The State of North American Alpacas
Today`s market in North American Alpacas is one to pay close attention to. As the world becomes more discriminating in spending, alpaca owners should buy only that which they need and know can move their alpaca breeding program forward, creating discerning breeders and buyers in all of us.
Future Alpaca Stock: Proven Performance
What does the discriminating breeder look for? W/hat does the ultimate alpaca possess that an average alaca does not?
The ultimate alpaca breeding stock possess genetics that are well established and proven to fulfill its breed purpose. For this breed`s market this is, of course, the production of fine fiber. In many countries, alpaca is also a source of one of the most divine tasting and healthiest red meats found in the world. The benefits of the alpaca as meat are steadily gaining World market interest, however, the first and foremost goal for North American Alpaca Farmers is the production of superior fine fiber.
As long as North American alpacas continue to produce superior fine grades of fiber, they reduce their risk of ending up on the food chain. If you do not advocate alpaca in the meat market, then your concentration on breeding for fiber genetics is imperative.
Premier Market Values in Alpaca Fiber
Fineness Uniformity and extension of fineness over entire fleece Uniformity of color Brightness, (indicating well nourished, soft handling fiber)
Ideal Conformational Values
Excellent health of body Excellent conformational balance, well proportioned in body No genetic anomalies Passes vet-screening protocols Standout looks!
Meat and Carcass Values
Strong, healthy frame to distribute stronger muscling and weight Good length of loin Excellent muscling in quarters
Most of us are not breeding for meat, which is the main reason to breed for specihc carcass values. However, larger framed alpacas do shear a heavier fleece weight. The down side to this is that on average, larger frames produce stronger (higher micron) fleece, as found in most dual-purpose breeds. If the fiber is not fine, then we lose the balance in gaining economic value in weight.