Alpaca Follicle Density Testing USA

A completely new, extended and innovative follicle density testing service for United States alpaca breeders!

Download the Biopsy Identification Sheet. (new window, PDF, 33KB)
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Buy tests offline (new window, PDF, 43KB)
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Skin biopsy testing is an objective way of understanding the genetic value of some measurable traits, against what we guess them to be through subjective visual and tactile assessment. Objective measurements not only detail what the values truly are but also provide breeders with the opportunity to adjust the subjectivity with which they assess those same traits by touch and eye.

For example, many breeders assess density by squeezing the fleece in their hand and opening the fleece to see how much fiber is between their fingers and the skin. The reality is that neither practices are reliable indicators of density—if the skin cannot be seen, the animal may not be as dense as one where the skin can be seen, and compression (squeezing) is not a reliable indicator of density either—but skin biopsy data is absolute!

Density is measured by follicles/mm² but by itself, this measure is next to meaningless. It is helpful to understand the Secondary:Primary ratio (S:P), the difference between in-skin micron counts for both primary and secondary follicle diameters, the Standard Deviation (SD) of both types of fibers, average daily growth rate of the fiber and the degree of stretch (indicating amplitude) which is associated with crimp frequency.

The more of these individual traits that line up as being better than previous sires, makes for better, more reliable and more predictable breeding decisions. Inversely, the fewer traits that line up, the less reliable the quality of the breeding decision.

The cost of the test can be either seen to be expensive or an investment in the future genetic potential of the breeding plan and the herd.

If the test results support superior genetics, the investment is positive. If the test shows less than desirable genetic potential, this is also a plus—the fee saves the breeder from introducing lower quality genetics into the herd: a form of genetic insurance.

The test itself can be done by the breeder or can be done by a veterinarian—it is not difficult, is quick and is no worse than a shearing cut.

A kit is sent to the breeder containing everything the sampler needs including the biopsy punch, bottle with formalin, baggie for the fleece sample, addressed padded bag for return of the sample, instruction sheet, information sheet and checklist.

The fee of $250 is payable when the biopsy is returned for processing in a laboratory in Australia (no laboratory does the test we require in the USA).

The breeder receives a written report and histograms by direct email with the fleece sample test data put on a breeder webpage at www.alpacastats.com.

The kits can be ordered from
Alpaca Consulting USA
1540 San Bernardo Creek Road
Morro Bay California 93442
+ 1 805 772 1774
info@alpacaconsultingusa.com

Skin Biopsy Sampling Procedure

The collection of a skin biopsy may be done by any competent person. Owners with any doubts about their abilities or skills are advised to consult their veterinarian.

Suggested sampling technique:

The sample site is over the third last rib, seven inches down from the vertical of the backbone

A fleece sample is collected from the site of the biopsy—this sample should be about the size of a man’s thumb

The biopsy site has fiber cut as close to the skin as possible with fine scissors or, preferably, shaved, leaving approximately 2 square inches of bare skin

The biopsy punch is placed against the skin and firm pressure applied with a twisting motion (through 90 degrees at minimum). Apply the pressure and finger motion confidently and quickly. The rib bone will provide resistance behind the site and a difference in pressure felt will indicate when the punch is through the skin

When the punch is through the skin, remove it and clip the sample free of the underlying muscle or fat with a pair of nail scissors preferably boiled (or washed in antiseptic) for the exercise—often the skin sample will come out with the punch

Place the sample in the bottle and complete the details on the label, making sure to firmly tighten the cap

Swab the area with betadine or a similar antiseptic. It may be necessary, in isolated cases, to apply a blood clotting powder to stem any blood flow but this is not usually needed

It is not considered necessary to stitch the wound as it will scab over quickly and scar to a flat surface. Stitching takes time and can result in a scar which can be a problem at shearing

Dispose of the punch carefully as it is very sharp. Use a new punch for each animal

Place the sample bottle in the padded mailing bag with the completed information form, your check and fiber sample, and mail it

Download the Biopsy Identification Sheet. (new window, PDF, 33KB)
Buy tests online
Buy tests offline (new window, PDF, 43KB)
AFTUSA customer login

Alpaca Fiber Testing USA is owned and operated by Alpaca Consulting USA.

For further information, contact Ian at

Alpaca Consulting USA
1540 San Bernardo Creek Road
Morro Bay California 93442
+ 1 805 772 1774
info@alpacaconsultingusa.com