A few of you have e-mailed to ask what this EPD stuff really means, so here is my explanation which is based heavily on the pioneering work of Mike Safley and the Ideal Alpaca Community which he founded.

The key to the success of the Ideal Alpaca Community (IAC) is the reference herdsires which the IAC calls Studmaster males. Currently there are about 30 Huacayas and 5 Suri studs.

The Studmaster males have been initially selected based on their pedigrees, performance, and their progeny. These elite animals are owned by participating IAC members. Each of the males is owned jointly by up to four different farms. This shared ownership allows the males to be tested in several herds and over a large number of females. The ongoing detailed evaluation of their progeny will provide the records necessary to establish Estimated Progeny Differences (EPDs).

The Studmaster males form the foundation of the sire reference system. Over time, each male's progeny will define his true capability and genetic potential. Some studs will inevitably turn out to be better than others. Some will be superior for one trait, but not another. As the EPDs accumulate, the genetic picture for each stud will become clear.


Principled Breeding
IAC members believe that the following principles are important to the success of their individual herds:

Breed standards are an integral part of defining elite alpacas.

Each breeder should have a clear vision of the ideal alpaca type.

The alpacas' primary purpose is as a fleece animal. The ultimate value of the breed is based on the inherent genetic ability of the alpaca to produce a fine, luxurious fleece for use in high-fashion garments.

Improving alpacas to their full genetic potential and making them a more productive fiber-bearing animal, then the breed will be more valuable to their owners.

A thorough knowledge of bloodlines, classic livestock theory, and an understanding of genetic selection techniques are prerequisites for success in the international alpaca market.