EXPLANATORY NOTES FOR GRADING ALPACA FLEECE: (by permission of Cameron Holt)

AIMS
The aim of evaluating Alpaca Fleece is to recognise those characteristics of Alpaca which are desired by manufacturers /processors, producers and enlightens those persons interested in the Alpaca industry. The following characteristics are those that breeders should be focussing on when evaluating their fleeces for the purpose of either entering shows or submitting for processing.

HUACAYA Fineness and Handle Uniformity of Micron Brightness Uniformity of Colour Character Uniformity of Length Density Impurities/Stain/Tip Damage Medullation Clean Fleece Weight

Fleece quantity and quality have been given equal status. It is important that fleeces which are either "very pretty and no weight" or "very heavy and no style" do not gain advantage because of their style or weight alone, but have a good combination of both.

Fineness and Handle - This reflects the degrees of actual fineness of fibre displayed,
expressed in microns as well as taking into consideration various levels of
softness. When assessing fineness and handle consideration should be
given to the age of the animal or class in which the fleece is entered.

There are two options for assessing this characteristic.

HANDLE
This assessment reflects the relative degree of softness displayed by individual fleeces taking into consideration the age of the animal and micron of the fleece.

UNIFORMITY OF MICRON
This relates to the evenness of fineness/softness throughout the entire fleece.

BRIGHTNESS
This relates to the light refraction of the Alpaca fibre taking into account breed type.

UNIFORMITY OF COLOUR
This relates to the evenness and regularity of colour throughout the
entire fleece. Fancy are not judged for uniformity of colour.

CHARACTER and STYLE
This relates to the wave/crimp and crinkle within the staple relevant
to the fibre type.

DENSITY
This relates to the density of the individual staple
formation throughout the entire fleece.

UNIFORMITY OF LENGTH
Relates to the uniformity of length throughout the entire fleece
taking into consideration commercial lengths over 12 months
growth period.

Note: make deductions for over long short fleece.

IMPURITIES
Penalties should be applied for excessive vegetable matter, staining
within the fleece and/or any excessive tip damage.

MEDULLATION
The fleece should be as free as possible from narrow/broad continuous
medullated fibres. Fractional/interrupted medullated fibres are permissible
as these are characteristics of alpaca fibre. Note: Age and class should be
considered.

CLEAN FLEECE WEIGHT
This relates to the percentage of properly skirted clean fleece (fibre) after
removing all extraneous matter (dirt, grease, burrs, seeds, dung tags).

SURI Fineness & Handle Uniformity of Micron Lustre Uniformity of Colour Style Uniformity of Length Density Impurities/Stain/Tip Damage Medullation Clean Fleece Weight

MICRON
Same as Huacaya

HANDLE
Same as Huacaya

UNIFORMITY OF MICRON (Same as Huacaya)

LUSTRE
In the Suri, a higher lustre than the huacaya is very desirable.

UNIFORMITY OF COLOUR (Same as Huacaya)

STYLE
This relates to the twist/wave within the staple relevant to the Suri breed type.

This assessment is based on the most desired lock for breeding. Although the majority of types/styles listed below would be satisfactory for processing, some are more desirable than others. (refer to Australian and U.S.A. identified Suri lock types)

DENSITY (Same as Huacaya)

UNIFORMITY OF LENGTH (Same as Huacaya)

Note: Make deductions for over long or short fleece

IMPURITIES (same as Huacaya)

MEDULLATION

CLEAN FLEECE WEIGHT (Same as Huacaya)