Briefly, some of the things we learned from Cheryl included how to analyze your female's fiber and ascertain what factors you need to look for in your future herdsire for each female. Some of the things to look for are histograms and fiber samples from the males. Also, we learned to never single trait breed or single trait eliminate. Overall analysis is very important in the decision making process. We also learned a bit about the different follicle types, alpaca fiber characteristics and the most advanced fleece type (ELITE) characteristics.
One important tip we pulled from the seminar is to keep very detailed records which need to include samples of the fiber being recorded. This is my next adventure! I sense a binder and a spreadsheeting coming into picture very soon. Cheryl recommended we keep a Reference Micron Library and a Reference Crimp Library. Obviously our first complete one will be from Tempe. Her cria fleece will be shorn off in the next week or two - we won't have a histogram for this but it's a good example of her base.
After the seminar our female, Alcy, was delivered to Vermont Alpaca Company for her breeding to their herdsire, Amicus. The seminar showed us we had chosen a herdsire who would take Alcy's cria in the right direction. As a gray alpaca, Alcy's fiber needs increased uniformity of micron, increased staple length and increased density.
Sunday0, June 27th, we spent at Snowshoe Farm meeting our new cria, Tempe, and learning some new alpaca things. We got to observe a couple breedings and learn what to watch for in cria to make sure they are healthy.
Here are some pictures of Tempe for your enjoyment! She's super cute and we're very happy with her. She is a beautiful rose gray and has some nice silver gray markings on her neck and legs.
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