This morning we took Calhoun to the vet to have blood drawn for a BVD test.  We have BVD tests done on all of our alpacas because AOBA requires that all alpacas that are shown in AOBA sanctioned shows have a negative BVD test.  At our ranch we also ask that all females, and their crias if they have one, that come for a breeding have a negative BVD test.  Most all alpaca ranches have this requirement.  The vet drew enough blood so that we would have some for the FTA card that we send in to The Alpaca Registry for DNA testing.

Calhoun is a 2 and a half month old cria, a son of Stonewall Jaxon.  He’s a real cute kid, and will one day show in a multi class because of the white markings he has.  As you can see in the picture below, the white on his legs comes up into his blanket area.  Since that is the case, he is considered a pattern alpaca.

                     

Calhoun was such a good patient at the vet and everyone that saw him thought he was so cute!   The vet especially like his markings – they are interesting!

Calhoun has a sister who looks almost exactly like he does.  Their mother, Shadow, has some white spots on her face and she also has a front leg with a pattern of white and medium fawn.  She must carry a spotting gene because all of the males she has been bred to are solid dark colors.   This time when we bred Shadow back, we chose a solid white male in hopes that if she gives any spots to her cria, they won’t be seen, they will be hidden in the white…  genetics is hard to understand and I know I didn’t describe this very well - – - I am still learning.