Wharncliffe Alpacas

..from the ground up

alison — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:51:44 +0000

14 months ago, we made a radical departure from conventional pasture management. After several years of dry summers and autumns, followed by excessively wet winters, some areas of pasture had deteriorated to broad leafed weeds and bare soil, in spite of two attempts at re-seeding. The new approach concentrates on soil health, providing the conditions for the existing seedbed to re-establish itself without using chemicals or further reseeding. First, we needed to improve drainage by deep-ripping and aerating with a Yeoman plough. Then, compost, seaweed products and microbially enriched compost teas, tailored to our specific needs, were applied using specialised lightweight equipment. The use of heavy machinery has been minimised and traffic confined to the fencelines. For the first time in a number of years we have grass to spare and feedbills are much lower. For further information on this process, contact Alison for referral to the consultant.

Exciting Times

alison — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:04:27 +0000

We have just started another ET programme. Embryo Transfer involves preparing donors for 4 weeks, with multiple injections to stimulate follicle development, followed by a natural mating. After 8 days the donor’s uterus is flushed and suitable embryos are popped into prepared recipients. This is the only reproductive technology that is available commercially at the moment to fast-track genetic improvement. Any cria from this exercise will be born from January 31st 2013, so ..watch this space! In the meantime, I have to turn the working area of my barn into a space suitable for Dr Jane Vaughan to come and perform her magic in our “temporary laboratory”.

Embryos viewed under the microscope. 2009.

Workshop for new owners

alison — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 13:10:45 +0000

The AAA Tas Region held a workshop in June for people contemplating the purchase of alpacas, or who have recently acquired some. All aspects of selection, farm planning and handling/husbandry were covered. Feedback was positive although one participant commented there was”nothing like getting practical experience on-farm with an experienced breeder.”

Black Alpacas - Annual Catalogue

alison — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:05:11 +0000

For those interested in developing a quality black herd, there are young males with stud potential available as well as females mated to outstanding National quality herdsires. Great mums for hobby breeding and several weanling females are included. We offer well-priced packages for a risk-free entry to alpaca breeding at hobby or advanced levels.

Click here to download sale catalogue.

Email alison@wharncliffe.com.au

Black beauties

alison — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 03:37:29 +0000

Two of our ET cria were shown in 2010, one at the Royal Hobart and another at the Huon Show. Wharncliffe Chieftain ET won a Reserve Championship at Hobart and Wharncliffe Chevalier took Best Black at the Huon Show. These two little chaps are almost interchangeable peas in a pod. Being able to rely on a consistent outcome of quality is one of our breeding goals. The ET cria and “natural” cria from the same parents are helping us on our way to achieving this goal.

ET Cria have arrived

alison — Sat, 22 May 2010 13:18:51 +0000

In March 09, Wharncliffe embarked on an Embryo Transfer programme with Mossvale alpacas under the supervision of internationally respected Vet Dr. Jane Vaughan. Although a small programme, the cria that have arrived are a great boost to the quality of this year’s drop. These cria combine the bloodlines of two sought-after Peruvian males.

: ET Cria May 2010

16th National Show, Adelaide

alison — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:19:58 +0000

Wharncliffe Casanova was shown at the National Show in Adelaide last weekend. Judging by Wendy Billington and Amanda vanden Bosch was rigorous, so Casanova’s second place was a good result, recognising his quality amongst the 650 entries.

Workshops with Wharncliffe

alison — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:47:20 +0000

This year, Wharncliffe has facilitated a series of workshops in conjunction with another southern Tasmanian stud. A well-attended seminar for industry entrants was followed by a cria handling morning and a talk by Elizabeth Paul on the topic of rickets and Vit D deficiency. World-renowned alpaca trainer Marty McGee Bennett will present a two-day workshop near Hobart in early April.

Black and Blue

alison — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:56:07 +0000

3 Wharncliffe-bred animals won Blue Ribbons at Burnie Show yesterday. Casanova’s 8 month old daughter Evette is the first of his offspring to be shown. She has a fine, dense fleece with an outstandingly soft handle. Like Casanova, Evette has a heavy frame and excellent coverage. The third winner, Eliza, is one of Casanova’s half-sisters. Casanova himself was awarded Reserve Championship (Snr Male) against some excellent white/light fawns as well as Best Black, his 9th Best or Supreme Black award.

Wharncliffe wins at Black Colourbration Show

alison — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:33:53 +0000

Wharncliffe Casanova entered and won the 30+months section at last month’s Colourbration event at Bendigo. Casanova has had a successful show career in Tasmania but it is good to benchmark one’s animals against a big pool of animals. The Victorian Colourbration is the 3rd biggest Show in the country, with 450 entries overall and 66 in the black show. Casanova stood up well at nearly 4 years old, holding his fineness and fleece characteristics.