frequent as in the past.”

Waterlogged paddocks

So, what does this mean for alpaca owners? One consequence of all this is that a significant amount of grass pastures and paddocks have been underwater, or at least in waterlogged ground, for longer than is healthy. Staying flooded or waterlogged for long periods can have long-term consequences for grass growth and some areas may not recover. If at all possible, remove your alpacas from waterlogged or flooded fields. It’s not good for the animal or the pasture so a period of housing may be the only solution in severe circumstances. The risk of leaving animals out in very wet fields is that they damage the soil structure which will reduce grass growth later in the year. There are a couple of problems that are worth avoiding. Firstly, a waterlogged grass plant is very

> Even small areas that stay wet for a long time can kill the grass

stressed and susceptible to damage by being trodden on by either alpacas or human. To avoid this take animals out of the field and do not walk or drive on it yourself. Secondly there is a serious risk of “poaching” areas of the field. Poaching is where the soil structure is destroyed killing the grass plants and inhibiting good growth later on. Poaching mainly happens in high traffic areas that are walked on regularly but in very wet conditions it can happen any where in the field. Digging a simple channel to stop a puddle forming can sometimes save quite a large area from sitting under water. When the water is lying in the field go out with your spade and dig a channel to take the water to the nearest ditch. When the water has receded check the pasture. When there is less than 60% coverage in large patches, or the whole field, re-seeding will be required (see Alpaca Autumn issue). Having said that do check to see if any bare patches are caused by deposits of sediment on the grass. If the deposits are 5cm or more in depth the grass underneath is not likely to grow through. When the field is dry enough it might be possible to break up the deposits with harrows in large areas or with hand

The Pennybridge Herd and Alpaca Stud

‘Love The Alpacas’

tools on small areas. Thin patches that are not thin enough to justify reseeding are likely areas for weeds to get established so take care of them by removing the weeds.

Check your drains

Many grass fields will have field drains in place and these do get blocked or collapse over time. Maintenance of these drains, or installing them in the first place, is quite a big undertaking but might be worth considering. This is a job to be taken on by a specialist contractor. An easier fix, but still quite a big field operation, is to use a mole plough to improve the drainage. A mole plough generates a temporary drainage channel by pulling a metal “mole” through the soil at a depth of 12 to 18 inches. If you do have field drains you need to be sure your mole plough will not break into them and make things worse. With spring on the way and grass growth taking off again in the coming weeks preventing any further damage will help make the most of your paddocks.

Meon Valley Alpacas Hampshire

• Starter Herds • Champion Stud Services • 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.

Are You Doing The Rounds ? …

With over 22 years Experience we can help you select your breeding stock, or pets, from our prize-winning herd of friendly Huacayas – and we’re friendly too!

Visit our website or call Karen 07913 247144

www.mvalpacas.co.uk

Beginner & Advanced Courses by Arrangement Alpaca #85

PADDOCK MAINTENANCE

IMPROVED DRAINAGE

Warmer, wetter winters can lead to waterlogged and flooded paddocks, writes Andrea Pickerin, RT Machinery. We can’t change the weather but there are simple solutions for use with a compact tractor to improve drainage and reduce the volume of water sitting on or near the grass.

> RTM Suffolk® spring tine harrow

> RTM Suffolk® twin legged subsoiler

Aeration for the top 20cm

erators or Slitters with deep vertical knives or tines will slice into your grassland to a depth of up to 8 inches or 20cm, literally driving air into the soil. This makes a huge difference where compaction has occurred, preventing the percolation of water through the soil structure and causing puddling, soil erosion and restricting root growth. Compaction is usually the result of vehicles running over the land, pathway footprints by walkers or animal grazing and feed area traffic. Since these activities can’t all be prevented, aeration is a normal part of grassland management. If you use a slitter, a fitted roller can be added to follow behind the tines and gently roll down any disruption. The rollers also help to gently press the grass, leaving a mark on the area you’ve just worked for gauging the next pass. A slitter will ideally be wide enough to cover the tractor wheel width and the wider the better to reduce tractor wheel compaction marks. Our RTM Suffolk® Eco Slitters provide a cost-effective way of aerating and are available in 1.2m, 1.7m and 2.2m working widths to suit compact and farm tractors.

> RTM Suffolk® Chain Harrow

10 Alpaca #85

Subsoiling or mole draining for greater depths

When the problem is deeper, a complementing or alternative method is deep

> RTM Suffolk Eco Slit ®

aeration or sward lifting with a tractor-mounted subsoiler. The leg of this tool is designed to create heave and soil fracturing below 35cm to 40cm, allowing roots to penetrate and oxygen to percolate through. Our RTM Suffolk® Subsoilers can be single or multi legged depending on the tractor, and with or without horizontal wings or lifters. Working in moist soil, just dry enough to fracture and crack, but not baked or saturated is best, so it’s more of a remedial late summer or autumn task than springtime preparation. If it's left until late you can make sure you give the pasture a good period of rest after treatment and keep machinery off for a few weeks so as not to compact it back down. Another solution, the turf mole drainer is best for minimising surface disruption because its slim leg blade cuts a narrow entrance slot and a springtensioned rear following roller presses back the turf after the blade. The “mole” penetrates the soil with its pointed tip, expanding the chunnel as the full bullet body follows, fracturing and fissuring at the most beneficial depth. The chunnels help to channel water away and into ditches or lower areas. Again soil conditions need to be right – dry enough for good traction and to allow creative fissuring; typically an end of growth season process, but in some

Contact RT Machinery for advice on the machinery:  www.rtmachinery.co.uk  01844 299037  info@rtmachinery.co.uk

> RTM Suffolk® single legged subsoiler

soils you may be able to mole plough in spring as long as the surface is dry enough. However, it’s essential to know the system below the soil – when there is no gravel layer, untargeted moling could allow water to sit and make matters worse.

Harrowing to break up and remove thatch

Thatch build up and surface capping or hardening can also contribute to water holding areas, poaching and compaction. This occurs when grassland is subjected to damage from hooves or wheels when the soil is too wet to cope with trampling, resulting in poor growth conditions, root exposure and buried grass leaf. Something as simple as regular chain harrowing and spring tine scarification can break through this and condition the grass with a light scarification and surface capping agitation. It will remove dead thatch, lift vegetation up and level any mole hills. Its job is to allow air movement and root aeration, which helps the soil to breathe and improves water infiltration.

Where to begin?

One final consideration is to ensure you’re tackling the actual problem and know just where the issues are on your land. It's no good just working on the surface if you have deeper subsoil compaction or damaged drainage. Having good ditches and land drains is a staple requirement. Testing, sampling and digging a trial pit to look at your soil structure are good starting points, as well as talking to someone who knows the land or has experience of drainage and soil structure to guide you.

Paddock Cleaners, Mowers and Compact Tractors for every budget. Trailed, engine-driven, and tractor-mounted Cleaners and Mowers, plus Compact Tractors now available to hire or buy. Speak to our friendly team today for more information and expert advice on what you need. rtmachinery.co.uk | 01844 299 037 Enthusiastic Specialists in Ground Care and Lawn Care Machinery Since 2001.

Alpaca #85

MUDCONTROL SOLUTION

> Before

ealing with muddy gateways, paths and yards never gets any easier in winter. Hardcore and concrete may be one option but a less expensive solution may be to lay Mudcontrol INB slabs. The slabs, which are playground certified and made from recycled plastic, are designed to be laid straight on to grass or mud. They can be laid in extremely muddy conditions to provide hard standing areas for alpacas and horses and can also be used inside field shelters, or laid around the edges, and can be moved when needed. Each square slab weighs over 7kg and measures 50cm by 50cm. The

12 Alpaca #85

> After

manufacturers say they are strong enough to withstand more than 60 tonnes of compression allowing tractors and quad bikes to use the area. Each one is 5.3cm deep. The interlinking design allows water to drain through and is said to stop compaction. Grass or wildflower seed can be sown before slabs are laid in spring or autumn and the area can be mown or grazed.

For more information: www.mudcontrol.co.uk

Oak Tree Alpacas

@oaktreealpacas

Oak Tree Farm, Nottinghamshire

Working with nature in the pastures and woodlands of Woodborough

Stud Services

Alpaca Sales

Edible Flowers & Herbs

Come for alpaca walks, seasonal events and foraging experiences www.oaktreealpacas.co.uk Call Sam on 07854 018712 or email oaktreefarm2017@gmail.com Alpaca #85

HELPING A BUSINESS GROW

The alpaca herd at Oak Tree Farm provides a valuable source of manure to grow edible flowers and herbs and is at the centre of the farm’s business, as head gardener Jane Masters explains. Photos: Fiona Holiday resident artist at Oak Tree Alpacas

ak Tree Farm is in Woodborough, a picturesque village in the heart of rural Nottinghamshire. The farm began with eight acres of open fields and has been shaped over the last four years by our small team of family and friends working together to build something unique. It is a place where we do what we love, and it turns out we love Alpacas! We heard they might protect our chickens from the local foxes, so we bought six boys and a pregnant girl. The guarding turned out to be a myth, so we now

14 Alpaca #85

only have six chickens and 32 alpacas. We’ve halter trained the boys and now have an appaloosa and grey stud. The girls meet and greet our guests and we are expecting 18 lovely crias this year. The alpacas live alongside a mixed flock of sheep in fields which surround the edible flower and herb garden. Caring for animals and cultivating the land, in harmony with nature, are at the centre of farm life. Established in March last year, our business offers alpaca walks and experiences which are tailored to families and small groups. We also host

Foraging Walks, Art in Nature and Outdoor Yoga workshops. We want people to enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings as well as explore what the land has to offer. The garden produces herbs and edible flowers for fancy salads, garnishes and cake decorating. The pandemic has affected our events and garden customers, but we adapted and diversified. We offer the opportunity to “adopt” alpacas in the herd and they feature in calendars, cards and Instagram posts created by the farm’s artist. We dried our edible flowers and herbs and started a Christmas Tree Care Service – where customers return their tree to be planted on the farm, mulched with alpaca manure, until next Christmas. We even stocked the Nottingham Forager’s online Christmas shop with the perfect “All I want for Christmas is Poo” stocking filler! The relationship between the garden and the alpacas is a reciprocal one. The garden offers them herb infused bedding to cleanse and deter pests and the occasional nibble in the beds and then they give back to us with their manure. The gift that keeps on giving. The pumpkins, beans and courgettes have been particularly grateful, and the miracle of the loofahs may well be down to the gift from the herd. Every day is a school day at the farm. We are learning both fascinating and painful lessons as plants and animals thrive or struggle in different conditions. As a gardener I have learnt a lot about alpacas, and I will now happily talk about alpaca poo to anyone willing to listen.

The story and science behind alpaca manure

Part of the camelid family, alpacas have a unique and efficient digestive system. Like ruminants, they have multiple stomachs but while true ruminants have four chambered stomachs, alpacas have three, a system which enables maximum extraction of nutrients from their foraging. Alpacas chew their food in a figure of eight motion, lubricating their food with saliva so it can pass down to compartment one where the microbe population begins the fermentation process and water and nutrients begin to be absorbed. They will regurgitate and chew up to 75 times, moving the cud up and down their necks. Compartment two continues the fermentation and then, the far end of the third compartment secretes acid and urea is recycled to synthesize the proteins and produce energy. Because of all this internal working, the manure is lower in organic matter than traditional manures, but it still has good levels of nitrogen and potassium and average levels of phosphorus compared to cow and horse manure. In addition, there are no weed seeds, meaning less weeding. It improves both soil quality and water retention, so is important on our hillside plot. Alpacas use a communal place to poo called a midden which makes collection easier. It’s not smelly or messy and the alpacas are always interested in what we are doing so it is a pleasant daily task. They produce both large droppings and small “beans” and we collect both separately. The large droppings contribute to the manure heap and create a fantastic mulch with straw from the stables. This manure doesn’t need to be aged or composted before use because there is no ammonia and therefore it can go straight onto the beds. As alpaca manure is quite alkaline if we mix in some coffee grounds which are quite acidic, this will make a neutral Ph fertiliser. The small “beans” are collected and dried in the polytunnel, then poured into small, refillable jute bags and sold for mulching small gardens, potted plants or bonsais. You can make alpaca manure “tea” which is good for giving seedlings a head start; mix about a third of a cup of alpaca beans to two thirds water and let it sit overnight then water the plants, or we suggest hanging one of our jute bags of beans inside your watering can. As seeds begin to sprout and plants are springing back into life, we know we have the alpacas to thank for their invaluable contribution!

> Nigella

> Edible flowers, leaves and herbs

> Alpaca mulch on Verbena > Growing in mulch

> Fennel

For more info about our alpaca experiences, beans or edible flowers contact us on facebook @oaktreealpacas or www.oaktreealpacas.co.uk

Alpaca #85

TREKKING AND PLANNING RULES

Sam Croft, from planning consultants Willis and Co, examines how planning rules apply to alpaca trekking businesses.

t Willis and Co we have been involved in several projects where local planning authorities (LPAs) have raised concerns about alpaca trekking and whether it requires planning permission. These recent cases have both been related to new or existing alpaca breeding enterprises, and in these circumstances we do not agree with LPAs that this is a separate use of the land and perhaps therefore planning permission is not required. It should be noted that the use of animals for ‘exhibition’ purposes does need a license from the local authority, as required by the government’s animal welfare regulations (England) 2018. This is completely separate to planning permission. However, questions regarding the need for planning permission for alpaca trekking and similar activities often arise through the licensing process. With regard to planning permission for alpaca trekking and other activities which involve inviting members of the public onto the farm, in the situations we have been involved in the main agricultural use of the planning unit has been the breeding and keeping of alpacas and the production of cria, fleece and fleece products. With reference to relevant case law we have successfully argued that the alpaca trekking activity is ancillary to the main agricultural use and does not need planning permission. In Burdle v SSE [1972] the High Court held that in considering if there was a material change of use there are three broad categories of distinction to help to determine the planning unit: 1. Where the occupier pursues a single main purpose to which secondary activities are incidental or ancillary, the whole unit of occupation should be considered to be the planning unit. 2. Where there are a variety of activities, none of which are incidental or ancillary to another and which are not confined within separate and physically distinct areas of land, again the whole unit of occupation should normally be the planning unit. (This is usually said to be a composite use.) 3. Where within a single unit of occupation there are two or more physically separate and distinct

16 Alpaca #85

areas occupied for substantially different and unrelated purposes, each area (together with its incidental and ancillary activities) should be a separate planning unit. Taking these three different categories into account, we advise that if the main activity is farming and no part of the site is specifically set aside for the alpaca experience, it is not possible for the LPA to claim that this would form a new planning unit. In Millington v SSETR [1999] the applicants operated a vineyard and they started to invite members of the public to visit the site so they might inspect the wine making process and buy the wine. The applicant offered samples of the wine along with light snacks. The LPA argued that these activities required planning permission. Ultimately, the Supreme Court found that the making of wine, inviting people on to the site to taste the wine, and the sale of wine all fell with the scope of agriculture and therefore planning permission was not required for these activities. It is our view, having regard to the use of the planning unit as a whole, that if the primary use of the planning unit is the breeding of alpaca’s then experiences, such as alpaca trekking and the

About the author

sale of products produced at the farm are ancillary or incidental to this use and therefore separate planning permission is not required. The case law is well established and we are satisfied that in most circumstances, where the trekking is ancillary to the breeding of alpacas, that this would not be a material change of use of the land and therefore does not require planning permission. Despite what has been set out above, we would advise that where alpaca trekking is taking place on land that does not have a principal agricultural use, i.e. it is not mainly an alpaca breeding enterprise, then planning permission may be required depending upon the lawful use of the planning unit. In addition, any operational development such as the erection of permanent buildings or other structures may also need planning permission. While it is considered that policy and case law are fairly clear on this point, all projects should be considered on their own merits and our advice will depend on the precise circumstances and the planning history of the land. Should you have any queries with respect to specific projects or sites, then we would be happy to review and advise you on any individual planning queries you might have.

Samuel studied City and Regional Planning at Cardiff University. After his degree Samuel worked at RPS Oxford as an assistant planner where he was quickly promoted to the position of Planner. While working at RPS he gained a postgraduate Masters Degree in Regeneration Studies. In 2014 he joined Wiltshire Council as a senior planning Officer. As principal planner at Willis & Co., Samuel works on a range of planning and development projects, including planning applications, planning appeals, enforcement cases, certificates of lawfulness applications and permitted development applications  samcroft78@aol.com

GROUP

PRODUCTS

Paddock Cleaners

LTD

FRESH GROUP PRODUCTS LTD

Arena Paddock ATV Levellers Toppers ------------------- ------------------- Bale Trailer Dampeners Flail Mowers (3 Options)

Paddock Sweepers

Power Barrows

Sprayers & Spreaders

Field Rollers & Harrows

PADDOCK MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT

Water Bowsers

Haygain Hay Steamers

Quad Trailers Compact ------------------Tractor Multi Purpose Attachments Trailer Drinking Carts

Leaf Vacuums Various Types

0333 880 6654 www.freshgroup.net Alpaca #85

HEALTH

SAVING DOTTY’S LIFE

Caroline Hambling, The Farm Vets, Buckinghamshire tells us about Dotty’s treatment and recovery after she was confirmed to have colic, a potentially life threatening condition.

otty presented late one evening with a 12 hour history of inappetence; she had not eaten and her owner Tina was worried. She was also concerned that she was wet and muddy and separated from the rest of the group. Dotty was lying down when I arrived but although she was quiet, she was responsive and able to stand. Examination revealed a normal heart rate, normal lung sounds, and limited gut sounds. Her mucus membranes (surrounding the eyes) were pale pink in colour. She stood with a slightly hunched spine and seemed uncomfortable when I palpated her abdomen. Her temperature was normal. On rectal examination there was a lack of faecal pellets, but Dotty was seen to urinate normally. At this stage we discussed the wide range of complaints that could cause this presentation. I was suspicious of colic due to the absence of faecal pellets. However, at this stage, it wasn’t possible to rule out spinal pain due to causes such as an abscess, tumour or disc prolapse. Initially we decided to treat Dotty with pain relief and medication to relieve painful gut spasms. I advised that Dotty should be monitored as closely as possible overnight, and Tina and I caught up the following morning. Dotty was feeling better following pain relief and had eaten her breakfast. We decided to turn her out and continue to monitor closely. It soon became apparent that Dotty had not improved, as Tina noticed her rolling in the field and kicking at her abdomen. At this stage we had another conversation about the options for Dotty. As the medication Continued on page 20 >>

WHAT IS COLIC?

he word colic in alpacas (and horses) refers to a collection of symptoms resulting from abdominal pain, rather than a specific disease, writes Olivia Franks, The Farm Vets. These symptoms can include but are not limited to: • Groaning or grinding teeth • Getting up and down constantly, or refusing to stand • Rolling • Kicking at or gazing at their belly • Arched back or other strange stances • Depression • Anorexia (not eating) There are many disease conditions that can cause colic, ranging from benign to life threatening. Most diseases of the digestive system will cause some degree of colic, but other organs including the uterus, bladder/kidneys or spine can cause colic signs.

18 Alpaca #85

There is a limit to diagnosis and treatment in the field. Some colics require surgery, including a twisted gut or an impaction like Dotty’s, while some do not. It can be difficult to differentiate a surgical colic from a colic that will respond simply to medical treatment without further diagnostics. In so-called surgical colics, time is of the essence to have the best chance of a successful outcome.

Early intervention is key

Prompt examination by a vet can help to determine the severity of disease, and whether surgery may be necessary. It is a good idea to have a plan for what you will do if one of your animals develops colic and your vet wishes to refer them to a hospital. Make a plan for transporting your alpaca, and a friend for them, and consider what you would be willing or able to spend on hospitalisation. It is much easier to have these conversations at your leisure over a cuppa than in the middle of the night when everyone is very worried!

ARKADIA ALPACAS appreciation of the finer things in life

A prize winning, working alpaca farm in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Chiltern Hills

BREEDING QUALITY COLOURED ALPACAS

Photo: Charlotte Bull

ELITE STUDS AVAILABLE IN BLACK, GREY AND BROWN Call Drew: 07831550118 drew@greatgroundfarm.co.uk https://greatgroundfarm.co.uk

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS QUALITY ANIMALS FOR SALE STUD SERVICES PRE-ARRANGED VISITS

oak view alpacas

WEDDINGS

Garry and Andrea Naish, Wickwar, South Glos.

CRAFTING

Tel: 01454-227124 Mob. 07785-116211

ALPACA PRODUCTS

Small selection of alpacas for sale, full backup given to clients, including pre-movement TB test.

LOCATION THE CHILTERNS BUCKINGHAMSHIRE HP16 OEB SOUTH OF ENGLAND

Call for details

PHONE 07783 417618 MAIL info@lattonalpacas.co.uk WEB www.lattonalpacas.co.uk

Breeeding happy, healthy, quality alpacas… Br

....wiith fibre to DYE for! ....w

Established in 2004 WWW.OAKVIEWALPACAS.CO.UK

facebook-f

twitter

pinterest instagram Alpaca #85

<< was not adequately controlling Dotty’s pain, I discussed returning to see her to repeat the clinical examination. There are diagnostics that can be performed in the field for colic such as ultrasound examination, blood tests and peritoneal tap (obtaining a fluid sample from the abdomen which provides information about the health of the abdominal organs). Exploratory surgery is also an option that we discussed. However, these procedures all have limitations when performed in the field. Ultrasound examination is unfortunately limited by the size of the abdomen, and it is difficult to observe all the contents; blood samples can be limited by the time it takes to obtain results and peritoneal taps and exploratory surgery are invasive procedures which can lead to infection in the abdomen if not performed in a sterile environment. I felt that the best place for Dotty was at a referral centre where blood tests could be analysed immediately, and where there was access to more imaging technology and any procedures could be carried out in a sterile environment. Luckily Tina had the transport to take Dotty and her companion Caesar to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC).

however x-rays showed there was a gas build up seen in the intestine which on rectal exam appeared to be an impacted portion of gut. Thirty six hours after initially refusing her breakfast, Dotty had still not been seen to pass faeces. Dotty was taken into surgery, under general anaesthetic to investigate the suspected impaction (blockage). It was found that she did indeed have an impaction in her ascending colon which would have been life threatening if surgery had not been performed. The impaction was surgically removed, and Dotty had fluid therapy, anti-ulcer medications, antibiotics and pain relief throughout her recovery. She was gradually re-fed and began passing normal faeces. After several days at the RVC Dotty came gradually off her medications and was discharged to complete

About the authors

Life threatening impaction

Investigations at the RVC revealed a fairly unremarkable blood test and peritoneal tap,

20 Alpaca #85

her recovery in a small area at home. Dotty continues to do well and we have removed her stitches. She is now back with the rest of the herd and back to her normal self. Prompt recognition of Dotty’s inappetence and early referral were hugely important in the success of this case. Dotty’s vital parameters were within normal ranges which made her a good candidate for surgery. General anaesthesia and gastrointestinal tract surgery carry significant risk for alpacas, so the more stable the patient is the better the chance of success. Alpacas, like many prey species, can be very good at hiding pain. This case highlights some of the more subtle presenting signs of colic in alpacas - the wet muddy coat which turned out to be a tell-tale sign of “secret” rolling.

> Olivia Franks

Caroline Hambling and Olivia Franks work for The Farm Vets at Hampden Veterinary Hospital, Buckinghamshire. They enjoy all aspects of farm practice and are seeing an increasing volume of alpaca work. They enjoy the variety that camelid work offers, looking after both the individual and the herd.

> Caroline Hambling

HEALTH

AGAINST THE ODDS

Alison Abbott, Headshope Alpacas remembers the day her alpaca Kit Kat had gave birth to twins, including a tiny female, she called Hope. > Husband Christopher holding the twins

> Youngest son Max, oldest Oliver keep an eye on the twins

lison, was looking forward to the birth of her first homebred alpacas, writes Alpaca editor Liz Mason. As a new breeder summer 2020 was her first birthing season and she was keen to make sure all went well. But when she went to check the pregnant females she was shocked to find a tiny cria lying on the grass. “The smallest one probably wouldn’t have survived unless I arrived at the field when I did. It had been a nice warm day and one of the alpacas was due and I thought I would just go and check them. “When I went to the field there was a tiny baby just laid flat out, nowhere near mum. I thought she had died. Then I saw another one standing up beside her and realised they were both very similar looking.” Alison was amazed to discover that one of the alpacas, called Kit Kat had given birth to twins – an unusual and dangerous event as both twins rarely survive. She later found out that the BAS has registered just 100 twins, although it represents more than 45,000 alpacas. “Kit Kat was quite big and we thought ‘she’s massive, she must be ready to drop quite soon’ but we never thought she was going to have twins,” Alison says. After she found the boy and tiny girl, Alison phoned her husband and they brought the alpacas inside to make sure there was just one mum. Once inside the tiny girl was able to stand for her first feed. “As soon as we brought her in mum let the baby girl suckle straight away she just didn’t let her suckle outside. We kept her in the field shelter so she could see the field and we kept mum and the two babies in the shelter for a couple of days. “We weighed them both. The boy weighed 5kg and the girl 3kg – she was tiny. We put a rug on her and left her in the field shelter and mum was fine with her. She let them both suckle, but as soon as we let them out she just wasn’t

22 Alpaca #85

> Alison Abbott

bothered. She didn’t kick her away she just wasn’t bothered about her.” Alison checked Kit Kat and the twins every hour for the first 24 hours. “Every time I went to check I would say ‘I hope she’s still there’, ‘I hope she’s alright’ so we called her Hope.” The Headshope alpacas are all named after chocolate and the twin boy was named Buttons. “The twins are both brown, the little girl is a little bit darker – he’s got a three quarter white face and she’s got a full white face,” Alison adds. Hope was bottle fed morning and night to top up her milk from mum and Alison kept a careful check on her progress. “We weighed her and recorded her weight every week on a chart. She put on about a kilo a week – she was shooting up. “She’s still a very little alpaca but she went on to hard food and started nibbling hay without any problem and we gave her extra minerals and vitamins with her feed.” Alison has “every animal you could imagine”, including, sheep, horses and chickens. She had just two alpaca boys as pets until her young son Oliver said he wanted some girls “to make babies”. Alison went to visit an alpaca owner who was downsizing and came home with seven alpacas. “We’ve got every colour you could think of – grey, black, cream, white, light brown and dark brown,” she says. “I’ve got multi-coloured everything. Multi-coloured chickens and different coloured horses. We don’t have the same colour horses because I like different colours.” The alpacas, are all halter trained and are all pets. The twins were only the second birth at the farm, and the first homebred birth. Buttons has now left Headshope for a new home in a trekking herd near Bradford. But Alison says Hope will stay with the rest of the herd. Despite their difficult start Kit Kat and her daughter are now inseparable.

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 #85

HEALTH

RECOGNISING JOHNE’S DISEASE

Having witnessed the emotional, economic and welfare impact of Johne’s disease (paratuberculosis) within alpaca herds Sarah Caldwell, Castleford Vets, Cornwall is keen for owners and vets to recognise its potential cost.

his article will look at signs, symptoms and prevention – if we can identify and reduce the risks at the tip of the iceberg we stand a greater chance of navigating this disease within the UK camelid population.

What is Johne’s disease? Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) is the bacteria responsible for Johne’s disease. It is an infectious, untreatable disorder of the digestive tract of ruminants and pseudo-ruminants. Wild vectors, such as deer and rabbits can assist in the spread of bacteria.

How does Johne’s disease spread? Map sheds predominantly in faeces which can survive on pasture for up to a year. The bacteria can also cross the uterus and udder, resulting in adult to cria transmission being the most common route of spread. Individuals that are infected but not displaying symptoms are referred to as carriers of the disease, of which their significance is currently unknown. A stressful event such as unpacking, shearing or transportation can trigger the disease to progress. There is also anecdotal evidence to support adult to adult transmission in highly infected alpaca herds.

Clinical signs of disease

Johne’s disease has been diagnosed in alpacas of all ages, including cria. The main symptom is severe, rapid weight loss that leads to progressive weakness and death, usually within two months. Diarrhoea is not a common feature, given their ability to retain water through the spiral colon, but if it occurs does indicate a terminal stage of the disease.

Testing in camelids

Testing for Johne’s disease can be challenging. The shedding of bacteria in carrier animals can fluctuate depending on their state of health, production and immunity. The faecal Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

24 Alpaca #85

test is now recognised in camelids as being the gold-standard test for disease. The disadvantage to the sensitivity of this test is that it will also detect bacteria that is in transit through the gut from environmental contamination. In the case of a positive result, where there is no indication of disease, isolate under quarantine conditions for a few days and repeat the test ensuring faeces are collected directly from the rectum. The faecal PCR, unlike other Johne’s tests, is not influenced by tuberculosis (TB) skin testing.

Preventing Johne’s disease

First and foremost, it is about protecting your herd. The best way to achieve this is to know what is coming in but also what is going out including a sale of an animal or, in the unfortunate event of one becoming ill or dying, finding out the cause. When purchasing obtain a thorough history and request that all individuals due to enter your herd are screened using the faecal PCR test. This is best performed before arrival but could be done during the quarantine period providing faeces can be removed regularly and the ground disinfected – the same conditions should be implemented for drive by matings. Externally sourced substitute colostrum and milk should not be used for cria, as even if pasteurised, may contain Map bacteria.

How common is Johne’s disease? Johne’s is endemic in ruminant species and

About the author

has been identified in camelids worldwide. It is suspected that many cases are not recorded owing to the nature of the disease. However, the following records have been obtained to give some indication as to the prevalence in the UK camelid population: • 2000 – 2011: AHVLA England and Wales examined 5154 submissions for camelids during this period. Wasting (weight loss and ill thrift) was the most commonly reported clinical sign across all age groups, with a diagnosis reached in 1765 of the cases. Parasites were the greatest contributor (43.7%), with nutrition (10.3%), gastric ulceration (4.5%) and cancer (3.7%) diagnosed. Johne’s disease was confirmed in 20/1765 (1.1%) of the submissions. • 2012 – 2018: AHVLA England and Scotland and AVL– 44 cases (faecal PCR and PME). • 2018 – 2021: Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) England and Scotland and Axiom Veterinary Laboratory (AVL) – five cases [faecal PCR submissions and histopathology of gut tissue from post mortem examinations (PME)].

Going forward

There is still a great deal unknown about Johne’s disease in camelids and there does appear to be distinct differences when compared to other species. If we are to control this disease going forward, further investigation, testing and monitoring is required to protect the UK camelid population.

Sarah Caldwell is an experienced large animal veterinary surgeon. She works part-time in private practice (Castle Veterinary Group) in Cornwall whilst managing her camelid consultancy business; TheHumanVet Ltd. Sarah was sponsored by the British Alpaca Society (BAS) and British Veterinary Camelid Society (BVCS) to represent the UK at the International Veterinary Camelid Conference in Oregon, USA in 2019 and is presenting the BAS ‘Preparing and Managing for Birthing’ webinar on 20 April 2021.

ALPACA NUTRITION M uch has been written about the mineral and vitamin requirements of alpacas but there are many supplementation methods, writes Jonathan Guy of JG Animal Health. Many owners feed a supplementary ration, partly as an easy method of carrying the minerals and vitamins over winter. But this can be costly as it is necessary to feed 60g - 80g per day which could be costing in excess of £2.50 per alpaca/month when fed all year round. JG Animal Health is a company specialising in the subject of mineral supplementation. Our Premier Camelid Mineral, developed more than 10 years ago, is designed to be mixed with a little home mixed moist ration at the rate of 10g per animal per day, which equates to 80p per month. This provides the daily mineral and vitamin levels required ensuring supplementation is supplied even when alpacas are out to grass. Where there are specific deficiencies, when the pasture or hay has high levels of antagonistic trace elements locking up copper or zinc, individual animals can be supplemented with Premier Camelid Drench. This contains a full spectrum of trace elements and vitamins and is easy to administer orally, We have developed our Premier A, D3 paste Plus as an easy to use dial a dose syringe again for oral supplementation, particularly for use during the winter months and particularly beneficial in young and darker skinned animals. Finally, as all animals should be treated as individuals a free access premier Camelid Bucket is available, which allows individuals to self help as and when required.

For further information, or should you require us to analyse grazing or hay please contact Jonathan Guy at www.jganimalhealth.co.uk

Premier Camelid Drench,Premier Mineral Supplement Premier Mineral Bucket & Premier Vitamin A,D3,E paste + used by Premier Breeders and Premier Judges Contact Jonathan Guy T : 01886 880482 M : 07866 607466 E : jganimalhealth@aol.com W : www.jganimalhealth.co.uk Alpaca #85

PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT NUTRITION

Kate Brookes, Mullacott Alpacas takes a look at nutrition in the fourth of her series of articles based on her practical experience.

> Eating hay

lpacas are pseudo-ruminants and so their digestion is different from a horse. Their stomach has three compartments, and the right forms of nutrition are important to keep it working effectively and your alpaca in good health. Over the past four years I have started to pay much more attention to nutrition. I have always provided grass, hay and alpaca specific mineral concentrate, but the more I learn, the more I realise there is so much more I can do to keep my herd in prime condition. Here are some of the questions I frequently get asked. What are the essentials for alpacas to eat? Grass: Grass contains most nutrition when it is growing, so over the winter your alpacas are likely to graze, but actually need to get a lot of their nutrition elsewhere. Ideally your grass should have a stem length of at least 3cm to help the rumination process to work effectively, as well as help to control the parasite levels in your grazing. Hay or haylage: Hay or haylage must be freely provided all year, but most will be eaten during the winter. The long stems of the hay/haylage help keep the gut working effectively so you may need to refresh it periodically to

26 Alpaca #85

make sure it is still palatable. You will probably notice the consumption levels dropping as the grass starts to grow. Hay is fully dried grass and haylage is not dried so much, so it needs to be plastic wrapped to keep the air out. (Watch out for damage to the plastic when storing it). Beware with haylage to only unwrap as much as your alpacas will eat in a few days, as exposure to the air will cause it to start to rot. Any signs of mould on opening should be removed. Camelid mineral/vitamin supplement: Alpacas have evolved to thrive on the vegetation available in the Andes, which grows in volcanic soil and has high levels of certain minerals and vitamins not available in UK vegetation. Over the years that I have kept alpacas, the knowledge of the minerals required has greatly increased and a good camelid concentrate producer will have changed their formulation to reflect this increased knowledge. Some minerals will be present in levels that are harmful to other animals, so never let them access your alpaca concentrate. Although a few days, or possibly even weeks, without camelid concentrate will probably not harm your alpacas, longer term mineral deficiency is likely to severely impact their health and even lead to death. Continued on the next page >>

Feed as Nature Intended 100% natural forage feeds.

Grow. Mow. Bag. Nag. www.emeraldgreenfeeds.co.uk

> Trough feeding cria

How should I feed supplement to my alpacas? It is best to feed them daily, this gives you the opportunity to call them in to a smaller area for feeding and have a visual check over them. It can be used to get them comfortable to enter a shelter or pen. Using troughs or bowls to contain the feed will allow you to ensure it is not wasted or left around to attract vermin or other wildlife. It is important that all your herd can access the feed, hay and water as sometimes one may be kept away by a more dominant alpaca. Observe to make sure this isn’t happening. It is more likely with males than females, so give males more trough space or separate feeding bowls, with an extra feeding bowl, so they can all move around! Your most dominant male is likely to keep the best area of the field/shelter to himself (nearest the females or highest point) and if the hay or water is located in this area, then others may not be allowed to access it. Two points for hay/water access may be helpful. Should I feed my alpacas extra feed? Just like people, alpacas will get fat if they are over fed. Before deciding to give your alpacas extra feed, you need to know how fat they are. This is done by assessing their body condition score (BCS). Get used to feeling your alpaca’s spine (avoid hips and shoulders) to see how well padded they are. Use a BCS chart to work out a score for them. You should do this at least every month, I try to do it every two weeks. Keep records, so that you notice gradual changes over time. If your alpaca has a BCS of less than 3/5 then it needs extra feed. If more than 4/5 then it definitely doesn’t! > Hand feeding

Non-working animals are less likely to need extra feed, than ones that are used for trekking, guarding or that are pregnant or feeding a cria. You can harm your alpaca’s health if you let them get too fat. Of course, there are always some that are too fat and some that are more skinny, even with a suitable amount of extra feed! My alpacas need extra feed what should I give them? Having decided that your alpacas do need extra feed it is important to feed them extras that will not be harmful to them. Alpacas that need extra calories may benefit from extra conditioner (this is sometimes part of the camelid mineral concentrate, but some suppliers sell it separately) or sugar beet pulp sold as flakes or shreds. Micronised flaked peas also add calories and protein. One thing to avoid is any extra feed that has significant amounts of added molasses. Your alpacas will love molasses covered feed as it is sweet, however, alpacas are prone to teeth abscesses, stomach ulcers and already have naturally high blood sugar levels and molasses feed will potentially exacerbate all of these. You should also avoid feeding too much concentrate or pelleted feed. The fibre in this is changed and so does not work in the gut in the same way as long stem fibre. Too much is thought to cause ulcers and can also cause colic type problems. I want to change what I feed my alpacas, how should I do it? Alpaca stomachs work by having powerful microbes in the first of the three chambers, that break down grass, hay and other feed and this is assisted by ruminating, where the alpaca chews the feed into smaller and smaller particles, until the nutrition can be taken from it. If you give a new feed to your alpacas then the microbes, suitable to digest the new feed, take time to develop. Always introduce any new feed in small quantities, over a couple of weeks, so that it can be effectively digested, without overwhelming the stomach. It is really temping to offer new extra feed when you have an alpaca that has been unwell or you notice it is underweight, but if they eat too much of something that they are not used to, they will probably be uncomfortable and potentially it could even kill them. Never leave your feed store open! What can I give my alpacas as treats? Always remember, treats are just that – treats! Small quantities given to reward good behaviour; this will ensure that your alpacas still value them and it is not just something else they expect to be provided with every day. If your alpacas are already overweight, consider keeping some of their daily mineral concentrate back to use as treats. If they are a suitable BCS, then food makes a good reward when working with them or getting them to come into the shelter. Grass pellets can make an easy to use treat and they are not too fattening. Mine love to come for hand feeding with flaked peas and that is good as they pick up any that get dropped, but not so good if they are already on the overweight side. Other treats could include apple, pear or carrot, just make sure it is provided in a way that they cannot choke on lumps of it. Some garden produce, including brassicas, is harmful.

MAJOR HERD REDUCTION

My alpaca is still too thin, even with extra feed, what should I do? Once you have considered health causes, including parasite burden, teeth issues and disease, you should also consider the quality of your grazing and hay. Over the past couple of years we have been able to increase the protein content of our hay from 9% to 17%, as well as increasing the sugar content. You can have a simple analysis completed on your hay at most agricultural merchants, to find out its basic nutritional level. Most hay will be suitable for non-breeding alpacas (so long as it is palatable), but pregant and lactating females will need higher quality hay.

The combination of my old age and the interruptions brought on by Covid-19 have led us to the sad decision to sell Hammonds Farm and the Dreamcoat Alpacas herd. Starting on Friday 9 April 2021, we invite interested breeders to come to Hammonds Farm, Stroud GL6 7QN by appointment. We will book two sessions per day, on a first come first served basis, for breeders to come and examine all the alpacas we have for sale. Pedigrees and descriptions will be listed on www.dreamcoatalpacastud.co.uk and AlpacaSeller by 31 March.

I have pregnant alpacas, should I feed them differently? Pregnant females will probably benefit by having extra protein in their feed, especially in the later stages. This can be gained from feed such as micronized flaked peas. In the last trimester of pregnancy the cria starts to take up more space. An alpaca stomach usually holds up to seven litres in the first compartment. There simply may not be space for that, as the cria approaches full term, so they will need their nutritional intake in a less bulky form. Peas, beet, richer grazing and higher quality hay will all help with this. What shouldn’t my alpacas eat? As mentioned earlier try to avoid feed with added molasses although it is not poisonous. Of more concern to most owners are poisonous plants – see the BAS website for a list of poisonous plants. This includes many plants – from clover and buttercups to deadly nightshade and tomato plants. Alpacas like to browse (my alpacas love bramble leaves) and I find mine avoid anything that is harmful (including foxgloves growing in the field walls), but the real problem comes when they find plants that have been pulled up or cut and have wilted or dried. They don’t seem to recognise these are harmful. This can be a particular problem if alpacas can access your compost heap, bonfire or the poisonous plants are cut in the hay. Always buy your hay from somewhere you trust. Clover is actually good for your animals, but only in small amounts; buttercups they will ignore, but buttercups can spread, so you may need to control them if you are short of grazing.

Extra minerals and vitamins Your alpacas will need additional Vitamin D throughout the winter months. There are two ways to provide this. Either an injection every two months or an oral paste every month. The two forms of injectable vitamin are Belavit and Hipravit. These are only available from your vet. There are several suppliers for the paste and a vet prescription is not required. Always follow the recommended dose as Vitamin D can be harmful if overdosed. It is not thought to be possible to provide sufficient vitamin D through feeding camelid concentrate alone. Other minerals/ vitamins, such as selenium, may be provided in drenches or extra supplements added to feed. If you are starting to boost specific minerals, in addition to the recommended daily amount of camelid concentrate, then you should consider blood tests and vet advice, as some minerals are harmful in too large doses. Water Alpacas should always have access to unlimited clean fresh water. In winter check that it is not frozen. If your alpacas are on summer pasture or eating a lot of hay, their consumption will be considerably greater, than when on lush spring grass.

We will be selling four daughters of Lavender Park Tulley, three of which had female cria in 2020. One Tulley daughter won her class at the National Show in 2014 and helped Tulley win the progeny class (Light); her seventh fleece was 17 mc.

We also have three female and one male offspring from LP Abbey, who are therefore Tulley’s half siblings; one of these is a Talisman daughter.

There are several older females and other reliable females from excellent genetics, ideal for starter herds (three of them are the dams of my Tulley daughters).

Three of our stud males have been class winners, two are Tulley sons.

When you come, please start by checking out our 2020 cria: they will illustrate the quality of the genetics that their dams and grand dams are able to produce.

For appointments: 07802 706405 or email dreamcoat-alpacas@outlook.com Look forward to seeing you from 9 April – Ben Harford

Alpaca Alpaca Alpaca Alpaca gazine uarterly ma ca Society q British Alpa

KELSEYmedia

Alpaca_Winter2020.indd Alpaca_Summer2020.indd 1

12/06/2020 12:36

£2.95

Advertise

in the ONLY magazine mailed direct to ALL members of the British Alpaca Society and available bi-monthly in WHSmith stores

New contact details 

01732 448748

 Wendy.King@talkmediasales.co.uk Alpaca #85

KELSEYmedia

1 02/10/2020 15:50

indd 1

Alpaca_Autumn2020.

£2.95

KELSEYmedia

WINTER 2020£2.95 £5.99

FEBRUARY 2020

KELSEYmedia

KELSEYmedia £2.95

KELSEYmedia

17/04/2020 12:35

KELSEYmedia

www.bas-uk.com

KELSEYmedia

£2.95

KELSEYmedia

£2.95

British Alpaca Society The ﬁbre breed KELSEYmedia

20202020£2.95 FEBRUARY £5.99 SUMMER

£2.95

FEBRUARY 2020

www.bas-uk.com

KELSEYmedia

British Alpaca Society The ﬁbre breed

KELSEYmedia

£2.95

KELSEYmedia

£2.95

KELSEYmedia

www.bas-uk.com

ISSUE 82 | WINTER 2020

£2.95

20202020 £2.95 £5.99 FEBRUARY SPRING KELSEYmedia

Society British Alpaca The ﬁbre breed

07/08/2020 11:52 dd 1 Alpaca_Spring2020.in

KELSEYmedia

FEBRUARY 2020

£2.95

KELSEYmedia

20202020£2.95 £5.99 FEBRUARY AUTUMN

www.bas-uk.com

£2.95

British Alpaca Society bi-monthly magazine

ISSUE 80 | SUMMER 2020

KELSEYmedia

KELSEYmedia £2.95

KELSEYmedia

Society British Alpaca The ﬁbre breed

British Alpaca Society quarterly magazine

G 2020 ISSUE 79 | SPRIN

MN 2020 ISSUE 81 | AUTU

KELSEYmedia

magazin e

KELSEYmedia

hly Society bi-mont British Alpaca

KELSEYmedia

Which brand of feed should I use? Many feeds are suitable for camelids. In general horse, sheep, goat or calf feed will not provide the minerals and vitamins camelids need. In the short term they may not cause harm (high copper feed could) but in the longer term your alpacas are likely to become mineral deficient, causing increased susceptibility to health problems. You can buy the camelid mineral/vitamin concentrate on its own or mixed with a conditioner. If you think you may want to add more or less conditioner to suit your alpaca’s BCS, then a separated concentrate may be more suitable for you. The mineral part of the feed is the most expensive so you may find you are needing to feed much more of a mixed concentrate to provide sufficient supplements - always check the label and feed the recommended amount. If you over feed some of the supplements they can be harmful and it is an unnecessary expense!

FIT TO BREED Whether you’re a seasoned alpaca breeder or new to the game, and whether it’s the alpacas first or fourth time, there are several questions you must ask before breeding from your animals, writes Ami Sawran, Westpoint Farm Vets, Chelmsford.

he ability to breed, and an animal’s suitability to breed are not one and the same. That is why in this issue, we will be focusing on some simple checks that owners can undertake to make sure that breeding decisions are right for all involved, as well as some hints as to how your vet may be able to assist you.

Then there’s the general MOT – are you satisfied that the animals have the tools to get them-selves through a breeding season– good teeth, to ensure they will maintain condition; trimmed and healthy feet, so you don’t have to handle pregnant animals excessively? Are they up to date with vaccinations that will ensure the best possible passage of immune globulins to the cria?

Is time on your side?

Veterinary fertility examinations

The first thing to be considered when deliberating about breeding is the time of year – considering the somewhat variable gestation period of alpacas (330-370 days, and the rest!), are you certain that the cria will be born in a time when we can expect milder weather? Winter born cria are more susceptible to illness and failure of passive transfer, so if you’re making breeding decisions in February, it may be best to hold off.

Cover the basics

The next question to ask is, are your intended breeders hitting their basic targets? Generally, (acknowledging outliers), female alpacas join the breeding herd around age two. Ideally, they should be at least 65% of their adult size to ensure that they have an acceptable pelvic width, and will not be stunted by the metabolic demands of pregnancy. Males may be keen quite young, but are generally slower to hit reliable fertility levels, two-three years being the earliest – maturity is around five years. A body condition score (BCS) of 3/5 is ideal for both males and females. The next issue to consider is whether they carry characteristics that you want to see more of in your herd? Although their temperaments may be lovely, it is not ideal to carry defects such as bowed legs, misshapen ears, jaw or facial abnormalities, or deafness through to the next generation. Of particular concern are animals that were born with genital or anal defects that were corrected for their quality of life – those animals should not be passing on potentially damaging genes. In older animals, their ability to unpack normally, and whether they suffered prolapses or mastitis for example, should contribute to your decisions. You could always speak with your vet as to the suitability of any animal for breeding.

30 Alpaca #85

You may wish to have maiden hembra checked prior to breeding – issues from imperforate hymen all the way to incomplete reproductive tracts have been discovered in maidens, and knowing the issues from the outset can save a lot of heartache. The same goes for males; a macho’s prepuce is adherent to the penis when young, and though this tissue usually breaks down by two-three years, it can vary. That’s why it is best to ensure he can achieve full exteriorisation of the penis before relying on him to mate, otherwise it could be a painful and disappointing experience. With the best will in the world, there are sometimes obstacles to achieving pregnancy. It is best to break the issue of subfertility down into investigations of the male and female. Male breeding examinations involve measurement and ultrasound imaging of the testicles and evaluation of semen characteristics after breeding a female or a dummy alpaca. With these measurements in mind, the suitability of a male for breeding may be determined. It is certainly worth getting males evaluated – though smaller in number, they make up 50% of your breeding herd, and repeated matings with an infertile male can cause damage, irritation and infection. Female fertility investigations can be a little more

About the author

Photo: Amberly Alpacas

in depth and require a detailed history of matings up until the point of examination. It is important that you keep a record of matings and spit-offs to help determine the optimal timing of examination – usually four weeks after the last mating. You should look to examine any female who is continuously non-receptive to males, females who are breeding, spitting off, then returning to breeding (try not to allow this cycle to occur more than three times), and females who breed at every opportunity (i.e., continuously failing to conceive). These patterns all suggest different issues, which is why records are so important for the bigger picture. All being well, you could be set for yearly cria – certain issues such as prolonged or caesarean births, tears or uterine infections may preclude swift conception or warrant time off, which is why evaluating your breeding stock each year alongside your vet is important. Making reasonable adjustments to help hembra recover from mating injuries or difficult births is essential. In terms of longevity, some sources suggest 13-15 years old as a cut off point, however, paying attention to the animal as a whole will be the biggest indicator of their suitability for breeding.

Dr Ami Sawran graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2011 and works for Westpoint Farm Vets, where she is head of the small ruminant and camelid working group, and head of the camelid specialist interest group for VetPartners, where she also sits on the production animal clinical board. She has a Certificate in Advanced Camelid Practice.

KW Animal Services_Alpaca_JB.pdf

23/09/2020

12:39

Worm Counts PARASITE CONTROL MANAGEMENT FOR ALL GRAZING ANIMALS

Are you looking for or in need of a little extra help with your animals and their routine husbandry tasks?

WE ARE FULLY OPERATIONAL DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC An independent testing service for faecal egg worm counts by a Qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist. AMTRA trained RAMA /SQP following BVA guidelines.

KW animal services offers that extra pair of hands. Jobs include: Shearing of alpacas | Vaccinations | Worming Halter training | Foot trimming | Microchipping 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

2 FREE WORM COUNTS British Alpaca Society

Why not contact me to discuss your requirements Tel: 07748 613771 | Email: kwilde1@yahoo.com

worth £40 for NEW BAS members then 25%OFF

Advertise in the ONLY magazine mailed direct to ALL members of the British Alpaca Society and will be available bi-monthly in WHSmith stores

Worm Counts after that* *Terms and conditions apply

✓ FREE Royal Mail Postal approved Testing Kits. ✓ Fast accurate results using species specific testing. ✓ Detailed assessments providing a superior well-informed targeted approach to worming. ✓ FREE Help and advice on worming programmes. ✓ Discounts available.

Alpaca Everythin

2020

g you nee d to know about alp acas

YEARBOO

Please contact us now to see how we can help.

New contact details

Huacaya Classing Grade Baby White Baby Fawn Baby Other Colours Superfine White Superfine Fawn Superfine Other Colours Outsorts White (Bulked) Outsorts Coloured (Bulked)

Skirted £/Kg 15.00 12.00 7.00 9.00 8.00 4.00 * *

KELSEYmedia

£2.95

KELSEYmedia

£2.95

KELSEYmedia

2020

£2.95 £6.99

k.com

FEBRUARY YEARBOOK 2020

www.bas-u

£2.95

FEBRUARY 2020

KELSEYmedia

British Alpaca Society The fibre breed

KELSEYmedia

Wendy.King@talkmediasales.co.uk

KELSEYmedia



01732 448748

KELSEYmedia



Tel: 07779 667798

www.wildwoodwormcounts.co.uk www.wildwoodanimalhealth.co.uk www.facebook.com/wildwoodwormcounts sarah@wildwoodanimalhealth.co.uk

Unskirted £/Kg 10.00 7.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 2.00 1.85 0.50

Alpaca #85

TALKING ABOUT SHEARING

Each year New Zealand based alpaca shearer Nigel Woods travels to Australia, the UK and Sweden and he reckons to shear a total of more than 17,000 alpacas a year.

> Nigel Woods shearing at Velvet Hall Alpacas in Scotland

When did you first decide to become an alpaca shearer and why? Just over 11 years ago I decided to shear full time when I was asked if I would like to travel to Australia to shear some alpacas. Before that I was just shearing alpacas locally at weekends and these were just small herds. Do you have any career highlights or awards that you are proud of? I was lucky enough to have won the Sydney Royal Easter Show, shearing competition four times and I came third in a competition in the US taking the prize of best shorn blanket in that same competition. How did you train as a shearer? Did you take a course or learn on the job? I grew up on a sheep farm and sheared my first sheep when I was 12 – I learnt the skills from shearing sheep and transferred them to alpacas. I watched a few different alpaca shearers, looked at how they did it and took the bits I liked from their styles and made my own. I also knew a couple of good shearers who gave me a few tips. What skills/essential qualities do you need to be a good shearer? Patience – it takes time to learn all the skills needed to shear and you still can't know it all. I’m still learning things about my gear from more experienced shearers and how to get faster at it. How would you recommend shearers learn? Can a shearer set up as a professional after taking a course? I think the best way would be to work for an experienced shearer and learn on the job. You could learn how to shear on a one week or two week long course, but as far as I know a course like this doesn't exist.

32 Alpaca #85

How do owners know their alpacas have been sheared to a high standard? What should they look for during and after shearing? First of all not many cuts to the animals, but accidents do happen, don't get me wrong, a lot can be hidden under that fleece and the shears are sharp. Also few second cuts in the fleece and the animal after shearing should look even over the body – not to many tufts left on. How can owners best prepare for shearing before you arrive? The alpacas need to be penned up ready in sheds or pens that they can't escape from and close to the area where they are to be shorn. And make sure the area is flat with no trip hazards – a safe area is very important. Have other things ready that the shearer has asked for, including bags for fleece and towels to mop up alpaca spit and wee. Does it matter to the shearer if owners are entering fleece for show or using it commercially – is the fleece taken off in the same way? Every shearer shears differently, so for some shears it may pay you to tell the shearer it’s for a fleece show as some shearers give you the fleece in two halves. All fleeces should be shorn with few second cuts which means if it can be shown it can be commercially used. How many alpacas do you think you will shear this year and how many of those will be in the UK? I shear over 17,000 alpacas a year and about 5,500 of those are in the UK with numbers here still growing. I land in the UK in early April and cover all of Scotland, England and so far a few bits in Wales, shearing over 5,000 alpacas by the end of July.

Colin Ottery talks to Alpaca editor Liz Mason about life as an alpaca shearer. When did you decide to become an alpaca shearer and how did you train? It all began when I went to Norway in 2002 to work in an abattoir. One of the sheep shearers who was working there at the same time said “you’d be a good sheep shearer because you like hard work”. He told me to “get back to England and get on a sheep shearing course”. So, I came back to England and went on a course. I was in full time work and did sheep shearing part-time. Alpacas were just becoming more popular but at that time there were only about 4,500 in the country. I saw my first alpacas at a show at Coldharbour Mill near where we live. Sometime later there was an open day at the mill with alpaca owners and trade stands. I picked up a leaflet from Langaton Alpacas who were offering alpaca shearing courses for £25 and I went on a shearing course with a friend from work. We spent time in the classroom and were shown how to shear. I became friends with the trainer Ian Waldron and he gave me a lot of work. He had 250 alpacas as well as a training centre and I took courses in alpaca handling and fleece quality. In 2005 I was made redundant and decided to shear alpacas full time. There were only four alpaca shearers at that time in the whole country and we used to shear the national flock between us. Since then, every year has got busier and I’ve continued to develop my technique; a few years ago I was given a lifetime achievement award.

> Colin Ottery shearing at Mullacott Alpacas in Devon

equipment. It should be a commercial shearer who teaches people to shear commercially. A day is not enough – shearing two animals on a day course is not enough to be able to go out and shear animals commercially for other people.

What' s the best piece of advice you've been given? I was told by a professional shearer that your first step in the pen will determine how the day will go. When you turn up a bit stressed at the start of the day because you’re late the rest of the day won’t go well either. It’s a mindset – shearing is to do with the mind as well as the physical work because you have to think the wool off. You have to get into a rhythm – good shearing is all to do with rhythm and listening to music helps. The best advice I would give to anyone else starting out is to take pride in your work and do the best you can – you can’t ask any more of yourself.

How do owners know their alpacas have been shorn well – what should they look for? No wool left on the animal – if you have big, long stripes left on the main blanket area of the animal it means there are stripes missing on the blanket fleece that’s been taken off. There should be no tufts and the shearer should know the difference between first (blanket) and seconds (neck), and be able to present the fleece to the owner in the correct manner so the owner can use it. The fleece should also come off the animal the same way regardless of whether it is a top quality animal or an older one. It is the quality of the fleece that determines whether it stays together in one piece, and whether or not it is a show fleece.

What is the best way for shearers to train? Get taught how to do it properly from the beginning and then keep going. The initial training is so important. Most courses are designed for people to shear their own animals safely – not commercially. When you shear for customers you need a different approach covering different aspects of safety and

What qualities do you need to be a good alpaca shearer? You need pride in your work. It is nothing to do with speed or numbers, it’s the quality of your work that is important. A shearer can do 500 pristine alpacas and someone else could do 1000 rough ones and who’s the better shearer?

What is the best thing about working as an alpaca shearer? Being able to have a laugh every day. I enjoy my job. What is the worst thing about being an alpaca shearer? I could give you a shopping list – weather, planning, vehicles and equipment breaking down, wet or dirty animals, customers not being ready. You tell them you’ll be there in an hour and the alpacas are still in a field looking at you – why? But whatever happens I tell my staff we can’t do anything about it – just carry on and complete the job, forget about it and get on with the next one. What can owners do to make sure shearing runs smoothly and easily on the day? Be prepared. Talk to your shearer and ask him what he needs. You can go online and see what’s needed. I give all my first year customers an information sheet but if everything is not right I don’t worry about it. I want everything to be as relaxed as possible because when the owner is stressed the animal gets stressed. The worst day for an alpaca is shearing day but there are only five minutes of discomfort – when a shearer knows what he is doing the alpaca is back in the field after that.

Alpaca #85

THE BAS NATIONAL SHOW

OVER THE YEARS

BAS judge Barbara Hetherington, Beck Brow Alpacas, takes us behind the scenes at the BAS National Show and gives an insight into the hard work and dedication of all those involved in staging the flagship event.

or many alpaca owners from the UK and around the world, the BAS National Show is one of the eagerly anticipated highlights of the alpaca year. Thus, the unavoidable cancellation of the 2020 National Halter Show and Fibre Zone brought about much disappointment. Disappointment for those who were expecting to be exhibiting, crafting, visiting or viewing the live streaming; but especially so for the National Show Committee who had spent months planning and working towards the March event. Of course we now have to endure another year without a show. The current National Show Committee (NSC) was founded in 2013 and while we have had much support from others over the years, the committee retains many of those founding members: Julia Corrigan-Stuart (fleece show) Harry Edwards (fibre zone) Barbara Hetherington (halter show) Michael Henderson (logistics) and Tim Hey (budget). Of course everyone has multiple roles within the team. © Abbey Kite

The NSC were tasked with upgrading the National Show, from the previously more agricultural style of show, to something that would be admired on the international stage. The venue was key. It had to be central in location, have good air conditioning (to keep the alpacas cool), have ample parking, easy access to hotels, and most importantly be financially viable. After considering various options and doing lots of research, we had the good fortune to come across the International Centre at Telford (TIC). The centre was about to become newly operational and their team were very receptive to the idea of an alpaca event. As it turned out, the 2014 BAS National Show was the first animal exhibition show to be held at the venue. Whilst much has been learnt along the way (not least that animal waste and electrics don’t mix), the NSC have enjoyed a very good working relationship with TIC ever since. Many of us had been involved with regional halter and fleece shows but none of us had previous experience of anything on this scale or budget (well

> Show helpers

> Setting up the hall

not alpaca related). I don’t believe any of us had anticipated the extent of the personal workload, which was to be constant over many months, nor the sense of achievement when it all came together on the day. Our first NSC meeting was held on site, and after working out the logistics of the halls, we largely focused on the budget. Tim had taken on this mammoth task and presented us with the sums. The estimated cost of the first show was £70,000. This was around four times the amount of the previous year, and that show had incurred a loss of £10,000 to the society. We really did need to do some brainstorming. If we increased entry numbers to 325 and charged £50 per entry, that would raise £16,250. A long way from covering the costs of hiring floor space and carpeting, barriers, rosettes and sashes, judge’s fees and expenses. A difficult business when every entry to the halter show actually incurs more cost than it generates.

Balancing the books

The show is of course reliant upon sponsorship. That first year it was a hard sell. We were unproven. Not everyone supported the idea of such a show. There were disagreements about using international judges – we eventually went for tandem judging using UK and international judges and we really did have to wear our hard hats despite the long hours of voluntary work. The show has evolved over the years and now the main sponsorship packages are very much in demand. Figures from the 2019 BAS National Show reveal that the gold, silver and bronze sponsors contributed to approximately 40% of the show’s income. Another major contributor to the budget has been the annual stud auction. Tim leads on the selection of sought after males from within the UK, and this has become one of the highlights of the winter months. The auction really demonstrates the generosity of those involved; the breeders who donate their stud services and those who bid (often achieving very high prices). The support of the auction has grown year on year raising £15,000 in 2019. There is no doubt that the show could not be financially viable without sponsors, support from the auction, and the many volunteers who give their time and services without charge. The alternative would be a halter show with a £200

plus entry fee for each alpaca making it much less accessible to many breeders. With each halter show entry effectively amounting to a loss for the show budget, increasing entry numbers requires careful consideration. In 2016 extra demand resulted in the introduction of two rings and four judges. This was achievable because the two rings created more gold and silver sponsor opportunities to cover the extra costs. Had the 2020 halter show gone ahead we would have seen 640 alpacas judged over two and a half days. Each year we see increased demand for entries but we have a finite amount of sponsorship. Since 2014 the BAS National Show has overall been self-funding without taking funds from the Society – we feel this is a massive achievement for such a great promotion of all things alpaca. Of course the BAS National Show isn’t just about the Halter Show. Harry Edwards and Caroline Oakes now lead on the Fleece and Fibre Zone and set the criteria for the competitions and set up the displays. Again this area has always been supported by a main sponsor, which for many years was Penrose Products who introduced awards for best commercial products. The trade stand area is always popular with a wide range of goods and services on offer. This area is non-profit making for the show, but is seen as a way of attracting visitors to the event. It also enables members (as well as others) to promote different businesses, be that alpaca pods, mill products, clothing, or feed and vitamins. Fortunately the National Fleece Show was able to be judged in 2020 and will be again in 2021 thanks to the efforts by Julia and her team. The fleece display has always been a popular section in previous years at Telford. Thanks to sponsorship and the provision of the venue for judging donated free of charge, the fleece show now covers its costs and is a great promotion of the quality of UK alpaca fleece.

The timeline

Much of the decision making regarding the budget and sponsorship takes place at our annual meeting at Telford. This is usually held in June and is followed by ongoing discussions via WhatsApp and conference calls, now evolved more recently to Zoom calls. Most of us now know our areas very well and the minor details look after themselves. Continued on the next page >>

Alpaca #85

Once we have made our major decisions promotion of the show is crucial. << The National Show is a showcase of the UK alpaca industry and it is important to attract as many visitors as possible to attend in person or tune into the live streaming. Various mediums are targeted but especially social media as its impact is so vast. A time consuming role which has been expertly handled by Angela Wilson over the past few years. We work closely with Libby Henson from Grassroots who oversees the halter and fleece entry system – with demand for halter usually outstripping supply this is no easy task. Libby also looks after the invoicing. After entries are finalised the entry catalogue is sent for proofing. It then goes to the printers along with the various adverts and information pages intended for the final catalogue. Whilst this might seem to be a straight forward task, it rarely is, and numerous proofs are always required. The current catalogue owes its foundations to Shirley Bettinson and has been very ably carried on by Tanya Davies (who usually has a never again moment in March but happily does it again the following year!). Duncan Pullar (CEO) does most of the liaising with TIC and invites our chosen judges. Duncan also looks after the trade stands and all general communication. Ken Freivokh is our BAS Board representative and acts as the link for communication to them. Michael is in charge of the logistics and making the halter show actually happen. Work starts at 6am on the Friday before the show. First to arrive are the carpet fitters. Then begins the setting out of the pens. The penning plans have been a few weeks in the making, ensuring no space goes to waste and all bio-security measures are in place. Floor space costs money so every square metre has to count. Then there are the lights to be rigged (Stage Craft) and the rings to be set-up. The large screen also has to be erected. It really is all hands on deck for the set up team. Most of the trade stands usually start to arrive in the afternoon under the supervision of Duncan Under normal circumstance the fleece show is judged off site and is then transported to the show. Julia and her team spend hours ensuring the fleeces are displayed beautifully. Also in the fleece and fibre zone are Harry and Caroline setting up their display of entries ready to be judged. As the breeders start to arrive the teams of inspection stewards spring into action. With 600 or so alpacas to inspect the teams (all volunteers) work in time slots to ensure all inspections for colour and identity are completed by early

36 Alpaca #85

evening. Also hard at work at this point are the team on the results desk, who deal with any changes to the catalogue brought about by the inspections. Changes are predominantly due to the incorrect registration of colour. This causes a great deal of work as a change of class invariably results in class sizes having to be readjusted. At the time when the exhibitors are heading off to Nandos on the Friday night, many of the team are still hard at work ensuring the catalogue will be correct for the early morning start of judging. Hence, the plea from the NSC each year to please use the BAS colour card to ensure you have entered the correct class! It is always an amazing buzz when the judging begins on that first day. To see the draw of the Fleece and Fibre Zone and the interest in the trade stands. That feeling of we have made it happen again mixed with the hope that we haven’t forgotten anything (nothing that hasn’t been quickly resolved thus far!).

Looking ahead

Looking back through the photos of that first National Show at Telford in 2014 it is evident how much the show has been improved upon year on year. With two years gone by without a BAS National Show the NSC want to ensure that the 2022 show will be the best one ever. Our first priority is to select and invite our judges, both BAS and international. We then need to work on how we create extra capacity, as demand is sure to be high. As mentioned earlier with extra entries comes extra costs. However, we are in the unique position that we will have income from three years of stud service auctions, which will help fund the extra places. We will also be thinking about new sponsorship opportunities and fundraising activities such as the Elite Alpaca Auction at the dinner. You can be sure that the NSC will be doing all that they can to ensure all aspects of the BAS National Show 2022 will be spectacular. There are so many people to thank for making that first show possible, far too many to mention but without whose support we would not have the BAS National Show we have today. These include: • Peter Roissetter Chair of BAS (2012-2015) • Philippa Collette (Admin, trade stands and gala dinner) • Paul Vaclik (Website) • Susan Myerscough – (Results) • Melanie Douglas – (Fibre, fashion and presentations)

FUTURE PROSPECTS FOR FIBRE Art Of Fibre is mainly known for its fibre testing laboratories but it is also involved with exporting wool for the global luxury market. Because of this, we keep a close eye on the evolving marketplace for products made from natural fibre, writes Paul Vallely managing director.

ecently, we have adopted the approach that, as tragic as the Covid-19 pandemic is, the world will need to find its new norms and move on. In saying that, some of the dramatic changes to the marketplace for natural fibre appear to be moving in alpaca’s favour. The destabilising effects from lengthy lockdowns and economic uncertainty are leading consumers to seek a ‘back to nature’ approach to buying, coupled with an added injection of ethics in an attempt to rebuild a sense of stability. We are therefore seeing middle to high end consumers preferring raw materials for garments to be sourced from sustainable farming systems with a focus on high animal welfare credentials – in this regard, alpaca fibre stands to be an obvious choice. The manner in which products will be marketed will also change, at least in the medium term. The traditional hard selling of brands will give way to attempts to empathise with customers. In a Forbes magazine article Scott Holden, chief marketing officer with analytics company ThoughtSpot told readers: “Now more than ever, storytelling is critical for linking the value of your product to the challenges your customers are facing.” Alpaca breeders have a wonderful story to tell about their lives with alpacas – more than ever before the world wants to hear these stories. They will help customers connect with the product.

Softness is key to sales

With our changed lifestyles, and working from home becoming the new normal, the emphasis will on dressing down with a soft casual look replacing more formal tailored work-wear. Lydia King, fashion buying director at Harrods stated they have been ‘stocking up on soft tailoring such as cashmere coats and

ALPACA

PODS

38 Alpaca #85

cardigans. “Comfort, … is now paramount for customers,” she says in a Financial Times article looking at the future of luxury, high-end consumer goods. The emphasis for middle to top end garments will be a soft feel. Alpaca is ideal for a soft handling product given the low fibre cuticles and the low resistance to compression. It needs to be stressed however, reaping the benefits for alpaca from a changing market-place does not come on a silver platter. I remain convinced the weak point in the pathway from the fleece covering the alpaca to a garment covering the consumer is at the point of harvesting. The need for effective skirting, reduction of contamination during and after shearing, and market driven grading are all noteworthy. Perhaps now is the perfect time for an industry initiative to ramp up that crucial stage – alpacas offer us one of the most natural products created, in an increasingly unnatural world and we need to make the best use of it.

About the author

Paul Vallely is the owner of Art Of Fibre (AOF). AOF operates fibre testing laboratories in the EU and UK. Over the past 30 years, Paul has owned and managed a 3,000 head superfine merino operation, established and managed a wool supply chain from Australia to Italy, established Australian Alpaca Fibre Testing, Premium Alpaca fleece collection scheme, Ultrafine Alpaca Scheme and has been involved in animal fibre research and development projects.

Weather: Protecting against adverse weather Ventilation: Provide good air flow Flies: Shelter against summer heat and flies Adaptability: Water drinkers, troughs and deep bedding can all be added Husbandry: A great place to complete feet-trimming, vitamin drenches or as a quarantine area Appearance: Practical and attractive Size: Various options and sizes available. Please visit our website for more details.

Being an Alpaca breeder the welfare of our animals is paramount so the pods are designed and manufactured by ourselves taking this into account. We designed the Alpaca pods for our own herd and are now pleased to offer these for sale. UK Design Numbers 6031339, 6031340, 6031342

www.tockwithalpacas.com

07791 881556

sandhillsalpacas@aol.com Sandhills Alpacas, Sandhills Farm Cottage, Ness Lane, Tockwith YO26 7QL

Over 20 years’ experience in ﬂeece testing and analysis – and we still love working with ﬁbre

Scotfield www.ScotfieldAlpaca.co.uk

Family run Berkshire farm breeding high quality Suri and Huacaya alpacas

C19/M24/Y39/K4 R209/G188/B158

C5/M6/Y9/K0 R245/G240/B233

Alpacas sold, with full after-sales support and husbandry training

C100/M90/Y0/K0 R39/G52/B139

Different name, same staff, same service. ART OF FIBRE UK DANI ALLEN

Vicarage Farm, Holt Green Wimborne. Dorset. BH21 7DH E: dani@artofﬁbre.com T: 07834 457782

ART OF FIBRE EUROPE CARITA SAARINEN

Westerlundintie 38, 29700 Ahlainen. Finland E: carita@artofﬁbre.com T: 358 45 1398 374

90% MUSTA R60/G60/B60 40% MUSTA R178/G178/B178 10 % MUSTA R237/G237/B237

www.artofﬁbre.com

Mid-Cornwall’s premier alpaca herd

Visit our online shop for hats, gloves, scarves & more designed & made right here on our farm. Totally natural, hypo-allergenic , no dyes, no blends purely 100% alpaca yarn.

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.

Higher Carpalla Farm Foxhole St Austell 01726 338580 07974 796792 nigel@nigelretallack.co.uk www.carpallaalpacas.co.uk

A PACAS Nigel and Margaret Retallack

Office 01344 486969 Lisa Hipkin 07770 455534 alpaca@scotfieldalpaca.co.uk Scotlands Farm, Warfield, Berkshire RG42 6AJ Alpaca #85

LOCKDOWN

LIFTING LOCKDOWN SPIRITS

Bobcat Alpacas raise charity funds

Scottish couple and their alpacas have raised more than £4,000 for the charity Marie Curie through online Zoom meetings. Bob and Cath Crosbie from Bobcat Alpacas, near Edinburgh have also delighted followers with their alpaca posts on Facebook marking almost every day of lockdown since January. The posts, including pictures and videos, have attracted an appreciative social media audience. “We’ve been very fortunate. Our followers have been very loyal and we try to keep the Facebook page up to date,” Bob said. “Cath does most of the social media updates and she is very good at it and she does try to post daily.” Visitors have also sent pictures taken before lockdown for Cath to share on the farm’s Facebook page. “We stopped being able to offer visits so we thought it would be nice to post something every day and we’ve only missed two or three days in the entire lockdown period.” The images have attracted positive feedback and “people have been very complementary”, Bob said. “If a picture makes someone smile it gives you a very good feeling for the day.” While the posts have lifted spirits the impact of lockdown on their business has been “massive”. But despite the lost revenue Bob and Cath have been working with Marie Curie since the summer to raise money for their work to support people with terminal illness. The couple chose the charity because it has been “a great support to family and friends.” “When I got the alpacas six years ago we regularly took our alpacas to the Marie Curie hospice as therapy and we used to take the alpacas to their annual garden fete.” After the first lockdown stopped the charity’s fundraising events, and closed their shops, Bob and Cath teamed up with the charity’s fundraisers to raise much needed funds for their work. Companies from across the country approached the charity to see if Bobcat

40 Alpaca #85

Alpacas could bring some fun to their meetings and host an online farm tour. With employees working from home and unable to meet colleagues socially their only interaction was by Zoom or Microsoft team meetings and the aim was to make them more enjoyable. Bob said: “They wanted to make the meetings more interesting and they suggested a virtual tour of the alpaca farm. The idea took off and we have raised just over £4,000 which is excellent. “We have had international meetings too with companies from Australia, US and Scandinavia taking part.” Regular bookings are still being taken for the Zoom tours with several meetings taking place each week. “It’s always a totally different experience very time,” Bod said. “The first ones took place in the summer when we had new born cria. Now the cria are weanlings and independent and they are also very curious – they come right up close to the camera lens “It is amazing how quickly the young ones learn that if I have my phone with me when I come into their paddock, then I usually also come with a pocketful of food.” “We also had a lot of snow in early February and that has been a totally different experience.” All money raised from the Zoom calls has been donated to Marie Curie despite the effect Covid-19 has had on the business. “We were shut along with the whole country on March 23rd last year and we reopened for a period at the end of July. We were then put into tier 2 and we had visitors right through until just before Christmas when we were locked down again. “The impact has been massive. It has been a major change to our business.” In a normal year Bob takes a group of 10 alpaca boys walking most days. Visitors meet the alpacas and learn how to handle them before a 90 minute walk through the Pentland Regional Park. “We offer alpaca experiences. I try to avoid using the term trekking in case people get the wrong idea and think they can ride the alpacas.” But offering experiences to the public was not part of on the agenda when Bob first started with alpacas. “It wasn’t something I had in mind. I wanted to concentrate on breeding and fleece. We still do that but the walking side of the business has become such a huge part of my week.” The reaction Bob and Cath receive from their visitors and from alpaca visits to residential homes and schools has been hugely rewarding. Before lockdown they saw a particularly good response from elderly residents. Dementia leaves people out of touch with day to day events but Bob recalled how a meeting with one of the alpacas triggered a fascinating memory for one lady. “She was able to stand and talk to me about her visit to Peru which was just wonderful.” Cath’s Facebook posts have also been therapeutic. “One of our followers messaged us recently because she had been in hospital and unable to sleep one night. She was looking at our page and saw a video clip of one of our alpacas and started to laugh so much that one of the nurses came over to see what was going on. “The positive feedback we are getting from people shows that they do really appreciate what we are doing and I think that is great.”

IT’S IN OUR DNA

LOCKDOWN

‘Paca pop ups’ spread smiles

ull time police officer Jo Bridge has been raising a smile during lockdown with ‘paca pop ups’ on Zoom. Jo decided to bring ‘pacas to the people’ online after alpaca treks and experiences at Hilly Ridge Alpacas near Wattisham in Suffolk closed during lockdown. Online Zoom bookings offered a new source of revenue to help keep the staff employed, keep the farm going and raise a smile at the same time. “We are trying to lift people’s spirits. It started off as a birthday gift for people with alpaca adoption packages but then I thought a bit more about it and decided I could do more,

‘Act of kindness’

oung alpaca handler Darcey Croshaw has been thanked for brightening a Sunday afternoon in lockdown after she introduced a mother and her daughter to four young alpacas from the family’s Woolville herd. Darcey, age nine, was in the field with the alpacas when she saw Theresa Martin and her mother Joan, who is ninety, looking at the alpacas. She enticed four youngsters to move closer allowing the two women to have a better look over the fence. Darcey also spoke to Theresa and Joan telling them about the alpacas and the family’s plans to offer alpaca experiences. A thank you letter from Theresa said: “It was an act of kindness that will stay with my mum and keep her happy for a long time. “You are a credit to your parents in the way you confidently spoke to us and were able to give us

42 Alpaca #85

“We have lots of online team meetings at work and they can be quite dreary so I thought the alpacas could bring a bit of happiness to Zoom meetings.” A local company booked one of the first pop ups and “the reaction was fantastic”. “The best meetings are the ones booked as surprises. People might have their camera turned on, or off and then they suddenly see an alpaca head in the corner and you can see them start to smile and hear them laugh,” Jo said. “We usually have a quiz and a short talk and people can ask questions. We all know alpacas just give people that feel good factor and the Zoom pop ups are a virtual way of doing that.” Jo, who is a BAS qualified judge, uses a mobile phone with a selfie stick and chooses the most co-operative alpacas to take part. “I did do a test run with my daughter and partner because I didn’t know if they would stay still long enough or look down the camera.” One alpaca called Hurricane, is regularly chosen because he is enjoys close encounters with the phone and selfie stick and can be relied on to behave. The babies are also interested and will happily come to the phone touch the screen and give “alpaca kisses”. Paca Pop Ups have attracted local press and radio attention and Joanne has had a local news crew arrive on the farm to film. The alpacas have joined online meetings between care home residents and their families, children’s birthday parties, family meetings and quizzes. They have also helped on line learning and Joanne was delighted with the response children and their teacher gave when the alpacas popped into a birthday party for a six year old girl. “The children were fabulous and asked lots of questions and the teacher was so pleased that it had been so much fun. “The pop ups have opened up a whole new aspect to the business for us. It was lovely when a lady who came to see us before lockdown told us that she had left her troubles at the gate and that’s all we want to do – bottle that feeling and give people that feel good factor. If we can put a smile on someone’s face then that’s great.” Interest in the online alpaca meetings has helped to raise the herd’s profile which Joanne hopes will help the business after lockdown. “Many people have said that they would love to come and see the alpacas when lockdown is over and that is great. “I think the pop ups will continue, particularly for people in residential care homes but people will still want to get outside and meet the alpacas. “ The alpaca walks and experiences are particularly rewarding, Joanne added. “Every single alpaca experience or walk is different. You don’t know who is going to walk through your gate and when the lady said she had left her troubles at the gate it was lovely. It’s so nice to know that you can make a difference to people’s lives.”

lots of information so pleasantly.” Theresa wished the family well in their planned walking venture and added she “will be keeping an eye out so I can be one of your first”. Darcey’s dad Jamie Croshaw said the family, including mum Stacey and four year old sister Myla, are new to the alpaca world having decided to start Woolville Alpacas, near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, in August. He said: “Darcey has loved getting involved in the day to day tasks of keeping alpacas and she has been amazing through lockdown completing her school work and helping keep our herd happy. We are very proud of her. She’s been an absolute star helping out with our exciting new family adventure.” The family are looking forward to offering alpaca experiences at the end of the month for private treks only until Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed.

It’s all about Breeding! Champion and Supreme Champion Huacaya Genetics • Helpful friendly advice for everything alpaca • Quality show and pet alpacas for sale • Husbandry packages• Alpaca walks & experiences • Craft workshops

Now is the time to plan your matings and be ready to confirm your pregnancies! Quick, efficient, robust and cost effective

nero

black alpaca SPECIALIST MOBILE AND DRIVE-BY STUD SERVICES

Supreme Champion Male Monty

Preg-Tone pregnancy detectors still only £370+ vat Champion Essex Stirling

£370 +VAT

Tel: 07703 005447 Wattisham, Suffolk

Our existing line-up with 3 Champion Studs of colour Nero Black Shadow Nero Black Mountbatten Houghton Savoy

Alpaca Shearing UK

In 2021 they are joined by

Double Supreme Champion Houghton Daybreaker

For more information please contact us: Jo (Hilly Ridge Bridge)

Email: hillyridge.alpacas@yahoo.com www.hillyridgealpacas.co.uk

Ian Horner & Team Experienced shearers available for the 2021 season

Small and large herds catered for Injections, foot and dental care Shorn by Alpaca Shearing UK

Champion alpacas Beauty and Splendour, with owners Ken and Liz Freivokh, Artwork Alpacas

Inca Marcelo

(Black) Sire – Surtierra Shadow Dam – Inca Incognito

Redens Churchill

(Brown) Sire – Surtierra Shadow Dam – Redens Vogue

Friendly, reliable service across South West & Southern England, Midlands & South Wales

We continually source top genetics to enhance its excellence.

admin@alpacashearing.co.uk 07585 482844 / 07974 314211

Hexham, Northumberland NE46 2NJ 07984 458869 info@neroblackalpaca.co.uk www.neroblackalpaca.co.uk

Calls, emails and texts answered daily

www.alpacashearing.co.uk

We’re proud of our black alpaca herd ...

Alpaca #85

BAS REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT Spotlight On The Northern Ireland Alpaca Group

Northern Ireland Alpaca Group CHAIR: Claire Martin, Edenderry Alpacas SHOW SECRETARY: Roger Clarke, Amberly Alpacas SECRETARY: Lesley Faulkner, Ballymac Alpacas SECRETARY: Kathleen Mathers and Lesley Faulkner TREASURER: Sue Kelly, Ballinderry Alpacas

 www.alpacani.org 44 Alpaca #85

rom the rolling hills of the County Tyrone countryside to the rugged North Atlantic coastline, you can find Northern Ireland’s alpacas in all sorts of places writes Claire Martin chair of the Northern Ireland Alpaca Group (NIAG). There are only around 1500 alpacas in the province, but what Northern Ireland’s alpaca community lacks in size it makes up for in enthusiasm – evidenced by the steadily growing membership of NIAG. The NIAG was established in 2011 with just a handful of members, but now represents 27 herds across the country. In 2020 the group was both delighted and proud to have its first member, Elaine Clarke, elected to the BAS board, further strengthening the group’s connections with the national association. The group also has strong links with its neighbours in the Alpaca Association of Ireland (AAI) and a number of members hold membership of both groups. The main highlight of the NIAG’s calendar is undoubtedly its annual halter show. The event takes place under the auspices of the Armagh County Agricultural Show each June, and is always highly anticipated by members keen to have their animals appraised under the expert eye of a BAS judge. The NIAG is also delighted to now have its very own BAS qualified judge in the shape of Roger Clarke of Amberly Alpacas. It’s a fantastic feather in the group’s cap and a valuable fount of knowledge to draw on – but luckily for his judging colleagues, who look forward to an occasional weekend’s judging in beautiful Northern Ireland, Roger enjoys participating in the group’s show too much to step into the role of judge in his own jurisdiction! Most of all, the show is a great day out – a welcome chance to connect and ‘talk alpaca’ with like minded

friends that was sorely missed in 2020 due to Covid-19. Unfortunately the 2021 event is also in doubt, but this only means that there will be two summers’ worth of cria ready and raring to be judged in 2022! Covid-19 notwithstanding, the show is just one of many events dotted throughout the group’s normal calendar, and members are looking forward intensely to the day when they can once again meet up for educational gatherings hosted by member herds, including BAS Affiliate Training, welfare seminars that have previously featured some of the UK’s most eminent camelid vets, and of course, social events. The latter have previously included an alpaca picnic held in the grounds of Stormont Castle, the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and an annual appearance at the Spinning Yarns festival held at Antrim Castle Gardens. The festival celebrates all things yarn and is a wonderful showcase for alpaca fibre. Many of the NIAG’s members make wonderful use of the fibre from their animals, and from spinning to knitting to needle felting; there’s no shortage of talent. The group has come away from the National Show in Telford with red ribbons in the past, and recently an incredible knitwear garment from another member scooped first prize in the Alpaca Association of Ireland’s craft show – the first time the event has taken place online. And of course, there are members doing other amazing things with their alpacas, from trekking on the stunning Co. Down coastline to glamping with stunning views and some very fluffy, nosy neighbours! The past 12 months may have curtailed the majority of alpaca activities in Northern Ireland, but it will take more than a global pandemic to subdue the growing numbers of people in the Province who are intrigued and increasingly hooked on these incredible creatures.

Galvanised Handling Chute Blood Testing Ultrasounds Drenching Skin Treatments Toe Nail Trimming Injections Internal & External Examinations and Treatments Made Easy See the Demos on our Website Optional gates for containment without restraint

www.watertownllamas.co.uk annie.austen@btinternet.com 07925 997 040 www.watertownllamas.co.uk/alpaca-chute Facebook: Watertown Llamas and Alpaca Chute Watertown, Chittlehamholt, Umberleigh, North Devon EX37 9HF Llama Breeder & Importer since 2004

Is your relationship with your animals all you had hoped for? How can Camelidynamics techniques help on my alpaca journey? Camelidynamics is an approach to and is a collection of methods that represent the most positive, least intrusive techniques for training and managing alpacas. 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. This two day course will change the relationship you have with your animals forever. For those interested in finding out how this approach can inform and improve your human/ alpaca collaborations, we are now offering two and three day courses for owners and professionals: Working with Alpacas in Animal Assisted Activity and Therapy. Courses for vets now available.

For more details and to book your places go to

www.SimplyAlpaca.co.uk

SENIORCONSULTANT

Alpaca #85

A LETTER FROM... Maureen Hamstra, AlpacaOord in The Netherlands.

evin and his family have been breeding alpacas in Holland since 2008. When we met in 2017, it wasn’t long before we lived together and I had purchased my very own first grey alpaca female! A few years later and we have a new farmhouse, the alpaca business is thriving and we got married last month! Good times. We’re lucky enough to have nearly three acres of quality grazing at our two farms near the rural village of Frederiksoord. One acre at our main farm – where Kevin and I live – and two acres where Kevin’s parents live. Our country is very small, and with 17 million fellow Dutchmen, the average farm is much smaller than in the UK. So efficiency is important. Most of the herd is at the larger property, whereas we use our property as a breeding station for outside matings and as a quarantine facility for export, sales, training and hospitalisation for > Maureen and Kevin with Suri alpaca Jelle and Huacaya alpaca Anyway

mites treatment with our ALPAQUA360 system. This enables us to provide bespoke on-site services without compromising our bio-security regime. We currently run a herd of 20 alpacas, including three stud males. Our breeding herd is phenotypically very correct, and we have made great steps in the past years improving overall density and uniformity of fineness in the herd. Farming small acreages presents challenges. We buy all our hay locally, and hire a contractor when we have to do field maintenance. That way we don’t waste space on storage of equipment. Even though there is a very strong market for our alpacas in Holland and elsewhere in Europe, we don’t breed all our females every year. This season for example, should bring us five cria. We’re very excited for our next drop of crias. We really have a passion for alpacas with friendly faces that grow long, fine and dense fleeces. Seeing their fleece being processed into products is such a luxury. My personal love for the tuxedo-grey alpaca, had

given Kevin his first grey hair! He has always had a personal preference for the uniformly coloured alpaca, but I am sure I will get my way! Having a background in biology, human medicine and care, everything medical around alpacas interests me. Especially reproduction! I’ve already done several courses in the UK and Netherlands involving pre-natal and neo-natal care and look forward to learning even more. At the alpaca shows that Kevin and his show team organise, I enjoy being the collection ring steward and telling off the breeders off that are too late. Despite our herd only being small, Kevin works with alpacas (more than) fulltime. A fair number of readers of Alpaca Magazine will know him from the UK alpaca show circuit. He worked as stockman at a leading UK alpaca farm in 2015 and successfully completed the BAS Judge Training programme. He is hoping to continue apprenticing and certification as soon as this dreaded Covid-19 pandemic is over. Kevin is a professional shearer, and will be > Kevin and AOH Chaplin

> AOH Indra > Kevin and his mother Yvonne

46 Alpaca #85

> Kevin shearing

> Alpaca trekking

shearing from April through to the end of June. When he is not shearing, he’ll be giving workshops and advice to prospective alpaca owners, selecting alpacas for export, doing farm calls for alpaca maintenance, transporting alpacas across Europe or volunteering for our Alpaca Association Benelux. He has recently joined the Board of our association, and is one of the founding members of the Benelux Alpaca Shearers Guild. We look forward to visiting shows, events and breeders all across the UK and Europe again soon. Besides all the alpaca activities in our life, I work at a local funeral directors’ office which is

very flexible and rewarding work. The Covid-19 pandemic has seen our workload increase, but I’m sure the alpacas have been the key to staying healthy and sane! We look forward to meeting you all again in the future, Groetjes!

www.alpacaoord.nl www.alpacalogistics.eu www.alpaqua.nl

> AOH Amadeus

“Realising the Dream”

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

Yeat Wood Farm, Wootton Underwood, Bucks HP18 0RL Mobile: 07803 726464 Email: julia@csalpacas.co.uk Alpaca #85

Alpacas for sale

A list of BAS members who are breeders and advertising their alpacas for sale

SOUTHERN ENGLAND

ALPACA EVOLUTION

Herts AlpAcAs

We are committed to the success of the British Alpaca industry and realising the potential and possibilities this offers. We are passionate about the Alpaca, and continuing to progress the quality of our herd of 700 plus alpacas, both Huacaya and Suri, without compromising our high standards in ensuring excellent herd welfare. Offering unrivalled experience and support to our clients, and helping them achieve success is core to our business ethos.

15 years of selective breeding and dedication has successfully proven our genetics both in and outside the show ring, winning multiple Herts Alpacas championships and of course one of the British Alpaca Futurity’s major Best Breeder awards.

We offer a full range of alpacas for sale, stud males, breeding females and pets as well as learning opportunities for all levels of experience. We welcome visitors by appointment. Located in Buckinghamshire. TEL: Nick 07979 651742 & Alexandra 07795 843790 EMAIL: enquiries@alpacaevolution.com WEB: www.alpacaevolution.com

We offer a range of courses including: ‘Introduction to alpacas’, ‘Birthing’, ‘Husbandry’, and a day long ‘Advanced’ course. Alpacas for sale in all colours, at prices to suit all pockets, but more importantly from elite herd sires and proven bloodlines.

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: 01763 271301 or 07802 433155 emAil: beckwith904@aol.com Web: www.hertsalpacas.co.uk

TEL: 01256 764824 or 07801 132757 EMAIL: joy@pennybridgealpacas.co.uk WEB: www.pennybridgealpacas.co.uk

SNOWSHILL ALPACAS

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.

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 85% are Huacaya). Although our breeding programme is biased towards the darker colours, we do also have superb quality whites and beige alpacas.

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

Sue Hipkin 07770 455533 Lisa Hipkin 07770 455534 WEB: www.scotfieldalpacas.co.uk

SOUTH EAST

LIGHTFOOT ALPACAS

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

JandJ Alpacas WE SPECIALISE IN COLOURED ALPACAS

The family run JandJ Alpaca herd was established in 2005 with four pregnant 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 pregnant females, stud males, pet boys or girls. Please feel free to get in touch. TEL:

Martin or Clare 01636 626990

EMAIL: jandj.alpacas@zen.co.uk WEB:

www.jandjalpacas.co.uk

48 Alpaca #85

SOUTH WEST

URCUCHILLAY ALPACAS For over 10 years we have bred multiple-champion alpacas, selecting the best genetics while working to very high ethical standards. Our reputation and many awards are testament to our passion, commitment, knowledge and experience. We have BAS registered and halter trained alpacas for sale in a range of colours, ages and quality, champion studs in a range of colours with a variety of sought-after genetics from New Zealand, Australia, America and the UK. We offer alpaca walks, experiences, events and parties as well as a shop. Visits are welcome by appointment. TEL: 01458 860052 or 07570 511299 EMAIL: carla@urcuchillay.co.uk or carla@fibreofthegods.co.uk WEB: www.urcuchillay.co.uk or www.fibreofthegods.co.uk

CENTRAL ENGLAND

ALPACA ANNIE

Lightfoot Alpacas are situated in Hawkhurst in the Weald of Kent. We have been breeding alpacas since 1997 and have over 450 Huacaya and Suri. Lightfoot is a closed herd, we believe that the bio security and health of our animals is paramount to their breeding and care. We always have the full range of colours and ages, mainly Huacaya with some Suris. Our animals are known for being friendly as we spend time with them and know them individually.

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, stud services, fancy grazers and sheep guards available. Please phone to book a viewing with no obligation to purchase. ‘Home of The Alpaca Experience’ – visit our website for further info.

Our farm in Hertfordshire offers: feed, supplies, coats, halters etc. Importantly we deliver total customer care. See website for customer reviews and details of our award-winning herd sires.

SOUTHERN ENGLAND

SCOTFIELD ALPACAS

PENNYBRIDGE ALPACAS

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: becca@alpacaannie.com WEB: www.alpacaannie.com

WEST MIDLANDS

TOFT ALPACAS We offer over 150 pedigree alpacas in all colours, ages and price ranges and are confident that our prize-winning herd will live up to all your alpaca expectations. We will be delighted to share our extensive experience to guide you towards your alpaca aspiration, whatever that might be. Through the TOFT studio we run an extensive programme of practical husbandry and textile, crochet and knitting workshops throughout the year. The TOFT studio retails exclusive luxury yarn from throughout the world. Come and see for yourself – the complete alpaca experience. TEL: 01788 810626 or 07970 626245 EMAIL: shirley@toft-alpacas.co.uk WEB: www.toftalpacastud.com

FAERIE TALE 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. 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 TEL: 07950 671672 FACEBOOK: Faerie Tale Alpacas EMAIL: info@faerietalealpacas.co.uk WEB: www.faerietalealpacas.co.uk

NORTH WEST

POTTERY ALPACAS

Pottery Alpacas are a family run farm located in Blackburn, Lancashire, we focus on breeding high quality animals from elite bloodlines. We have a wide range of alpacas for sale, with everything from Pet Quality males and females to Stud males and show quality stock. We offer first class support and advice with every purchase and are more than happy to discuss your requirements with no obligation. We are here to help you every step of the way on your alpaca journey! TEL: 01254 419069 (Blackburn) MARK: 07702 540270 AMANDA: 07882 456084 EMAIL: mark@potteryalpacas.com WEB: www.potteryalpacas.com

Fibre Processors and Retailers RETAILERS/WHOLESALERS IN BRITISH ALPACA PRODUCTS

ANIMAL HEALTH

JG ANIMAL HEALTH High specification organic chealated nutritional supplements suitable for all camelids. • Premier Camelid Drench • Premier Mineral Supplement • Premier Mineral Bucket • A, D3 & E Paste TEL: 07866 607466 EMAIL: jganimalhealth@aol.com WEB: www.jganimalhealth.co.uk

PROCESSORS OF FIBRE – MINI MILLS AND OTHER

CLASSIC CARDER Classic Carder produce a full range of British, handmade drum carders for fibre preparation. Featuring our unique interchangeable drum system which allows quick and easy drum change for carding different fibres. TEL: 01746 714130

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

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. 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. All items are hand crafted ‘in house’, in England, so you can be assured of good workmanship and quality products that last. So please come and try the ‘Choice of Champions’. TEL: 01299 896827 EMAIL: mary@mrharness.co.uk

EMAIL: paulbrittain@mac.com

BAS Members exclusive BAS Members get free membership to My Society and can benefit from a number of exclusive offers. Here are a few:

Medisave

The Professional Solution

25% OFF Terms and conditions apply

Discounted Prices on Microchips*

Terms and conditions apply

10% OFF

AGRI Shelter®

WEB: www.classiccarder.co.uk Terms and conditions apply

2 FREE worm counts worth £40 for NEW BAS members then 25% OFF Worm Counts after that*

British Alpaca Society The ﬁbre breed

Become a BAS member Single membership £74 per annum Joint membership £95 per annum Herd registration fee £25

www.bas-uk.com

5% OFF

ALL products Safe4disinfectant www.medisave.co.uk

www.ellipsefabrications.co.uk Terms and conditions apply

Wildwood Animal Health www.wildwoodanimalhealth.co.uk

Free bag of Camelibra NG2

Terms and conditions apply

(worth £28 & free delivery)

Checkout these and many other offers on The My Society page on the BAS website by going to the moving carousel on the home page and clicking on the My Society link www.bas-uk.com The British Alpaca Society cannot be held responsible for any issues regarding products, offers or services offered under the My Society scheme. All offers can be withdrawn or changed without notice. The British Alpaca Society does not endorse or recommend any of the companies listed under the My Society Scheme. * Full terms and conditions of the My Society offers can be seen on the BAS website.

www.bas-uk.com Alpaca #85

SEASONAL RAMBLINGS

With the arrival of spring our regular diary writer is looking ahead to life after lockdown and is thinking about herd matings to produce the best possible cria.

he snowdrops are over and the daffodils are out and making a great display of colour and as the hedgerows come to life we are all looking forward to a more certain and safe future. Hopefully most of us have had our first Covid-19 vaccine and are counting the days for our second one, and are also looking forward to being as back to normal as we can get – fingers crossed. But what will a new normal be? We are fortunate in the alpaca community to have our lovely alpacas to share the lockdowns. I am sure most of us would have gone “gaga” if we hadn’t had these adorable creatures to look after. I read somewhere that the ultimate formula for happiness is having something to love, something to do and something to look forward to – keeping alpacas ticks all three boxes. During the past year things have been very different; we can't meet at shows or go on alpaca courses with our alpaca buddies so we have found ourselves on Zoom instead. It seems many of us paca people are getting involved with this way of keeping in touch and it is proving a huge success – it is a great way to keep in touch. With government dates to ease lockdown being set out, and a roadmap to freedom in sight, many of us can't wait for the halter shows to reopen. I sympathise with show organizers who are in a quandary about show dates and are in the dark about what impact restrictions will have - good luck to all.

Herd improvement

The warmer weather and brighter days are giving us the momentum to keep moving forward and think about the future. What do we want to achieve with our herd? Are new genetics on the shopping list for the coming season – maybe a new stud male needs to be added to the mix? It’s a good idea to make sure you note which individuals are related in the herd so you don’t interbreed. It’s also helpful to jot down why a particular female would go well with one male and not another one. Think about possible outside matings that you can afford and what traits would

50 Alpaca #85

improve your cria to make them saleable. As I’ve said before it takes two to tango – we always talk about the male and this is partly due to the fact that the male by means of mating numbers has far more opportunity than the female to influence the shape and direction of your herd. But each individual parent, male and female, will contribute half the offspring’s make up. Some elements will be dormant, some recessive; you cannot predict which genes from which side will be passed onto the next generation and the generations afterwards. It is called layering and it’s why it’s so important to choose the best males and females to complement each other in traits including fibre and conformation, pedigree and colour. I always look at the head type as well because it’s the first thing you see on an alpaca and it has to be pleasing – it’s what you notice most from your window and no one wants to buy an ugly alpaca.

> Always use the best stud male you can which you think will improve your offspring

> When starting to halter train always use a correctly fitted head collar

Careful cria handling

This dry warm weather is great for halter training. We have been lazy and putting it off as there are no shows early this spring. Now we can spend more time and care with each cria – careful handling and kindness, without bullying, will mean your alpaca will learn to trust you and will walk better for you. Your halter has to be well fitted around the nostrils but not tight and not obstruct the breathing of the alpaca, otherwise they will panic and nothing will be gained. Mary Roach has the best headcollars; they are strong and come in all different colours and they don’t chaff your hands when an alpaca is pulling (www.salesatmaryharness.co.uk). She also sells good quality washable coat/rugs as well.

Book a date with a shearer

This is now a good time to ring your shearer and get booked in with a date. Last year was manic for some breeders. Good shearers are hard to come by; your shearer should do the alpacas teeth and toe nails – all part of the service. Colin

Ottery is planning an online live workshop to help people who already shear. The aim is to bring them up to speed with safety advice and practical tips on shearing for a well cut fleece with minimal stress to alpacas and their owners. Contact Colin for more information.

Supreme Champion alpaca breeders with 27 years experience Inca Incognito – Supreme Champion Female.

We are proud to offer: Detailed guidance and support for new owners. Business planning for breeding herds. Elite pedigree breeding and pet stock for sale and export to the EU and Middle East? 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 and Tracey to talk more about alpaca ownership: +44 (0) 7875 532827

incaalpaca.co.uk