alpaca advocate 2014 spring
DESCRIPTION
The Newsletter of the South Queensland & Northern NSW Region on the Australian Alpaca Association Ltd.TRANSCRIPT
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~
Newsletter of the AAA South Queensland and Northern NSW Region—Region of Many Colours
2014 SPRING Edition
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 2
Xmas Fete & Regional Meeting
23rd November 2014 ~ 10.00am. McLaren Vale Alpaca Stud
Contact: Leanne Tunny Ph 0755438988
South Queensland & Northern NSW AAA Ltd Region
Regional Calendar of Events 2015
15th February 2015 REGIONAL MEETING—BIG SKY ALPACA STUD—BONALBO Contact: Michelle Malt 02 66653324
22nd February 2015 The Nutrition Workshop - Murwillumbah Showground
8th March 2015 The Wonderful World of Alpacas Workshop Nattameri Alpacas Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
19th –21st March 2015 Toowoomba Royal Show Contact: Convenor Marg Hassall Fleece: Pauline Glasser (02) 66476454
26th March – 8th April 2015 Royal Sydney Show (Judging Animal/Fleece Show & Display) Contact: Paul Haslin 02 48789429
2nd May – 10th May 2015 AUSTRALIAN ALPACA WEEK Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
6th May 2015 Maclean Agricultural Show (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
8th & 9th May 2015 Grafton Colourbration Show (Judging Animal/Fleece Show & Display) Contact: Colin Glasser (02) 66476454
24th - 26th April 2015 Coffs Harbour Show (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
TBA Ipswich Show (Regional Display) Contact: Lynn Kincade Ph 0421093574
TBA REGIONAL MEETING
18th - 20th June 2015 Primex Agricultural Industries Expo Casino Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
27th June 2015 Murwillumbah Alpaca Show Contact: Rosemary Eva 02 6677 7500
28th - 29th June 2015 Mudgeeraba Agricultural Show (Display) Contact:Steve Rowley 07 55463971
9th July The Wonderful World of Alpacas (MCLAREN VALE ALPACAS QLD) Leanne Tunny Ph 0755438988
TBA ANNUAL REGIONAL MEETING
2nd August 2015 The Wonderful World of Alpacas (NATTAMERI ALPACAS) Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
7th – 16th August 2015 Royal Queensland Show ~ Ekka Judging Animal Contact: TBA Fleece: Pauline Glasser (02) 66476454
29th - 31st August 2015 Gold Coast Show (Regional Display) Contact: Leanne Tunny Ph 0755438988
TBA NATIONAL SHOW - Judging & Fleece
TBA Nimbin Show (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
16th —18th October 2015 North Coast National Lismore Show - (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 026645 9092
14th —15th October 2015 Bangalow Show (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
23rd November 2014 XMAS REGIONAL MEETING - McLaren Vale Alpaca Stud - Contact: Leanne Tunny Ph 0755438988
CALENDAR
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 3
Advertisers:
Creekside Alpaca Stud
Grandeverge Alpaca Supplies
Melleah Jane Hewitt Photography
McLaren Vale Alpaca Stud
Sunline Alpaca stud
Wahgungurry Alpaca Stud
Contents
Dear Members,
Welcome to the SPRING edition of Alpaca Advocate, not a lot of rain about as yet,
hopefully coming into October/November the Storms will develop.
Its Shearing time most studs have finished and been busy assessing fleeces and
skirting ready for sales and showing.
Tick season is upon us as well as the threat of worms. It pays to be very diligent
this time of the year. A couple of Tick articles in this edition.
An number of Alpaca Case Study section has been added to this edition, I think
we can all learn from others experiences. Please send your experiences to me
and I will publish for all to learn.
On the big picture it is great to see alpacas have been exported to China, what a
wonderful boost for Australian Alpaca Farmers.
Our Christmas meeting will be at President Leannes on the 23rd of November we
have a great get together planned and a Xmas Fete, please try and make it. Look
forward to seeing you all. Ring Leanne if you can contribute to the Christmas
luncheon.
Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year.
The Editor and South Queensland & Northern NSW Region Committee of the AAA accept no responsibility for
the opinions expressed, information supplied or advertisements published. All submissions are subject to
editing.
Copyright : The material published in this magazine is subject to copyright and may not be published in part or
whole without written permission of the author.
Articles page
Presidents Report 5
Nimbin Show 9
National Fleece Team 10
Control of Paralysis Tick 14
Alpaca Case Studies 16
Paddock Maintenance 19
Herd Sires 20
Recipe 28
Craft 29
Front Page:
Melleah Jane Hewitt Photography
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 4
2014 Advocate Advertising Rates
Full Page $ 85.00
Half Page $ 40.00
Quarter Page $ 25.00
Classified—Business Card size $ 10.00 (4 for $36)
Special Offer: 10% discount for 4 Adverts - discount applied on the 4th Advert.
Subscription— 4 copies $22.00
Advertise on the
SthQLD-NNSW web page
Cost:
$20 for 3 months
$30 for 6 months
$50 a year
Contact our Webmaster for more in
details.
Your 2014– 2015 Regional Committee
President: Leanne Tunny 0407748477 [email protected]
Secretary: Bernadette Hunt 07 55469451 [email protected]
Treasurer: Christine Chidgey 0402234528 [email protected]
Past President: Sue Challacombe 02 6642 3336 [email protected]
Committee Members: Anne Bright 0428303821 [email protected]
Donna Crone 0419685334 [email protected]
Marketing: & Merchandise: Bob Coxon 02 66459092 [email protected]
Newsletter Editor: Pauline Glasser 0419986554 [email protected] Webmaster: Steve Rowley 07 5546 3971 [email protected] Health & Safety Officer : VACANCY
Education Officer: Leanne Tunny 0407748477 [email protected]
Fleece Liaison Officer: VACANCY
Xmas Fete Regional Meeting 23rd November 2014 ~ 10.00am. McLaren Vale Alpaca Stud - Contact: Leanne Tunny Ph 0755438988
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 5
From our President
Hello members,
In July of each year our region conducts ―Introduction to the Wonderful World of Alpacas‖ Workshops - we
conduct one in Queensland and one in New South Wales. The workshops are generally hosted by committee
members with attendance numbers usually around 10 – 12 people. The workshops cover a large variety of topics for
the new breeder; History of alpacas, Your objectives, Hands on inspection of animals, Selection criteria, Farm setup,
Nutrition & Health, Animal handling. Workshops give potential alpaca owners and/or breeders, a comprehensive
overview of what to expect once they have purchased alpacas. They have sometimes ‘deterred’ potential owners
which is a good thing, at least they didn’t buy the alpacas and then find out it ‘wasn’t for them’…..Although the
workshops are generally held by committee members, all regional members are offered the opportunity to hold these
workshops at their property. If you are interested in being a host, you would require ‘Farm Insurance’ to cover you from
any liability that may arise. The committee members would still ‘co-ordinate’ the attendees, the paperwork, the
payments and the presentation – reimbursement for catering would be offered. Please contact me if you would like to
host a workshop at your property. Don’t forget that these workshops are a wonderful source of information for people
that you have just sold alpacas to.
Gold Coast Show – Unfortunately the Gold Coast Show, Halter Class 2014 had to be cancelled this year due to a lack
of entries! By the nominated closing date, we had only received 34 entries (it is recommended that a show have a
minimum of 50 animals or at least three animals in each class). The decision to cancel the show was very
disappointing to the owners of the 34 animals entered and also to the Gold Coast Show Society. The Gold Coast Show
Society very much enjoy having the alpacas at the show and hope that we can resurrect the show for 2015. Some
members ensured that the show still had an ‘alpaca’ presence and alpacas were on display for the three days of the
show and homemade alpaca merchandise was for sale.
Please remember that if we don‘t patron our regional shows, we may lose them!
Our next regional meeting on Sunday November 23rd will be held at McLaren Vale Alpacas at Tamborine. The meeting
will be our official end of year ‘Christmas’ celebration for 2014. Our region will host a ‘traditional Christmas lunch’ and
Xmas Fete with many alpaca related ‘lucky door prizes’. We welcome you to come and join us and share the
Christmas festivities (if you would like to donate your culinary skills, you will be reimbursed by the region for the cost of
the food required for your creation) – please contact me to see what is on the menu that you may be able to bring.
We look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting. Regards, Leanne Tunny – President
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 6
PRELIMINARY NOTICE OF REGIONAL MEETING
Incorporating a
CHRISTMAS PARTY & FETE
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23RD 2014
Venue: McLaren Vale Alpacas
1931 Beaudesert-Beenleigh Road, Tamborine Qld 4270
Hosts: Kerry & Leanne Tunny (Mobile: 0407 748 477/Home: 07 5543 8988)
Time: Please arrive at 9.30am (Qld time) for a 10.00am start (Qld time)
Bring: Chair
Lucky door prizes: Alpaca merchandise
PROPOSED AGENDA
1. Apologies
2. Confirm minutes previous Regional Meeting
3. Committee reports: Committee reports will be forwarded by email a week before the meeting for your review. The committee
reports will NOT be discussed in great length at the meeting in an effort to reduce time spent on formalities although questions about
the reports are welcomed
General business
Notice of Motion
Members are advised that any ‘Motion’ that they would like put to the Regional Meeting should be forwarded to the Regional Secre-
tary in writing and must be received no later than November 12th 2014.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
The regional committee invite you to share in the Christmas festivities on offer at the forthcoming regional meeting. A traditional Christmas lunch will be supplied by the region - turkey, baked ham, chickens, salads, plum pudding, custard, cream, fruit cake and fruit mince pies (members wishing to assist with catering are welcome - you will be reimbursed by the region for food purchases – please keep receipts) – please contact Leanne Tunny for menu requirements
CHRISTMAS FETE
We welcome members to participate in a ‗Christmas Fete‘ - you are welcome to bring your hand made alpaca products to sell in a market stall style venue – market stall holders will need to bring their own tables and shade. Members who would like to participate are asked to book a stall through Leanne Tunny;
Mobile: 0407 748 477 or [email protected] **A chance to get your Christmas shopping done early**
South Queensland & Northern NSW Region
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 7
Alpacas in China Posted Mon at 1:49pmMon 6 Oct 2014, 1:49pm
The Australia alpaca industry has just completed a huge export of quality breeding stock to China, the largest shipment ever to leave Australia. The precious cargo of 525 stud animals, sourced from Victoria and South Australia, is also believed to be the largest number of alpacas ever to land in China.
The breeding males and pregnant females travelled last week in crates on a chartered Singapore Airlines 747 freighter aircraft, a 10.5 hour journey.
The alpacas will form a breeding herd at Shanxi University and will also be used for genetic research into wool colour.
With China being the biggest textile producer in the world, Western Australian exporter Steve Ridout, of Wildflower Alpacas and Quarantine Services, says he's pleased to finally crack the market.
"It's a major significant breakthrough for the Australian alpaca industry.
"The China market obviously opens up a large market. It actually gives us an impetus for all our breeders, large and small, to keep growing fine alpacas.
―There’s a lot of scope for growth. There’s obviously a lot of people in China and a lot of people with money to spend.
―The alpaca industry itself is unique, the wool itself is very very unique and the Chinese are looking at the fibre industry and developing one over there in China for future growth.‖
Mr Ridout has been exporting alpacas since 2008 to Europe, New Zealand, Thailand and the United States.
LISMORE SHOW DISPLAY Lismore Show
Display proved to be
successful again this
year. Started slowly
but by the Saturday
there were many
visitors interested in
the farming of
alpacas in our region.
Thank you
to all who
made the
three days a
success
Bob Coxon
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 8
NIMBIN SHOW DISPLAY
NIMBIN AGRICULTURAL SHOW – 20TH
September 2014
On arrival at the grounds around 7.30am we were informed by the Show Society that our site had
been taken by another stall holder (a paying customer) who had set up overnight. So we were al-
located another site but unfortunately it wasn’t big enough to have our display as well as alpacas.
We decided to run with the display so Barbara and Bruce from Mangowood took their beautiful an-
imals home which was a major disappointment to us and of course the show patrons. Luckily the
reallocated site was in a good location and our display attracted interest.
Nonetheless, we carried on regardless and enjoyed the fantastic Nimbin weather and the laidback
atmosphere that the area is well known for.
Overall it was a pretty good day although passing trade, for most of the time, was a little slow. We
did manage to sell $285.00 in merchandise with Jackie’s crocheted slouch beanies proving very
popular. Without alpacas on display it was a little difficult to successfully promote the industry.
However, we did manage to complete two requests for further information and handed out a num-
ber of magazines, breeder’s directories, stickers etc
The event also gave us the opportunity to test our new EFTPOS facility. We only had the one
transaction for $25.00 but it was smooth sailing and the money is in the region’s bank account.
Many thanks to Barbara, Bruce and Jackie.
Cheers,
Bob Coxon
―Another satisfied Nimbinite!‖
SHOWS
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 9
Deadline for next advocate - SUMMER - DEC 30
Hi everyone,
A document, released in May this year produced by the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators, which reviews current information on ticks, tick removal, preventing tick bites and tick-related diseases.
There’s plenty of good tips in this booklet
It’s available at
http://www.aabr.org.au/site/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/AABR-Ticks-and-tick-borne-diseases-protecting-yourself1.pdf
from
Steve Rowley
HEALTH AND WELFARE
Thank you to Nerimbera Transport
who supported our Regions Fleece Team at the
National Fleece Show by transporting all the 230
Fleeces and equipment safely from Lower
Southgate NSW to Bendigo VIC Show Grounds.
Thank you Byron for your assistance in setting
up, folding hundreds of corflute boxes and
general help for the two days of judging. Your
assistance was greatly appreciated.
Lehanne,Di,Col and Pauline
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 10
2014 Nationals Fleece Section
Behind the Scenes - A LOGISTICAL EXERCISE!
This year the STH QLD NNSW AAA Regional Fleece Team volunteered to convene the 2014
National Fleece Show
It certainly was a challenging logistical job! Di Smart, Lehanne Robinson, Colin and Pauline Glasser travelled to Bendigo, to work
with Judge Lyn Dickson and Apprentice Judge Dean Ford.
Prior to September THE PLAN
A large amount of organisation took place in the months prior to the judging.
Each team member had a specific role. Lehanne and Col weighing and testing
230 fleeces, Di organisation of acceptance and return register of fleeces and
the organisation of sampling to be packaged to the New England Testing
Laboratories. Pauline’s role was to have all entries on the computer and print
outs ready for Judges & Stewards once we arrived in Bendigo. Col laminated
for weeks! the girls cut out, collated all bag numbers, entry names and
judging numbers.
The Plan for the display took a time to decide, on how to achieve what we
wanted, how many fleeces to display? We knew what we wanted but not
quite sure how to achieve it! A phone call to Shane Carey who directed us to
Sid and Deb Parker. Sid was a delight, transforming our vision into reality. Sid
manufactured stands which flat pack for transport and table extensions for the judges tables! The Theme would be Gold, Grey and
Black with Champions on Red. Lehanne spent hours going through classes and working out the colour combination and the
number of satins that would be necessary to complete the display. Phone calls to regions to borrow their satins, which then had to
be coded so we didn't misplace any! Out came the overlocker and afternoons making satins in the right colours to make sets.
The team decided on a uniform, as exhibitors needed to recognise us when we returned fleeces that were not on display. Di and
Pauline devised a return of fleece system of cards which exhibitors received with their introduction packages on arrival.
Transporting Fleeces to Bendigo? At the EKKA Cheryl Cochrane of Nerimbera Transport was approached re pick up from Lower
Southgate NSW to Bendigo VIC. Nothing was a problem for Cheryl and her brother Byron. This was a huge relief as it meant door
to door service where satins, computers and printers could safely be sent as well! Di was able to acquire huge waterproof fertiliser
bags to pack fleeces and our equipment into as well as the exhibitors wool bales.
A call for helpers—we decided we would like to offer to all members the opportunity to help at the Nationals - The AAA office girls
sent a broadcast email and members offered their help—a Roster was developed all set to go.
THE PLAN into reality
Fleeces arrived courteous of Tumi Alpaca Transport, Rohan made a late afternoon delivery, Australia Post delivered fleeces daily
and TNT arrived with bales from the Colourbration Show - All was set to check off Fleeces. All accounted for except TWO—Phone
call and they were never sent! A great relief. Email to all exhibitors to let them know their fleeces had arrived safely. Fleece
FLEECE
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 11
Testing and Histograms arrived on time, great! update of computer work and print out of all
Histograms in A5 card for display.
The team arrived to spend three days weighing, tagging and sampling 230 fleeces (some fleeces
were entered in four different classes i.e. class, sires progeny, dams progeny and commercial
class - another lot of logistics, different tags and discussion re what if? etc. so we were all on the
same thought process.) Sampling done, Di off to the post office as short turn around.
Fleeces were then packed in order of classes to arrive safely
in Bendigo. Byron was booked for the next week to pick up the goods! The same afternoon
we arrived in Bendigo a phone call from Byron to say all had arrived safely. THANK YOU to
Byron from Nerimbera Alpaca Transport.
We started set up on Monday after the sheep cleared out of the pavilion. Unpacking of our
stuff! Boxes made and tables set ready for the two day judging on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Helpers arrived and the job was finished very quickly. Tea and coffee station for judges and
helpers. Sid and Deb arrived with the stands. Computer was working and all sheets etc for
Lehanne’s class organisation and Di’s judge pencilling sheets all ready for a very early Tuesday.
We were all set to go. Home for a drinks!
Judging went to plan thanks to Lyn and Dean, two huge days.
Wednesday night the judging finished, it was set up time, all
fleeces had to be taken to the opposite end of the Pavilion.
Lehanne and Col had it organised, all non winning fleeces were
packed away out the back in the float ready to be distributed to
exhibitors on Thursday. All Firsts, Seconds, Thirds and
Champion / Reserve Champions on display. Display needed to
be bigger! Col found recycled timber “out the back” and the
display accommodated the prize winners. By 10.30pm it was
time to go home as we were all “brain dead”. We would love to
have finished display for all exhibitors to see when they arrived.
It was not going to be a reality. Home to drinks, evaluation of
our plan and print out the results to display next day.
Thursday: Up early, finished display, time for a break! Results
posted on results board.
Friday: Return of all non display fleeces to their owners.
Sunday: Pull down display and organise fleeces in studs ready for distribution after the Sale. Pack up our
gear and send home with Geoff and Sheryl Simper from Blu-Haven back to Grafton NSW.
Thank You to all who made this exercise possible: The exhibitors who trusted sending fleeces to us! Paul
Haslin so understanding of our requests, Lyn Dickson, Dean Ford, Sid & Deb Parker, Shane Carey, Rohan from Tumi Transport,
Tam Lamson, Prue Walkduck, Heather Burn, Sue Tutera, Graeme
Dickson, Sheryl & Geoff Simper and Byron from Nerimbera
Transport for your support.
We all did it! An exhausting job but very rewarding!
Pauline Glasser - Fleece Convenor
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 12
Fleece workshop A group of breeders met at Buhai Hill Alpaca stud last month, to do a workshop with Paul Vallely. His topic was to get our fleeces marketable to the European market.
To do that we MUST start on shearing day. Skirt, not for show grades but for big money prices, hence quality not quantity. If all breeders are serious about our fleece industry, doing a workshop is the start.
We were shown how to database our fleeces and double and triple check quality to be collected , tested then baled. There is a big demand for natural colours overseas. Paul is passionate and very helpful, a must do workshop. Jude Barlow—Kallaroo Alpaca Stud
GUIDELINES FOR SHEARING AND PRESENTING ALPACA FLEECES FOR THE PREMIUM FIBRE MARKET
The alpaca fibre market is witnessing an increase in demand for most grades of fleeces, particularly those suitable for the premium end of the textile market. In order to meet the criteria for acceptance into this market, however, fleeces need to be shorn and prepared in a manner that greatly reduces the incidence of contamination and reduces the variation of fleece types within consignment lines.
While many years may be spent achieving genetic progress towards improving fleece type, and while a year may be spent trying to maintain suitable fleece quality standards, all these efforts can be wasted in the few moments during the time the respective alpaca fleece is shorn and skirted.
These guidelines focus on the consignment of fleeces for the premium suri and huacaya fibre markets. These guidelines can be applied to all other fleece types, however, their applicability might be dependant on the relative worth of fleeces.
The protocols are the result of consultation with breeders, shearers, buyers and processors who/that are associated with the alpaca industry.
This document was prepared, and is owned by Australian Alpaca Fibre Testing (AAFT). AAFT give permission for copying or reprinting the whole or portion of the document providing AAFT are acknowledged in the copy or reprint.
The document is considered a ‘live’ draft and feedback is appreciated so that we may continually update the protocols so they reflect current ‘best practise’.
PRE SHEARING PREPARATION
1.1 Plan order of shearing:
Plan the order of shearing by prioritising the fleece types of your alpacas. The highest priority fleece types should be shorn first. For instance, shear the white ultrafine/superfine types first, then the broader whites followed by colours, lighter shades first. The aim of this practise is to avoid the more valuable fleeces being contaminated by fibres from the lesser valued fleeces. Further, lighter fleece colours should be shorn first as the darker the fibre, the greater the limitations on dying. If catering for the eco market where dying is replaced by using natural colours, it is still good practise to shear the lighter colours first.
1.2 Plan layout of classing lines.
Plan where the various fleece lines will be placed within the shed so that the more valuable lines are furthest from the skirting table and shearing area. The reason for this is to ensure contaminant fibres from lesser grade fleeces
are not carried past the more valuable lines.
1.3 Make a list of staffing requirements.
Far too many alpaca shearings are carried out in a hasty manner. In these cases, fleece preparation standards are compromised. It is crucial there is an adequate number of suitably trained and/or experienced staff. The staffing needs to accommodate the work roles of alpaca handling at the point of shearing, sorting fibre at point of shearing, picking up fleeces, maintaining cleanliness of point of shearing, fleece skirter, fleece classer and general duties to help with herding alpacas and odd jobs. Obviously, some staff will be responsible for more than one work role and some roles might be shared with more than one person. Some shearing teams will provide their own staff, however, it remains the breeders responsibility to ensure there is adequate staff.
1.4 Ensure adequate and serviceable equipment is on hand.
Before shearing commences, there should be a stock-check to ensure all relevant equipment such as shed sweeps, bale holders, wool packs, fleece bags, bale fasteners, marking pens and animal husbandry equipment is on hand and serviceable. Normal straw or wisp brooms should be avoided, as the fibres/straw will contaminate fleece lines. Plastic shearing sweeps and vacuum cleaners should be preferred. Containers should be available for necessary small items such as bale fasteners so they do not find their way into fleece packs/bags. All used wool packs and fleece bags should be turned inside out to remove remaining fibres before being re-used for fleece storage. A suitable skirting table should be available. The table should be sufficient size to take an entire fleece from any one alpaca. The table can be square or round, made from wood or metal, and have about 20mm square gaps to allow short fibres to fall through. The design of the skirting table should avoid fibres sticking to the surface area such as occurs with plastic tables.
1.5 Determine fleece classing parameters.
Before shearing, it may be advantageous to speak to potential fleece buyers to determine preferred fleece line parameters, particularly with regard to acceptable limits on fibre diameter and fibre length. For this reason, it is a good idea to have pre-shearing fleece tests carried out on alpacas you consider to have high quality fleeces, and have this data available at shearing.
1.6 Ensure shearing and classing receives adequate lighting
Lighting is critical for effective quality control during shearing in order to keep the area clean of contaminate fibres such as guard hair. Before shearing, a check on serviceability of lights is required and that sufficient lighting is available. Lighting should be provided by fluorescent lights or skylights (natural light).
1.7 Reduce exposure to wind.
The shed or shearing area should be inspected to ensure the area is not at risk of wind as this will create significant problems from fibre contamination.
1.8 Ensure point of shearing has adequate flooring
The most preferred flooring at the point of shearing is wood, with no cracks or sharp edges that can make sweeping the area a problem. With less desirable flooring such as concrete, a rubber matt of sufficient size might be used.
1.9 Clean the shearing area thoroughly
As fibre contamination is one of the most common causes of devaluation of fleeces, the shearing area needs to be thoroughly cleaned before shearing. Items such as baling twine, old fleeces, feed bags, hay, dirt etc should be removed. It is worthwhile that yards and pens be also cleaned.
1.9 Ensure there are sufficient rubbish containers.
Containers should be available for foreign articles found during shearing such as baling twine. Further, containers should also be available for unwanted fleece types such as guard hair. It is a good idea to clearly label these containers so that the staff know what goes where.
CONDUCT OF SHEARING
Brief staff on required work roles and standards. To ensure all work roles are covered by at least one person, areas of responsibility should be made clear to all staff before shearing commences. The briefing should not be carried out in a condescending manner, but should promote a team spirit in achieving professional results. The briefing should acknowledge that a high standard of fleece preparation relies on every staff member, collectively and individually performing his or her work roles.
2.2 Clean alpacas before shearing.
Some alpaca breeders give their alpacas a clean to remove vegetable matter before shearing. The worth of this practise may need evaluation as any vegetable matter easily removed before shearing would be easily removed during the initial scouring during processing. It may, however, be worthwhile if appearance is a critical factor, such as for individual selling at craft markets.
2.3 The saddle areas should be shorn from the alpaca in a manner that avoids contamination Before the first side of the saddle area is removed, many shearers remove contaminating coarse fibres around the belly area. When this is done, the coarse
FLEECE
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 13
fibres should be collected before they have a chance of falling into the saddle area. Ideally, however, the saddle should be removed before any other fleece parts are shorn. Once the first side of the saddle is removed, it should be taken to the skirting table. If the saddle is to be rolled for this, the extremities of the saddle should only come into contact with the other extremities of the saddle, in other words, folded end to end. This avoids the coarse fibres at the edge of the saddle coming into contact with the centre of the saddle. If they come into contact with the centre of the saddle, it is extremely difficult to remove the offending fibres during skirting. The saddle should not be placed on the ground before (or after) skirting.
Before the second side of the saddle is removed, some leg and neck fleece is often shorn. These parts of the fleece, eg legs and neck should be removed and placed in individual bags to avoid contamination. The second side of the saddle should be removed and placed on the skirting table as with the first side of the saddle.
A further option is to remove both sides of the saddle area as one fleece. This is ideally carried out before any other fleece parts are shorn.
2.4 Always sweep between each alpaca.
The accumulation of guard hair and other coarse fibres left after each alpaca is shorn will substantially devalue fleeces. For this reason, the shearing area needs to be swept or wiped before the next alpaca is brought to the point of shearing.
2.5 If possible, sweep or collect guard hair as it is being shorn
As previously mentioned, guard hair or coarse fibres can substantially devalue fleeces. For this reason, efforts should be made to continually remove such fibres during shearing. This should be carried out in a manner that does not jeopardise OH&S standards, nor impede the shearing process.
2.6 Eating and smoking should not occur near shearing area.
Fibre processors have often complained at the amount of food containers and cigarette butts found in fleece consignments. For this reason, lunches etc should be eaten in an area away from the shearing area. An ashtray should be available outside the shearing area.
2.7 Husbandry practices during shearing. Many breeders trim toe nails and teeth during shearing. While these objects can be easily removed during initial stage processing, they do more damage to a reputation than to the actual value of the fleece. If possible, toe and teeth trimmings should not be allowed to enter fleeces.
2.8 Seek feedback from buyers. In order to identify areas for improvement in fleece preparation and classing standards, it is a good idea to seek feedback from buyers and/or processors. This practise also cultivates a credible reputation by showing you are concerned with meeting your ‘customers’ requirements.
SKIRTING FLEECES
3.1 Variation in fibre diameter over the saddle area. The degree of variation over an alpaca has been shown to be slightly correlated to the average fibre diameter. Most alpaca saddles, however, vary by about 2 microns, although at the edge of saddle, the diameter might increase by a further one to three microns. At the edge of the saddle, some clusters of guard hair might be evident. This hair might be as much as 20 microns broader than the centre of the saddle.
3.2 Fleeces should be correctly skirted before storing or packing.
A constant cause of contamination is the storing of
fleeces in bags etc before they are skirted. When placed in bags, the risk of guard hair and other problematic fibres is very high. If guard hair finds its way through a fleece while being bagged, its value will be substantially decreased, or in some severe cases, made worthless. Once skirted, they should be placed immediately in packs or bags.
3.3 ‗High value‘ fleeces should be covered/protected after skirting.
‘High value’ fleeces should be bagged in such as way that contaminants will not be able to enter the bag. Such bags should be securely tied with no open ends. If these fleeces are placed in open fleece lines, the fleece bin or pack should be covered to protect the fleeces from airborne fibres or foreign articles.
3.4 Herd recording.
Shearing is an ideal time to record comments regarding fleece type or fleece problems. Recording comments such as tender fleece, discolouring, high evidence of coarse fibres, fleece rot and fleece weights will help with herd improvement. These comments can also be included with fleece midside samples so that all fleece comments can be included with fibre test data.
PROCEDURE FOR SKIRTING AND CLASSING
A Spread saddles out onto table with the tip side upper most. B Remove obvious faults from centre of saddle such as guard hair, urine stained fibre, excessive vegetable matter and foreign objects. Particular attention should be paid to guard hair and other problem fibres found within the saddle area. If there is a significant amount of guard hair throughout the fleece, the fleece should be downgraded. C Any unwanted colour fibres should be removed
D Look carefully at middle area of saddle to determine the prominent fleece type for that particular fleece, paying attention to crimp and softness (to evaluate variation in fibre diameter) and fibre length. Then work around saddle to remove short fibres, guard hair and other coarse fibres. Normally, the problematic fibres should be confined to 30 mm to 40mm from the edge of the fleece, although they may be evident up to about 100mm from the edge. Guard hair and other coarse fibres are often identifiable by a pointier tip, a harsher feel and a flatter crimp definition. The important issue with this procedure is that skilling can only come with experience.
E Check for ‘soundness’ or tender fibre by holding a fibre bundle (about 5mm in width) and try to break it. Check a couple of fibre bundles to ensure the whole saddle is sound. If tender, the fleece will need to be placed in a ‘tender’ fleece line.
F Place in classing line according to predetermined classing parameters. The best method for determining average fibre diameter is a three point grid test. The next preferred method is to use the mid side test, although it needs to be kept in mind that the mid-side test will be generally between .5 to 1.5 microns finer than the saddle average. Finally, if no test is available, subjective appraisal will have to be relied upon.
FINAL COMMENTS
Following the above guidelines will assist in achieving high standards of shearing and fleece preparation so that fleece values can be maximised. Underpinning these guidelines, however, is the adoption of a diligent and determined approach to presenting premium grade fleeces to their maximum potential, combined with adequate skilling that can only be achieved through experience.
Paul Vallely AAFT 12th July 2014
FLEECE
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 15
This article has been reprinted to help inform our breeders—many new breeders have been enquiring to the control of ticks.
Remember: Even if you have read an article once—you will often glean something new with a fresh read!
HEALTH AND WELFARE
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 16
A friend is cycling Peru and sent this picture back for our
magazine—Editor
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 17
A simple but effective marketing principle to employ is:
CREATE THE CONTACT + FIRST CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE + QUALITY FOLLOW UP = SALES
CASE STUDY:
TICKS FOUND ON CRIA!
This is the story of a two day old cria that was found with ticks on nose and how we treated the situation. 17/09
Fleur is a lovely dark grey Suri cria that was born at 335
days gestation on 17/09/10. Her birth was normal and she was sitting up in kush within 5mins of birth, walking within 10mins and feeding within 1.5hrs. She is a big 7.5kg health girl, born to an experienced mum who bonded well. 18/09
Found Fleur sitting in the middle of the paddock, well away from her mum and other alpacas and crias. This was
not normal behaviour for a new born and she did not run away when approached.
Upon inspection, she had 3 very, very small - almost miniscule ticks on her white nose. I tried to pull them off,
leaving one head behind - using a pair of forcep tweezers, I managed to pull the head out. The ticks were so small we could not determine the type.
Called VET, who advised to put cria in a shaded pen, confined with mum so that she cannot move around too
much, in a stress free environment. Watch to make sure that she did not become wobbly on feet at all. We gave her a very small dose of Cydectin injectable with dosage approved by VET- can cause temporary blindness in very young crias and be toxic if given too much. We also gave the cria vitamin C, B and Cophos injectable. Coated her in a shaded location - if tick affects her over then next few hours, she would not be able to regulate her temperature.
If she showed any symptoms of being affected by the tick, we would have to take her to the VET clinic for serum
treatment. 19/09
Cria survived the night and was just fine the next day.
Had to keep an eye on her for 24hrs as it can take that long for tick to take affect.
Vet adivsed that her clinic had been treating a very high number of both tick and snake bite victims for the past month - even though it seemed to be too early in the season for ticks. Upon checking with other breeders around Queensland, there was also a high prevalence of tick problems as far south as the Gold Coast over the past month. We drenched our whole herd with Cydectin on the day we found the ticks and as agreed with our vet we will be drenching with Cydectin monthly until the wet season in January 2011 hits - to try and avoid any further problems with ticks. It must be noted that in the past four years - we have found one tick only on an alpaca previously.
Supplied by Pfeiffer Park Alpaca Stud
ALPACA CASE STUDY
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 18
CASE STUDY:
CRIA DEATH DUE TO
PREMATURE BIRTH & POSSIBLY
DRENCHING!
This is a very sad story of a healthy, experienced dam who delivered a stillborn cria six weeks prematurely and the possibilities that caused this sad event. LUMINNA's STORY A perfectly healthy, experienced dam was moved from a large paddock with two other females to the maternity paddock. They were all 6-8 weeks off delivery (355 days). It is our farm policy to drench the animals as they move into the maternity paddock, so all three were done.
Next Day
The weather was looking overcast, so I went to the maternity paddock to open the gate to the night pen so that if the rain came the maternity paddock could move to shelter at will.
To my surprise I found Luminna laying on her side, looking like she was in labour ... on closer inspection she was!
I grabbed my cria kit as this cria was going to be 6wks premature.
Suddenly a gush of fluid was thrust from her vulva, along with what looked like half of the placenta! This is not how it should be happening. Luminna got up to her feet and over the next 15 minutes was contracting and pushing and looking very uncomfortable, the placenta still half out. Next a couple of toes came out, but no head. I moved in and wrapped a towel around the legs and gently began to pull with the contractions, but I could not see the nose anywhere. I gloved up and felt inside her only to find that the head was folded down under the chest of the cria. I moved the head to the correct position and them assisted again by pulling with the contractions - the cria came out easily now to the shoulders. Luminna delivered the rest on her own. Very quickly thereafter the placenta followed and broke - with approx 2/3rds of if on the ground and the rest hanging from the vulva. The cria was stillborn - a 3.5kg male dark grey huacya.
Luminna's temperature was normal. I rang the vet who approved Oxytocin shot (hormone to expel the placenta) after 3hrs if it had not come away, along with 5 days of Penicillin in case of infection from any material left behind.
Luminna was given Oxytocin treatment 3 hours later and delivered the remainder of the placenta within 30minutes. We left her with the cria during that time and she sat by its side. We removed the cria with the placenta and move her into a night pen with feed for the night and monitoring to make sure she was okay.
On top of the loss, this was not our cria or dam .... so I had to ring the owner to advise what had happened. A big disappointment, but understood that these things happen sometimes. At least the dam seemed to be okay and we would move forward with a live cria guarantee remating.
In discussions with the vet, it was decided that this could have happened for any number of reasons: - the cria had died for an unknown reason and caused her to go into labour - placenta previa, in that the placenta was coming out ahead of the cria, but that did not explain the premature birth - cria death by suffocation, due to ill presented cria, but still did not explain prematurity - Luminna was drenched the day before with Cydectin. There had been discussion about giving this drench to females in the last trimester recently at an Alpaca Meeting - some breeders do, some don't. My vet was at that meeting and recommended that it not be given. LESSSON LEARNT
We will not be giving a Mectin drench to females in last trimester hereafter.
We will use an approved pour-on for lice/mites
when moving into maternity paddock and do a faecal egg count test to determine any internal parasites.
Thereafter we will seek vet approval to treat if
necessary with an appropriate drench. Supplied by Pfeiffer Park Alpaca Stud
ALPACA CASE STUDY
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 19
Why alpacas perform better than sheep when
on poor quality forage:
• Slower particulate passage time (microbes have longer
to attack structural carbohydrates in C-1 – 63 hours in
alpacas, compared with 41 hours in sheep).
• Faster liquid passage time (constant removal of microbial
protein, vitamins and soluble minerals from C-1 and
C-2 maintains a rapidly dividing population of microbes
which is more efficient. Liquid flow is 10.4% per hour in
alpacas, compared with 7.7% per hour in sheep).
• Greater volume of saliva production (in relation to foregut
volume).
• Efficient output of energy and protein on limited quality
feed.
• Efficient nitrogen balance (by reduction of urea excretion
through kidneys, thereby enabling recycling of urea
through their saliva and directly through the wall of C-1).
Paddock Feed
Alpacas are primarily grazers and eat small amounts of a
wide variety of plants. They will eat approximately 2% of
their body weight in feed per day and prefer shorter pastures.
Ideally they should have a diet consisting of 20% fibre.
They are very effective at extracting nutrients (protein and
energy) from the available feed. Alpacas are efficient recyclers
of urea and protein levels of 10-12% only are required.
Although they can survive harsh conditions they do best on
good quality pasture. The growth of a variety of grasses and
forbs in quality soils will provide your alpacas with good
nutrition.
Care should be taken to avoid poisonous plants in your
pasture or hanging over fences into alpaca paddocks, such as
highly toxic oleander, lantana etc.
Supplementary Feeding
In seasons where pasture becomes limited, alpacas may be supplemented with
good quality pasture hay and/or various grains according to their physiological
state (e.g. pregnancy, lactation, growth, maintenance) and body condition score.
Roughage in the form of hay should be available at all times, especially in spring or
on lush pasture, e.g. irrigation.
Depending on your location, paddock feed may not be adequate throughout the
year for alpacas, particularly those requiring extra nutrition. Pregnant and
lactating females need a higher daily intake than other alpacas.
Australian soils are often deficient in certain minerals and trace elements.
Pastures and soils can be analysed to assess any areas of deficiency and it is
important that this be done to avoid using unnecessary additives.
Alpacas can be supplemented using a commercial mix designed for alpacas, and
some owners have reported success with seaweed meal. Extracts from AAA Alpaca Facts #5
Peruvian studies have shown that alpacas consume tall grasses in the wet season and short grasses in the dry season. Alpacas are
highly adaptable grazers that will eat grass when it is available but they will adapt to sedges during dry periods of low grass
availability.
The sedge family (Cyperaceae) comprises annual and perennial grass-like or rush-like plants which usually show a preference
for marshy or wet places but a few also occur on dry sandy soils with unimproved pasture. On improved pasture, sheep will eat
at least 2.5 times more legumes such as clovers than alpacas, so alpacas still prefer grasses even in this situation.
Reasons why nutrition is so important:
Viable birth weights
Proper growth rates
Proper development of all body parts, eg.
Straight legs etc.
Disease resistance
Eliminates the need for injections re
selenium, vitamins E,A,&D
Healthy skin, thus proper follicle and fibre
alignment
NUTRITION
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 20
Sire Name Colour IAR Stud Stud Fee Photo
Alpha Centauri
Tahvo Huacaya,
Solid White
134917
Cobaki Creek Alpacas $450.00
Encantador Alonzo (ET)
Huacaya,
Light Fawn
118157
Cobaki Creek Alpacas $500.00
Grand Flowerdale
Traviator
Huacaya Medium
Fawn 130107 Creekside Alpacas $600.00
Erragolia Double
Ice Huacaya,
Solid White
129715 Erragolia Alpacas $ 400
Wilari Park
Ballantyne Huacaya,
Solid White
72710 Erragolia Alpacas $ 200.00
Erragolia Collaroy Huacaya,
Dark Fawn
114843 Erragolia Alpacas $ 300 .00
Longueville Park
Black Opal Huacaya Black 50527 Erragolia Alpacas Co
Owned with Misty
Mountain
$ 300 .00
Janda
MONTE CARLO
HUACAYA
Solid White
72948 Jacaranda Alpacas $300.00
Wyona
CENOTAPH
Huacaya Solid
Black 115482 Longueville Park $660.00
Longueville
Park
RHYLEY
Huacaya Solid
Black 86100 Longueville Park $770.00
Send in your favourite
Alpaca photos
HERD SIRES
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 21
Longueville
Park
PEGASUS
Huacaya Solid
Black 140623 Longueville Park $880.00
Longueville
Park
PHOENIX
Huacaya Solid
Black 149919 Longueville Park $880.00
Longueville
Park
BRIGANTINE
Huacaya Solid
Black 159784 Longueville Park $770.00
Pacofino
RITZVILLE
Suri Solid
Dark Fawn 125158 Mangowood
Alpacas
$880.00
Balfour Haven
Noble Monarch
Huacaya
Dark Fawn 125054 Misty Mountain Stud $500
Silcron
Mars
Huacaya
Dark Fawn
74257 McLaren Vale
Alpacas
$300
Arcady Auberon
Kallarro Huacaya Grey Kallaroo Alpacas POA
Barkala Garcia Solid White 91399 Nattameri Alpacas $400.00
Arcady Hoax Huacaya
Rose Grey 15538 Stanmore Park
Alpacas $500.00
Criadero Fidel Huacaya Solid
Black 95506 Wahgungurry Alpacas $400.00
Ninbella Matt Huacaya
Medium Fawn 74124 Wahgungurry Alpacas $400.00
HERD SIRES
AAA Involvement in 5000 Poppies Project
As part of the 2015 Anzac Commemoration, marking 100 years since the Anzac Gallipolli landing, the 5000 Poppies project will be "planting" a field of more than 25,000 (probably more like around 50,000) poppies in Federation Square,
Melbourne as a stunning visual tribute to Australian servicemen and women for more than a century of service in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Donated ribbons not used during the show will be distributed throughout NSW and VIC for participants to make
poppies. For any further information, to lend a hand, post your ribbons/completed poppies or suggest a display venue for 11 Nov, 2014, please contact: Cath Lukin m 0400 076 432
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 22
Value add to your business by advertising in The Alpaca Advocate
The Advocate is sent to all Regional Members, All AAA Directors, AAA
Regional Presidents and Regional Newsletter Editors. We often have
subscriptions from people interested in our industry from Intro to alpaca
workshops.
Our reasonable rates:
Full Page $ 85.00
Half Page $ 40.00
Quarter Page $ 25.00
Classified—Business Card size $ 10.00 (4 for $36)
Special Offer: 10% discount for 4 Adverts - discount applied on the 4th Advert.
Subscription— 4 copies $22.00 per year.
Advertise on the
SthQLD-NNSW web page
Cost:
$20 for 3 months
$30 for 6 months
$50 a year
Contact our Webmaster for more in de-
tails.
Regional Merchandise
Have you considered giving Alpaca Product for your Christmas presents?
It is easy to buy from our Regional Products online.
GO TO : Our Regional Website
ENTER Your Password
Follow instructions
OR
Contact Bob Coxon on 02 66459092 [email protected] for more information
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 23
Spring IN THE Paddock
Clover
Red and white clover are two types of clover commonly used to plant or replant pastures, and are very useful in improving the
quality of the pasture already in existence by providing nitrogen. For grazing, though, white clover is your best choice. Clover is a
legume rather than a grass, which means it belongs to the plant family Leguminosae.
The existing pasture forages should be no higher than one inch when you start planting. Choose a certified brand of seed, then plan to plant it in late February or early March on a day that's not windy, hot or dry. Also avoid planting when the soil is dry. Preferably, you'll plant when there is still some frost on the ground. As the frost dries, the seeds will be brought down to the soil for germination. When you plant, if your pasture is not sodded, you can use the broadcast technique to plant by walking the pasture and throwing out the seed onto the ground. If the pasture is sodded, you will need to use a tractor with a disc attachment to disc up
alternating strips of the pasture to broadcast the seeds on. Use 1 kilo of white clover per acre, or 4kg of red clover per acre.
Clover grows best in higher pH levels than other pasture forages, and also needs more phosphate and potash to be present in the
soil. Work with a local agent to get a soil test. After the test, the agent will advise you on liming the pasture for best growth results
of your clover. Don't use nitrogen fertilizer, though, as that will cause the existing grass in the pasture to start growing.
The Importance of Soil Analysis and Testing for Australian Growers
Agronomists and growers should not under estimate how important it is to do proper and timely soil analysis and testing. It is important to note that the information received from soil analysis and testing, particularly as it relates to local conditions across Australia, is highly dependent on how the samples are obtained, the overall agricultural soil testing
strategy used, and the procedures employed by the soil testing lab.
The details below are derived from procedures based on over a decade of soil analysis and testing by one of the most respected certified soil testing labs in Australia. These details should assist Australian agronomists, growers, consultants, and
governmental departments in collecting soil samples prior to submitting them for chemical analysis.
Soil Analysis and Soil Testing
Our tests provide you with a complete report on the status of your soil’s mineral and micronutrient makeup. The information contained in this report provides growers and agronomists with valuable guidance on proper fertiliser selection and micronutrient
applications.
These soil tests include: Total Soil (with PBI) (S7): pH (H2O), pH (CaCl2), EC, S, P, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al, Cl, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, B, NH4-N, NO3-N, % Organic Matter, colour, texture, Lime requirement, CEC, Ca/Mg ratio, % Base saturation & PBI.
Better crops, better food. Water, Soil, & Plant Lab Results in 5 Days www.phosynanalytical.com.au
PADDOCKS
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 24
DO YOU WANT TO BE PART OF AAA'S
NEW AND EXCITING PRODUCT CATALOGUE?
In 2015 the AAA is publishing a Product Catalogue in addition to the annual magazine, ‘Australian Alpaca, An Introduction to Alpacas’. Alpaca product is of interest to a wide range of potential customers, many of whom are not in a position to own and/or breed animals. A strong product market is essential for the alpaca industry to grow locally and the AAA can help strengthen this area through a visible Product Catalogue. The Product Catalogue target audience is members of the public who are interested in alpaca products, but not necessarily in becoming alpaca owners. It will be incorporated into the Annual Magazine (giving an idea of the potential and significance of alpaca product to newcomers to the industry) but will also be printed and distributed as a separate catalogue. The combined reach of these publications will be a print run of 30,000 copies, providing a large presence to our target market. The Product Catalogue will showcase the best of alpaca product (fashion, homewares and craft) and we are currently looking for advertisers in this exciting new venture. Participants in the catalogue simply need to commit to this offer and provide the AAA with their own products before October 16, we will arrange professional photography and graphic design. Providing product rather than photos will ensure that all photos are of the same consistent quality and style. Goods will be returned after photography if return postage is included. Please find attached a mock-up Yarn Page (made up of business card sized ads) and a mock-up page of Quarter Page Ads to give you an idea of the possible lay-out of the catalogue. Please bear in mind that we are in the early stages of designing the catalogue and these mock-up pages have been included just to give you an idea of how the advertisements will be pulled together. The final design will depend on the products being presented. We need to get the Product Catalogue printed early in 2015, so that it is ready for distribution by the end of summer, as most alpaca products are more appealing during the Autumn and Winter months. In order to do so, we need to gauge interest in the catalogue as soon as possible, with product being supplied to the office by October 16. 2015 Product Catalogue pricing information - special introductory prices only valid for this year Full page - $950 Half page - $625 Quarter page - $450 Business card sized - $175
Please contact either Vicky ([email protected])
or Esmé ([email protected])
as soon as possible to secure your place in this new publication.
Further details will be discussed with advertisers when they confirm their interest.
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 25
CASE STUDY: ULCERATED CORNEA
At this time of the year it is quite common for alpacas to get infections in their eyes. Treated quickly the eye will make a full recovery. Often the alpacas eye will be weeping, or partly closed, the eye will look white and will develop very quickly without treatment. The cause of the eye injury is usually a scratch or seed. The characteristic sign is a white spot on the surface of the eye and the eye will have a cloudy look
Treatment is by VET prescription ointment Opticlox in eye twice daily,
until at least 4 days after the eye has returned to normal. The alpaca will make a full recovery. Occasionally a small white dot on the eye may remain
Pauline - Wahgungurry Alpaca Stud.
ALPACA CASE STUDY
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 26
Declaring 2015 the Australian Year of the Alpaca.
Interesting Websites:
The listing of these websites is simply for interest and the information is not a recommendation. e.g. on health matters, please consult with your Vet.
www.owning-alpaca.com (Excellent site, has instructions for washing fleece, craft projects, felting etc, packed with information.)
www.alpaca-uk.co.uk (Articles)
www.camelidsupplies.com.au (Supplier)
www.alpaca.org.nz (Info & Articles)
www.thinklivestock.com (Suppliers of
Vaccination Equipment)
W T T O D A Y R J F D S H X
B A R B E R S P O L E F H T
L E A D F N H G K O P L A D
C L C K X V K A H A H O Y T
S B T K F U D T E N T A R M
P S O H S I R E E G F T Y A
O R R O T O Y G K U L P J C
N F S S E K C R T A E L O H
S C U T W X X A T R E I L I
O A P U A H H S U D C E K N
R F R B R H I S H H F R P E
F Y E M D W J P J H J S E F
L K M W R B U C K E T R N L
E Y E L D E E N S R N I S E
I V S C H A M P I O N G W E
S E E W W E A T H E R I A C
E Y S H O W E R S U R I O E
K G W T K L O L E I T O E S
U W O R K P B O O T S A I D
S P I N N I N G W H E E L D
barbers pole
bucket
champion
eye
dry
fleeces
float
hay
heel
host
gate
grass
guard
lead
machine
needle
pliers
pens
sponsor
spinning wheel
sire
show
steward
supreme
suri
today
toes
tractor
tent
weather
work boots
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 27
Shearers Bob Dunn (02) 4930 3446
Chris Powers 0438653782
Drew Shearman (02) 49201507
Ted Winnell (Casino) (02) 66625379 Mob: 0427 343991
Bernie McInerney Mob: 0429 668240
Dusty the Aussie Shearer 0422 946697
Mike Snow via Kelli Pfeiffer [email protected]
Contacting fellow breeders in your Region for a recommendation is probably the best way to
locate a shearer.
Arrange well ahead of time as the shearers are booked out quickly.
The AAA Website also has a list of shearers on the home page. qldnsw.alpaca.asn.au
Fibre Testing Micron Man Pty Ltd
Email for more information
New England Fibre Testing Service
Walcha 02 6777 2122
Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA)
Geelong office 03 5277 9842
Melbourne office 03 9371 2100
Australian Alpaca Fleece Testing (AAFT) (AWEX accredited)
Paul Vallely, PO Box 246, Crookwell, NSW 2583
Phone/Fax: 02 4834 2132
International Fibre Centre, Gordon Institute of TAFE, Geelong
Geelong 03 5227 2358
Howe, Watts & Co
Mudgee 02 6373 3403
Riverina Wool Testers Pty Ltd
Wagga Wagga 02 6925 1407
Riverina Fleece Testing Services (RFTS)
Wodonga 02 6026 0551
Southern Tablelands Fibre Testing (STFT) (AWEX Accredited)
Kim Cartwright, Thalaba Downs, Laggan 2583
Phone/Fax: 02 4837 3210 Mobile: 0427 373 211
SHEARING
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 28
470 gms buttercake cake mix
1/4 cups desiccated coconut toasted
120 gms butter chopped
2 eggs
400 gms canned sliced peaches—drained
250 mls sour cream
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp sugar
Method
STEP 1 Pre-heat oven to 180C.
STEP 2 Process butter cake, cooled coconut, butter and 1 egg in food processor to form a soft dough.
STEP 3 Spread dough evenly over a greased and lined slice tin. Bake for 25 minutes until golden. Cool slightly.
STEP 4 Spread drained peaches evenly over base.
STEP 5 Mix sour cream, egg and cinnamon together and spread over peaches. Sprinkle with sugar.
STEP 6 Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes until top is set and knife comes out cleanly when inserted.
STEP 7 Cool in tray and cut into slices. Serve as is or with ice cream.
Sent in by Anne Bright
Anne made this slice for our
last meeting– Just the BEST!!
Recipe provided by Robyn, Cement Australia, originated from QCL.
―BLOODY BEAUTIFUL SLICE!‖
Caramel Walnut Crunch
1 can Condensed Milk
½ cup sugar
185g/6oz butter
2 tbsp golden syrup
185g arrowroot biscuits
125g walnut pieces (or 110g Macadamia Nuts)
125g dark or milk chocolate
30g copha
1. Break biscuits roughly into a 28 x 18cm tray, greased and lined with foil. (Break, don’t crush). Spread
nuts over the biscuits.
2. In a saucepan combine condensed milk, golden syrup, sugar and butter. Stir over low heat until melted.
Gradually increase heat until boiling, stirring constantly. Cook until golden brown 7 –10 minutes.
3. Spoon over biscuits and nuts. Put in fridge for about 1 hour.
4. Melt chocolate and copha and spoon over mixture. Leave in fridge until set. Cut with a hot knife.
This is an old Favourite
Quick and Easy
RECIPES
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 29
Tex~Paca ~ all to do with the use of Alpaca fibre.
CRAFT
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 30
Spring is probably the busiest season in the garden. Plants are waking up, mulch needs to be removed, winter
clean-up has to be done, and all before you can start planting this year's garden.
Get whatever you can transplanted now, before the weather turns hot and the mosquitoes take over.
Mulch around trees and shrubs. Give the Citrus a good dose of alpaca mulch right out to the edge of
canopy.
Make sure you water, if rain is not regular.
Replace cool season flowers and crops as they begin to fade, with warm season plants.
Keep and eye out for grasshopper infestations.
Start seeds of warm season plants.
Keep feeding flowering annuals don’t forget to debud your old flowers on
calendulas and pansies.
Give your spring flowering plants a good dose of Liquid manure to get
them through the warmer days.
Check citrus trees for pests like citrus leaf miner (contorted or misshapen
leaves), aphids, scab, scale, whitefly and mites
Enjoy the warm days of spring and the flowering trees.
~ SPRING Edition 2014~ Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition 2014~ 31
BLU-HAVEN LODGE
WARADENE NOTRADAMUS DELILAH
BEST ROAN HUACAYA
LONGUEVILLE PARK
PEGASUS
1ST BLACK 60M & OVER
HUACAYA
18 –30months Roan
BLU-HAVEN LODGE KOBDEN JAMES