| Our Comprehensive Breeding Goals and Philosophy:
Soundness - To produce physically sound, productive, content alpacas.
Substance - To produce robust alpacas, capable of living a long, healthy life.
Softness - Commercially viable, uniform fleece with a soft hand. We want to be the first to say that we breed our alpacas for soundness, substance and softness. Soundness relates to health and structure; substance relates to heavy bones, muscle and lots of fiber; softness relates to the handle of the fleece. Many breeders say they breed
alpacas for "conformation and fiber". What does this mean exactly? Definitionally, it means that they breed for alpacas that "look" good. But are they really good? Yes, if they select for traits related to health as well as looks. Alpaca breeding is a science and an art. We are very pleased with the results of our comprehensive breeding strategy and management program. We select and breed our alpacas for genetic soundness, correct
phenotype, efficient reproduction, commercially viable fiber, desirable temperaments and natural instincts. As a result, we are producing alpacas with overall quality that should live long, productive, healthy and happy lives. We have a scientific and honest approach to alpaca breeding that our customers really appreciate.
Our Customer Commitment:
We want our customers to be 110%
satisfied, so we stand behind our alpacas 110%, guaranteed. Our alpacas are priced at fair market value based on their individual qualities and accomplishments. All sales include customized contracts to meet each customer's needs, detailed and complete health and production records, low-risk guarantees, show ribbons, a thank you package, free consultation services, a web page for new breeders and our on-going support.
KCA's Show Record:
We consider show ribbons to be the icing on the cake. In spring 2002, we had more show ribbons than alpacas!
KCA's Herdsires:
4Peruvian Locota was formerly one of Lanark's most used studs...for good reason! Please see Locota's own web page for detailed information about this very special huacaya alpaca stud. And...we're going black with two exceptional junior herdsires. Donovan is full Chilean and Megabuck Mink is full Peruvian. Our herdsires have great track records, affordable breeding fees and fantastic guarantees! When you breed to a KCA herdsire, 10% of the fee is donated directly to alpaca medical research programs, you get a 30 day live cria guarantee, and we will refund $500 of the breeding fee if your offspring is registered as a non-breeder or gelding before two years of age!!! Please see Males page for more details.
KCA Alpaca Store:
Capes, jackets, sweaters, scarves, socks, yarn, fleeces!!! And...the incredibly popular baby alpaca socks! Great prices and guaranteed quality. See our "Alpaca Store" web page for more details.
KCA Supporting the Alpaca Industry:
We came up with the concept
of an alpaca buyer's checklist when we were looking to purchase our first alpacas. In 2000, we began work on the Comprehensive Alpaca Record and Evaluation (C.A.R.E.), an exhaustive list of valuable information
compiled from expert sources and designed to assist buyers and breeders with selecting and producing sound, commercially viable alpacas. The C.A.R.E. is available through the AOBA Library and was published in Alpacas Magazine, see Spring 2001 (Part I) and Herdsire 2001 (Part II). Also, see Laura's article, "Progeny Portfolios" in the 2002 Herdsire edition of Alpacas Magazine. An article entitled, "Investment Alternative: Alpacas!" will be published in the summer '02 issue of American Livestock Magazine. In addition, we are working to produce the "Alpaca Breed Standard of the United States of America" (ABSUSA). This project will serve to document the various alpaca traits selected for in breeding programs all across the USA.
KCA Donations :
We have great faith in the future of the alpaca industry and recognize the importance of successful research and marketing programs. We have donated into the thousands of dollars toward alpaca research and marketing through silent auction and direct donations. We have also committed 10% of our gross breedings fees received to alpaca medical research.
KCA Location/Amenities:
We are located one hour north of Seattle in the heart of Washington's alpaca country. If you would like ideas for lodging, dining, sightseeing or a good real estate agent to help you find your new farm, just let us know and we'll be happy to offer suggestions. We cordially invite you to call or visit in person to experience the KCA difference....you'll be very glad you did!
"Thank you so much, again and again, for everything you have done. I don't know how you could possibly be a more responsible breeder." - Madriene Lovering, Alpacas de la Pachamama
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