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Ian Watt
- Male
- Morro Bay, CA
- United States
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Ian Watt's Discussions
Fleece and Nutrition
Replied Apr 8
Fleece and Nutrition
Replied Apr 1
Ian Watt's Page
Latest Activity
Not much from a fleece perspective as the neck is easily isolated from the much more valuable blanket.
As a potential herdsire the spot indicates that all is not as it seems genetically and that there may be a little more brown in his makeup than a…
Sorry I am late responding to your question Suzie!
There are two parts to micron blowout - one is nutrition and environment and the other is genetic. Alpacas still have a comparatively primitive fleece in that it declines in quality as the animal ag…
This will be interesting!
Personally I think that an increase in fiber diameter through higher levels of nutrition make the 'guard hair' more noticeable because primaries that were flying under the radar through being fine were suddenly in evidence…
Bonnie,
I just noticed that you never received a reply to your question - and even though it is months old, I will respond!
There is no difference, they are both saying the same thing!!
Regards
Ian watt
Brian,
A lot of the white and light fawn (Australia does not have a beige colour) fiber over 24 micron and under 28 is de-haired and processed into duvets, quilts, pillows and some felt by Kelly & Windsor (check out their website and products, they…
Suzie,
The national alpaca herd in Australia is about the same size as the US herd and will, in all probability, get to the million number sooner than the US herd - and that will be a BIG deal number for amle sales, trust me!!
Regards
Ian Watt
Ma…
I don't know of any huge fiber farms in Australia, which is not to say that there aren't any mind you!
I think that many people are overlooking the fact that no-one is going to risk resources in growing uneconomic volumes of fiber or fiber of less…
Suzanne,
What seems to be a simple question, is, in fact, a little more complicated.
For example, a high frequency, low amplitude crimp style staple will be always short as it is slower growing; conversely, the deeper the crimp (higher amplitude)…
Maryann,
Interesting post, exposing much truth!
There are a couple of extra comments, if I may:
1. the economic life of a male, gelded or otherwise, used to produce 'quality' fiber is 6 - 7 years; 'quality' being a subjective term of course! There a…
I think you are doing Ok with the buffet you are putting in front of them each day Suzie!
If it were me i would drop the barley and corn and just feed oats, lat them free graze alfalfa and grass hay and save on the minerals - and I would feed onloy…
Suzie,
Your sentiments are asmirable and I am sure that you will, indeed, reap benefits far outside the hep you give over time.
It seems to me that you are suffering the same thing many of us have suffered when we first got into alpacas - lack of sp…
You have a problem - alpacas should spend as much time chewing their cud as eating, perhaps even a little more.
It is disturbing that you say 'alpacas' as this indicates it is a problem across the herd rather than a single animal.
What have these…
No. leave it for two weeks so the following hair growth provides some protection for the skin otherwise you will get drying of the natural oils, possibly cracking and the potential for an infection through, primarily, rolling.
Regards
Ian
Terrie,
Fiber breaks (it does not 'fall out') when the nutrition to the follicle is restricted by whatever cause, as it creates an ultra-fine micron at that point.
If the stress is considerable enough, the hair will break off as it emerges from th…
Maryann,
Do you have a call-in number for those of us that cannot stream the program please?
looking forward to an interesting evening.
Regards
Ian watt
Tracey,
The story you tell is exactly the problem that a biopsy overcomes - perception against reality!!
The biopsy is done over the third last rib, six inches down from the backbone and requires an area of about a square inch to be cut as close as…
Profile Information
- How many alpacas do you own?
- 5-10
- In case of evacuation, can your farm be used for short term boarding??
- Yes
- What is your farm name?
- Alpacas of Carrickalinga
- What is your name?
- Ian Watt
- Where is your farm located?
- Morro Bay California
- How long have you been raising alpacas?
- 19 years
- What kind of alpacas do you raise?
- Huacayas
- Website:
- http://www.alpacaconsultingusa.com
- Tell us more about yourself!
- I cpnsult on many aspects of alpaca farming, operate an OFDA 2000 fiber testing machine, do skin biopsy tests for density, etc and am a Board member of AOBA.
I am also an Australian!!
Comment Wall (3 comments)
- At 7:13pm on August 8, 2009,
Cynthia Hager (Cindy) said… - Welcome Ian....I know you from a couple SoCal paca meetings ....remember the sun burn we got at Beth's and the delicious catered meal we had there in Temmecula.
- At 10:32am on July 28, 2009,
Maryann Marsh said… - Ian,
So glad you could make it over!! Welcome
- At 11:19pm on July 24, 2009,
Nancy Schell ~ Walnut Hill Farm said… - Hey Ian,
Welcome to the social!
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