The results came back from the skin biopsy which are very favourable: Below is a write up from Jim Watts, MV. Sc, Ph.D: He is a rather special male!!! Jim Watts analysis: The 14 month old alpaca, FDA Rembrandt, has high levels of fiber density and fiber length. The density reading of 67.7 follicles per square millimeter will be lower when the animal reaches mature body size, but not sufficient to alter the fact that it is a high density animal. This view is supported by the high level of secondary follicle development that has occurred - a secondary follicle to primary follicle ratio of 13.5 to 1 is exceptional for an alpaca. The primary fibers and secondary fibers are fine in diameter (means of 24.5 microns and 17.6 microns respectively) and very uniform in diameter (standard deviations of fiber diameter of 2.9 microns respectively). Note the low level of medullation (13%) in the secondary fiber population - a feature that is sought and only accompanies alpacas with a very fine and uniform fleeces. The fibers are growing in length at the fast rate of 0.55 millimeters per day.

Looking for spun gold? You just found incredible fineness + impeccable phenotype! Feliciana was sired by Patagonia's Ernesto - 8X CHAMPION, Judges Choice at GWAS! Feliciana has consistently been one of the FINEST fleeces on the farm with royal grade fineness, beautiful zipper crimp and looooong staple length. She has a full fleeced face, an Ernesto trademark and compact frame which is what the judges like to see. Her dam, Mermalada is a Nishio granddaughter with a superfine fleece. She has black and grey in her pedigree. At eight (8) years old, her histogram is: 19.7AFD, 3.6SD, 18.2CV, 0.9>30. This girl brought in some excellent ribbons at some of the most competitive shows in the country, in the tough and large fawn classes!