Alpaca
Alpaca, "What's Next".
By Philippa Ernst
The Alpaca industry has survived the first 12 years and is still in its infancy. During these years the industry has grown to 32,000 animals, each year cutting greater fleece weights. The National herd is taking on a more uniform look. Husbandry and nutrition have improved as knowledge and new practices have become available. The breeders have proven they are here to stay and agriculture has a new developing traditional industry. The challenges that lie ahead are the most exciting, to any current or prospective breeder. The new century is full of new and developing technology, which with astute business planning and sound farming practice will see these animals reach full potential, much faster than we ever thought possible.
Learning from other stud stock breeders is essential. Commencing programs on sire evaluation, index selection (identification trials on visually genetic superior sires and dams (the base herd), with the intent of improving the micron and fleece weights each year, aiming at estimated breeding values, as a measure of an animals genetic value). This is beginning of predictability of progeny.
As yet there is no AI or ET in Alpaca but it is just around the corner. Both are being successfully trialed in Australia and overseas but as yet, not commercially available. Semen and Embryo Sexing, Oocyte Pick Up and Cloning are realities in other breeds; one would assume the same would apply for the Alpaca.
Our stud is keeping abreast of all the latest technology and advances made in breeding livestock, as we aim to supply only the top genetics to our purchasers. Our philosophy is to use all available tools, in our desire to breed the best. We have proven ourselves with the progeny results from the males standing at our stud, their progeny and grand progeny winning five out of seven National Championships and countless Royal Shows throughout Australia since 1994.
Feel free to chat with us or other breeders on the show circuit and let us introduce you to a new century livestock adventure.
Philippa Ernst.
Coricancha Alpaca Stud.
Authors note: The first birth from embryo transfers happens in February, March and May 2002 on the farm of Carolyn and Allan Jinks.
Congratulations to all involved.
