Alpaca Research Foundation ARF Funding the Future What

Alpaca Research Foundation (ARF) “Funding the Future”

What IF… We were able to cure our alpacas of potentially life-threatening diseases with just a few doses of the right medicine? Fewer defective cria were born? More alpacas had extremely dense baby-fine fleece and colors were easier to predict? Veterinarians had all the information they needed to treat our alpacas? Photo by: Jackie Donaldson

Would You be Surprised to Know… The researchers and technology are available to answer these questions. The science exists. All that is lacking is the funding to support the research. Photo by: Jackie Donaldson

What is ARF? ARF is an independent non-profit organization that provides funding for alpaca-related research. ARF does not conduct research. However, it funds research proposals submitted by qualified researchers.

ARF’s Mission “To encourage and support scientific research which benefits the North American alpaca industry, primarily in areas of alpaca health and husbandry, genetics and fiber” Photo by: Kerry Anderson

ARF’s Organization Board of Directors - comprised of DVMs, MDs and Ph. Ds Set research priorities and select proposals for funding Disseminate research information to alpaca breeders Development Committee - comprised of industry representatives Develop and implement fundraising activities

Partners for Knowledge Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) Largest private funding agency for companion animal and wildlife research Funds alpaca research through their Llama/Alpaca Division Has infrastructure for financial & scientific monitoring of studies Enables ARF to work cooperatively with the llama community through the Lama Medical Research Group

Partners for Knowledge ARF cooperates with MAF to provide: Alpaca industry input to MAF projects Funding support for select MAF projects Representation on the MAF Board of Directors and Executive Committee

Funding Process ARF Requests Research Proposals Sprin g Su mm er Researcher submits research proposal Fall Proposals Funded ARF Board Reviews Proposal

Funding Sources AOBA and ARI Check-offs on Membership Renewals Annual Giving Letter Auction of Donated Animals Super Stud Raffle at AOBA meeting Affiliate and Private Donations 100% of Donations Go Towards Funding Research

ARF Successes A vaccine that alpaca breeders can use to prevent EEE, a form of encephalitis that has killed several alpacas A protocol for use of a drug called pantoprazole that can help prevent ulcers in alpacas Identification of a Coronavirus that killed several alpacas by causing a respiratory infection known as snots in alpacas Determination of the prevalence of BVDV in North American alpaca herds to help put rules and recommendations in place that prevented the spread of BVDV in alpacas. A better understanding of how alpaca semen works that will help in the development of protocols for artificial insemination Photo by: Lucy Farrar

ARF Successes, cont. A protocol for the use of an oral antibiotic in alpacas that makes it easier for breeders to administer antibiotics A test that will help breeders evaluate luster in suri alpaca fleece A protocol for the early detection of E. mac in alpaca feces that will lead to more successful treatment outcomes at a lower cost to breeders A map of the alpaca genome that can be used to develop genetic tests that will help breeders identify animals that carry inheritable diseases and favorable fiber traits Demonstration that a drug that breeders had been using to treat ulcers in alpacas was in fact not working. Photo by: Deb Hill

Could We Do More? Every year, we receive many excellent research proposals. There simply isn’t enough money to fund them all. Photo by: Deb Hill

Photo by: Jackie Donaldson What Can You Do to Help? Spread the word about ARF Write an ARF Investigator profile for Alpacas Magazine Consider volunteering for the Development Committee Encourage faculty members at your State’s veterinary college to submit research proposals to ARF

What Can You Do to Help? Provide financial support through: Donate breedings or auction proceeds Work through affiliates on special events to benefit ARF Make a cash donation Photo by: Jackie Donaldson

Working Together We can find the medicines we need to cure life threatening diseases We can reduce the number of defective cria born We can improve fiber quality and improve the predictability of offspring colors Veterinarians will have the information they need to treat our alpacas

For More Information Contact the ARF Board through our website with your research related questions and concerns at: www. alpacaresearchfoundation. org Watch for ARF sponsored articles in Alpacas Magazine

Thank You