Understanding the genetic foundations of desirable traits in alpacas, such as fiber quality, coat color, and the prevention of inherited disorders, is vital for the continued success of breeding programs. In a study led by Dr. F. Abel Ponce de León and his colleagues, researchers are exploring a relatively uncharted area of alpaca genetics: structural genomic variation (SV). These large-scale DNA alterations, which can involve insertions, deletions, inversions, or duplications, often have a greater impact on phenotype than single-nucleotide changes. Utilizing long-read DNA sequencing technologies and advanced bioinformatics, the team has identified nearly 50,000 SVs across alpacas of varying coat colors. Among these, one particularly compelling inversion involving the ASIP gene—a key player in pigment production—may offer new insights into the genetic basis of coat color variation. This blog post provides an overview of these findings and their potential implications for genetic testing and selective breeding in South American camelids.
Triple T Alpaca is a three-generation alpaca farm located in Central Minnesota. Due to our family’s schedule and Central Minnesota’s climate, our chosen birthing season runs from May to August. This schedule allows us to shear the crias shortly after birth, promoting healthy fleece growth in preparation for our often unpredictable cold weather. Here’s how we approach the birthing season—what’s worked for us and why.
“Good nutrition is essential for alpaca health and quality fiber production,” says Mazuri Ph.D. and alpaca researcher Dr. Jen Parsons.
This picture says it all. On this day we were hosting an event and with all that is going on in the world, I looked around and EVERYONE had the biggest smile on their face. It was wonderful.
That was the day I knew we needed Alpacas in our lives.
RVers are everywhere, traveling up and down every interstate. They are adventurers by nature and looking for unique experiences in the places they stay.
If COVID is once again slowing down your farm visits then it’s time to get creative.
Homeschool groups, Scout Troops, and if you have enough room, public schools are looking for unique ways to learn.
There has been much conversation on social media about the ELD Mandate. Our goal is to share information to make our membership aware of the mandate and where they may learn more. From time to time, we will be sharing material from our members on timely issues.
While this article is not intended to cover every aspect of the mandate, we encourage you to research how this may impact your farm. We will continue to put out additional information on the issue as we learn more.
Thank you to our guest blogger, Rick Johnson. Rick and Char Johnson own Happy Tails Alpaca Farm in China Grove, NC.
Ah, another year of the AOA Student Design Competition is coming to a close. The eight finalists will be coming to the AOA National Fleece Show in Denver in a few weeks. It will be great fun to meet them in person, spend some time with a group of 18- to 21-year-old students getting ready to launch their careers in designing fashions and textiles, and hopefully utilize alpaca fiber as they go along. That's the hope.
Isn’t it exciting when a new issue of Alpacas Magazine arrives in your mailbox? All those lovely photos and informative articles — what a great excuse to skip barn chores for the afternoon! I expect many readers have thought exactly that. On the other hand, have you ever wondered what’s behind each issue’s arrival in their mailbox. Here’s the “behind-the-covers” story.
