Alpaca Testing

Using the latest in fleece testing technology, WTAE can provide impartial and accurate measurements of your fleece using OFDA 2000.

OFDA 2000 allows us to test samples taken straight from the animal with minimal sample preparation. This allows us to provide a quick and cost-effective fleece testing service with no compromise on quality.

Our OFDA 2000 machines are calibrated using IWTO approved wool tops and are subject to stringent quality control checks daily. All tests are conducted by our specially trained testing officers, all trained to the rigorous technical standards outlined in ISO 17025.

We can test other physical parameters of your alpaca fleece such as washing yield, vegetable matter content and colour (on white fleeces only).

Micron Profiles

An additional benefit of using OFDA 2000 is the generation of micron profiles. When testing the staple, the OFDA tracks the micron along the length of the staple showing you how the micron has varied throughout the growing season. Peaks and dips in the micron can show how the animal has responded to different factors throughout the season. Dips in micron may indicate stress and peaks in micron may indicate a positive response to increased nutrition or medical intervention. It gives the breeder an idea of the demands on the animal for nutrition and where these demands increase and fall throughout the year.

Not only are you obtaining an average micron, but you can see how the micron changed throughout the year and how this variation has affected the average micron of the fleece.

Sampling for Alpaca Fleece Testing

Research has shown that the most representative area of the animal for fleece testing is the mid-side. A hand full of staples is enough for staple measurement (5 staples is enough) with the sample cut as close to the skin as possible. Samples can be taken at any time but are more commonly taken just before shearing. Please ensure that all individual samples are clearly labelled.