Alpaca Utility Value Evaluation Classifier.

Alpaca herd books

For many years, registration of breeding data was done by manually entering information into foil books. These physical books were kept at the premises of the relevant organizations, such as breeders’ unions or associations. However, with the advancement of digital technologies, more and more herd books are kept electronically. Today’s herd books are therefore a collection of data secured in IT systems.

Livestock herd books play an important role as a historical record and a kind of chronicle for these animals. By entering information into these books, we register the pedigrees of animals, information on their utility or breeding value, as well as data on breeders and owners.

The information recorded in the herd books is extremely important for breeding work.

What is Value in Use Assessment (OWU)

The assessment of the General Terms and Conditions is an indispensable element of the National Breeding Books, which concern alpacas. Each alpaca that is entered into these books must go through the OWU process. There is a potential market of several thousand animals to be assessed. In order to obtain the qualifications of the OWU Classifier, it is necessary to complete the course, which is the only such possibility. The requirements for persons applying for the status of the GTC classifier are available on the website www.shail.pl in the section dedicated to the GTC.

Alpaca Utility Value Classifier – who can become one?

A person who may act as a GTC Classifier must be:

• An adult.
• A person with at least secondary education.
• A person with a minimum of 3 years of experience in breeding alpacas or with an appropriate directional education, such as zootechnics or veterinary medicine. Students of the last years of these faculties can also apply for the status of the OWU classifier.
• A person who has completed a course on running the OWU organized by SHAiL, which is authorized by the Minister of Agriculture to conduct such a course.
• The OWU course includes both theoretical and practical parts, as well as an exam.
• Information on the date and place of the courses will be announced on the website www.shail.pl at least one month in advance.
• SHAiL reserves the right to refuse to accept a candidate for the OWU course without giving a reason.
• A person who has completed the course and meets the requirements receives a certificate from SHAiL, which is a temporary authorization to conduct the OWU.
• Certificates are issued only for the purpose of keeping the OWU and are necessary for the entries of animals in the State Herd Books. The use of the certificate for other commercial purposes is prohibited.
• OWU classifier certificates are valid for two years.

After this period, it is necessary to extend the validity of the certificate, which takes place during the Congress of Classifiers, i.e. a meeting of classifiers organized by SHAiL at least once every two years.

What does the course look like

Theoretical lectures and practical classes conducted by highly qualified Polish scientists and practitioners from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. Coffee buffets and lunches are provided during the course. The final exam consists of a theoretical and a practical part. After successfully passing the exam, the participant receives: A diploma confirming the completion of the course, Certificate of the OWU Classifier, which entitles to perform this role, OWU Classifier ID card, serving as identification as a OWU classifier.

OWU results

The results of the assessment for alpaca breeders are provided at their request within 7 working days of the assessment. These results will relate to the scope of the assessment performed. The Association will provide the results immediately after obtaining all the required documents, such as fleece examination, DNA analysis and other documents resulting directly from the breeding program.

Borowa Zagroda Hodowla Alpak is a member of SHAiL

We have the knowledge and practical skills necessary to conduct a professional assessment of each alpaca. We are proud of our role in the development of alpaca breeding and support breeders in the process of evaluating and classifying their animals. Many breeders have already trusted us, and our results are appreciated for reliability and professionalism. Feel free to contact us, in addition to services related to the Alpaca Breeding, you will take advantage of agritourism attractions.