Kerala, India
As the choice grows, the buyer needs to become more discerning.
The key for breeders, whether purchasing a male or buying stud services, is to match the specific attributes of the stud being considered, to the gaps in your breeding programme, and hope that the stud in question will pass on those attributes into your herd.
There is no overall “better/best” in all of this – no overall brilliant stud, way ahead of the rest. Different studs offer different strengths. Go and see the stud(s) on offer, enquire about genetic background, get hands on the progeny, examine the documents for shear weights and microns, ask for genetic evaluation data, and match the information you gain to your specific herd improvement need.
BREEDING GOALS:
What is your breeding goal? If you have not established one – develop one. It may be breeding fine fibered whites for the commercial fleece market. Or attractive dark brown alpacas with white faces and socks, and a pleasant temperament for pets.
Alpaca breeders should breed “up”, to add quality and/or vigor and diversity to the herd. Now that we have genetic evaluation systems available, what is being bred for can be measured and quantified.
The use of “venerable ancestors” has had a tremendous positive influence on herds globally, and now, after years of selective breeding, their improved sons and grandsons are available as studs. The improved but lesser known son should be a better value purchase than the lauded venerable ancestor or unproven, unknown import.
For fiber breeding goals please remember that different fiber characteristics suit different markets and products. What crimp style do you want to breed? Are you after density or fineness? Standard deviation and coefficient of variation considerations? Your fiber breeding goals must synchronize with your product intentions for them to succeed.
Whatever your breeding goal is, to maximize your return from the stud fee or male purchase, you need to ensure the male is best suited for your female and your breeding plan.