S.H.I.P. incorporates a variety of tools for Suri owners to utilize the pedigree, phenotype and fiber records for preserving and advancing the Suri industry while adding value to individual Suris within herds. This page is a summary of some of the questions and answers most frequently asked for education and understanding of S.H.I.P. What is the primary goal of S.H.I.P.? The primary goal of S.H.I.P. is to provide tools for herd improvement and management of Suri phenotype and fiber qualities for Suri Network members. Through SHIP, each animal in your herd is classified through qualitative evaluation of eight fleece traits and eight conformation traits. These traits tie back to the Suri Breed Standard. This evaluation helps you identify management and breeding decisions that will move your program forward. The SHIP database also assists you in locating other animals that would be good matches for breeding purposes or for purchase. What exactly happens during a S.H.I.P. classification? The classifier will assess and evaluate each of the eight conformational and eight fleece traits and share their assessment with you through ongoing dialog. You will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout, which ensures that you understand the both the traits and the scores for that your animals received for those traits. Each trait will numerically scored by the classifier on a 1 – 5 scale, with five being the highest and 1 being the lowest. After the classification is completed the classifier will enter the scores into the SHIP database. You will be able to view the score there, and also compare your animal scores to your herd average and to the national herd average. Which animals in my herd should be classified? We recommend that each animal in your herd over the age of one year be classified. When is the best time of the year to schedule a classification? Animals must have at least three inches of fleece to be classified. Therefore, anytime between when they have three inches of fleece and the next shearing are great times to have your classification. It is possible to schedule a classification for animals who are freshly shorn and do not have three inches of fleece. In that case, the shorn fleece must be available for fleece assessment and the animal available for conformation assessment. The amount of time needed will be greater than if the fleece is still on the animal. How much time does it take to complete a classification? Generally, certified classifiers will average 7-10 minutes per alpaca. The maximum number of alpacas that can be classified is 50 per day. If your animals have already been sheared for the year and do not have at least three inches of fleece growth on their bodies, you will need to have noodled fleeces available for assessment. This will add time to the process. How often should my herd be classified? The Suri Network encourages classification every few years, so that you can assess how your animals are maintaining both fleece and conformation over time. Fiber traits and to a lesser extent, conformation traits, may change over time and reclassification is a good way to see which Suris are maintaining desirable scores and which are not. What about new Suris on my farm? Having your herd classified every few years also gives you the opportunity to include those alpacas who were not yet one year old at the time of the last classification, as well as animals that you have purchased since then. How do expenses work? 1. Upon submission of an application to the Suri Network, you will be invoiced a $75 administration fee. This supports the Suri Network’s database administration. 2. The classification fee is $500 per day for an up to 50 alpacas, payable to the classifier at the time the classification. 3. The breeder(s) involved will pay all travel, lodging and meal costs for the classifier. For more information, see the S.H.I.P. Classification Expense Guidelines document. What should I plan to provide during the classification? You will need a covered facility where the classifications There should be room for walking an animal out as if in the show ring, so that the classifier can assess conformational traits. You will need handlers to round up the animals and have them ready to be classified individually, and who can manage the animals during the classification. How can I reduce my expenses to have a classification done? 1. We encourage you to find other Suri farms in your area and coordinate so that the classifier can classify several farms during one trip. 2. Select a classifier that can travel to your farm economically. For example, is the distance to your farm/ranch such that the classifier can drive rather than fly? 3. House and feed the classifier at your home. 4. Read the document S.H.I.P. Preparation Guidelines to provide an efficient environment for the process. How do I schedule a SHIP classification? 1. The breeder should review the Application and Preparation Guidelines 2. After reviewing the above pages, call the Suri Network Office (970-586-5876) to discuss a preliminary review of the process. What other tools are available for Suri Breeders to help improve their herds?
Why should I have fiber testing done?
How does classification differ from placing in the show ring?
| AOA conflict of interest rules relative to S.H.I.P. classification FOR CLARIFICATION, PLEASE REFER TO THE AOA If you require further clarification after consulting the Handbook, please contact the show system administrator at AOA by calling: 402-437-8484 SHIP evaluations present 2 conflicts to consider before participating in a halter or fleece show - the person (if they pay the judge) and the alpaca (if evaluated by the judge). Here are the rules related to the person that has had their alpacas evaluated. Section 2. Conflict of Interest Rules A. Rules Relating to a Person 1. A person, including his/her immediate family members, will be prohibited from personally handling any alpaca in the ring in front of a Judge if: a. They co-own an alpaca with the Judge. b. They are an immediate family member of the Judge. c. They are a domestic partner of the Judge. d. They are a business partner of the Judge. e. They are an employee or employer of the Judge. f. They are involved in a current, significant business transaction with the Judge. 1) This prohibition exists for a period of three months after the date when the final payment has been made. 2) In a circumstance of completion of payment of a long-term contractual agreement, the three month time period is waived. 3) If a person is prohibited from personally handling any alpaca in the ring in front of the Judge, he/she may appoint a handler to show an eligible alpaca on their behalf. 2. A person is prohibited from entering a fleece in a Fleece Show in front of any Judge judging at that Fleece Show if: a. They co-own the alpaca with any Judge judging at that Fleece Show. b. They are an immediate family member of any Judge judging at that Fleece Show. c. They are a domestic partner of any Judge judging at that Fleece Show. d. They are an employee or employer of any Judge judging at that Fleece Show. B. Rules Relating to an Alpaca An alpaca is disqualified from the Halter Show or Walking Fleece Show if: a. The alpaca during the three months prior to the date of the show has been purchased from any Judge judging at that Halter Show or Walking Fleece Show. b. The alpaca during the three months prior to the date of the show has been boarded on a property under the control of any Judge judging at that Halter Show or Walking Fleece Show. c. That Judge has acted as a consultant or agent on behalf of the alpaca/alpaca’s owner during the three months prior to the date of the show. d. That Judge has assisted in the purchase of, or brokered the alpaca during the three months prior to the date of the show. e. That Judge stands to make, or has made any gain, financial or otherwise, from the alpaca in the three months prior to the date of the show. f. Any Judge (Halter, Performance, Fleece) judging at the show has a share or ownership in the alpaca. IN SUMMATION:
Again, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the |
can be conducted.