Enchanted Hill

COLLECTING UMBILICAL BLOOD FOR DNA TESTING
By Ed and Joan Kinser


DNA testing, for the purpose of ARI registration, requires a small sample of cria blood, which is submitted on a DNA Blood (FTA) Card. This card ultimately reaches a lab where the blood is removed, its DNA separated and “read”. The DNA markers are then used to verify parentage and the information is recorded for future use when the cria itself becomes a breeder.

Usually alpaca breeders or their veterinarians collect bl... read full article

SIGNS OF IMPENDING BIRTH
By Ed Kinser, Enchanted Hill Alpacas

Hang around with a bunch of “alpaca people” and it won’t be long until the subject of being on “baby watch” will become a topic of discussion. Folks talk about going “on guard” starting at ten and a half months of gestation, and they hardly leave the farm for the next month and half. They spend an inordinate amount of time watching for “signs” and wear a new path to and from the barn and all over the pasture trying to get a clue... read full article