Alpaca owners across England are being asked to partake in a study, which aims to find out if modern alpacas are becoming brachycephalic.
This non-invasive research will specifically investigate head shape and facial fleece density and could potentially play an important role in informing health and welfare of future generations of alpaca.
Farm vet Dr Ami Sawran, from Westpoint Farm Vets and Vet Partners, is leading the project, assisted by Phillippa Hampson, BVSc Undergraduate University of Bristol, Dr Liz Paul, Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol, and Dr Jenny Stavisky, Vet Partners clinical research manager.
“The UK alpaca industry has always strived for excellence and the continuing improvement of its breeding stock, with the British Alpaca Society releasing a breed standard in April 2021 outlining both positive and negative traits,” says Dr Sawran, who holds a certificate in advanced camelid practice from the University of Liverpool and is the first and currently only RCVS recognised Advanced Practitioner in Camelid Practice.
“However, farm veterinary practitioners continue to report cases of rickets, dental disease, improper halter positioning that could impinge on nasal cartilage, eye injuries, and other conditions, that could potentially be linked to a shortened snout.
“Our study inviting as many alpaca owners as possible to take part, will help advance knowledge and understanding of the current landscape in regard to potential brachycephalic traits seen in alpacas,” says Dr Sawran.
“By carrying out this project, we can evaluate whether there is a current shift towards a certain appearance; for example, how an alpaca head looks, and whether such attributes may influence future generations’ health and welfare,” she adds.
Qualitative data is being collected from anonymous participants in the form of a short email questionnaire regarding information about your animal and its use. Sideview and front-on photographs of each animal plus facial measurements will also be required, at an on-farm visit conducted by Ami or Phillippa.
To take part, email ami.sawran@westpointfarmvets.co.uk. The first round of data collection will end in August 2024, however there is scope to continue to expand the dataset after this point. Data will be securely stored by the University of Bristol.
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