The South Central Region Type Conference was held on June 17th, sponsored and run with volunteers from TxOLAN, STAR, and the Deep South Alpaca Connection.  It covered the member states of New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.  It was voted upon at the annual TxOLAN meeting to include as many experts as possible, in order for the region to gather a variety of information.  The event was designed to provide an opportunity for breeder education as well as the opportunity for participants to express their views about whether we are ready for a breed standard of any type and if we are…what it should cover and define.

Following AOBA’s guidelines for a Type Conference, our panel was moderated by Brett Kaysen and included animal scientists, industry experts, and an AOBA certified judge. World renowned alpaca expert Dr. Jane Wheeler came in from Peru to enlighten and educate us.  Many know her to be the undisputed top scientist in the world on alpacas and her research and data was amazing.  She is currently working on a project for the Peruvian government that will help them get the quality back that was lost in the last quarter century due to misdirected breeding programs that focused on short term gains.  Mr. Eric Hoffman, who’s examined more alpacas than most and advises alpaca organizations worldwide, gave tremendous scientific information and background on the original alpaca registry and screening process as well as new information and data he has gathered as it applies to genetics and limiting gene pools.  Our AOBA judge Shannon McConnell, helped us understand how a standard might be used in the judging process and its help to give judges better direction. He gave us some additional info from other breeds and their process in creating a standard. Rod Dakin, head of one of the largest alpaca mills in the US helped give insight from a fiber processors perspective and what qualities were important or unimportant.  Susan Tellez gave us another perspective from an animal scientist’s point of view with her great amount of experience working with alpacas.

Conference participant views on a breed standard and importance of various alpaca traits were put together in small working groups with guidance from our moderator, Brett Kaysen. Participants noticed the similarities from group to group in both the timing of the need for a breed standard and the characteristics most important to them.

Four sets of alpaca traits were used in workgroups: Huacaya Head, Huacaya Body, Huacaya Fleece, and Suri. Due to the fact that only a few Suri breeders were present, their group covered all aspects of the Suri.

The Suri Group did not reinvent what they have already been working on and felt it was most appropriate to submit the working document that The Suri Network is compiling.  Since they were in agreement with that document, we defer to The Suri Network, as they have the most up to date information. 

100% of the Huacaya tables/groups presented a disclaimer that they oppose a breed standard of any kind at the present time until more research could be done on both genetic and health issues as well as more scientific information regarding fiber production qualities could be gathered.  The general consensus was that more information is needed.  It was felt that we do not have one single ideal that covers all the variables each breeder’s program is focusing on as well as the varied processes and uses for the end product.  Fears of standardization that would cause restrictions that threatened further development and advancement were expressed.  Concerns were also expressed on how modifications to a breed standard would be handled.

After each group made its disclaimer, general criteria were expressed with the understanding that if the group was rushed to present a standard, they would present the following general guidelines:

HUACAYA HEAD:

Head – Symmetrical and in proportion to the body, retaining a triangular shape.  The muzzle should be of normal length.

Ears – Properly set and positioned.  Spear shaped and of appropriate size in relation to the head.

Eyes – Properly set, of any color, with the absence of obvious congenital defects.

Nostrils – Two well-defined and functioning.

Bite – Sufficiently meeting the upper dental pad to allow for mastication.  Teeth commiserate to age of animal.

Lips – Centrally divided and prehensile.

*It is the consensus of this group that we currently oppose a breed standard.

HUACAYA BODY Group 1:

General Appearance –

1. Well proportioned and balanced
2. Healthy body condition; neither too thin or obese
3. Graceful stride with ease of movement

Neck and Body –

1. Neck graceful and near upright
2. Topline straight to slightly rounded
3. Rump broad and slightly sloping downward to a straight low set tail

Legs –

1. Forelegs strong and straight
2. Hindlegs – straight and parallel when viewed from behind
3. Pasterns – firm and upright
4. Feet – neat and well-formed with 2 forward pointing toes, each carrying a strong uniform toenail.  Sole of foot covered with calloused membrane.

Female –

1. 4 teats
2. normal appearing external genetalia

Male –

1. 2 visible testes, size appropriate with age
2. normal appearing penile precipice

*These are recommendations.  We feel additional time to gather info and refine definitions is necessary.

HUACAYA BODY group 2:

1. No regional designation
2. 4 legs –
1. front legs strong and straight
2. rear legs strong and properly angled; parallel with front when viewed from back
3. Male – 2 testicles
4. Female – 4 functioning teats, reproductive anatomy correct
5. Neck ¾ length of body
6. Correct alpaca tail set
7. Balanced proportions for neck, torso, and legs
8. Strong level topline
9. Adequate body condition
10. Up on pasterns
11. 2 forward facing toes on each foot

*We currently oppose a breed standard.  More genetic research needs to be done AND much more discussion of what’s best for sustaining the alpaca and its production.

HUACAYA FLEECE group 1:

Ideally the alpaca should have a fine, soft, uniform, and dense fleece that has a minimum of guard hair.  Ranking of importance:

1. Fineness
2. Handle / Uniformity
3. Density
4. Lack of guard hair
5. Brightness
6. Tensile strength
7. Adequate staple length for growth period

Crimp style is NOT important
Would like to see fleece weighted greater than conformation
(See show book for definitions)

*We are currently opposed to a breed standard.

HUACAYA FLEECE group 2:

Ideally the alpaca should have a fine, soft, uniform, and dense fleece that has a minimum of medulation (guard hair), with a good length of staple.  Ranking of importance:

1. Fineness
2. Uniformity and handle (without preference to character/crimp style or crinkle)
3. Density
4. Luster/Brightness
5. Minimum medulation

(See show book for definitions)

*The alpaca is a diverse breed/species with varied fine fiber qualities and textile uses.  Why put standards/limits on the greatest species of fiber producing animals on earth?