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Expert Opinion on Breed Standards for Suri Llamas
By Dr. David Ames
 Editor's
note: The following article is adapted from a presentation
by Dr. David Ames at the 2006 Suri Llama Association Conference
with an introduction by Gayle M. Woodsum
When llamas sporting suri fiber first strode into the show
ring, graced the stages of llama sales, and began to show
up in promotional advertising, llama lovers reacted. Those
animals, that look, did not go unnoticed. The reactions, without
a doubt, ricocheted off a thousand different perspectives
and opinions. Regardless of the nature of the response, suri
llamas made an immediate and powerful impact on the industry
and the people who populate it. The reason? The animals exhibited
a compellingly new, exotic and definable look within a world
that thought it already knew what to expect.
"Different" is enough to garner attention. For
that attention to create interest that warrants expanded supply
of a certain look or type, the object of attention must generate
a sense of popularity. In other words, while "the unusual"
will always create a variety of reactions, if it gives birth
to a fan club, it will find a place for increasing demand.
When it comes to the look of a particular type of llama,
historically it has been easy for the popularity of certain
traits to fall in and out of fashion quickly. Surface features
such as color, size, the presence of head wool, etc., change
easily with the randomness of genetics, breeding choices,
and the human tendency to be fickle. For new interest to become
a sustainable movement-the development of a long-term direction
that can outlast initial notice and 'trendiness'-the object
of that attention must be capable of being reproduced in a
consistent fashion.
Consistency in the reproduction of conformation and fiber
type in llamas takes time and dedication on the part of those
interested in achieving it. A relatively small number of breeders
have done precisely that with suri llamas, creating not only
a unique animal, but a growing market for those animals, too.
As the predictability of breeding results increases along
with market interest, simple popularity gets an added element:
serious investment.
When interest, time and money come together, what begins
as an exotic anomaly becomes a force to be reckoned with.
More importantly, it becomes a foundation for what investors
and fans alike want to see: a long term and stable situation.
In the case of suri llamas, such stability revolves around
the animals' qualities that are the most desirable and the
most valuable. Enter the SLA breed standard.
Registration of Specific Llama Breeds
Breed identification and standardization is nothing new to
horses, cattle, sheep, or other livestock. Since SLA created
their breed standard for suri llamas in 2003, there have been
increasing indications throughout the llama industry are that
other types of llamas are headed in the same direction. The
Suri Llama Association maintains an independent registry,
as does the Miniature Llama group. There is talk among Argentine
llama breeders that it is time for them to write a breed standard
and create a similar registry to be started for their breed.
But, what does that mean? What are the potential benefits?
What should SLA pursue to further improve the breed? At the
2006 Suri Llama Association conference held in Estes Park,
Colorado, Dr. David Ames addressed these questions and more.
- GMW.
Dr. Ames on Common Issues of Breed Standardization
David Ames came to the conference topic with impeccable credentials.
He earned undergraduate degrees from Ohio State University
and in 1969, his doctorate from Michigan State University.
He was a professor at Kansas State University and is presently
Professor of Animal Sciences at Colorado State University.
Dr. Ames is the recipient of many awards and the co-author
of numerous published manuscripts, including three articles
written for the training manuals, Role and Development of
Breed Standards in Livestock Industries, and Development of
Breed Standards.
SLA members are exploring options for establishing the greatest
possible quality for their animals over the longest period
of time. Dr. David Ames' discussed his findings and opinions
on the establishment and maintenance of breed standards.
He began by remarking on the excellent and thorough job SLA
has done in creating their breed standard and keuring process.
Having this process basically completed in the early stages
of breed development means that everyone can gain an equal
understanding of the long term breeding goals. It also allows
every member to participate on an equal playing field, as
everyone has access to the same information. Everyone needs
a target. For that target to incorporate the most solid, attainable
success, it must include a clear vision, goals that reflect
the broadest interests of the invested group, strategies for
reaching those goals, and a specific, step-by-step plan for
carrying out those strategies.
One concern among breeders, according to Ames, is the question
of whom or what determines the breed standard or ideal. His
answer was that input is necessary and requires sorting from
a variety of sources, including breeders, associations/groups,
show results, stakeholders, customers, type conferences, and
clinics.
Suggestions for Developing and Maintaining Breed Standards
Dr. Ames stated that there are several steps required for
developing viable breed standards and maintaining those standards
over time. These include:
- Using an appropriate system(s) to determine (and adjust
over time) breed targets with input from all stakeholders.
- Becoming comfortable with terminology that includes breed
targets, standards, ideals and judging criteria.
- Describing the breed ideal using specific and definitive
terms that are universally understood and that allow breeders
to pursue individual goals.
- Developing policies against registering animals with genetic
defects.
Ames' Thesis on Breed Standards
To Dr. Ames' way of thinking, there are certain aspects of
defining breed standards which must be kept in mind, including:
- Judges do not establish standards; they interpret standards.
- Genetic progress is slow, and changes in breed ideals
will also be relatively slow.
- The customer drives the system.
- Economics will influence both development and maintenance
of the breed ideal.
- It is important to utilize all information as it becomes
available.
Dr. Ames went on to address the question of what are the
true values of breed standards, breed ideals or judging criteria,
and how are they used?
"The goals or direction of breeding programs are developed
by breed organizations in consultation with stakeholders.
For livestock, this is a dynamic process that shapes the selection
goals of individual breeders," he said.
He added, "These goals are the ideal or standard that
makes up the evaluation criteria (judging). Selection systems
should incorporate heritable traits to meet industry needs."
On the subject of how the process of breed standardization
evolves, Ames explained, "You should expect change. This
includes an ongoing clarified understanding of terminology.
There will be, over time, some modification in relative importance
of some traits. These changes will reflect the stakeholders'
interest in adjusting the description of an ideal or standard.
The changes (or lack of) will also be up against differences
of opinion on certain traits."
Done with careful consideration, Ames stressed, if breed
standardization is carried out properly, what should not be
expected are radical changes in the ideal or standard, frequent
additions to the list of genetic defects, constant changes
in the list of traits that lead to disqualification for registration,
or complete agreement of all stakeholders on all issues. He
was adamant that the establishment of breed standards should
not be expected to solve all breed issues that will arise.
The Value of Breed Standards
To present a general overview for assessing the value of
creating breed standards, Ames sorted the issues according
to how they can affect breeders, breed development, and organizations.
For breeders:
- As a roadmap for genetic improvement
- Creating awareness of genetic defects
- To use in establishing individual breeding goals
- As a forum for keeping abreast of industry change
- As a basis for making genetic decisions
For breed development:
- Establishing breed identity
- Planning for change
- Involving all stakeholders
- Responding to potential customers
- Market development for fiber
- Implementing strategies
- Promotion and merchandising
Essential Guidelines
In conclusion, Dr. Ames offered important guidance to all
independent breed organizations as they move forward in making
their goals succeed and seeing their idealistic dreams come
true.
He underscored that it is essential for every organization
to keep accurate and secure records. Breed purity must be
maintained, and there should be focused effort to eliminate
genetic defects. There should be an inspection method to determine
and monitor the registration of only "qualified animals."
Again Dr. Ames complimented SLA on the detailed and well researched
program of keuring they have developed and implemented over
the last three years.
As for taking action with a direct link to the quality of
the animals themselves, Dr. Ames added that it should be the
responsibility of breed organizations to provide information
and tools to assist breeders in making sound genetic selection.
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