Across-herd Genetic Evaluation (AGE) for Alpaca

AGE Trait List
Breeders can submit performance information for any of the following OPTIONAL list of traits - ONLY

AbbrTrait Name *UnitsDetails and assessment
FDFibre Diametermicron Mean Fibre Diameter - mid-side fleece sample
CVCoefficient of Variation of FD%CV is SD divided by mean FD x 100 to provide % variability of FD - mid-side sample
SDStandard Deviation of FDmicronSpread of fibres above and below mean FD containing two thirds of the mid-side sample
CFComfort Factor % Percentage of fibres up to and less than 30 microns - mid-side sample
SFSpinning FinenessmicronCalculation of FD CV to represent spinning quality - mid-side sample
CurvCurvatureDeg./mmFibre curvature (degrees/mm) related to crimp frequency - mid-side sample
Med Medullation % % Tested Medullation (% of fibres tested with medullation) - mid-side sample. (Can be tested for white only)
SSStaple StrengthN/KtexTested Staple Strength (Newton/Ktex) - mid-side sample
SLStaple Length mmStaple Length (mm) as measured (not adjusted) - at the mid-side (average of three measurements)
FWFleece WeightkgTotal shorn Fleece Weight - as measured (not adjusted to 12 months)
SFWSkirted Fleece WeightkgSkirted Fleece Weight (kg) - as measured (not adjusted to 12 months)
MAMating agemthAge (months) at mating that produces the first live cria
CWCria WeightkgBody Weight at birth (kg)
BWBody Weight kgBody Weight (kg)
TestLTesticular LengthmmAverage size (length in mm) of both testicles
LustLustre1 to 5Lustre: The degree of fleece lustre - standard score 1 [high] to 5 [low] - midside assessment
GHGuard Hair1 to 5Guard Hair: Level of guard hair across the entire fleece - standard score 1 [low] to 5 [high]
BiteBite1 to 5Bite: the alignment of teeth and pad - standard score 1 [under] to 5 [over]
FramFrame1 to 5Frame: The size and proportion of an alpaca - standard score 1 [large & heavy] to 5 [small & light]
FCFace Cover1 to 5Face Cover: The area of the face covered with long fibre - standard score 1 [bare] to 5 [covered]
SkinTSkin thicknessmmSkin thickness from special lab test of mid-side 1 cm skin sample
SFDSkin follicle density f/sq mm Skin follicle density (follicles/sq mm) - lab test mid-side skin sample
SPSec:Primary follicle ratioratioSkin secondary to primary follicle ratio - lab test mid-side skin sample
WormInternal WormsYes/No Had significant internal worms - Yes or No
StagStaggersYes/NoHad Rye Grass/Phalaris/Paspalum 'Staggers' - Yes or No
EczeFacial EczemaYes/NoHad Facial Eczema - Yes or No
HeatHeat StressYes/NoHad significant heat stress - Yes or No

* All traits in the above table are optional and the order of listing is no indication of importance. However, traits particularly recommended for recording include: FD, CV, CF, SL and FW. At present, Alpaca Breeding Values can only be calculated from the major traits being recorded by breeders - but as more data is recorded additional ABVs will be able to be reported.