A new and exciting piece of ‘kit’ for the decision toolbox is colour genotyping. Knowing the genetic colour of your animals and what colour mutations they carry will significantly contribute to or detract from your breeding goals.
Approximately 5 years ago the National Council (NC) and the Showing & Judging Sub-committee (SJSC) put out a questionnaire to the membership asking for input about splitting the Grey/Roan classes. At that time it was decided that if the convenors were happy to split the classes, then they could have their next show schedule reflect the split and become separate classes as an option available to them.
This was given a trial period and the feedback now is that there is a wish to formalise the split for all AANZ sanctioned shows - such a split would necessitate a rule change which to date has not happened.
The number of Roan coloured alpacas has increased hugely in the past few years, and at a recent meeting of the SJSC, they unanimously voted for recommending to the NC, the splitting of the Grey/Roan classes in much the same way as the White/Light fawn split a few years ago.
The (NC) supports this recommendation and has duly ratified the separation of these classes. These hanges will come into effect 14 days from the date of this notice and be entered into the Show Rules and Regulations.
Regards
The National Council
A new and exciting piece of ‘kit’ for the decision toolbox is colour genotyping. Knowing the genetic colour of your animals and what colour mutations they carry will significantly contribute to or detract from your breeding goals.
Scientists at Aberystwyth University are researching whether grazing alpacas alongside other animals could help farmers tackle climate change. The new project will explore the efficiency and environmental benefits of grazing […]
The Alpaca Coat Colour Test has been developed in collaboration with Dr. Kylie Munyard from Curtin
University of Western Australia, who has conducted extensive research in the area of alpaca coat colour
genetics.
A new and exciting piece of ‘kit’ for the decision toolbox is colour genotyping. Knowing the genetic colour of your animals and what colour mutations they carry will significantly contribute to or detract from your breeding goals.
Colour genotyping identifies what mutations are carried on the two colour genes (ASIP and MC1R). This is important if you are wishing to breed white or light fawns, as for these colours to be expressed research indicates two dilution mutations are required.
Colour genotyping allows you to predict the percentage chance of a particular colour cria from a particular mating.
Want to breed greys or don’t want to breed greys… colour genotyping will identify if your animal carries the grey KIT gene.
To learn more, register for the Colour Code Conference, Auckland, 17 June 2023.