SCHEDULE

9:00AM until approx 5:00PM

I. Introduction

A. The development of the Ideal Alpaca Community (IAC)
B. History of the Ideal Alpaca Community and EPDs
C. Benefits and Features of the IAC

II. Definitions

A. Phenotype
B. Genotype

III. Goals of Animal Breeding

A. Genetic improvement

1. Selection intensity
2. Genetic variation
3. Genetic interval
4. Selection accuracy

IV. Analyzing Pedigrees

V. Progeny Testing

VI. Heritability

Break

VII. EPDs

A. BLUP software
B. Definitions
C. Calculating EPDs
D. Reporting EPDs

VIII. Fleece Reports

A. Understanding Histograms
B. Fleece traits
C. Fiber Sampling
D. Adjusting for differences

IX. Reference Sires and Genetics

A. Studmaster™ Males

12:30 - 1:30 Lunch

X. How EPDs are reported

A. Sample report
B. Prediction Error (PE)
C. Using EPDs for purchasing
D. Using EPDs for Marketing
E. Raising the bar

XI. Current EPD statistics

A. Adjusting EPDs for sex, age, etc.

Break

XII. Multiple Trait Selection

A. Independently inherited measures
B. Genetic Antagonisms

XIII. The Role of Studmaster™ Males

A. Future Studmaster™ male selection
B. The selection process

XIV. The ABCs of EPDs

A. Alpaca Fiber Market
B. Bloodlines
C. Competitive advantage

XV. IAC Membership

A. How to participate
B. Creating the shear list
C. Expanded benefits
D. Marketing advantage
E. Joining the IAC

Q & A