Keeping accurate records is an absolute must in this business and while we have purchased a software system called Herd Logic which we use to maintain all our alpaca records, it is by no means essential. In fact to be brutally honest it is one of the most unfriendly pieces of software that I have used in a long time.
One of the most simple systems is just to have a large envelope for each animal into which you can put the ARI certificate, the Yocom McCall histogram and papers that you receive from the vet which are relevant to that animal such as a BVD test or blood test.
If you have a web site (and you should seriously think about getting one if you want sell alpacas) then some of this information can also be displayed on the site, obvious really.
But keeping track of breeding dates, birth dates and the various injections requires some sort of system so pick one that will work for you. If you don't really like using a PC and only log on two or three times a week to collect e-mail then a PC based system is probably not for you.
Keep a clip board, together with paper and pen in the barn at all times. Then you can quickly and easily make notes and not rely on your memory which if its anything like mine is a seriously risky proposition!
Adrian Stewart
