‘Feeding for Fibre’
Project overview.
Following a series of workshops on alpaca fleece quality conducted in the UK and Europe over 2015/16 by AAFT, it was apparent there was a knowledge gap surrounding the issue of pre and post natal nutrition and its potential benefits towards fleece quality of resultant progeny. Although there is historical data on the effect of nutrition on wool quality both in sheep and goats – especially merino and mohair, there has been insufficient data for camelids;in particular, the question of promoting density of secondary fibres and improving the secondary to primary fibre ratio.
Work discussed by Paul Vallely of AAFT has shown the work conducted in the merino sheep industry has highlighted the importance of the final trimester of pregnancy and initial feeding of lambs to achieve quality fleece production. Some work on camelids, more especially alpaca, has supported the data on sheep and it would seem reasonable to assume parallels across the life cycle. In is known that alpaca are more efficient carbohydrate (feed fibre) utilisers than small ruminants
Work presented by Fowberry Alpacas to AAeV did observe the impact of a high plane nutrition introduced in the third trimester of pregnancy in improving both fleece quality/density and cria conformity.
However, there are few, if any, trials that quantify when, where and how nutrition specifically influences fleece quality and yield.
Through a series of discussions, a partnership of AAFT, Askham Bryan College, GWF Nutrition and Fowberry Alpacas has been developed with the intention of designing a series of trials to address these questions.
In the first instance, with contributions from AAFT and GWF Nutrition combined with sponsorship promised by BAS and AAeV, a call was sent out for volunteers to take part into what could be the largest alpaca nutrition project to date.
The Trial.
The purpose of the trial is to investigate whether an increase in nutrition during pregnancy will improve the quality of the fleece of the cria. By looking at second and third trimester nutrition boost we can narrow down to where the development of secondary fibres actually occurs.
Askahm Bryan College are setting out their protocol for data collection which will include recording of hembra and cria condition, weight etc. and cria fleece characteristics.
Feeding Regime
In discussion with GWF nutrition, and in consultation with the respective studs, we will recommend a regime that raises the plane of nutrition but also allows us to have differential levels, so impact of energy, protein and other nutrients may be indicated. It is expected this will point the way to future, more tailored nutritional trials.
Depending on actual birthdates feed deliveries will commence early December.
The Contributers
As well as the partnership outlined above, Tom Shurlock, Nutritionist (Project Coordinator) and Ashley Marshall of Westpoint Farm Vets are helping in overseeing the trials. Alpaca herds involved in the trial areBarnacre, Beacon, Brockadale, Bozedown, Legacy, Mullacott and Sandhills Alpacas with the potential to increase the number of herds at a later date.
The ‘Feeding for Fibre’ Project Team
November 2017