Breed Standards for the UK?
written by Nick Harrington-Smith
Mike Safley as ever writes eloquently and logically about the benefits of introducing breed standards. Although the European industry is not as developed as our American counterpart, this is no reason for not learning from others. I tried during my time as a director of the BAS to initiate a male certification scheme, similar to a breed standard, for males only. The reaction then was one of fear. Without careful presentation any attempt to implement breed standards now could be met with that same fear. The question is one of timing. I believe that we should start formulating breed standards as soon as possible, but not from scratch. America and Australia either have, or are, designing a standard and we should utilise their research. Even in our much smaller industry we still see what some would view as a disproportionate influence of the show ring on peoples breeding decisions. Breed standards would simplify the judges’ job, and make the rationale behind awarding ribbons much clearer. Most importantly the show ring would more closely reflect the considered, and accepted ideal of an alpaca.
Overcoming the fear and resistance will be the biggest challenge. Only education and consultation at an early stage will achieve this and the breed society must drive such a scheme. The key is to make every one understand that all will benefit. The first stage should be for the industry to agree the standard, the second being to invite voluntary participation by the breeders.
Mike’s article should be taken to heart. He fairly sets out why as an industry we should implement breed standards. To do so will give the UK a system that ensures we, the British Alpaca breeders, become the primary source of elite genetics throughout Europe.
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