The Latest On: EPDs

December 4, 2016

Genetic Change, Part Four: Generational Interval

Generation interval affects the rate of genetic change simply because the more rapidly one generation of improved alpacas replaces the previous one, the faster the gain. It is determined by the average age of 1) producing males and 2) females in a given herd. Alpacas have a generation interval of four to six years for females and approximately five years for males, although this interval will vary from herd to herd. 141 total views, 1 views today

141 total views, 1 views today

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November 27, 2016

Genetic Change, Part Three: Genetic Variation

Genetic variation is extremely important to the rate of genetic gain. The more variation for a particular trait in a population, the more potential there is for change. EPD’s allow breeders to maximize the use of genetic variation. They become a scientific way to use corrective mating together with variability between alpacas to your advantage. 82 total views

82 total views

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November 20, 2016

Genetic Change, Part Two: Selection Intensity

Selection intensity means being highly selective of the progeny produced by the high-quality parents you have chosen for foundation stock, and retaining in your herd only the offspring that exhibit a superior expression of the heritable qualities for which you are selecting. This ensures that breeding values will remain high and that each generation of offspring should improve. 55 total views

55 total views

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November 13, 2016

Genetic Change, Part One: Selection Accuracy

Selection accuracy is important if any improvement or gain is to be made. This means the traits you select for must be heritable, and the animals you choose for parents must have high breeding value for the traits under selection. 114 total views

114 total views

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