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BAS Training Courses

BAS promotes and provides education and training for members and the general public in all aspects of alpaca ownership and management.

BAS offer three levels of training on alpaca evaluation on fleece and conformation: Introduction, Intermediate & Advanced, structured as follows:

Introduction to Alpaca evaluation on conformation and fleece

Either a one-day course, delivered in person (class room based), or 4 sessions of around 2 hours by  Zoom over 4 consecutive weeks. 

Content

  • Basic conformation including teeth, stature, genitalia, legs, gait and body scoring. Introduction to the breed standard and the points of an alpaca.  
  • Fleece – how to recognise the different qualities and traits of fibre including fineness, density, crimp, uniformity, length, colour, and an introduction to histograms. 
  • Understanding terminology, learning and understanding individual characteristics and how to evaluate them.
  • You will have the opportunity to assess fleeces and discuss the merits of different qualities.

Admin arrangements

  • One tutor will deliver the Course. Notes will be provided including a glossary of terms.
  • There will be a maximum of 12 people on the day (or Zoom call) .
  • This course will only run if there is a minimum of 8 people.
  • Regional groups are encouraged to arrange for this course to be held locally for the benefit of their members.

Intermediate Alpaca Assessment

A three-day, in-person course on alpaca conformation and fleece for huacaya and suri.

Content 

  • A thorough overview of the major fleece and conformational traits for both suri and huacaya alpacas. This enables delegates to:
    • gain confidence to assess and verbally deliver fibre and conformational characteristics to other owners and potential customers.
    • make informed selection decisions within their own herd, at shows and when buying stock in.
    • gain the necessary information to make appropriate breeding choices.
    • gain valuable experience at handling and assessing a high number of alpacas of varying quality, sex, and type.
  • Suitable for all BAS members and overseas guests who are interested in learning more about assessing conformational and fibre traits both on and off the alpaca.  This course is a comprehensive package in furthering alpaca assessment and applicable to all.

Admin arrangements 

  • Two tutors deliver this course together.
  • Course notes will be provided including a glossary of terms and copies of the show rules and fleece judging manual.
  • There will be a maximum of 16 delegates.
  • This course will only run if there is a minimum of 12 delegates.
  • Owners with less than 2 years’ experience in breeding alpacas MUST complete the BAS Alpaca Evaluation course before proceeding with the Intermediate Alpaca Assessment course. 
  • This course must be completed by those wishing to enter the BAS judge training scheme.
  • Tutors will provide written feed back to each delegate.  There will be a short, written test, on each section to assess knowledge gained on the course, which will be marked and the results shared with each delegate for their further development.  There is no pass or fail.  
  • Delegates will work with live alpacas.

Advanced Alpaca Assessment 

A two-day course on alpaca conformation and fleece for huacaya and suri that builds on the Intermediate Course. Suitable for alpaca owners that want to develop their skills in breeding and those who may wish to become judges. 

Content 

Content will be mainly practical and will be approximately one-third classroom, two-thirds hands-on practical. It will cover both suri and huacaya.

This course is part of the judge training programme although does not include formal oral reasoning.

A full and thorough overview of conformational traits and the way they impact on reproduction, growth and general fecundity.  Advanced visual and hands on assessment techniques for alpaca selection for sale, purchase, showing and breeding. The ability to learn to orally compare and critique alpacas, in particular herd sires. An opportunity to exchange ideas and techniques with other likeminded breeders.  A fun couple of days fully immersed in the latest and most in depth alpaca assessment and breeding techniques.

Review of basic alpaca assessment

  • Conformation Positive & Negative traits – more detail on limb angulation, dentition, testicles, and other issues
  • Fibre – review 
  • Micron Assessment
  • Understanding Follicular Development 
  • Cell Structure
  • Primary and Secondary follicles, 
  • Detailed examination of fleece qualities – density, fineness, character/ lock, micron 
  • Understanding fleece testing and histogram
  • Relationship between characteristics 
  • Hands on Alpacas – Fleece
  • Hands on Alpacas  – Conformation