Technical Articles Index

Step One - Work out what you need.

• First thing before leaving your farm or reading the latest advertisements is to look at the Hembra that you have available to you. Class them into types and work out what each group needs in order to improve them towards your ultimate breeding aim.
• If you feel unsure about the above step seek help from a Stud Advisor. Don't be afraid to ask for help if unsure, its cheaper than wasting thousands of dollars and generations of alpaca breeding.
  
• For those who are truly committed to genetic gain, pick a colour and stick to it. Determine what colour you want the herd to become it helps narrow down your search which simplifies fleece classing, sire selection and makes stud more uniform.
  
  Step Two - Who to buy from?
  
• Make sure the potential sire comes from a stud that has a proven track record, good reputation and established breeding aims and a program in place to actually achieve those aims. Ask to look at other animals of the same age group and make sure it is not just a one off.
  
• Trust. If you wouldn't trust the breeder with your wallet/purse why would you trust them with the future of your stud.
  
• A Stud Advisor may be of some value here also, as they may be able to suggest some studs to start with.
• Make sure that the stud that you are going to inspect is willing to back up their machos with guarantees.

Step Three - The animal.

• Look at a range of sires at various properties until you find what you are after. Never buy out of desperation, thinking you are running out of time. Alpaca breeding is slower than watching paint dry - you have all the time you need.
  
• To quote Hugh Beggs a notable sheep breeder from the Western District of Victoria, "A leg at each corner and a hole at each end". In other words take note of their structure, mouth and working gear before you start looking at the fleece. Remember to stand back and look at the whole package.
  
• Do not buy or use a sire just because some Judge thought he was wonderful, a judge does not know your stock or your individual breeding aims.
  
• If someone offers you a sire with a good pedigree make sure it is full of quality animals, not just well known ones. Research the pedigree as thoroughly as possible.
  
• Trust your own judgement, as when it boils down to it, you are in control of the direction of your breeding herd, no one else.
  
• Don't be afraid to use that Stud Advisor, an extra eye over the animal may pick up something you missed.

I have mentioned the use of a Stud Advisor, which is a great idea.

In all other stud industries they are numerous and used as a second opinion for classing stock, sire selection, breeding advice and marketing. At Halcyon we use Dr Jim Watts, however there are various others about that will match your individual breeding path. It is important to be sure that whoever you choose is working for you and the benefit of your stud.