Quality assessment of alpacas

What affects the price of alpaca

The prices of individual alpacas on the market may differ dramatically. You can buy an alpaca for 6-7 thousand. PLN, but there are also those for 100-200 thousand PLN. What is the reason for this price split? There are many factors, ranging from age, health and physiological condition, through the body structure and quality of the fiber, to the origin and title. This article aims to introduce the issues related to the assessment of the quality of alpacas and factors influencing the price of animals on the market. Keep in mind that the environmental and genetic factors that influence the quality of your pet will be complementary. It cannot be said that a trait is completely genetically determined, it will always be influenced by the environment in which the animal lives.

The quality of the coat

The first factor will be the quality of the fiber produced by the alpaca. They consist of many factors, such as thickness (measured in micrometers - microns), but also evenness (a slight deviation from the average hair thickness) or the value of the comfort factor (percentage of hair thinner than 30 μm in the cover). These factors have a direct impact on the quality of the coat and its production potential. The thinner the hair, more even and with a high comfort factor, the better quality products can be made of it. The results of the analyzes of the fiber samples for a given individual are presented in the form of a histogram. The amount of fiber obtained from an animal, especially from a veil, is also important. In the case of natural fibers, the first element of the customer's assessment is the tactile impression of the fabric obtained. It should not "scratch" or make the skin itchy. The higher the quality of the fiber, the better the impression it should make on the consumer. Within this issue, several determinants of it can be found, each of them can be considered in a much broader aspect, the text will present the general sense of their impact on the quality of alpaca.

Of course, the basis is genetics, that is, what characteristics the animal was endowed with by its parents and ancestors. The largest population of alpacas is kept in South America (especially Peru). Originally, alpaca maintenance systems were extensive. Herds have been the main livelihood for many of the region's poorer families, and there has been little scope for improving the genetic potential of the population. Despite this, the Peruvian population is considered to be of very high quality. In other countries, work on improving the genetic potential also brings excellent results in the form of high-quality animals (including the USA and New Zealand). There are several options for assessing the genetic quality of an animal. The development of genetics makes it possible to identify genes responsible for a given trait (as a trait, for example, the thickness of the fiber or its uniformity, coat color, structure) in an animal. It is almost never the case that only one gene is responsible for a specific trait, usually it is a "set" of genes interacting with each other that code for a given trait (the set of all genes that determine the traits is a genotype). It also happens that certain features are correlated with each other. The factor correlating with the thickness of the fiber is its color, although not all studies clearly indicate that wool from white alpacas is thinner than from dark ones. However, genetic tests are extremely expensive, therefore the basis for the evaluation of an animal is its effect - phenotype (external appearance). Most often, an individual is assessed on the basis of his offspring (what features he inherited from him and how they affect his quality). The offspring receive not all of the characteristics equally from their parents. There are high or low heritable features, and it is determined on the basis of complex mathematical models. Therefore, the pedigree of the animal (list of its ancestors) is so important for the future buyer. Often, individuals who have an outstanding set of traits and have produced (males) or gave birth to (female) offspring, which reflect what was best for them, gain the domain of perfect breeding animals, and their subsequent offspring have a high price. And every breeder will be happy to brag about the animal after such wonderful parents.

Virtually all others are environmental factors, those that shape an animal from conception to death. They will take into account: nutrition, health condition, age and living conditions. The nutrition of ruminants is one of the most important factors for their good health and productivity. The optimal level of nutrition in terms of providing animals with all the necessary nutrients will ensure good health and abundant growth of the fleece, but it may also increase its thickness. On the other hand, periods of food shortage lower the condition of the animal and may cause the appearance of narrowings in the hair structure, which negatively affect its quality. Immunodeficiency states and diseases will also cause a similar state of affairs. Such defects will reduce the strength of the hair in the narrowed section and limit its use in processing. It is not only diseases or deterioration of the animal's condition that will have a negative impact on the coat. Parasites living on the surface of the skin, such as the scabies often found in alpacas, can be a big problem. It causes hair loss where it lives. In extreme cases, it covers almost the entire body, and the fiber from such an alpaca is practically not suitable for processing. Another factor is the age of the animal. Here you can clearly see that the thickness of the fiber increases with each successive cut. Providing animals with the best possible conditions for their proper functioning may limit these changes, but it will not stop them. It was determined that the thickness of the fiber correlated with its crimp (in huacaya), the more crimped the hair, the thinner it was. The best quality fiber, the so-called "baby alpaca" means that the hair is extremely fine. Such quality fiber can also be obtained from older animals of very high quality, and vice versa, very poor quality alpacas will not produce baby alpaca fibers even in the first shearing. Therefore, if the priority is the quality of the material obtained, the thinner an animal's hair at the beginning of its life, the longer it can produce a high-quality product. The physiological condition of the animal (especially of the female) may affect the thickness of the fiber, so during pregnancy or lactation, the measurement of the fiber thickness may be slightly disturbed.

Dig. 1. Visible crimping in the Huacaya breed (Source: Silverstream Alpaca Stud Farm)

Body structure (conformation)

An animal cannot be considered only in terms of its production potential. The animal itself must exhibit many features that are consistent with the species and breed pattern. In alpacas, due to the relatively high level of hybridization with llamas, a correct body structure is particularly important. Originally, no fiber was obtained from llamas, they were pack animals, so the quality of the hair is lower than that of alpacas. In addition, llamas and alpacas differ significantly in body build, so this assessment is a good organoleptic indicator of hybridization, which is, of course, undesirable. The purpose of breeding is to eliminate the llama's genes from the population. Animals that faithfully reflect the characteristics of the species, without llama traits, will be highly appreciated. When assessing the build, the following factors are taken into account: height at the withers, body length, depth, width and circumference of the chest, length and width of the head, length and circumference of the calcaneus joint. When looking at an alpaca, it should fit in a square, the whole body should be covered with fiber (except for thermal windows), pear-shaped ears, not too long muzzle, straight legs, straight neck, straight tail, close to the body. The movement of the animal should be harmonious, the South American camelids move in a leisurely manner. A significant problem in the population is prognathism (the lower jaw is too protruding), which causes incorrect positioning of the incisors in relation to the gums, their overgrowth and problems with feeding. Such a bite should be corrected regularly. All these factors are hereditary, in addition, the structure will be influenced by environmental factors such as health and proper care. Skeletal diseases resulting from various reasons (nutritional deficiencies at a young age or infections) can lead to deformities. Beauty treatments should also be performed regularly. Overgrown nails interfere with the ability to move properly and, in extreme cases, lead to changes in the limbs. Environmental factors, of course, are not hereditary, but they lower the quality of the animal and therefore its value.

Dig. 2. Huacaya female (Source: Heaven Alpacas)

Health and behavior

Much has been said about the genetics of alpacas. Many genetic diseases are lethal. So sick cubs are not born at all. Occasionally cria are born deformed and usually have no chance of survival or are born dead. In alpacas, twin pregnancies are rare (some say they are quite frequent, but end with embryo resorption early in pregnancy). They are also undesirable as they usually result in miscarriage and live births are extremely rare. The issue of lethality is also raised in the case of inheritance of the coat. Most likely, the classic gray homozygous embryos die during pregnancy. The resorption of embryos may also be influenced by environmental factors, such as severe maternal stress or bacterial and viral infections. Not every defect is a lethal factor. Certain disorders enable the animal to function, but may limit it. The genetic defect of Blue Eyed White is one of the more common. It concerns individuals with light, blue irises and white color, they are usually deaf. The defect is particularly common in individuals who have a lot of white and gray ancestors in their pedigree. Also, diseases that may affect the animal on a daily basis, which are not very dangerous, can affect the value of the animal. A potential buyer, seeing the symptoms of the disease (if they are noticeable), will certainly negotiate the price or decide to buy it after the animal is diagnosed and treated. Purchasing a sick animal for a herd poses a risk that it will infect other animals (although the basic procedure when purchasing new animals is quarantine).

In alpacas, due to the maintenance systems that largely meet their species needs, little is said about behavioral disorders. Usually, the topic of Berserk Male Syndrome is discussed, the occurrence of which rather excludes the animal from breeding. Besides, no major problems are observed. Animals at shows must be used to the closeness and touch of strangers so that the judge can judge the bite, coat or testicles (in males).

Reproduction

The issue of reproduction is very important. After all, breeding is established to obtain offspring that are better than their parents. The correct structure of the male and female reproductive systems is obvious if we are talking about a farm animal. It sometimes happens that a female has problems with getting pregnant or gives birth for no known reason, despite the fact that she has many features that speak for her great quality. Such animals are not suitable for breeding, dishonest sellers may try to sell the animal as covered with a male, knowing that it is likely to have a miscarriage. Usually, the price of such an alpaca is extremely attractive, unlike females, who are described as good mothers. They have no problems with getting pregnant, it proceeds without major complications, the young are born healthy and strong, and the mother has enough food and a strong maternal instinct. The same is true for males. A good stud has large testicles (positively correlated with fertility) and a desire to mate. Probably an important role in reproduction is also played by the "singing" of the male (gurgling-wheezing-purring sounds made during courtship and copulation). A female that is sold while pregnant will of course be more expensive, especially if mated with a high-quality stud.

The origin of the animal

The origin of the animal and its pedigree are features that strongly affect the price of an alpaca. There are many farms in the world with a long tradition, which are known for their high quality alpacas. Where does the opinion about breeding come from? Much of the results of exhibitions and fleece shows. There, farm animals are assessed in terms of their structure and fiber quality. Animals that perfectly reflect the breed standard, have excellent quality coat, are well-groomed, in good condition, obtain the highest positions. Descendants of titled, sometimes even legendary ancestors can be sold for very high prices. The more such ancestors an individual has in their pedigree, the more expensive it can be. Of course, in reputable farms, caring for the appropriate conditions of keeping animals, their health and proper care are carefully taken care of so that the animal can fully use its genetic potential.

Summary

As can be seen, there are many factors determining the value of alpaca. The basis is the genetic value of the animal, its potential. During life, however, there are many environmental factors that also affect their value. It is worth remembering that if the price of an animal is very low, there is definitely something wrong with it. It may turn out that a very cheap alpaca will later be a "bottomless well" due to, for example, diseases. When planning a breeding farm, it is worth buying high-quality animals that will provide a good basis for creating a herd. Quality always comes at a price, and it comes from excellent genetics and investment in the best animal welfare conditions.

The author of the text prepared in cooperation with Heaven Alpacas is: mgr inż. Joanna Kapustka, Department of Animal Ethology and Hunting, University of Life Sciences in Lublin

Written on: 01.04.2022