For many people, summer brings thoughts of beaches, the anticipation of new crias, long, hot days, and finally tackling projects such as painting the barn. For Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) judges, however, this summer has been devoted to something entirely different: an intensive study of alpaca fiber.

In June, 17 AOA judges representing five countries gathered for an educational experience focused on one goal: improving the accuracy and consistency of fiber assessment through objective measurements.

Before the judges arrived, the participating alpacas and their fleeces underwent several forms of objective analysis. These included skin biopsies to evaluate follicular density and other follicle characteristics, Optical Fiber Diameter Analyzer 2000 (OFDA2000) testing to evaluate fiber diameter and related fleece characteristics, and Fiber-Den analysis to measure fiber density and hair-duct density at the skin surface.

Derik King, Amanda VandenBosch, and Dr. Norm Evans of Fiber Analytics collected and analyzed the data in collaboration with Dr. Edgar Quispe and Dr. Gustavo Gutiérrez-Reynoso of Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (UNALM) in Peru. Together, they compiled data on 150 Huacaya and Suri alpacas representing a broad range of genetics within the study group.

This work created a valuable learning opportunity. Judges first evaluated the fleece on each alpaca before shearing. They then examined the shorn fleece and assessed each animal’s conformation after shearing. Throughout the process, each judge documented observations and evaluations in a study binder before comparing those assessments with objective measurements.

The opportunity to discuss results, compare observations, and compare hands-on evaluations with objective measurements gave judges another way to deepen their understanding of fleece traits. By the conclusion of the study session, each judge had assembled a detailed reference that can support future education and calibration.

The project is only beginning. The judges will reconvene in December to continue reviewing the existing data, evaluate additional fleeces, and further compare hands-on assessments with objective measurements.

This initiative gives AOA judges an opportunity to study fleece traits alongside an extensive set of objective measurements. The knowledge gained can help strengthen the consistency and accuracy of fiber assessment while supporting continued judge education.

Special appreciation goes to the many volunteers whose time and dedication made the project possible. We also thank Randy and Barbara Coleman for generously hosting the study on their farm, and the National Alpaca Foundation for providing grant support for this important initiative.