Program Overview

Strategies and Expectations

Key strategies for 2010-11

• Conclude the initial research in the breeding evaluation of cashmere sires, and in artificial technology of alpacas
• Continue research into production efficiency, quality and value adding for rare natural fibres
• Conclude initial research in the interaction of feeding and reproduction and the inheritance of white colour in alpacas.
   

Expected key outputs for 2010-11

• Publication of superior cashmere producing sires
• Identification of genes involved in inheritance of white alpaca fibres
• Publication of additional standards for alpaca nutrition
• Further understanding of ways of improving success in artificial insemination of alpaca using stored semen.

Expected key outcomes for 2010-11

• Increase in research capability and capacity for industry development
• More productive nutrition for alpacas for fibre production and reproduction
• The commencement in the further use of superior cashmere producing sires
• Commencement in the additional use of mohair benchmarking information to guide producers in increasing productivity
• Increase international linkages for industry and research personnel.