Alpaca Research Foundation (ARF)

“Funding the Future”

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?

What IF…

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 byqualified 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 OrganizationBoard of Directors - comprised of DVMs,

MDs and PhDsSet research priorities and select proposals for fundingDisseminate research information to alpaca breeders

Development Committee - comprised of industry representativesDevelop and implement fundraising activities

Partners for Knowledge

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

Partners for KnowledgeARF cooperates with MAF to provide:

Alpaca industry input to MAF projects Funding support for select MAF projectsRepresentation on the MAF Board of Directors and Executive Committee

Funding Process

Researcher submits research proposal

ARF BoardReviews Proposal

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Spring

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Proposals Funded

ARF Requests Research Proposals

Funding SourcesAOBA and ARI Check-offs on Membership RenewalsAnnual Giving Letter Auction of Donated AnimalsSuper Stud Raffle at AOBA meetingAffiliate and Private Donations100% 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 alpacasA protocol for use of a drug called pantoprazole that can help prevent ulcers in alpacasIdentification of a Coronavirus that killed several alpacas by causing a respiratory infection known as snots in alpacasDetermination 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.

Photo by: Deb Hill

A protocol for the use of an oral antibiotic in alpacas that makes it easier for breeders to administer antibioticsA test that will help breeders evaluate luster in suri alpaca fleeceA protocol for the early detection of E. mac in alpaca feces that will lead to more successful treatment outcomes at a lower cost to breedersA 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 traitsDemonstration that a drug that breeders had been using to treat ulcers in alpacas was in fact not working.

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

What Can You Doto Help?

Spread the word about ARFWrite an ARF Investigator profile for Alpacas Magazine

Consider volunteering for the Development CommitteeEncourage faculty members at your State’s veterinary college to submit research proposals to ARF

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What Can You Doto Help?

Provide financial support through:

Donate breedings or auction proceedsWork through affiliateson special events to benefit ARFMake a cash donation

Photo by: Jackie Donaldson

Working TogetherWe can find the medicines we need to cure life threatening diseasesWe can reduce the number of defective cria bornWe can improve fiber quality and improve the predictability of offspring colorsVeterinarians will have the information they need to treat our alpacas

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

Thank You