Waiheke Alpaca GIFT
(Genetic Improvement Fleece Technology).
Waiheke Snow Shell has been GIFT tested by Australian Alpaca Fibre Testing, with outstanding results. Here are the results:
GIFT Plus* test report
| Owner/s: | Waiheke Alpacas, Waiheke. New Zealand. |
| Alpaca Name/Number: | Snowshell, 116749 |
| Description | Female |
| Age at sampling | 30 months (DOB 29 Jan 07) |
| Growth of sample | Not stated |
Pedigree
Sire: Illawarra Yucatan
Dam: Windarra Goldie Locks
Midside Test Data
AFD: 22.5 microns
SD: 3.7 microns
CVD: 16.4 %
Comfort Factor 97.0 %
Length: 75 mm
Avg Daily Growth n/a mm
SD ‘Along Fibres’: 0.90 microns
Curvature: 32.7 dg/mm
SD ‘Across Sample’: 3.45 microns
Shoulder Test Data
AFD: 22.9 microns
SD: 3.9 microns
CVD: 16.9 %
Comfort Factor 96.2 %
Length: 65 mm
Avg Daily Growth n/a mm
SD ‘Along Fibres’: 0.40 microns
Curvature: 36.3 dg/mm
SD ‘Across Sample’: 3.88 microns
Hip Test Data
AFD: 20.8 microns
SD: 3.9 microns
CVD: 18.8 %
Comfort Factor 97.8 %
Length: 75 mm
Avg Daily Growth n/a
SD ‘Along Fibres’: 0.90 microns
Curvature: 34.2 dg/mm
SD ‘Across Sample’: 3.61 microns
Analysis and Comments
Data indicates fibre diameter over saddle area varies by 2.1 microns (20.8 to 22.9). This is marginally above the average variation experienced by most alpacas. This alpaca is therefore considered suitable for mating with an alpaca that exhibits low fibre diameter variation across the fleece.
The average ‘across sample’ SD is 3.65 microns. This is well below the average and is therefore considered superior with regard breeding for reducing variation in fibre diameter. The fleece from this alpaca would in turn be considered favourable with regard to processing performance.
The average fibre diameter is 22.1 microns. This AFD is considered below the average for alpacas of this age and is therefore suitable for breeding to maintain or reduce fibre diameter.
The Micron Profile indicates a relatively stable rate of nutritional intake by fibre follicles.
Summary
The marginally above average variation across the saddle area indicates this alpaca is suitable for mating with an alpaca that exhibits low variation over the fleece area. The ‘across sample’ variation, however, indicates this alpaca is superior with regard to reducing the incidence of coarse fibres. The average fibre diameter is below the average for alpacas of this age. This alpaca is considered suitable for breeding premium fleeces.
Waiheke Workshop - 13th December 2009.
‘Premium Fleece – Taking alpacas to the next level’.. This is the only workshop to be held in New Zealand.
Workshop Timetable.
| Time | Topic | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 9.45am | OPENING TALK & INTRODUCTIONS | 15 mins |
| 10.00am | ‘REALITY CHECK’ – CRITICAL ISSUES FOR A VIABLE ALPACA FIBRE INDUSTRY (INCL GROUP DISCUSSION – IS THE CART CURRENTLY BEFORE THE HORSE?) | 30 mins |
| 10.30am | ‘STARTING WITH THE END’ – THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSUMER MARKET SIGNALS FOR THE ALPACA FIBRE INDUSTRY – DEFINING ‘PREMIUM FLEECE’ | 30 mins |
| 11.00am | MORNING TEA | 15 mins |
| 11.15am | ULTRAFINE BALE SCHEME – ‘THE SUCCESS WE HAD TO HAVE’ | 30 mins |
| 11.45am | DEVELOPING A BREEDING PROGRAM FOR PRODUCING PREMIUM FLEECES | 45 mins |
| 12.30pm | LUNCH | 45 mins |
| 1.15pm | CHARACTERISTICS OF ALPACA FIBRE – POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES. | 45 mins |
| 2.00pm | INTRODUCTION TO ‘GENETIC IMPROVEMENT FLEECE TECHNOLOGY’ | 30 mins |
| 2.30pm | PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATIONS OF SAMPLING FROM ALPACA & TESTING OF DIFFERENT SITES ON ALPACA | 30 mins |
| 3.00pm | AFTERNOON TEA | 15 mins |
| 3.15pm | SHEARING AND FLEECE PREPARATION FOR PREMIUM FLEECE PRODUCTION | 15 mins |
| 3.30pm | OUTLINE OF LATEST RESEARCH RELATED TO FIBRE PRODUCTION – INCL DISTRIBUTION OF PAPERS | 30 mins |
| 4.00pm | ‘BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER’ – INCLUDES FINAL QUESTIONS | 30 mins |
| 4.30pm | Close |
$50 plus Gst per Attendee, Lunch supplied. Please contact Waiheke Alpaca to book your place on lkscott@xtra.co.nz.
