Alpaca Spring 2025

SPRING

Alpaca

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6 BAS National Show

A huge thank you to everyone who came together at Staffordshire County Showground at the end of March for a spectacular and really enjoyable 2025 National Show.

36 Camelid Care Handbook

Claire Whitehead offers a practical and comprehensive guide to caring for your animals.

39 Uterine prolapse

www.kelsey.co.uk

Cover photo: BAS National Show 2025 © Ingrid Weel Photography

18 Feel the Hywl ‘Shear’ Hwyl captured by Croeso Cymru, Visit Wales at an awesome alpaca glamping retreat. 20 Purchasing the perfect ‘paca 24 Fleece preparation

Get the most from your shearing day to make processing fleeces more profitable. 28 Home-spun yarn from a homegrown herd 32 Farm to yarn

We continue our focus on mills with a look at one based in Cornwall –introducing the Natural Fibre Company.

40 Metabolic profiling preunpacking

The period pre-unpacking is important for several reasons.

42 Hay, haylage and silage compared

44 Significant step

Farm vet appointed new President of the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons.

46 Education report

Claire E. Whitehead reviews the second Global Online Camelid Conference for Owners.

50 The Trusted Alpaca Seller Scheme

FROM THE EDITOR

E: alpaca.ed@kelsey.co.uk

For most of us, we’ve had a bright, albeit sometimes chilly, start to spring and now shearing will be in full swing.

We’ve just had one of the major events of the Alpaca calendar with the BAS National Show and this has been enjoyed by those attending.

For exhibitors, it was an important part of their planning for breeding stock but visitors got to see the very best alpacas

and also listened to the judging comments and furthered their knowledge. With the high quality fleeces on show and beautiful products made from alpaca wool in the Fibre Zone, this show provided inspiration for everyone from alpaca owners to keen crafters and spinners. The World of Alpacas was a delightful part of the show, offering interactive, fun, and educational activities for all ages. Alpaca agility proved a big

hit – captivating both the public and alpaca owners. Junior handlers had a special opportunity to show off their agility skills with their own alpacas too. Visitors could also enjoy walking an alpaca, or even a llama! For younger guests, crafts and colouring pages provided a creative outlet.

There were plenty of opportunities to connect with experts too, from the local guild of spinners to fibre-processing mills, shearers, and makers of alpaca-specific equipment. It’s a space that promises to grow and evolve in the years ahead.

Meanwhile we have the summer to look forward to and the prospect of seeing crias on the ground, and friends at the shows and regional gatherings. The next magazine will be the summer issue. I’d love to know what you are doing: show reports, trekking, the products you are producing with your fleece and fibre plus any international visits you have made. I would really love to hear from you all year round.

The copy date for the summer issue is 9 June 2025 and I’m happy to discuss your ideas or you can email me your story and photos.

The prizewinning alpacas from Winsuala Suri Stud and their delighted team. Turn to page 10 for the full story

CEO NOTES...

The 2025 National Show at the Stafford Showground was an immense success. The design of the Bingley Hall means that all alpacas were penned in one space improving inclusivity. The social events went well with a good, spirited Friday catch up and a Saturday dinner that, for many, included a singalong on the bus back to the hotel! Well done to everyone who made the event such an enjoyable success.

The member conference, which will include the AGM, is on the weekend of the 4-5 October 2025 in Stoke-on-Trent. Bookings are now open for BAS members, through the Registry. The programme is

posted in the events section of the BAS Website. Capacity is limited to 150 so do not delay if you want to be sure of your place.

Alongside the conference and AGM there will also be an industry meeting on the Friday afternoon. This meeting will be in the form of a facilitated discussion with breakout groups considering specific questions proposed by members. This meeting is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of alpacas in the UK and the BAS input into it. You can sign up for the meeting and suggest themes for discussion by contacting me. You can come to the industry meeting without going to the conference but why not do both.

INTENSE COMPETITION THE BAS NATIONAL SHOW

A huge thank you to everyone who came together at Staffordshire County Showground at the end of March for a spectacular and really enjoyable 2025 National Show.

Despite the Bluetongue restrictions, alpaca breeders from right across the country did what they needed to do to come to the show and we had just under 520 in the Halter Show plus walking and demonstration teams brought along for visitors.

With senior Australian judges Molly Gardner and Peter Kennedy-Gane in charge in the ring, all the UK herds were able to enter the Halter Show this year and the resulting competition was intense! We all enjoyed the detailed oral reasoning from both judges as they worked

SUPREME HUACAYA CHAMPION: Beck Brow Centre Stage

their way through the boys and girls respectively and came together for the progeny classes and the Supreme Champion line ups. And what tension as the crowd awaited the final deliberations for Supreme Suri and Supreme Huacaya.

There was plenty of room up on the mezzanine level for both the Champion of Champions Fleece show exhibits and the Fibre Zone and entries were strong for both competitions. There was a record crowd for the announcement of the Fleece Show results on Friday evening presented by BAS judge Roger Clarke. >> Continued on next page

SUPREME SURI CHAMPION: Bozedown Opening Night

“What a great weekend. To say we appreciate the vast energies of everyone organising the running of this year’s National Show is an understatement. There was a lovely buzz at the show, excellent new venue and thoroughly informative and eloquent oral reasoning by judges Molly Gardner and Peter Kennedy-Gane.” FACEBOOK-F

“We had a fantastic experience at our first National Show. We thoroughly enjoyed the actual showing, the dinner and making new friends. It was a real joy to walk away with some rosettes.” FACEBOOK-F

It was perhaps fitting that in both the Huacaya and Suri competitions, the Fleece Show and Halter Show supremes were both won by the same alpacas. Beck Brow Centre Stage lived up to his name taking both the Huacaya honours and Bozedown Opening Night was the leading lady in both Fleece and Halter Shows for the Suri. Huge congratulations to both herds.

With the standard of alpacas so high, every place achieved in each class was an achievement to be relished and celebrations were even more special for all the colour champions. The progeny classes were also hotly contested and fitting recognition for some of the most successful breeding males and females in the country. As if all that wasn’t already enough, we had new awards this year for the most successful Small, Medium and Large Breeders at the show which were won by Dark Sky Alpacas, Winsuala Alpacas and Bozedown Alpacas respectively.

As part of the closing award ceremony, we were able to thank Rob and Shirley Bettinson who retired from judging this year. BAS Chair, Sue Loach, presented them with special gifts in recognition of all they have both contributed in their time as judges.

Turning away from the alpacas for a moment, one of the other major objectives for the National Show is to bring everyone together and for us all to enjoy spending time with those who share the same passion. The ability to have all exhibitors together in one big space was something we really liked about Stafford and so many commented that it felt really inclusive with a brilliant, friendly atmosphere. With the hotels being a little distance away, we wanted to make the evenings part of the whole show experience and are delighted that feedback on this aspect has also been

“It was an absolutely fantastic show and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing some beautiful alpaca”

FACEBOOK-F Molly Gardner

“We were truly blessed and very spoiled at the 2025 National Show, the organisers excelled in delivering an immaculate, inclusive and incredibly friendly and fun show, we even had a pub!”

FACEBOOK-F

overwhelmingly positive. The Friday night chilli buffet was polished off by a great crowd who were able to grab a table at the ring side and enjoy a casual evening with friends old and new. Catering for the Saturday night show dinner was excellent and enjoyed by over 180 in the banqueting suite – which is big enough to have an even larger party next year! For both social events, it was great to include visiting BAS members and our international visitors who came from across Europe. Trade stand holders and World of Alpaca exhibitors were also warmly invited and we were pleased to have Mike Shelley from the RABI with us at the show dinner to share more about their important work.

A team of RABI volunteers kindly manned the door for visitors to the show across the weekend and loads of effort went into putting on interactive, fun and educational activities in the World of Alpacas for members of the public and exhibitors to enjoy. There were a similar number of visitors as at previous shows in Telford and this is an area that we could build on for future years.

Many thanks to our official show photographer, Ingrid Weel, for capturing all the action and the atmosphere across the weekend and to our brilliant volunteers who captured all the champions as they came out of the ring and made them famous on social media.

To conclude, a mention for everyone who helped to make the show happen. To all on the National Show Committee who worked so hard to pull off a tremendously successful and thoroughly enjoyable event (and are already thinking about how we can make it even better in 2026). And to our team of stewards and commentators during the show who helped things to run so smoothly.

Huge thanks to everyone who supported the show financially. A show of this size is an expensive undertaking so we really appreciate those who contributed by raising money through the Stud Auction, sponsored the Show in all the different ways and everyone who paid to exhibit, attend and promote the show – we couldn’t do it without you.

WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO WIN

Barbara Hetherington of Beck Brow Alpacas shares her feelings about the stud’s success

We entered the BAS National Show 2025 knowing that it would be the last show that Beck Brow Alpacas would be exhibited under our ownership, therefore attaining Supreme Championship Huacaya in both Fleece and Halter could not have felt more rewarding.

We were also delighted to be handing the trophies to George (Morgan) who now owns the herd, along with a large number of sashes! Beck Brow Centre Stage certainly lives up to his name, he loves his time in the ring and the attention that he receives. He is very much like his sire, Beck Brow Glory Daze who also received the same double national accolade in 2022. Both are very calm and certainly know how to pose for a photo.

We really enjoyed the show in it's new venue and look forward to being a spectator next year.

Peter

Kennedy-Gane and Molly Gardner were the judges for the Halter Show. Peter gives his impression of the classes

Iwas very impressed with the quality of both the supreme line ups with excellent depth across the board. That was why Molly and I pulled out a number of animals to compare before finally awarding the supreme. There can only be one but we wanted to acknowledge the excellence in the line up.

I always encourage exhibitors to have a look at all the animals at the show that are in the colours that they breed. Make sure you ask what the breeding plans are for the various alpaca studs you are looking at. You don’t need to agree with what other breeders are doing but it is good to have an understanding and make adjustments to your breeding plans and goals if necessary.

Also your job as an exhibitor is to present your alpaca in the best way you can. Always pay attention to where the judge is looking and make adjustments to the stance of your alpaca, if necessary.

It was a great pleasure to judge at the show and I congratulate all involved, both organisers and exhibitors for the great atmosphere and camaraderie on display.

Thanks again for the invitation to judge this year, it was an honour and a pleasure to work with the team and to see the best of British.

Mary Jo Smith of Bozedown Alpacas was thrilled with their alpaca’s achievements

Ecstatic! In a word! We won the Suri Halter and Fleece Show.

Bozedown Opening Night is a very relaxed white Suri female who takes everything in her stride, a completely chilled alpaca. She has excellent conformation and has achieved regrowth in her second growth which has good length and lustre.

Now we have a big decision as to who to mate her to. We shear in early May and start mating second week in May so we have to make up our mind.

As for the BAS National Show, we really enjoyed the new venue with the excellent atmosphere and friendliness as we were all together and could enjoy chatting about all things alpaca.

“Didn’t we have a lovely day at the show.” Winsuala Suri Stud share their show day with us

We were thrilled to win Champion Black Female, Champion Black Male, Champion Grey Female, Reserve Champion Brown Male and our Cryptic Grey Boy won Best Multi.

Our black stud boys, imported from New Zealand to improve our genetics, excelled themselves with Thistledown Oscuro winning Champion Sire’s Progeny and Thistledown Belluno taking second place. With eight first place rosettes out of a team of 11 and our Champion Black Female almost winning Supreme in a nail biting finish, we were very happy with our results. To top it off, we won the Medium Breeder Award.

As well as the Halter Show, the Champion of Champions Fleece Show results were presented, and all the beautiful Champion fleeces were on show. There was a fibre zone with arts and crafts and a chance to get hands on with some lovely fleeces.

The trade stand village had a great assortment of stalls ranging from super quality alpaca gifts through to alpaca products and services and health and nutrition specialists. In the ‘World of Alpacas’ there were great opportunities for visitors to interact with and learn about alpacas and their fleece. There was even an alpaca agility course demonstration running throughout the day.

If you missed this year’s show, come along next year on 20-22 March 2026.

Champion Progeny

Halter Show results

Judges: Peter Kennedy and Molly Gardner 510 alpacas (118 Suri, 392 Huacaya) 69 herds

Huacaya Champion White Male

Champion: Beck Brow Centre Stage (UKBAS44370)

Owned by Beck Brow - Paul & Barbara Hetherington & Craig Kerr

Reserve: Brillbury Iron Man (BNBAS18699)

Owned by Brillbury - Michael & Anne Shaw

Huacaya Champion White Female

Champion: Beck Brow Touch of Class (UKBAS46223)

Owned by Beck Brow - Paul & Barbara Hetherington & Craig Kerr

Reserve: Bozedown Beautiful Dreamer (UKBAS42880)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Huacaya Champion Light Male

Champion: Bozedown Finishing Touch (BNBAS18663)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Reserve: Rivenherd Kevin (BNBAS18329)

Owned by Rivenherd - Jackie & Joe Watson

Huacaya Champion Light Female

Champion: Old Felton Ivy (UKBAS44168)

Owned by Rivenherd - Jackie & Joe Watson

Reserve: Bozedown Sweet Sensation (UKBAS42868)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Huacaya Champion Fawn Male

Champion: Beck Brow One Step Beyond (BNBAS18278)

Owned by Beck Brow - Paul & Barbara Hetherington & Craig Kerr

Reserve: Bozedown Mastermind II (BNBAS18668)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Huacaya Champion Fawn Female

Champion: Acton Hill Girl On Fire (UKBAS44699)

Owned by Acton Hill - Angela & Stuart Wilson

Reserve: Beck Brow Worth the Wait (UKBAS46224)

Owned by Beck Brow - Paul & Barbara Hetherington & Craig Kerr

Huacaya Champion Brown Male

Champion: Limestone Bengal (UKBAS45645)

Owned by Limestone - Paul Wills

Reserve: Hannahston Orkney (BNBAS18354)

Owned by Hannahston - Ian & Angela Mitchell

Huacaya Champion Brown Female

Champion: Brillbury Hershey’s Kiss (UKBAS45176)

Owned by Brillbury - Michael & Anne Shaw Reserve: Beck Brow Simply The Best (UKBAS44222)

Owned by Beck Brow - Paul & Barbara Hetherington & Craig Kerr

Huacaya Champion Grey Male

Champion: Velvet Hall Storm Chaser (BNBAS18476)

Owned by Velvet Hall - J MacDonald & S Ramsay Reserve: Rivenherd Kelso (BNBAS18328)

Owned by Rivenherd - Jackie & Joe Watson

Huacaya Champion Grey Female

Champion: Capital Titania (UKBAS40302)

Owned by Kim & Stuart Murray Reserve: Rivenherd Keira (UKBAS46311)

Owned by Rivenherd - Jackie & Joe Watson

Huacaya Champion Modern Grey Female

Champion: Challabamba Pepper (UKBAS46846)

Owned by Challabamba - Hannah D’souza Reserve: Leven Valley Nikita Glitz (UKBAS45006)

Owned by Capital - Kim & Stuart Murray

Huacaya Champion Black Male Champion: Inca Tivoli (BNBAS18705)

Owned by Inca - Inca Alpaca Ltd Reserve: Inca Strategist (UKBAS46187)

Owned by Inca - Inca Alpaca Ltd

Huacaya Champion Black Female Champion: Inca Serenade (UKBAS45015)

Owned by Inca - Inca Alpaca Ltd Reserve: Inca Tenacity (UKBAS46825)

Owned by Inca - Inca Alpaca Ltd

Best Appaloosa Huacaya Best: Lane House Appaloosa Domino Effect (BNBAS17156)

Owned by Lane House - D Lane & J Lane

Huacaya Supreme Champion Champion: Beck Brow Centre Stage (UKBAS44370)

Owned by Beck BrowPaul & Barbara Hetherington & Craig Kerr

Best British Bred Huacaya Champion: Beck Brow Centre Stage (UKBAS44370)

Owned by Beck Brow - Paul & Barbara Hetherington & Craig Kerr

Suri Champion White Male

Champion: Evolution The Viscount (BNBAS16555)

Owned by Evolution - Alpaca Evolution Ltd

Reserve: Springfarm Eureka (BNBAS18790)

Owned by Springfarm - Vicki and Chris Agar

Suri Champion White Female

Champion: Bozedown Opening Night (UKBAS45115)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Reserve: Bozedown Flawless (UKBAS46754)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Suri Champion Light Male

Champion: Dark Sky Zoolander (UKBAS44250)

Owned by Dark Sky - Tom & Wendy Scott

Reserve: Dark Sky Ziggy (UKBAS42360)

Owned by Dark Sky - Tom & Wendy Scott

Suri Champion Light Female

Champion: Bozedown Mystic Dream (UKBAS46769)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Reserve: Bozedown Mystic Star (UKBAS45112)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Suri Champion Fawn Male

Champion: Springfarm Prince Caspian (UKBAS44638)

Owned by Springfarm - Vicki and Chris Agar

Reserve: Springfarm Eirik the Viking (BNBAS18788)

Owned by Springfarm - Vicki and Chris Agar

Suri Champion Fawn Female

Champion: Beck Brow Sweet Dreams (UKBAS44215)

Owned by Beck Brow - Paul & Barbara Hetherington & Craig Kerr

Reserve: C-S Alpacas Kala (UKBAS46785)

Owned by C-S Alpacas - Julia & Jack Corrigan-Stuart

Suri Champion Brown Male

Champion: Bozedown Full Throttle (BNBAS18664)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Reserve: Winsaula Brimsley (BNBAS18201)

Owned by Winsaula - Mark & Paula Winsor

Suri Champion Brown Female

Champion: Beck Brow Venus (UKBAS46226)

Owned by Beck Brow - Paul & Barbara Hetherington & Craig Kerr

Reserve: Springfarm Emerald (UKBAS46908)

Owned by Springfarm - Vicki and Chris Agar

Suri Champion Grey Male

Champion: Lane House Grey Masquerade (BNBAS15971)

Owned by Lane House - D Lane & J Lane Reserve: Dark Sky Mateus Rose (UKBAS46018)

Owned by Dark Sky - Tom & Wendy Scott

Suri Champion Grey Female

Champion: Winsaula Lady Whistledown (UKBAS46084)

Owned by Winsaula - Mark & Paula Winsor

Reserve: Dark Sky La Niña (UKBAS44251)

Owned by Dark Sky - Tom & Wendy Scott

Champion Modern Grey Suri Male

Champion: Legacy Suri Karrera (BNBAS18811)

Owned by Legacy - Susan Myerscough & Michael Henderson Reserve: Snowshill Rohan (BNBAS17276)

Owned by Snowshill - Roger & Mary Mount

Champion Suri Modern Grey Female

Champion: Wood Top Barbel (UKBAS46529)

Owned by Wood Top - Caroline Bolingbroke

Suri Champion Male Black

Champion: Winsaula Le Prince Frederich (BNBAS18202)

Owned by Winsaula - Mark & Paula Winsor

Reserve: Bozedown Dark Phoenix (BNBAS18662)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Suri Champion Black Female

Champion: Winsaula Reeva Tiare (UKBAS44386)

Owned by Winsaula - Mark & Paula Winsor

Reserve: Snowshill Aranel (UKBAS44685)

Owned by Snowshill - Roger & Mary Mount

Best Multi Suri

Best: Winsaula Bridgerton (BNBAS18200)

Owned by Winsaula - Mark & Paula Winsor

Suri Supreme Champion

Champion: Bozedown Opening Night (UKBAS45115)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Best British Bred Suri

Champion: Bozedown Opening Night (UKBAS45115)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Small Breeder Award

Dark Sky Alpacas

Medium Breeder Award

Winsaula Alpacas

Large Breeder Award Bozedown Alpacas

Small Breeder Award: Dark Sky Alpacas

Medium Breeder Award: Winsaula Alpacas

FIBRE ZONE

In its new location, the 2025 Fibre Zone, was a bigger, brighter affair.

It is such a pleasure to handle the varied alpaca creations, limited only by the imagination.

The Exhibitors Challenge is finally getting the message across that crafting is fun, relaxing and everyone can give it a go. Many congratulations to our first time entrant, Julia Corrigan-Stuart, on securing the “Gnome Gnailed it Trophy”.

Best in Show was a delightfully soft blanket from Rushmere Alpacas. Now to create a new challenge for 2026, as the gnome heads to retirement.

Also new for 2026, The Fibre Zone will be open to all entrants. You no longer need to be BAS members but the products still need to be at least 75% alpaca. Members will receive a discounted entry fee.

Class entries will remain similar, although hats were unusually sparse this year. A new class will be added for alpaca artwork, as long as it contains alpaca fibre.

Any other suggestions will be gratefully appreciated by contacting alison.wiseman@googlemail.com

Class 1: Exhibitors Challenge

1st Julia Corrigan-Stuart CS Alpacas

2nd Alison Wiseman Balnuith

Class 3: Three Colour Hat

1st Alison Wiseman Balnuith

Class 4: Headband with Pattern

1st Sarah Small West Heath

2nd Dulcie Pearson

Class 5 : Item for Hands

1st= Nigel Retallack Carpalla

1st= Nigel Retallack Carpalla

2nd Alison Wiseman Balnuith

Class 6: Item for Feet

1st Sarah Small West Heath

2nd Tracey Carpenter Starrywell

Class 7: Scarf with Trim

1st Jane Hodgson King Garth

2nd Sophie McDermott Watery Lane

Class 8: Wrap

1st Lou Verrill Lime Tree

2nd Alison Wiseman Balnuith

Class 9: Infinity Cowl

1st Ailene Charlton Aylswood

Class 10: Garment

1st Tracey Carpenter Starrywell

2nd Alison Wiseman Balnuith

Class 11: Accessory

1st Tracey Carpenter Starrywell

2nd Jane Hodgson King Garth

Class 12: Teddy Bear

1st Alison Wiseman Balnuith

2nd Sarah Small West Heath

Class 13: Any Other Toy

1st Alison Wiseman Balnuith

2nd Sarah Small West Heath

2025 Fibre Zone results

Class 14: Gift for New Born

1st Anne Mathers Ashtonelle

2nd Tracey Carpenter Starrywell

Class 15: Gift for New Home

1st Lou Verrill Lime Tree

2nd Brenda Featherstone Featherwood

Class 16: Other Gift

1st Jane Hodgson King Garth

2nd Sophie McDermott Watery Lane

Class 17: Machine Neckwear

1st Claire Turner Grainmarket

Class 19: Machine Other Wearable Item

1st Claire Turner Grainmarket

2nd Claire Turner Grainmarket

Class 20: Machine Item for the Home

1st Neil McAndrew Rushmere *BEST IN SHOW*

Class 21: Open Junior Class 1st Dulcie Pearson

Class 22: Huacaya Yarn Mill Spun

1st= Nigel Retallack Carpalla

1st= Roz Edwards Mulberry

1st= Tracey Carpenter Starrywell

Class 23: Huacaya Yarn Hand Spun

1st Jo Bridge Hilly Ridge

2nd Brenda Featherstone Featherwood

Class 24: Suri Mill Spun

1st Alison Wiseman Balnuith

2nd Jo Bridge Hilly Ridge

Class 25: Suri Hand Spun

1st Coralie Featherstone Featherwood

2nd Brenda Featherstone Featherwood

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS FLEECE SHOW 2025

The fleeces were judged on 25 January 2025 by BAS Judge, Mr Roger Clarke at CS Alpacas, having been micron tested by the Wool Testing Authority.

However, it was touch and go as to whether the fleece judging would actually take place, as Storm Eowyn decided to battle across Northern Ireland and the UK on 24 January causing mayhem everywhere. Normally this wouldn’t be too concerning, however Roger resides in Northern Ireland! This meant he had to gallantly battle through the storm, felling trees in his path, to get to the airport and catch a plane on the Friday evening in order to be ready to judge on the Saturday morning. The extremes our judges go to to fulfil their obligations – we were very grateful he made the effort.

The fleeces were then put out on display at The BAS National halter

Show at Stafford County Showground, for all to see in March. The fleeces were of the highest quality, a real accolade to what we are producing here in the UK.

• The Supreme Champion Huacaya fleece was awarded to Beck Brow Centre Stage, owned by Beck Brow Alpacas, as well as being awarded Best British Huacaya fleece.

• The Judges Choice Huacaya fleece was awarded to Capital Atlas, owned by Capital Alpacas.

• The Supreme Champion Suri fleece was awarded to Bozedown Opening Night, owned by Bozedown Alpacas, as well as being awarded Best British Suri Fleece.

• The Judges Choice Suri fleece was awarded to Bozedown Mystic Star, owned by Bozedown Alpacas.

Beck Brow Centre Stage

Spring Farm Pince Caspian

Suri Champion White

Champion: Bozedown Opening Night (UKBAS45115)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Reserve: Pure Suri Phoenix (UKBAS44951)

Owned by Pure - Jay Holland

Suri Champion Light

Champion: Beck Brow Bucks Fizz (UKBAS40143)

Owned by Beck Brow - Paul & Barbara Hetherington & Craig Kerr Reserve: Bozedown Mystic Star (UKBAS45112)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Suri Champion Fawn

Champion: Springfarm Prince Caspian (UKBAS44638)

Owned by Springfarm - Chris & Vicki Agar Reserve: Pure Suri Zephyr Khan (BNBAS17536)

Owned by Pure - Jay Holland

Suri Champion Brown

Champion: Wellow Hip Hip Hooray (UKBAS44714)

Owned by Wellow - Neil & Michelle Payne Reserve: Faraway Rodri (BNBAS17059)

Owned by Faraway - Nikki Hayton

Suri Champion Grey

Champion: Wellow Hadenough (BNBAS17295)

Owned by Wellow - Neil & Michelle Payne Reserve: Snowshill Aerin (UKBAS42308)

Owned by Snowshill - Roger & Mary Mount

Suri Champion Black

Champion: Snowshill Remiel (BNBAS16114)

Owned by Snowshill - Roger & Mary Mount

Champion of Champions Suri Fleece

Champion: Bozedown Opening Night (UKBAS45115)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Best British Suri Fleece

Best: Bozedown Opening Night (UKBAS45115)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Judges Choice Suri

Champion: Bozedown Mystic Star (UKBAS45112)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd

Huacaya Champion White Champion: Beck Brow Centre Stage (UKBAS44370)

Owned by Beck Brow - Paul & Barbara Hetherington & Craig Kerr Reserve: Capital Atlas (BNBAS17260)

Owned by Capital - Kim & Stuart Murray

Huacaya Champion Light Champion: Bozedown Keepsake (UKBAS45106)

Owned by Bozedown - Bozedown Alpacas Ltd Reserve: Lime Tree Nefertiti (UKBAS44388)

Owned by Lime Tree - Lou & John Verrill

Huacaya Champion Fawn Champion: Sheriff Yee-haw (BNBAS17121)

Owned by Sheriff - Caroline Barugh Reserve: Acton Hill Flash Forward (UKBAS45662)

Owned by Acton Hill - Angela & Stuart Wilson

Huacaya Champion Brown Champion: Wuthering Heights Achilles (UKBAS45148)

Owned by Wuthering Heights - Carita Saarinen Reserve: Beck Brow Sussudio (BNBAS16958)

Owned by Beck Brow - Paul & Barbara Hetherington & Craig Kerr

Huacaya Champion Grey Champion: Arkadia Umberto Pinkerton (UKBAS44831)

Owned by Arkadia - Drew Thomas Wadland Reserve: Aylswood Dexys Midnight Runner (BNBAS17044)

Owned by Aylswood - Ailene Charlton

Huacaya Champion Black

Champion: Inca Serenade (UKBAS45015)

Owned by Inca - Inca Alpaca Ltd Reserve: Acton Hill Gaga Girl (UKBAS44695)

Owned by Acton Hill - Angela & Stuart Wilson

Champion of Champions Huacaya Fleece

Champion: Beck Brow Centre Stage (UKBAS44370)

Owned by Beck BrowPaul & Barbara Hetherington & Craig Kerr

Reserve: Capital Atlas (BNBAS17260)

Owned by Capital - Kim & Stuart Murray

Judges Choice Huacaya

Champion: Capital Atlas (BNBAS17260)

Owned by Capital - Kim & Stuart Murray

Best British Huacaya Fleece

Best: Beck Brow Centre Stage (UKBAS44370)

Owned by Beck Brow - Paul & Barbara Hetherington & Craig Kerr

Inca Serenade

Bozedown Opening Night

FEEL THE HWYL

‘Shear’ Hwyl captured by Croeso Cymru, Visit Wales at an awesome alpaca glamping retreat.

The resident alpacas at Hush Hush Glamping in Knighton, Mid Wales provide guests with endless moments of ‘hwyl’

Visitors to Wales are being welcomed to experience a feeling they can’t get anywhere else this year, as described by a little Welsh word with a big meaning.

Hwyl – pronounced ‘hoo-eel’ – has no direct translation in English and multiple interpretations, the most popular broadly meaning a deep state of joy that comes from being totally immersed in the moment. In 2016, the world became aware of Scandinavian ‘hygge’, the word and mood of a feeling of cosy contentment but now, Wales is hoping even more people around the world visit the nation to experience its own unique ambience, which can’t be enjoyed anywhere other than Wales this year.

Visit Wales has also enlisted Maxine Hughes, known for explaining the Welsh language to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in the global hit TV show Welcome to Wrexham, to extend the invite to visitors worldwide to ‘feel the hwyl.’ Hwyl is felt through the exhilaration and emotional fervour of a new adventure or through peaceful contentment, the ‘ahhhh!’ when your shoulders drop into pure relaxation in a spa, or when you lose yourself in nature.

Starry nights with alpacas

For Alice Pond and Kevin Jones, the alpaca aficionados behind Hush Hush Glamping and Fostings Alpacas in Presteigne, they find hwyl in hosting their herd of 30 alpacas and have another nine crias (baby alpacas) due to be born in late Spring and early Summer. For the past six years, guests have been switching city lights for starry nights, hosted by the herd at idyllic Fostings Glamping Farm in Kinnerton, Mid Wales.

“Alpacas really embody hwyl,” said Alice. “They enjoy everything life

has to offer and are always present in the moment, never worrying about tomorrow.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating the spirit of Hwyl with our resident alpacas. We offer guests the chance to slow down, connect with nature, and embrace a perfect dose of hwyl – whether unwinding in the hot tub or finding calm in the gentle presence of our alpacas.”

Hush Hush’s alpacas have their own idea of hwyl. Most like friendly Jodie, thrive on social interaction and ‘pronking’ – a style of bouncing like Bambi across the fields, usually at dusk. Efa, Lavender, Lola, Ghost and Sweetpea (who are mother, daughter, sisters, aunties and nieces related to each other), are similarly boisterous.

“But they each have their own temperaments,” said Alice, “with some being more laid back and very content taking life slowly. Whichever approach they take, they’re all hwyl and are an absolute pleasure to keep; alpacas are curious, friendly animals.

“Wales offers so many options for hwyl with breathtaking landscapes, like a fairytale frozen in time, making the feeling so unique. At Hush Hush we invite visitors to savour life’s simple, magical moments.”

This wide-open, distraction-free tranquility is captured in Visit Wales’ campaign, and highlights the ‘hwyl’ to be felt in being able to reset and rejuvenate while savouring much-needed downtime.

Describing the effect hwyl has on your state of well-being, Dr Awel Vaughan-Evans, a psychologist from Bangor University said: “The interesting thing about hwyl is it comes to life in both relaxing and energetic environments. On one hand, hwyl can release dopamine, fire neurotransmitters and raise the heartbeat, creating a prolonged sense of euphoria. Alternatively, it can slow it right down with endorphins reducing stress, causing the entire body to relax. Essentially, hwyl is your own particular form of happiness.”

Dr Noemi Picco, a mathematician originally from Italy but now working at Swansea University, said: “There’s a definite formula for hwyl. If you combine unburdened adventure with unparalleled beauty, and with the warm ‘croeso’ (‘welcome’ in English) of the Welsh people with the epic landscapes of Wales, you get hwyl. And you can only find that in Wales.”

Welcome to Wrexham’s Maxine Hughes is now based in Washington DC. She said: “I spent most of my childhood in Conwy outside on the coast. We’ve got a deep appreciation for the outdoors and having fun, whether it’s warm or wet, dry or cold. Our landscape and willingness to embrace the outdoors is part of the beauty of hwyl.”

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Alpaca & Llama handler training with...

Is your relationship with your animals all you had hoped for?

How can Camelidynamics techniques help me on my alpaca journey?

Camelidynamics is an approach to and collection of methods that represent the most positive, least intrusive techniques for training and managing alpacas.

This two day handling course will change the relationship you have with your animals forever.

Understand why camelids behave the way they do and learn kind and efficient methods that are science-based, for safe handling and husbandry that’s fun.

Tell your vet that we have courses for them too.

For those interested in finding out how this approach can inform and support your human/alpaca interactions in the therapeutic arena, we are now offering courses for owners and professionals.

Working with Alpacas in Animal Assisted Activity or Therapy.

HANDLER COURSES: 24th-25th May – 30th-31st August

ANIMAL ASSISTED ACTIVITY COURSES: 19th-21st June – 22nd-24th September

ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY COURSE: 19th-22nd June – 22nd-25th September

For more details and to book your places go to

PURCHASING THE PERFECT ‘PACA

By the

late Jane Wray and kind permission of Camelid Connections with copyright held by Yaringa Alpacas.

Whether you are already experiencing the joy of alpaca farming, or just contemplating it, here are some opinions that we hope will provide you with food for thought when purchasing an alpaca. My article is not written with any particular expertise, but rather as a result of 12 years of alpaca farming experience.

Prior to purchase it is imperative to establish your goals. Any established goals are legitimate, but you must have them, otherwise you will not have a clue if the alpaca is suitable for you or not. Are you looking for pets, guardians or breeders? If you want breeders, are you going for quality or quantity? Do you want to breed for a specific colour or micron? And so on. Of course there is no such beast as the perfect alpaca, unfortunately! This is why goals are so important. Once they are clarified you can develop a plan that will lead you to achieve those goals and only then will you begin to narrow down the type of alpaca you need to purchase to get you started on that journey.

Now you have some idea of the alpaca you want to purchase. If you have not heard of the 3 f’s we would like to introduce you to them. There is a school of thought that says when assessing any fibre producing livestock these 3 f’s are key indicators to look at. We agree. They are ridiculous in their simplicity, but it is amazing how often they, or at least one of them, are ignored.

Firstly, an alpaca must have a frame that is correct so it will be able to

do the job you ask of it. Whether it is to be a wether as a herd protector, a stud male, a breeding female or even a pet; an alpaca’s life can be quite demanding. It may need to roam huge distances to protect its mob of ewes and lambs, cover hundreds of females, or be required to produce viable cria as frequently as possible.

Some particular things we look for are sound straight legs and a good mouth. The importance of legs is self evident, and the value of a good mouth should not be overlooked. It sounds terribly basic, but we have seen alpaca with such poor mouths that they cannot feed properly and therefore cannot maintain sufficient condition to function, let alone thrive. The worst case scenario is death, the best poor performance. The teeth must be well aligned with the dental pad.

There are other physical aspects to look at, such as genetic defects like fused ears, less or more than two toes, a bent tail, etc. If you are not confident in assessing an alpaca it is best to get a vet to provide a certificate of good health (which can include a pregnancy assessment) as a condition of purchase. This may be required for insurance in any event. Usually, these certificates will only be provided when purchasing a stud quality alpaca. The Australian Alpaca Association is also a good source of information. In addition to their website various educational aids are available.

Editor’s note – you can find the BAS Breed Standards on the website plus lots of other info. >> Continued on next page

Secondly, if the alpaca is to be used for breeding it must have good fertility and be sold with a fertility guarantee. Many factors can affect fertility. It is heritable, so it is worth checking out the family history on both sides, as well of course, as the history of the alpaca itself (if it is old enough to have a history). Any reputable breeder will be able to help you ascertain this history. Fertility is also influenced significantly by health and nutrition so the management of the alpaca should be researched, as well as suggested husbandry practices of the region. For example, in our area we need to supplement our alpaca with selenium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. Local veterinarians can assist with advice, as well as the farmers and graziers in the district. Neighbours are a great source of information on livestock, pastures, and all sorts of local matters. Any livestock, including alpaca, can only be as productive as you allow them to be with your management and husbandry.

Thirdly, if the alpaca is used for breeding or fleece production, it must have a fleece that is consistent with your goals. This does not automatically mean the fleece must be above average. A robust fertile breeder with a good frame and a 25 micron fleece is an economically more viable option than a runt who has difficulty breeding with a superfine fleece. Fleece is of course a topic that volumes have been written about, but suffice it to say you need to be provided with recent fleece statistics on any animal you are looking to purchase, except perhaps in the case of a guard alpaca. We would also suggest requesting the statistics of the whole family involved. Mandatory fleece testing is a standard component in the management of any fibre producing industry. These fleece statistics can be confusing to interpret, especially if this is your first foray into the world of fleece. The statistic we take the most notice of is the spin fineness; because it represents what you feel when you touch alpaca and how that alpaca’s fleece will process. It is measured in microns, and we explain it as the average micron of the sample adjusted to take account of the standard deviation which measures the consistency of the sample in microns. So, for example, a very uniform sample may have lower spin fineness than the average micron – it will handle more softly due to its uniformity.

Body condition

Another important point to note is the bodily condition of the alpaca. By starving a fibre producing animal you can reduce its micron. It is often referred to as starvation fineness, and it does not represent the genetic micron of the alpaca. Again, if you are not confident in assessing these matters, enlist help.

By now you should get the picture! Obviously alpaca are bred primarily for their fleece, but to ignore the value of a good frame and fertility potentially renders the fleece aspect irrelevant. We can’t tell you the number of times we hear a comment along the lines of “my best female is 18 microns but I can’t get her to breed” – one thing is clear, she is not that person’s best female until she is proven, because at that point she is simply an expensive pet. This is why fertility guarantees are important. As an example, we have one 24 micron female who passes all the selection criteria herself and who produces with monotonous regularity, stud quality offspring, as measured by any standard. She is truly elite, and that type of alpaca is the ideal we should all be striving for.

Once we are past the 3 f’s we move on to assessing the next two factors that are related in some degree – pedigree and bloodlines. It is important to know and assess the alpaca’s pedigree if it is to be used as breeding stock. So how do you objectively assess this? A really good way is to look at show results of that bloodline over time. Isolated show results are

meaningless. Who was the judge? What was the competition? However, consistency over time speaks volumes. If a bloodline has the runs on the board year after year at strong shows with good competition it is a very strong indication of the value of that bloodline. You often hear the comments that show results are subjective and therefore of no use. Again, that is true if you are looking at one-off results, but if results over the years are analysed they become a good source of objective data. Assessing the bloodlines involved is not just about show results. For example, not all breeders may have the opportunity to show their stock. Also look at the objective data the stud can provide on the bloodlines. It is standard management to have data on one’s whole herd and any reputable breeder will readily make that information available.

A friend of ours has a good way of going about assessing an alpaca. She gets a large piece of paper for any alpaca she is interested in. On it she creates the whole story – pedigree, colours, fleece, performance both in terms of cria production and show results – this way she can assess how it may (or may not!) fit into her breeding programme and therefore whether it will move her closer to her goals.

Last, but not least, it is worth asking around and shopping around. Any reputable stud will be more than happy to help you and to provide you with any information you request.

The must dos to buying

In summary, when assessing an alpaca we think the following is a sound checklist:

• Establish your goals

• Look at the 3 f’s

– Frame

– Fertility – Fleece

• Know and research the pedigree

• Examine the show record and objective data of the bloodlines involved

• Research the stud you are looking to deal with – they should be happy to provide you with any information requested.

A final word. Alpaca ownership can be extremely rewarding. Especially so if you are happy with your alpaca purchase! So don’t ignore your personal feelings. There are plenty of alpaca around, so make sure your purchases suit you. As someone recently said to us when purchasing a young female, “I picked her out because she ‘spoke’ to me!”

Happy shopping!

FLEECE PREPARATION

Joy Whitehead of Bozedown Alpacas advises owners to get the most from shearing day to make processing fleeces more profitable.

Alpacas need shearing annually, and if you only have a few it is quite reasonable to use a pair of sheep dagging shears and shear them by hand. It may be helpful to have a handler to hold them while you shear, but I have also sheared halter-trained alpacas by myself with the alpaca’s lead rope tied to a fence on a quick release knot. However, most people use one of the specialist alpaca shearers who will visit your farm and do the job for you with electric shears. Your shearer should be sourced and booked well ahead of time as they do get very busy. When shearing day arrives, you need to be ready with a clean barn, clean dry alpacas and an efficient plan of action.

Alpacas suffer from heat stress, so it’s a good idea to have them sheared early in the year before it gets too hot. We normally shear our alpacas in late April at Bozedown farm. This fits in just before we start birthing, which has the advantage that our crias can find their dams’ teats more easily. The stud males are also much happier and more productive without their thick, heavy coats, as heat stress can make them infertile either in the short or long term.

How to ensure clean fleeces

If you want the best price for your fleeces, then your paddocks should be kept clean, so it’s best to get into the habit of doing this all year round; the fleeces you send to the mill should only have a minimal amount of debris in them. Fibre processing mills cannot afford to spend time picking out debris, and may not even accept dirty fleeces. If you plan to have your fleeces made into wonderful yarns for your own use, you also need to be sending clean, sorted fleece. It’s well worth skirting your fleeces also. Top tip: It’s no good at all trying to clean up your alpacas by brushing them prior to shearing or showing. The fleece gets de-natured by the brushing, so a Huacaya may look all fluffy and clean on the outside, but

On course for shearing

This year the British Wool Market Board have offered a two-day, Advanced ALPACA Machine Shearing course, it is suitable for Bronze and above Seals, instructed by Colin Ottery.

This course will provide with a more comprehensive knowledge and understanding of health and safety, animal welfare, and personal safety. This will develop your shearing pattern by breaking down each step with the support of an experienced alpaca shearing instructor. This course required the participant having attended a British wool shearing course and gained a Silver or above.

To discuss this course and other relevant courses call Emma Jagger: �� 01274 688666 ✉ emmajagger@britishwool.org.uk

You can find other shearing courses which continue into September and are all levels from beginners. These courses will prepare you for the alpaca course.

TV www.britishwool.org.uk/shearing/book-a -course

if you open that fleece and look inside it after brushing you will not find the lock structure that should be there. This takes at least six weeks to return to normal alignment. This lock structure is one of the things the judges are looking for, and it keeps the Huacaya fleece surface bouncy to the touch, also stopping debris from penetrating the fleece. Although the Suri alpaca has a completely different fleece type, the same rule applies to them: never brush them.

Keep your alpacas clean

If your alpacas constantly look dirty, you should check their paddocks: how clean and tidy are they? Have you removed all the weeds such as thistles, docks and cleavers? Alpaca fleeces are a magnet to all kinds of rubbish. Have you removed any hedge trimmings and beech mast? Are your fences tidy, or is there loose barbed wire trailing from them? Alpacas love brushing themselves along hedges and fences. It’s really tricky to unravel brambles, hawthorn hedge cuttings and barbed wire from an alpaca fleece. Alpacas also love a dust bath, but that dust shouldn’t be a problem as it will soon drop out of their fleeces again.

Clean pasture, clean alpacas

In order to have clean fleeces for shearing and processing, as well as showing, you need clean pastures all the year round – it’s no good thinking about it just before shearing or showing! Never use wood shavings as bedding. Rubber mats or old carpets work well, or if using straw bedding try and obtain long straw as it falls out of fleeces easily. About three weeks before shearing, put your alpacas onto fresh clean pasture and then any surface dirt and debris should fall off naturally.

Shearing day –be prepared

We have a large herd at Bozedown Alpacas and we make sure that we are well-prepared for shearing. Our large barn, which normally stores our hay through the winter, is cleaned out completely and pressure-washed. The holding pens and gates are prepared so that we can move alpacas into and around the barn and out again in an efficient manner. We find that it is best to keep the alpacas outside rather than in the barn as long as it remains dry because, when they are in the barn, this raises humidity in there and their fleeces become damp. For this reason we have fans around the barn holding pens during shearing. Rain is a real problem, so it’s better not to shear on bad rainy days, but we can manage between showers if necessary. We cover half the barn floor area with tarpaulins surrounded with fans so that any damp fleeces can be dried before being sorted. Each fleece is labelled with the alpaca’s tag number so that later, when we skirt it, we know which fleece is on the sorting table, where we grade for micron and colour and bag all these separately, keeping to one side any prospective show fleeces. Fleeces are only put into their labelled bags when we are satisfied that they are completely dry.

We have two shearing stations working alternately so that our shearer does not waste

any time. Once an alpaca is prepared and waiting for the shearer we trim its toenails, as that’s another job out of the way for a while. The shearer trims any hairy edges of fibre along the tummy and these, plus tail and leg fleece are weighed and along with the blanket skirtings, are sent off for duvet fillings or rugs. Next the neck fibre is removed and weighed and then the whole blanket area is removed and weighed. All the separate weights are recorded so that we also have a total fleece weight for each alpaca. Neck fibre is bagged as short fleece: a better yarn is produced when the fibre is uniform length for the processing machinery. There may also be guard hair in the ‘bib’ below the neck.

Noodling an alpaca fleece

Show fleeces need to be prepared as follows: The fleece is laid out flat on a large plastic sheet to allow space all round, which should be larger all round than the fleece. (You can just cut open a large fleece bag along two sides.) Compact the fleece as much as possible by patting the long edges towards the centre. Then fold the long edges of the plastic over the edges of the fleece, holding them down with heavy objects to prevent them from opening again.

Starting at one end, roll the whole fleece up tightly, as you would a sleeping bag. The fleece creeps a little as you roll it so be sure to have plenty of spare plastic at the end so that you end up with a completely enclosed fleece. Then pop the ‘noodle’ roll inside a plastic bag and secure it tightly to keep the noodle in place. This keeps the fleeces in great condition for judging, especially the Suris, as they come out as a full saddle. However, we find that if you noodle Suri fleeces too far in advance that may make them appear somewhat flat. It’s a good idea to let them breathe in a warm area before noodling and sending to the show.

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Husbandry:

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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.

Huacaya alpaca

Suri alpaca

HOME-SPUN YARN FROM A HOMEGROWN HERD

Helen Babbs visits a herd of Scottish alpacas and their fibre artist.

Kerry Milton’s herd of alpacas began from a fox problem. “We had chickens and Shetland sheep, and Mister Fox just kept visiting,” she recalls. “We were getting desperate, when someone told us that alpacas made great ‘guard animals’. I’d hardly even heard of

Kerry’s herd spans a huge range of natural colours

alpacas at that point, certainly never met one, but I thought ‘That’s it, perfect, I’m getting one!’” As alpacas are herd animals and can’t be kept singly, Kerry bought her first group of three alpacas in 2015. “Then I got a fourth,” she admits, “and then the girls had crias, and then it just sort of snowballed!”

Meet the herd

Ten years later and living on a larger smallholding in Ayrshire to accommodate her growing herd, Kerry now has 45 alpacas, with another seven crias due this spring. “It’s not big scale breeding, just a ‘home-grown’ herd, although I’ve used outside stud males to add better quality along the way,” she explains. “But this year I’m quite excited, because all the babies will be from my own boys.” Kerry has both Suri and Huaycana alpacas, with just over twenty of each. “I keep quite a few ‘old girls’, even when their fleece quality starts to drop, as I find they form family groups within the larger herd – mums, daughters and grannies all grazing together. They all have very individual characters, and you can often judge their mood by their faces. Most of them know their names too, particularly the crias by the time they’ve been petted and handled and halter trained.”

The alpacas share the farm with Kerry’s remaining Shetlands. “They’re getting on a bit now,” she notes. “Mrs Pickles is the oldest, and she’s 21! They graze in rotation with the alpacas, but don’t share a paddock due to the copper in the alpaca feed – it’s very bad for sheep.” The two rescue chickens, however, get to roost in the barn with the alpacas. “They eat any spilled food, which keeps the vermin down. We never have any foxes, as the girls chase them away.”

On the farm

Despite their quite exposed location, Kerry’s herd grazes out all year round. “They have access to open barns or shelters in every field,” she describes, “so they can go in and out as they please. I mostly only shut them in if we’re due to shear and there’s rain forecast – I don’t want wet fleeces on shearing day.”

The pregnant females get concentrate feed indoors as well. “It’s a bit of queue,” Kerry chuckles, “as I still use individual bowls, but once the food’s down, everyone nips round and eats from their neighbours’ bowls!” Every six weeks, all the alpacas get a dose of vitamin paste. “Some of them really like it, others aren’t too keen on the syringe gun. But it’s very important, as they don’t get enough Vitamin D from the sunlight in the UK, especially up here in Scotland,” Kerry explains.

Getting in a spin

Alpacas are, of course, fibre animals, so each June sees the arrival of the shearers. “The Huaycanas produce about 1.5kg of usable fleece, and the Suris up to 2kg,” says Kerry, “so it’s quite a lot of fleece. When I got the first alpacas, I quickly realised there was no point in having all this lovely fleece and not using it, so I sent a batch off for mill spinning.” The finished yarn was lovely, but the mill costs were far more than the skeins could be sold for. “I decided I’d just have to learn to spin it myself!” Kerry laughs. She booked in for a one-day course on hand-spinning, and came home with her first spinning wheel. “I now have four wheels: two traditional wheels and two e-spinners. This allows me to do quite a lot of different kinds of yarn.” With her home-spun yarn, Kerry started knitting, and then went back for another course in weaving. “Yes, I now have four looms too,” she admits – along with a thriving craft business selling hats, scarves, cushions, rugs and more, all hand-made from her own alpaca fleeces.

From fleece to yarn

The creative process begins with washing. “It all takes time, but this is the longest part,” Kerry notes. “I wash each fleece in the sink, and then spread them in the greenhouse to dry.” She’s careful to keep each fleece separate and identified. “People really like to buy something that’s made from a particular alpaca, especially if they’ve visited and met them, so most of the hats and scarves have a ticket with the name, as well as the price!”

>> Continued on next page

Huaycana alpacas produce about 1.5kg fleece per year

The ‘Appaloosa’ cria

The washed fleece is still very dusty, so Kerry combs it out into a tub-trug as she spins. “Sometimes I’ll do this in the workshop, other times in the summer I’ll go sit out in the field and the alpacas will come and watch me.”

and browns to blue-black and true black. “The true black doesn’t bleach in the sun, while the blue-black does a bit,” Kerry notes, “but it can leach its colour a little when first washed.”

to meet the alpacas and buy a souvenir.”

Visitors can either buy the ready-made items in the shop, or order items to be made up.

Although all alpaca fleece is soft, Kerry finds it coarsens slightly as the animals age. “It’s particularly the girls, their fleeces get coarser the more crias they have,” she observes, “whereas I’ve got gelded boys who are seven years old and their fleece is still beautiful.” These slightly thicker fleeces Kerry uses to make rugs. “They’re still luxurious, especially the Suri rugs, which I weave with the silky ends of the locks poking out.” At the other end of the scale is the cria fleece. “This is very, very soft – but an absolute magnet for vegetable matter and manure. I keep a pair of fine hand-carders to get all the bits out.”

The fleeces come in a whole natural rainbow of colours, from white through greys

Kerry's workshop with some of her looms and spinning wheels

She’s quite excited by one of her new home-bred crias, who has the rare ‘Appaloosa’ colourway. “He’s spotty, but really stunning!”

Fibre artist at work

With all this fleece to work with, Kerry spends part of every day spinning. “After that, I like to vary things a little, so I might wash fleece, or weave, or knit. I’ve just got a wet-felting roller machine, so I’ll be able to add felt items to the shop soon as well. Working with fleece, you learn every day,” she enthuses. Although her Millburn Alpaca business has a website, Kerry prefers to do purely in-person sales from her workshop. “We get both locals and tourists, often people staying at the nearby caravan park who want

“Sometimes I post stuff out, but mostly people like to come back and collect. It usually takes me a week or so, if it’s something I haven’t got spun up,” says Kerry, “although one big order took me six weeks.”

Kerry also offers individual lessons in spinning and weaving. “Once I started spinning, people started asking me if I’d teach them to spin their fleeces too,” she explains, “so I do one-on-one tuition. Again, it’s both locals and tourists – I’ve had people come down from Edinburgh, and one lady from France who thought she’d like to learn a new skill while on holiday.” Kerry’s also given talks on spinning and weaving at Dumfries Agricultural College. “They’re the young farmers of the future, I like to show them that every fleece has a use.”

Woven alpaca scarves

Kerry produces a wide range of knitted items, all with handspun yarn

A finished Suri alpaca rug

FARM TO YARN

We continue our focus on mills with a look at one based in Cornwall – introducing the Natural Fibre Company.

If you are undecided what to do with your shorn Alpaca fibre this year, The Natural Fibre Company offers a range of fibre processing services to transform it into premium quality yarns.

The woollen spinning mill based in Launceston, Cornwall adds value to raw fleece and fibre producing high-quality yarn for weaving, crocheting, hand dyeing, machine knitting or hand knitting and rovings for hand spinning or insulation. They offer a wide range of specialist processing services to the farming sector, as well as the fashion and textiles industry. They can guide you through your own Farm to Yarn/Garment journey and advise you how to get the best end product from your alpaca fibre sample. Established in Cornwall in 2005, this small and unique British manufacturing business is led by CEO Colin Spencer Halsey, who has owned it since 2019. The business has undergone a complete transformation since its early days, with reduced processing times and increased customer satisfaction.

The beauty of alpaca

Alpaca has always been a major part of The Natural Fibre Company’s processing over the years, and the softness, drape and smooth nature of alpaca yarns is especially luxurious. Like mohair, the fibre feels smoother than wool, with some lustrous fibres and the crimp generally low. Alpaca fibre is very fine so woollen spinning is the best option, (the worsted spinning service is not available for alpaca).

For hand knitting yarns, the results are often helped when alpaca fibre is blended with a little wool, to add memory and elasticity. The alpaca fibre qualities are usually defined as baby, adult and coarse and generally, the micron count increases with age: it is usually under 22 for baby, 22-27 for adult and over that for coarse. The colours of alpaca fibre are much brighter than those of wool, due to the structure of the fibres, which means that white alpaca is very popular to make paler yarns which, with up to 30% coloured fibre, will make an attractive base yarn for dyeing. Coloured alpaca can also be used to strengthen the natural colour of wool.

Texel and Alpaca 4-ply blend balls

Specialises in small batches

NFC specialises in small batches with Sorting, Scouring, Carding, Woollen and Worsted Spinning, and their Finishing services all taking place under one roof at the Launceston mill. Their processing times are competitive in terms of industry standards, and subject to the customer order specifications, average 42 days for woollen spinning from scouring through to order fulfilment. Due to demand for their expert services, they hold a waiting list so if you are interested in placing an order this year contact them soon to request to be added and they can advise you of the estimated timescale.

The small manufacturing team offers a friendly welcome and a personalised service. They are passionate about their work so you can be sure that your fibre is in particularly good hands. As well as processing small quantities they can also process large batches of up to a tonne or more and they can source additional fibre to make up your order to the minimum quantity if you don’t have enough, providing evidence of traceability. Each order is processed separately so you can be assured that only your alpaca fibre, turned into beautifully processed yarn, will be returned to you. The minimum fibre batches accepted for processing are: 10Kg for Washing and Preparing (for felting or hand spinning) or Scouring and Carding (to can-coiled rovings) and 25Kg for Woollen Spinning. The ideal staple length of alpaca fibre for spinning is 3 to 5 inches and the average yield, depending on the quality of your raw fibre, is around 60% finished yarn.

First time customers receive a 5% one-off introductory discount on processing costs when placing a first order, as well as an opportunity to visit the mill to see your own fibre being processed. Fibre sacks can be

supplied free of charge so that you can prepare and pack your shorn fibre ready for transporting to the mill and external carriage services can be arranged for your added convenience.

There’s lot of useful and practical advice and information on their website including washing raw fibre, preparing and packing ready for processing, yarn weight specifications and gauges.

The Natural Fibre Company are delighted to speak with alpaca breeders and regional groups so contact them if you wish to organise a talk for your members.

Alpaca skeins

Celebrating Alpaca Ownership

Doubletree Hilton, Stoke-on-Trent 4th-5th October 2025

We are delighted to announce that registration for our inaugural BAS Members Conference will open on 7th April 2025.

Subsidised by the BAS, this exciting event will feature a diverse range of engaging sessions designed to appeal to all members of the alpaca community. Led by industry experts and experienced alpaca owners, these sessions will provide invaluable insights and knowledge, ensuring something for everyone to enjoy.

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.

Molly Gardner

Thistledown Alpaca Farm, New Zealand

Prof Ahmed Tibary Washington State University Veterinary School

Keynote international speakers

THE CAMELID CARE HANDBOOK

Claire Whitehead, a specialist veterinarian offers a practical and comprehensive guide to caring for your animals.

Skin problems chapter:

An alpaca being bathed before treatment with medicated shampoo. Bathing for an hour or so softens the skin as well as crusts so that they come off easily. It is also super soothing for the animal, and camelids love being in water

Are you an experienced or soon-to-be camelid owner looking to deepen your knowledge and avoid common health pitfalls? Without the right knowledge and preparation, camelid ownership can quickly turn into a costly and frustrating challenge – but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Whether you’re a new owner, considering your first alpacas or an experienced breeder, this book will give you the confidence to keep your animals healthy, prevent problems and know exactly what to do if things go wrong. In this book, you’ll learn how to:

• Implement Claire’s 10 non-negotiable herd health activities to establish a solid foundation for your herd’s well-being.

• Develop a comprehensive nutrition plan to support optimal health, immunity, growth and fleece production.

• Protect your animals with effective biosecurity measures and proactive strategies to prevent and manage diseases.

• Identify early signs of illness, address common health issues and handle emergencies with confidence.

• Collaborate with your veterinarian and embrace responsible camelid ownership by meeting your legal, ethical and animal health obligations.

By following the strategies in the book, you’ll have the opportunity to reduce the stress of ownership and feel empowered to care for your animals confidently and efficiently. Strengthen your bond with your herd, avoid costly mistakes and create a thriving environment where your alpacas or llamas can flourish.

>> Continued on next page

Discover and Grow with Us

We’re passionate about camelids and share your goal to have a healthy & productive herd.

KNOWLEDGE

Committed to ongoing learning in the rapidly developing field of Camelid Health, Medicine, and Reproduction, we stay at the forefront to offer up-to-date care and advice. Our commitment extends to sharing our expertise, enhancing knowledge for amelid aregi

Learning Opportunities

SERVICE

Partner with us for a thriving herd. We support and collaborate for specialised care, optimising camelid health and easing management stress.

Utilize our Camelid-Specific Lab for comprehensive testing (faecal or cria IgG).

Dedicated to enhancing camelid health and welfare, our ser vices are spearheaded by Claire E Whitehead, the only RCVS Specialist in Camelid Health & Production, and published author of The Camelid Care Handbook.

Liz Wright caught up with Claire Whitehead to find out what inspired her to write this book.

Claire became interested in alpacas when her mother, Joy Whitehead first saw them on television and decided to explore the possibility of keeping them. She bought five from an auction that were originally Chilean and had been in a Polish zoo. She admits they knew very little so they really had to learn.

Back in the late eighties and early nineties, there were more llamas in the UK than alpacas. Thankfully Claire found Murray Fowler who became a big hero throughout her journey and his book on camelids was invaluable for anatomy and physiology. As Claire graduated from University as a young mixed animal practice vet she became determined to find out more about how to treat these animals. Camelid owners need a good level of education about their animals so that they can share what they know and work in partnership with the vet. While many alpaca owners might feel in some matters that they know more than the vet but don’t have the clinical skills that a vet will have gained through their training. Therefore, the owner and the vet together can make a strong team. One of the things this book is aiming to do is to give a really good start and act as a good resource for knowledge. Claire said she could draw on clinical experience and teaching alpaca owners, both face to face and online, from over twenty years to help her to understand what alpaca owners wanted to know.

There are people coming into new ownership of alpacas and llamas who haven’t had anything like them before. They are popular with non-livestock people as they are not seen as a species that is typically going off to slaughter and new owners should do some research before they get them. The emphasis in the book is on preventative care by good management rather than reactive care. If things are not under control you, as an owner, are constantly trying to fix things.

But Claire is keen that an owner knows how to deal with emergency situations and clinical problems. Recognising when it is necessary to call a vet, what to look for, and other common health issues is important. This includes being able to spot out the ADR camelid (one that simply Ain’t Doing Right – but can’t quite pinpoint what is wrong.) It’s important to know what your vet is able to do diagnostically to uncover any problems earlier in the disease process rather than waiting for the patient to deteriorate. Claire suggests that you don’t wait for the weekend to call the vet or decide you want tests once the animal has become really sick, and veterinary help can be more expensive with fewer facilities and options available to you. Make these decisions earlier when you realise there is a problem, advises Claire.

Liz wondered how Claire in her busy life found time to write such a thorough and information filled book. Claire said it was tough but she managed to carve out the time and had started the book on a plane trip to a veterinary conference where she had six hours to herself. It was a relief when it was finally finished because she’d had to put many other things on hold. She was also amazed at how satisfyingly chunky it looked when the book finally arrived in printed form.

The book is now out and is available through Amazon where you will be able to read extracts including the chapter contents of the book. TV www.amazon.co.uk

“I thoroughly enjoyed reading this - the author’s passion for camelids shone through the whole of the book. It is an absolute mine of information interspersed with interesting anecdotes and lots of great pictures. The book will appeal to new and existing camelid owners, having plenty of facts for those starting their camelid journey as well as more detailed advice for experienced owners.

A must for camelid owners old and new, vets wanting to learn more and anyone interested in these lovely animals. My only complaint is that it wasn’t written when I started my camelid journey 20 years ago!”

Sue Loach, Chairman ,British Alpaca Society

UTERINE PROLAPSE

Ruth Izzard of Pembrokeshire Alpaca Trekking shares her experience of a prolapse in one of her alpacas.

Birthing time on our farm is always an exciting time but it can also be a time of worry as numbers of cria born on the farm, mean statistically there will likely be some issues.

I recall it was a sunny July morning 2022 when we began our checks of the pregnant girls. Nothing appeared unusual, except Joanna appeared a little distanced from the main herd. She wasn’t restless or showing any other signs of the first stage of delivery throughout the morning.

Joanna at this time was a five year old solid brown Huacaya who had a healthy male cria (Boris) the year before.

Late afternoon my husband Rob observed head and feet in normal presentation but the cria was hanging lifeless in the field. At this point the only option was to intervene urgently. Lubricant was applied and with a small pull the cria was delivered. The airway was cleared and mouth to nose was performed with a last hope it would be ok. Luckily spontaneous breathing commenced. Mum however had sustained a uterine prolapse.

The vet was called immediately, but whilst waiting we stayed with Joanna who was cushed and was very relaxed about the whole thing! We flushed debris away with tepid clean water and covered the exposed uterus with water-soaked towels.

The vet arrived within 20 minutes he had a lot of experience with this in

Joanna and Chesney three hours after the event

sheep which can be as high as 15% occurrence. On examination there was no evidence of vaginal trauma and after thorough cleaning the uterus was carefully manually reduced with powdered lubricant. A suture was instilled over the perianal area to maintain the prolapse in situ.

Joanna stood immediately after the procedure as if nothing uncommon had happened. Physical examination revealed a healthy male cria weighing 7.6kg who was stood at this point and fed almost immediately.

Three days later only slight mucopurulent discharge was noted, the suture was removed and it completely settled after seven days.

Could we breed from her again?

Our main concern in the post-partum period now was infection and potentially future infertility. But this was covered by antibiotics, and we would have to wait and see how she recovered before considering if we should mate her again.

Possible cause will never be sure but veterinary advice said occasionally you can create a vacuum in assisted births which could have contributed to the potential of uterine prolapse.

But due to prompt care and attention Joanna and her cria suffered no ill effects. Joanna, you will be pleased to know, has stayed very healthy within the herd. In 2023 she had a normal delivery of a healthy female cria weighing 8kg, named Delilah.

Boris

Delilah

METABOLIC PROFILING PRE-UNPACKING

The period pre-unpacking is important for several reasons explains Lissie Gercke BVSc Cert AVP(CP) MRCVS of The Livestock Clinic.

As hembra enter their final months of gestation their metabolic requirements increase dramatically due to foetal growth.

A whopping 80% of foetal growth occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy. Growth rate of the foetus may be impacted by numerous factors including nutrition, genetics and infectious conditions. With these factors in mind pre-natal care of the dam can be planned and monitored in order to enhance newborn survival rates.

• Vaccination protocols should be followed, with the vaccination of dams with an appropriate clostridial vaccine pre-unpacking.

• A plane of rising nutrition should be implemented from month 9 to provide adequate protein, energy, vitamins and minerals to match the hembras increased demand.

• Body condition should be monitored closely

• Faecal worm egg counts carried out to confirm parasite burdens are low.

• Hembra should be subject to general health checks by farm staff to flag up any concerns and where a concern is raised further investigation carried out promptly.

• Vitamin D supplementation from October to April. Consider extending this period for poor weather years.

In this short article we will explore nutrition monitoring options for the pre-parturient hembra. In other species we refer to this as metabolic profiling. It involves the running of specific diagnostic tests on blood samples from a representative proportion of the hembra group to confirm that the feed ration is providing adequate levels of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. This allows us to make changes to rations, where required, with enough time to correct an insufficient ration before it negatively impacts cria survival. A knowledge of herd history is important as this will guide what additional tests might be run.

Energy

Excessive energy provision risks obesity. Obese females may be more prone to dystocia. Obese pregnant or lactating females are more also more susceptible to hepatic lipidosis.

Negative energy balance (NEB) results in maternal tissues being used as a nutrient source to support fetal development and can have a negative impact on follicle maturation and ovulation leading to lower conception rates. It increases the risk of hepatic lipidosis and can reduce milk yield. In other species NEB also increases risk of mastitis, retained foetal membranes and metritis.

Body condition scoring (BCS) is a vital tool and useful to identify overly fat or thin animals. However it doesn’t accurately represent current energy status.

NEFA (non-esterified fatty acids) testing is done to determine if a group is in NEB. NEFAs increase when dietary insufficiency causes mobilisation of body fat. Energy provision in the ration is addressed by evaluating the quality of available forage and current feed stuffs. Deficits can be filled by buying in higher quality forage and increasing supplementation of hard feed (hard feed can make 30% of total dry matter intake).

Protein

This is definitely too small an article to delve into the depths of camelid protein metabolism…a topic which is still an area of ongoing research and debate. It is established that camelids have a higher concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) compared to other ruminants. BUN reflects protein levels in the diet where low dietary protein results in low BUN, high dietary protein (or excessive protein breakdown) in high BUN. Urea is included in metabolic profiling to confirm adequate protein levels in the diet. Careful interpretation is required as high urea levels do not always reflect high dietary protein and can instead point to protein

breakdown where animals are in NEB and are breaking down their own muscle). Adequate protein is important for the production of high quality colostrum. Published work shows calves from mothers fed higher levels of crude protein in the pre-parturient period (transition period) had higher IgG levels. However, too much protein can cause reduced conception rates and increased early embryonic death. Higher BUN concentrations can also exacerbate NEB as energy is required in the breakdown and excretion process. If finances allow we will include total protein and albumin to help us better interpret protein status.

Trace minerals

Copper, selenium, cobalt and iodine play important roles not only in maternal health but in conceptus viability, growth, development, and survival. The developing foetus is dependent on the hembra for provision of nutrients and minerals. Most minerals are efficiently transferred across the placenta and stored in the foetus’s liver. Milk-based diets are low in trace minerals and so the foetal liver reserves are utilised after birth to support metabolic and immune function. If the dam has a mineral or vitamin deficiency in period pre-parturition then the cria is likely to also be deficient.

• Copper deficiency: poor growth rates, impaired immune system, neurological disease, reduced fertility, poor lactation

• Selenium deficiency: abortion, stillbirth, ill-thrift, muscular dystrophy (white muscle disease), reduced fertility, early embryonic death, retained placenta, metritis

• Cobalt deficiency: ill-thrift, reduced appetite, anaemia, impaired immune system, poor lactation

• Iodine deficiency: poor growth, increased cria mortality, born weak (reduced intake in colostrum, higher risk of FPT), still born, reduced birth rates, reduced fleece quality, reduced fertility. (Beware: over-supplementation of iodine late in pregnancy can impair the neonates IgG absorption from colostrum)

While we have focused on deficiencies it is important to note that toxicities can be as harmful, sometimes fatal, and must also be carefully addressed and corrected.

This is my starting point with trace elements for a normal herd. Where the history indicates, i.e where we are suspicious of a problem off the back of the previous year or after examination of the hembra group, we might add in other vitamins of minerals such as zinc, calcium, magnesium. If we were worried that the group was in NEB we would start to look at liver enzymes (initially AST) and bile acids as an indicator of hepatic lipidosis. We aim to do at least five to six animals per group (or 10% of a large group). It requires a jugular blood sample being taken to generate two tubes that are then sent to the lab for analysis. Generally most results are back within 24 hours but iodine can take a little longer, sometimes up to 10-14 days.

Ultimately the message is that by only looking at the external animal you can miss what is really going on under the surface and by the time you realise you have a problem is it too late to rectify it for that group this year. Metabolic profiling gives you a window into the metabolic and nutritional status in time to make changes and avoid disaster.

HAY, HAYLAGE AND SILAGE COMPARED

Duncan Pullar, BAS CEO explains the differences between three grass forages.

Alpacas are pseudo- ruminants and are “designed” to harvest and digest relatively poor-quality forage and extract nutrients from it. The C-1 stomach is the largest of the three before the small intestine and is the fermentation vessel where the microbes in the stomach help breakdown forage into useful nutrients for an alpaca. A forage-based diet is the building block of sound nutrition for alpacas. Seasonal grass growth in the UK means that there are times in the year when preserved grass needs to be fed to alpacas and you have choices about preservation methods, namely hay, haylage and silage.

Pros

• Simple process

• Easy storage under cover

• Simple to handle

• Simple to feed

• Good for small herds

• Can make small amounts

HAYLAGE

• Quicker to make than hay

• Higher nutritional value

• Higher palatability

• Delicate leaves like clovers will be in the bale

• Simple to handle

• Simple to feed

• Good for larger herds

• Reduces hard feed requirement

• Can make small amounts

• Least weather dependent

• Highest nutritional value

• Lower cost per tonne produced at higher amounts

• Stable when the clamp is open

The terms, hay, haylage, and silage are really descriptions of a preservation process.

Hay

Hay is dried grass. Hay is usually made from grass that has some seed heads just visible, typically in June or July. In a perfect scenario you mow the grass, turn it and ted it (fluffing it up) and it dries out over three warm and sunny days before baling. The key elements for making good hay are:

• Good grass growth

• Good weather for long enough (three or four good days in a row). Ideally sunny, breezy, and warm!

Cons

• Needs a good weather window

• Any clover may break up and not be baled

• Nutrient values are lower than haylage and silage

• Can go mouldy if not dried enough

• Alongside the mower and baler, you need a wrapping machine

• Handling equipment for wrapped bales

• Storage is more difficult than hay because ripped wrap allows spoilage of haylage

• Once out of the bale and in the feeder, haylage needs to be eaten in the same day to avoid spoilage

• Only suitable for large amounts

• Specialist handling equipment needed for harvest and feeding

• Effluent needs to be managed

HAY

SILAGE

• Not mowing too close the ground (leave 5 cm) so the hay sits up on some stubble.

• Once 85% DM has been achieved the hay will store in a covered barn for several years so long as it is kept dry.

You will need access to a hay mower, (some have a conditioner element that bruises the grass and helps it to dry quickly). You will need access to a turning and tedding device and a baler. Small bales can be handled by people for moving and stacking. Larger bales need a tractor with a front loader (or similar) to move and stack.

Haylage

Haylage (sometimes called big bale silage) is partially dried grass that is baled when it is 50% to 60% DM and then wrapped in an airtight package where a partial fermentation occurs which preserves the grass. The microbes naturally present on the grass ferment the sugars and produce acids, mainly lactic, that preserve the grass.

Haylage is usually made from grass a week or two earlier than hay. You will need two days of good weather but haylage can be made over a shorter time.

The key elements for making good haylage are:

• Good grass growth

• Good weather for two days (rain free)

• Airtight wrapping of bales (at least six layers of stretch wrap)

• Handling and storage where the bales will not be punctured

You will need access to a hay mower as above. You will need access to a turning and tedding device (but with fewer passes than with hay), and a baler. Bales must be wrapped quickly after baling, ideally immediately, but in less than three hours, or nutritional quality will deteriorate. You will need the correct attachments to avoid puncturing the wrap when handling it with a tractor or loader. Any tears in the wrap must be taped up immediately. At 60% DM bales should stack well without any “slumping”.

Silage

Grass silage is the wettest of the products and can be made from grass shortly after cutting but a light wilt is advisable. Fresh standing grass is often 20%-23% DM. The target should be 30%-35% DM. The problem with wetter silage is that there is significant effluent loss, and the effluent will have valuable nutrients in it that get wasted. Silage at 30% DM needs to be made in a concrete clamp or Ag-Bag. The wetter grass allows more fermentation so the pH will drop further than haylage because more lactic acid is made and the higher acidity makes the silage more stable when it is opened up for use.

The key elements for making good silage are:

• Good grass growth

• Good weather for one day

• Airtight clamp with good consolidation (rolling out all the air)

• A clamp or Ag-Bag for storage. For a clamp puncture resistant sheet and weights to go over the sheet.

You will need access to a mower as above. You will need access to a turning and tedding device (but probably only one pass). Silage is often made from very leafy grass in May and two or three cuts per summer are possible. You will need specialist silage trailers and the equipment to build and consolidate the clamp. You will need to catch, and dispose of, any effluent produced – it is dangerous in water ways. You will need specialist equipment to feed the silage out and at the same time manage the clamp face to avoid spoilage.

The nutritional quality of each forage can vary considerably depending on the pasture that was the starting point and how well the preservation process was carried out. The table left assumes the same starting pasture for the three possible forage products.

A CHANCE TO START YOUR OWN HERD OR EXPAND YOUR EXISTING ONE

With hardy stock from a herd established 25 years ago on Cumbria’s Howgill Fells.

WhyNot Alpacas would like to move on some lovely females, from yearling girls with experienced mothers to breeders ready for covering and older girls suitable for fox guards, companions or paddock grazers.

SIGNIFICANT STEP

Farm vet appointed new President of the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons.

Farm vet Ami Sawran has taken up her role of President of the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS), marking a significant step towards securing the future of large animal veterinary care.

Ami, who has a PhD in Dairy Cattle Mobility and is a RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Camelid Practice, hopes her appointment will encourage other large animal and farm vets to join the organisation.

“I’m delighted to take on the Presidency and look forward to continuing the good work we’ve been doing representing the needs and best interests of members and the wider profession,” she said.

“I feel this role is a great opportunity to give better representation to farm and large animal vets and is a chance to draw the farming industry into more conversations.

“This is also a chance for me to highlight how multifaceted the veterinary role is. From emergency work through to building business relationships with commercial farm clients – farm vets are required to have different people management and business management skills, to be able to deliver tailored service to a complex industry.

“More than ever, farming is facing many continuous challenges, so vets in this industry also need to constantly keep abreast of government initiatives, farm assurance schemes and understand how farm businesses work. All the while also dealing with our own retention and recruitment pressures at practice level.”

Ami is a key member of the Farm Executive at VetPartners, the larger veterinary and animal healthcare group of which Westpoint Farm Vets is a part. Speaking on representing the wider veterinary profession,

Ami added: “We have to future proof practices and evolve what it means to be a vet beyond just being able to provide a clinical fix and preventative healthcare.”

Ami explained that membership of SPVS isn’t just for vets or people who are already managers. She said: “We want to encourage people who want to learn about leadership, or to develop skills that aren’t necessarily learnt at vet school, or readily available to people in practice leadership or management.

“Being part of SPVS means you can join a cohort of people to bounce ideas off and gain new skills through CPD.

“As part of my new appointment, I also want to emphasise the importance of collaboration and being part of a community that provides support systems you can lean on, encouraging vets to show their potential and be guided through the SPVS leadership journey, so they feel fulfilled in their career and play a part in ensuring their business is sustainable.”

Since joining SPVS in 2020, Ami has been welcomed to the RCVS Fellowship, a learned society which promotes scientific excellence, furthers professional skills and practice, and acts as a trusted and authoritative voice within the veterinary profession.

Ami also holds a number of other industry positions, including sitting on the British Veterinary LGBTQ+ Committee, The Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Camelid Society Boards.

Ami was awarded the first UK Bright Minds Practice Game Changer Award in 2023 for her dedication to improving practice culture and efforts to make farm practice more attractive, welcoming and inclusive for future farm vets.

EDUCATION REPORT

Claire E. Whitehead BVM&S MS DACVIM FHEA MRCVS,

The Alpaca Vet, reviews the second Global Online Camelid Conference for Owners.

At the end of January, camelid owners from 13 countries around the world tuned in for the second Global Online Camelid Conference for Owners, eager to learn from leading experts in the field. This event offers a world-class educational experience at an incredibly affordable price, making high-quality learning accessible to camelid owners everywhere.

While in-person conferences provide valuable networking opportunities, they come with significant travel, accommodation, and time costs – not to mention the challenge of arranging care for animals back home. By hosting this conference online, we eliminate those barriers. Delegates not only had the chance to attend live sessions and ask questions but also gained access to all conference

2nd Global Online Camelid Conference

30/31 January, 1 February 2025

recordings for a full year, allowing them to revisit sessions at their convenience.

Exploring the frontiers of camelid genetics

This year’s conference placed a special focus on camelid genetics, a rapidly evolving field with exciting implications for breeding and herd management.

• Dr Kylie Munyard (Australia) provided a foundational genetics overview before diving into her decade-long research on the genetics of coat colours and patterns.

• Warren Johnson, formerly of the Smithsonian Institute, and who has spent many years researching camelids in South America and working on their management and conservation, shared insights on molecular genetic applications in South American camelids.

• Dr Terje Raudsepp (Texas A&M) discussed alpaca chromosomes and genetic disorders.

• Dr Gustavo Gutierrez (Peru) presented a fascinating talk highlighting advancements in genomic tools for alpaca breeding.

• Dr Brian Davis (Texas A&M) explored the potential of big data comparative genomics in both Old and New World camelids. With the cost of genetic testing steadily decreasing, breeders have an unprecedented opportunity to contribute valuable genetic samples, helping researchers unlock crucial insights that will shape the future of camelid breeding.

A range of expert topics

Beyond genetics, the conference featured a stellar lineup of renowned speakers covering essential aspects of camelid health and management:

• Dr Jane Vaughan –Advanced breeding techniques

• Dr Bob Van Saun – The influence of nutrition on fiber production

• Dr Andy Niehaus – Understanding ear infections and balance issues

• Dr Chris Cebra –Coronavirus infections in camelids: past outbreaks and emerging trends

• Dr Anne Gemensky-Metzler –Eye conditions in camelids and best management practices

• Dr Michelle Carman –The use of Barbervax in camelids to combat Haemonchus parasites

• Dr Erica McKenzie –Comprehensive neonatal cria care

• Dr Elly Po – Unraveling the mysteries of camelid anatomy

• Dr Claire Whitehead –Planning for herd health.

What attendees said

Peter Stoneman, Amazing Alpacas, UK said: "I attended the first conference in 2024 and enrolled again this year. It didn't disappoint! Fourteen experts from around the world shared their knowledge and research on a wide range of topics. I particularly enjoyed the session on camelid anatomy – where else could you get an

Stay updated on next year’s dates

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hour lecture on eyes, followed by another on ears? Brilliant stuff. Roll on 2026!"

Jane Ackland, Everlong Llamas, Australia said: "This conference brought contemporary research and practice together on a range of important and relevant topics, particularly genetics. I found these presentations and discussions incredibly valuable and look forward to applying what I’ve learned to on-farm practices – and even contributing genetic samples to further research. A brilliant

conference. Thank you, Claire, and all the presenters!"

Kate Brookes, Mullacott Alpacas, UK said: "An interesting and thought-provoking conference, suitable for a variety of depths of existing knowledge."

Andreas Rueedi, Alpakahof Bern, Switzerland said: It was great to learn from experts around the world without having to travel – and to have the recordings available to watch whenever it suits us. Looking forward to next year’s conference!"

Looking ahead: join us next year

We firmly believe that affordable, accessible, high-quality education is key to responsible camelid ownership, and we are committed to holding this conference annually. Email claire@ukalpacavet.com if you’d like to suggest a topic.

Missed the conference?

Get access to the recordings

If you couldn’t attend live, you can still benefit from the full conference experience. Purchase access to all recordings here: TV https://camelidconference.thealpacavet.com

Alpacas for sale

SOUTH WEST

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WENDY: 07712 136949 TOM: 07825 105530

EMAIL: tomandwendy@darkskyalpacas.com

WEB: www.darkskyalpacas.com

JANDJ ALPACAS

The family run JandJ Alpaca herd was established in 2005 with four breeding females, today we have over 90 beautiful animals. We are located in Lincolnshire on the Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leiceistershire border just off the A1.

With years of experience our aim is to help you choose the best alpacas to start you journey, whether it be breeding females, stud males or pet boys.

Stud services also available from top coloured genetics.

MARTIN OR CLARE: 01636 626990

EMAIL: sales@jandjalpacas.co.uk

WEB: www.visitalpacas.co.uk

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

WEST MIDLANDS

TOFT ALPACAS

Celebrating 28 years of continuous selective breeding for colour, consistency, fineness and density. Champion Stud services available.

Re-organisation Sale in progress: Show stock, Breeding Stock, Studs, Walkers, Fibre, Guard and Therapy alpacas for sale in all colours at prices to suit all budgets.

Husbandry, Fibre, Processing and Management workshops available hosted by Rob & Shirley Bettinson – two former BAS judges with over 30 years’ experience in all aspects of alpaca breeding and showing.

We are dedicated to helping you realise your own alpaca aspiration.

SHIRLEY: 07970 626245 ROB: 07973 123008

EMAIL: shirley@toftalpacastud.com

WEB: www.toftalpacastud.com

KING GARTH ALPACAS

Located on the Solway Firth, in Cumbria, King Garth Alpacas is a family-owned herd where we aim to breed beautiful, happy, healthy and friendly alpacas with top show winning genetics.

We have alpacas to suit everyone and all budgets; from pet boys to starter herds, elite females and stud males. We offer full support and advice before and after sales. Please feel welcome to get in touch and chat about your alpaca needs.

We also offer stud services, alpaca experiences, luxury alpaca products.

TEL: 07762 286050

WEB: www.kinggarthalpacas.co.uk

SOUTHERN ENGLAND

PENNYBRIDGE ALPACAS

The PennyBridge Herd and Stud. One of the first alpaca farms set up in the South of England, still producing show winners from champion stock. Good quality starter herds, proven and potential stud males, fancy grazers and sheep guards available.

‘Home of The Alpaca Experience’.

Situated in North Hampshire, close to the Surrey and Berkshire borders with good access to ports and airports, less than five minutes drive from both J5 and 6 of the M3. TEL: 01256 764824 or 07801 132757

EMAIL: joy@pennybridgealpacas.co.uk

WEB: www.pennybridgealpacas.co.uk

NORTHERN IRELAND

BALLYMAC ALPACA

Ballymac Alpaca is situated in Gilford, Northern Ireland. Our multiple prize-winning herd consists of carefully chosen genetics from around the world. We breed Huacaya alpacas of all colours, including appaloosa. Available for export.

Our online shop sells camelid supplies including GWF alpaca feed, birthing and husbandry items shipping throughout the UK or for collection.

Our Champion Studs are available for on-farm or mobile stud covers, including Champion of Champions Bozedown Trailblazer.

Look on our website for more information.

TEL: 07546 929659

EMAIL: mail@ballymacalpaca.com

WEB: www.ballymacalpaca.com

SNOWSHILL ALPACAS

Established in 2002 and situated on the North Cotswold hills close to the picturesque village of Snowshill, the current herd numbers over 300. We breed both Huacaya and Suri alpacas (approximately 75% are Huacaya). Although our breeding programme is biased towards the darker colours, we do also have superb quality whites and beige alpacas.

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: 01386 853841 or 07711 044106

EMAIL: snowshillalpacas@btinternet.com

WEB: www.snowshillalpacas.com

WALES

FANCY THAT ALPACAS

At Fancy That Alpacas, we love colour and patterns! We also breed friendly, healthy and easy-tohandle alpacas. Our herd carries top-quality genetics, with excellent conformation and fleece traits.

Part of the Trusted Seller Scheme, and also Affiliate Trainers for the BAS, we feel that selling alpaca is a real responsibility. It is so important to us that new owners have all the information, training and support they need to look after their herd the very best they can.

TEL: 07711 340658

EMAIL: tanya@tanyarussell.com

WEB: www.fancythatalpacas.com

King Garth Alpacas

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

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

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

Advertise here

Your booking will include an online listing in the Suppliers section on the BAS website.

TEL: 01732 448748

EMAIL: wendy@talk-media.uk

Advertise here

Your booking will include an online listing in the Suppliers section on the BAS website.

TEL: 01732 448748

DBWOOLS

ALPACA FIBRE COLLECTION 2025

We buy fibre shorn from all parts of the alpaca and collect from your door in most areas of the UK.

We will purchase fibre from current/previous seasons if kept in good condition so don’t let it go to waste! Collection times/dates to suit your shearing schedule.

Part of the Standard Wool group.

TEL: Michael Cooke 07494 151166

EMAIL: michaelcooke@dbwools.co.uk

WEB: www.standardwool.co.uk

EMAIL: wendy@talk-media.uk Free bag of Camelibra (worth £32 & free delivery) Terms and conditions apply

THE BAS TRUSTED ALPACA SELLER SCHEME

BAS launched the Trusted Alpaca Seller Scheme in January 2025 and had an immediate positive response from members. At the time of writing 110 members have signed up to the scheme and the first feedback and checking has started. Over 70 members signed up in the first week, which is a good indicator that a demand existed for this type of scheme.

Why have a scheme?

Buying or selling alpacas should be a pleasant and enjoyable experience for both parties. Sometimes the buyer is unhappy and less often the seller. When sales do not go well it is often because the expectations and responsibilities of either seller or buyer are not clearly stated and understood.

To try and make buying and selling of alpacas as easy and seamless as possible BAS have developed the trusted Alpaca Seller Scheme. The scheme is designed to ensure a verified selling system for all BAS members and their customers.

The voluntary scheme has a set of standards that members sign up to which represents good ethical selling practice. The scheme is operated free of charge to BAS members and will create a benchmark for all to work to.

Benefits to members

BAS Members selling will benefit from guidance on what to do when selling alpacas. The correct process and paperwork are outlined on the website. Potential buyers will have an idea of what level of service they should expect.

Benefits to sellers

• Trusted Sellers are easily identified on the registry and listed on the BAS website.

• Prospective purchasers are directed by the Society to the list of Trusted Sellers on the website.

• There is no entry requirement simply an undertaking to abide by the scheme standards.

• Scheme Members will benefit from improved profile and credibility.

Benefits to purchasers

• Confidence in the seller

• The purchaser would be provided with the correct paperwork, handover, and aftercare.

• Easy to search listing of trusted seller

• Issue mediation is managed by BAS.

How it works

Members apply to join the scheme by signing up to its terms and conditions. The key elements are that a minimum level of service will be met. Sellers can have their own versions of the required documents or use the BAS templates. Seller must:

• Provide a bill of sale,

• Provide handover information

• Only sell registered alpacas.

• Complete the transfers within a specified time period agreed by buyer and seller.

How BAS will police the scheme

Each month BAS asks Grassroots for a list of transfers, then the person responsible for verification sends a questionnaire to the purchaser to see if the sale meets the scheme requirements. If a sale does not meet the scheme requirements BAS will:

• Stage 1 – advise how to improve

• Stage 2 – issue a warning

• Stage 3 – third offence removal.

Hopefully, everyone in the scheme will find it useful as a support for their alpaca sales and every buyer will be happy with their purchase and the sale process!

Supreme

Champion alpaca breeders with 31 years experience

We are proud to offer:

Business plan for new breeding herds and full herd assessment and business review for established breeders.

Elite pedigree breeding and pet stock for sale in the UK and for export to the EU, Middle East and India.

Help obtaining planning permission for a dwelling using alpaca breeding as justification – we did it and have helped others.

BAS National Show 2025 Black Champions

Inca Serenade - Champion Black Female and Champion of Champion Black Fleece

Inca Tivoli – Champion Black Male