An introduction to evaluating alpaca fleece attributes and interpreting alpaca fibre tests

Based on research conducted with Australian alpacas, the article discusses the sources and extent of variation within the alpaca fleece, looks at the most appropriate method of sampling alpaca fleeces, and considers the application of this information for evaluating fibre test results. It concludes that if alpacas are to be selected for characteristics such as low mean fibre diameter and high fleece weight, then a mid side sampling site is recommended. If alpacas are to be selected for low mean fibre diameter coefficient of variation and low incidence of medullated fibres, then the saddle grid sampling techniques is recommended.