Provisional Schedule for Seminar and Workshop Programme

	Friday 16th March
09:00-10:00 hrs	Claire Whitehead: Birthing—No Need to Panic
10:30–11:30 hrs	Claire Whitehead: Birthing Practical (Workshop)
12:00–13:00 hrs	Jean Field: Advanced Hand Spinning Techniques (Workshop)
13:00–14:00 hrs	Lunch Break
14:00–15:00 hrs	Claire Whitehead: Current Trends in Breeding, Reproductive Technologies and Maximising Genetic Potential
15:30–17:00 hrs	Liz Barlow: Alpaca Assessment for the Commercial Requirements of Fleece Production
17:30–18:30 hrs	Sue Thomas: The Control of Gastro-Intestinal Parasites in Weaned Alpacas and Post Partum Lactating Females
	Saturday 17th March
09:00–10:00 hrs	Liz Clay: Alpaca Fibre for Couture Design
10:30–11:30 hrs	Jean Field: Introduction to Lace Knitting (Workshop)
12:00–13:00 hrs	Liz Clay: Felting General (Workshop)
13:00–14:00 hrs	Lunch Break
14:00-15:00 hrs	Liz Clay: Creative Designs with Needle Felt (Workshop)
15:30-16:30 hrs	Liz Clay: Nuno Felting (Workshop)

Seminar and Workshop Programme

The Futurity group are proud to be able to present this excellent collection of eminent practitioners in their specialist fields. There is something here for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Following requests from participants at the 2011 event, we are now offering single day tickets for those not able to attend on both days. A small supplementary charge is made for the workshops.

All seminars and workshops will be conducted within Hall 3A on the main floor, allowing immediate and easy access for those who might be also involved elsewhere.

Birthing Alpacas—No Need to Panic!

Seminar and Workshop

Claire Whitehead BVM&S MS MRCVS Diplomate ACVIM

Claire Whitehead is no stranger to the British alpaca owner and brings many years of specialist camelid veterinary experience from both the USA and the UK. This two part presentation is a must for those who are new or inexperienced in birthing alpacas and builds on her very successful presentation at the 2010 Futurity.

Part 1
The seminar aims to help you identify the indications of impending parturition in alpacas, to help you evaluate when a birthing is proceeding normally and when you should think about stepping in. You will learn useful tips about how to identify the various parts of the cria by feel (when you can’t actually see them). You will also learn when it’s appropriate to step in to aid the birthing process, and when you shouldn’t, what equipment you will need, and what you should not do!

Part 2 (Limited to 16 places)
The practical workshop is complementary to the seminar and cannot be attended without first having attended the seminar. In the workshop you will learn to put into practice the tips you have picked up and begin to train your fingers on how to feel and identify without actually seeing.

Current Trends in Breeding, Reproductive Technologies and Maximising Genetic Potential

Illustrated Lecture

Claire Whitehead BVM&S MS MRCVS Diplomate ACVIM

This talk aims to discuss developments in reproductive technologies, particularly Embryo Transfer which is being used increasingly in the Alpaca Industry worldwide, but will also discuss reproductive methods currently being developed that have potential for the future. Additionally, the value of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for stock improvement, and the establishment of a genetic database that can be used to research the heritability of desirable traits (and undesirable defects) will be discussed.

Alpaca Assessment for the Commercial Requirements of Fleece Production

Illustrated Seminar

Liz Barlow

A sound examination of the form and function for alpacas being bred for commercial fibre production and what can affect their fitness for purpose.

The show ring has primarily been the benchmark used by breeders to assess their alpacas for fleece characteristics. However do you ever wonder whether the judge’s assessment has anything to do with commercial fibre production? This talk will explain why they look for different fleece traits such as fineness, handle, density, staple length, crimp, uniformity across all traits and their relevance to maximising farmer returns from turning that fibre into commercial end products to satisfy the increasing demand for super fine natural fibres.

The Control of Gastro-Intestinal Parasites in Weaned Alpacas and Post Partum Lactating Females

Illustrated Seminar

Sue Thomas, Postgraduate researcher, Veterinary Parasitology Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol

At weaning, cria are deprived of their supply of milk, denied the protection of their mother and estranged from the companionship of the herd. Cria are doubly compromised at this time as their immunity is immature, and any infection could have catastrophic outcomes. Sue’s research focuses on monitoring and recording changes in parasite burden at weaning and monitoring the efficacy of prophylactic treatments to minimise the effects of gastro-intestinal parasites, minimising cria disease and death.

There are well documented increases in gastro-intestinal parasite burdens in female sheep and goats in the weeks prior to and just after birthing and is known as periparturient rise (PPR). Changes continue into lactation and may be highly detrimental to the mothers which in a weakened condition provide poorer quality milk to their offspring, whilst donating an increased parasite load to the pasture. Alpaca deaths in the months following birthing have been attributed to PPR, although no published research has shown whether or not alpacas are subject to this condition. Hundreds of faecal samples from alpaca farms across England have been collected and analysed in the weeks up to and following cria birth.

Results are surprising, and may challenge traditional perceptions of worming and coccidia treatment.

Felting with Alpaca Fibre

Illustrated Lecture, Demonstration and Taster Workshops

Liz Clay

Are you interested in adding value to your alpaca fibre? Looking for inspiration and technique can come no better than attending these workshops. Liz Clay makes stunningly beautiful boas, wraps and scarves. Her collection of exclusive hand felted accessories combines innovative design with superb craftsmanship. Beautiful and feminine creations exclusively handmade using the finest of luxury fibres; boas, wraps and scarves carefully created from cashmere, merino, alpaca and silks. Liz Clay’s exquisite accessories create drama and sensation—timeless pieces of textile art that make exclusive gifts and very special commissions.

Her collection of boas, wraps, scarves and individual creations is exhibited widely both at home and abroad, featuring in the collections of Stella McCartney, Givenchy, selected outlets in London including Harrods and on the runway at past Futurity fashion shows.

Seminar
An illustrated lecture about her practice and designs using alpaca and other luxury blends with alpaca. This will include her couture collections and research and development work, with samples.

Workshop 1
Taster workshop on Creative Designs with Needle Felt Techniques. Learn to make simple sculptural forms with alpaca fibre.

Workshop 2
Taster workshop Nuno Felt with Alpaca and Silk Fabrics. Creative surface designs for scarves and accessories.

Workshop 3
Taster workshop Felting with Alpaca and Other Luxury Fibres. Successful hand felting with alpaca fibres including tips for processing, colour blending, adding texture and ideas for innovative design.

Techniques for Hand Spinning Alpaca Fibre

Workshop

Jean Field, Alandale Alpacas and Chair BAS Fibre Committee

Have you ever wanted to have a go at hand spinning your alpaca fleece or do you want to improve your technique? Jean will be the ideal person to help you out and lead you to perfection. She has many years of hand spinning experience, a leading light in her spinners and weavers guild, and we have seen her handiwork at first hand, taking first prize for hand spinning at the 2009 Futurity competition.

Bring your own spinning wheel and fibre, either huacaya or suri. This can be as raw fleece, washed or unwashed. We can card it at the workshop if required. Or if you prefer, bring your own batts or rovings for immediate spinning. Worsted and woollen techniques will be demonstrated together with various long and short draw methods of spinning. Spinning wheel maintenance will also be covered.

Lace Knitting for Beginners

Workshop

Jean Field, Alandale Alpacas and Chair BAS Fibre Committee

This will be a hands-on class for those interested in learning about lace knitting. You will learn how to read both lace patterns and charts for a simple scarf.

We will also look at the construction of triangular and circular shawls.

Needles and yarn will be provided.