Premier Alpaca Stud: Advanced Huacaya and Suri Fleeces


		Premier Alpacas - Our Aims continued

David and Fran Goulden,
Weedons, 5 RD Christchurch,
New Zealand

We are alpaca breeders devoted to
the breeding of heavy cutting,
ultrasoft Huacaya and Suri alpacas

The third factor is the length of the fleece the alpaca grows or rather more importantly the rate of growth. As stated, the weight of fleece can be achieved by having a larger alpaca with more skin area and by increasing the amount of the right type of fibre per square centimetre. One important factor often overlooked is that the weight can be doubled simply by having the alpaca grow a fleece twice as long. This can of course be measured over time but can also be identified most easily in huacayas by the presence of deep bold crimp right to the tip. The fine crimp is not present because the fibre is growing much faster, instead the crimp is wider apart but very pronounced not just wavy. To state this another way, look for the lowest and least variable crimp frequency but look for the greatest crimp definition. The fast fibre growth and increased density also results in fibres that are circular rather than ovoid and the surface scales are longer and their overlapping edges less pronounced. The gives a fleece with intense lustre and an ultrasoft handle that is to die for! One must be aware that this soft handle can often give the false impression of a light weight fleece. One only has to see the weights coming off these alpacas to dispel that myth. It is a little more difficult to identify the characteristics of the advanced fleece type in Suri's. However attributes such as high lustre, locks tightly pencilled right to the skin and the rate of growth of the fleece are good indicators. Barreda has stated that the suris that have the highest lustre at 6 months of age produce the fleeces with the lowest micron at first shearing. The frame size, follicle density and secondary/primary follicle ratio still apply. The qualities that differentiate Advanced fleeces from other fleeces are: - Soft handle - Crimp that is deep and distinct - Longer staple length and lower fibre curvature - Small fibre bundles - Bright and lustrous - A "laundry mop" appearance to the outer coat How this type of fleece is achieved may vary, but the outcome will be a secure market at premium prices over many years

References and Further reading Soft Rolling Skin: Is it a Watershed for Alpaca Production? A.A. Charry link to article The SRS® System link to article No alpacas should have two coats! by Janie Hicks based on Dr Jim Watts. Alpacas Australia 1996 issue 16 pp28-29 Elite Alpaca Production - Breeding from Fibre to Fabric by J. E. Watts published by Coolaroo Alpaca Stud. Vision 2020 - An Industry Plan. Nick Veltjens - Talca Alpacas link to article Mating Decisions in the Alpaca Fibre Industry: An Approach from the Perspective of the Biological School to Genetic Selection. A.A. Charry, A. Clymo, J.&J. Lawrie,R. O'Donoghue, P. Savage, D. Owen & G. Sutherland link to article Alpaca Selection, A Performance Recording Programme. A. Charry, J.W. Lawrie, & D. Johnson. 1997 Technical Report for Australian Alpaca Association. Make a Worthwhile Sire Selection - Analyse his SDR and/or EBV Performance. A.A. Charry. 1998 Alpacas Australia Issue 22 pp25-26 The Response to Selection in the Merino. K. & J.Watts link to article
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