Speakers
Arturo Pena | USA
Judges the Fleece Show AAe.V.
Internationale Vlies Schau, AAe.V.
- Tuesday, 03/04 to Thursday, 03/06/2025 in the ARENA
Judge Arturo Pena from the USA: Judging based on the latest findings, with fiber analysis by Paul Vallely, Art of Fiber. Announcement of the fleece placements in the ARENA on Thursday at 6 p.m.
Arturo Pena comes from Arequipa, Peru, and has made a name for himself in the USA as a renowned alpaca expert. His role as operations manager of well-known alpaca breeding farms laid the foundation for his impressive career. With a sound education in veterinary medicine and a bachelor‘s degree in management, Arturo deepened his knowledge. Before his alpaca career, he organized dog shows and discovered his passion for travel at a tour operator in Peru. Today, he organizes educational trips to Peru that offer insights into the alpaca world. As an AOAcertified judge and member of the AOA Judges Advisory Committee (JAC), he has served in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Arturo sees continuous education as the key to success in the alpaca industry. His contribution to scientific research, in particular his study of alpaca antibodies, has been accepted for publication in the scientific journal Theriogenology. In addition to his professional work, he is involved in the library and the Cornell University Cooperative Extension to raise awareness of the alpaca industry in his community.
In North Salem, New York, Arturo enjoys life with his wife Kat, their son Nicholas, as they share a love of taking alpaca pictures.
Meetings, Lectures, Clinics
- Thursday, 03/06 to Sunday, 03/09/2025
Thursday 03/06/2025 in the STADTHALLE (City Hall)
09 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Meeting of Associations and Organizations – organized by the NWK
1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Lectures in Veterinary Medicine – compiled by the NWK by Dr. Henrik Wagner among others with Prof. Dr. Dr. Matthias Gauly from Italy, Prof. Dr. Patrik Zanolari from Switzerland, Prof. Dr. Karin Müller from Great Britain, Dr. Frederik Vanden Berghe from France, Dr. Henrik Wagner from Germany, and Prof. Dr. Thomas Wittek from Austria.
Dr. med. vet. Ilona Gunsser
Specialist in surgery and radiology
Saturday, 03/08/2025 in the ARENA, small Ring
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
AELAS Transport course, instructor Dr. Ilona Gunsser, registration on www.aelas.org
Ilona is a veterinarian specializing in surgery and in radiology. She has been keeping and breeding llamas and alpacas for 30 years, has also specialized professionally in these animal species and has published the results of her studies. She regularly participates as speaker at national and international camelid conferences. Ilona is a founding and board member of the associations AELAS (founded in 2000) and the European Registry for llamas and alpacas LAREU (founded in 2005), and has been active in these associations since then.
She is responsible for the events carried out by AELAS regarding the transfer of knowledge on the subjects of keeping, assessing, breeding and training of alpacas and llamas, as well as providing instructions for the transport of these species. In addition, she organizes the training of the AELAS judges and other events such as shows and working groups on Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI).
Andrea Rohrer
Breeder
Saturday, 03/08/2025 in the ARENA, small Ring
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Alpaca Color Genetics with Andrea Rohrer
Since 2014, Andrea Rohrer has been breeding alpacas together with her husband Ulrich Rohrer. The original goal was to breed white colored alpacas. But even the first offspring brought some surprises in terms of color. Since then, Andrea Rohrer has worked intensively on better understanding color genetics.
Initital research revealed different approaches for coding color genotypes, such as those of Paul, Koenig, Spoonenberg, Merriweather etc. However, practical application showed that these models offer helpful approaches, but could not explain all color variants and not all colors of the offspring. After comparing various molecular genetic studies as well as the availability of genetic color tests, together with the committed support of many breeders, allowed a comprehensive data analysis, e.g. the comparison of genotype and phenotype of over 500 alpacas.
On the basis of all these data, Andrea Rohrer has developed own models and terms that can be directly applied to breeding programs. These models enable practioners to understand, why some color genotypes have a higher consistency or a higher variance in basic fleece color. The models also show which traits are typical for a certain genotype and, finally, how color genetics can be effectively used for specific breeding programs.
Since 2022, Andrea Rohrer has been giving seminars on color genetics of alpacas and has published two articles in the AllesPaka journal.
Prof. Dr. Christian Kiesling
Scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Physics, Munich, and professor at the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich
Sunday, 03/09/2025 in the ARENA, small Ring
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
News from LAREU with Prof. Dr. Christian Kiesling
Senior scientist at the Max-Planck-Institute for Physics, Munich, and professor at the Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich. Working with New World camelids since 1993, first with llamas, later also with alpacas.
Member of the board of the association AELAS e.V. and scientific advisor to the board of the European register LAREU for llamas and alpacas. Co-initiator of the standard marker set for DNA and parentage analysis of New World camelids. Scientific lectures at various camelid conferences, among others on determining the weight of New World camelids using body measurements, on the statistical evaluation of the LAREU register data in relation to breeding goals (e.g. fleece color distribution and frequency of use of breeding stallions), and on detailed analyses of the various methods determining the fiber quality in alpacas.
Co-developer and in recent years main developer of the software for the LAREU registry with its extended functions.
Sunday, 03/09/2025 in the ARENA, small Ring
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Presentation of the breeding quality assessment of the AZVD
The breeding suitability test (ZEP) is an objective method to evaluate an alpaca in three areas: 1. phenotypic evaluation, 2. health evaluation and 3. fiber quality evaluation.
The ZEP assesses the alpaca on the day of the examination and cannot make any statements about possible changes that only occur over time.
The aim of the ZEP is to classify animals into categories that assess their individual suitability as breeding animals:
- Category A is fully suitable for breeding
- Category B is conditionally suitable for breeding
- Category C not suitable for breeding (hobby animal)
31 phenotypic, 23 health-relevant and 21 fiber properties are tested and evaluated taking age into account.
The testing team basically consists of two phenotype testers and a veterinarian.
The following advantages arise for breeders and buyers:
- standardized testing procedure by qualified examiners
- defined catalog of criteria according to scientific criteria
- Recording all deviations from the alpaca standard
- veterinary examination for hereditary diseases and genetic defects
- Fiber analysis with OFDA 2000
- Certified quality control with results report on site
- direct breeding value estimation
- Reliability when breeding, buying and selling
- independent assessment basis for reports
Every alpaca presented at ZEP must be registered using DNA and have a working chip.
Lectures, International
- Friday, 03/07/2025 in the STADTHALLE (City Hall)
Top-class speakers will present a unique lecture program, compiled, and moderated by Robin Näsemann.
The program is designed in such a way that every participant can participate in all lectures. Presentations will be simultaneously interpreted.
Without all-inclusive ticket: Price for day ticket 90 € with snack, drinks, and lunch.
Dr. Birgit Fürst-Waltl | A
Leading Lecturer in livestock science at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Austria
8:30 a.m.- 9:15 a.m., Breeding Merit Indices
Dr. Birgit Fürst-Waltl is a Senior Lecturer in Livestock Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Austria. In addition to teaching and supervising students, her focus is on functional traits, the development and improvement of genetic evaluation and the definition of total merit indices within breeding programs. In this context, she cooperates closely with the relevant organizations.
She mostly works with ruminants but has also been involved in projects dealing with other livestock species.
Amanda VandenBosch | USA
Breeder, Judge and official
9:00 a.m.– 10:15 a.m., Research Results on Medullation
(together with Norm Evans)
Amanda VandenBosch has been raising alpacas, both huacaya and suris for 32 + years along with her family at Flying Dutchman Alpacas, LLC in Bend, Oregon, USA.
Amanda travels worldwide as an International Alpaca Judge, judging and teaching on all aspects of alpacas, fiber, and end products. She has been active with many organizations and is co-author of „Art & Science of Alpaca Judging“ and „Innovative Fleece Assessment Judging System“ along with many research projects related to selection, health, and wellbeing of the alpaca. Proud co-host of the 15th Annual Education with an event on site, and Stanford Livestock International, Ltd export services complimented with the alpaca retail store Alpaca by Design.
Amanda is passionately involved with the non-profit organization Quechua Benefit in Peru. Amanda is an alpaca enthusiast in all aspects from selective breeding decisions and raising high-quality alpacas to a passionate educator known for her interactive clinics and sharing of knowledge with fellow alpaca enthusiasts worldwide.
Norm Evans | USA
Camelid Vet
9:00 a.m.– 10:15 a.m., Research Results on Medullation (together with A. VandenBosch)
Norm Evans has been a camelid veterinarian for over 35 years. His focus has been on the role of nutrition of alpacas throughout their lifecycle, including different stages of gestation and cria growth.
He has placed special emphasis on the effect of various diets on fiber quality and quantity throughout the life of the alpaca. Alpacas are generally safe to work with and treat, from a veterinary perspective. Alpaca owners care about their animals’ wellbeing and seem very receptive to ideas that can improve their health and fiber production. Norm has observed that alpacas can adapt to many different environments, from small hobby farms to large ranches, in time. In the last twenty years, fifty percent of his clients were new breeders, a positive sign for the future of the alpaca industry.
In his 45-minute presentation he will share his knowledge of the impact certain nutrients consumed during critical periods will have on alpaca health, cria development and fiber production. He emphasizes the importance of the proper management of the proteins, vitamins and minerals present in pasture, hay, water, and commercial feeds as these factors can influence alpaca health and fiber quality for life.
Christian Van der Ham | NL
Tourism specialist
11:00 a.m.– 11:45 a.m., Tourism and Alpacas
Christiaan Van der Ham, an experienced professional in the tourism industry, holds a master’s in international heritage management.
With roots in the tourism industry, he started working in education. He trains students for their career and coordinates internships together with a colleague. As alumni coordinator, Christian maintains close contact with university graduates worldwide. He regularly visits companies, trade fairs and conferences to keep up to date with current developments. His interest in alpacas was awakened by his professional network as more and more graduates immersed themselves in the sector. Christian recognized the growing relevance and versatility of the alpaca industry. Alpacas, with their sustainable fiber and charm, have a special appeal. Christian sees a promising future for the alpaca industry, especially in connection with tourism.
In his 45-minute presentation, he plans to shed light on this link. He will discuss company strategies and approaches that sustainably integrate alpacas into tourism and compare international examples. His goal is to show innovative ways in which animals can be ethically and economically integrated into tourism.
Matteo Meucci | I
Expert in fleece processing
12:00 p.m.– 12:45 p.m., Alpaca Fleece Processing in Italy
Matteo Meucci, with roots in his father‘s representative office in the alpaca and mohair sector, took his first professional steps at Alpha Tops SA in Geneva.
After that, he gained experience in Arequipa, specializing in alpaca fibers and worked for a short time on the breeding farm of the Inca Group. After his return, he took over his father‘s work in the representative office, where he still works today with his company Meucci & Co, and records sales of millions of alpaca tops every year. Due to a foreseeable crisis in the alpaca fiber industry, he founded Polipeli in 1988. With an entrepreneurial spirit, he took advantage of Prato‘s textile infrastructure and developed. Polipeli SPA to a global standard for weaving yarns with a high animal fiber content.
With a focus on quality and uniqueness, Polipeli has been constantly working to optimally process alpaca and mohair fibers using the latest technologies and machinery. The company has researched innovative spinning technologies and experimented with various fiber blends, always aiming to improve quality. This pursuit of excellence is also evident in their collaboration with a French mohair goat cooperative, producing and processing thousands of kilograms of mohair yarn every year.
Matteo sees himself as a pioneer in the textile sector and would like to share his findings and experience. His journey from discovering the potential of alpaca and mohair fibers to marketleading processing is impressive and inspiring.
J. Alonso Burgos Hartley | PER
Vice President of Colca Explorer S.A., Executive at Grupo Inca
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m., Breeding Goals from Pacomarca’s Point of View
Born 1958 in Arequipa, Peru, J. Alonso Burgos Hartley studied economics and political science in Grinnell, Iowa. He is married and the father of two sons.
He currently holds several management positions within Grupo Inca, including Manager of the Genetic Development Division Inca Tops S.A., Executive Vice President of Colca Lodge S.A., Vice President of Colca Explorer S.A., and Director of Pachamama S.A. His previous positions include, among others, CEO of the International Alpaca Association and creator and president of the first Alpaca Fiesta in 1997. He has been working in the alpaca textile industry for 35 years.
In particular, he participated in research projects aimed at increasing the value of the alpaca fiber, with a special focus on white Huacaya alpaca and the breeding of pure black alpacas. These projects have been aimed to improve the living standards of thousands of alpaca breeders in Peru. Alpacas are closely interwoven with Peru‘s history. Their fine fiber can fetch the highest prices in international markets. The challenge lies in maintaining this status by increasing the value of the fiber.
In the future, he sees alpacas without guard hair and in special natural colors, especially black, as producers of valuable luxury fibers for international markets. In his 45-minute presentation, „PACOMARCA Alpacas Genetics in Black and White“, he will present the success story of Grupo Inca‘s genetic improvement project
Dr. Edgar Quispe Peña | PER
Managing Director of Natural Fibers Tech SAC
3:00 p.m.- 3:45 p.m., Fiber Laboratory in Peru
Dr. Edgar Quispe Peña, graduated at Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (Perú) in animal science. Currently he is professor at UNALM and researches animal breeding and camelid production.
He is CEO of Natural Fibers Tech SAC and has five patents for devices used for fiber evaluation, has more than a hundred scientific publications (details on Research Gate). He is referee and coeditor of well-known magazines, Small Ruminant Research, among others. His enthusiasm for alpacas is rooted in his social commitment: Alpaca breeding helps alleviating poverty, as many alpaca breeders live at the subsistence level. For him, the fiber properties of alpacas are impressive: good thermoregulation, softness, wear resistance, water-repellent and fire resistant.
In addition, alpacas are ecological animals that protect the soil and can live in difficult geographical areas. Dr. Quispe Peña predicts that alpacas will be kept worldwide in the future and could partially replace sheep. This is not only due to the valuable alpaca fiber, but also to its use in medicine, rehabilitation treatment and as companion animals. In his 45-minute presentation, he will talk about fiber density and medullation as criteria for alpaca selection.
In addition, he will present his fiber evaluation device, the Fiber EC, and demonstrate it on site.
Raul C. Rivera | PER
business economist University of Leicester and Fresno State University, Senior position at Michell & Cia S.A.
4:00 p.m.- 5.00 p.m., Alpaca Fleece Processing in Peru
Raul C. Rivera, MBA, University of Leicester, and BS, Fresno State University, has an impressive professional expertise in the alpaca industry.
He has worked for more than 25 years at Michell & Cia. S.A., a leading company in Peru, in marketing, product development and worldwide sales. In addition to his work at Michell & Cia. S.A., he has also taken on significant roles in the International Alpaca Association and the Arequipa Chamber of Commerce and was chairman of the 2018 Alpaca Fiesta. Rivera‘s entry into the alpaca industry was coincidental when, after completing his studies in the USA, he did an internship at Michell & Cia. S.A. Although he had little knowledge of alpacas or the industry at the time, he was fascinated by the extensive production process from the raw material to the final product.
For him, every alpaca product symbolizes not only quality, but also roots deeply in tradition and history. Regarding the future of the alpaca industry, Rivera hopes that the breeding of alpacas will spread worldwide. For him, the breeders are important ambassadors who help to increase the awareness and recognition of the alpaca on a global scale. In his presentation, Rivera plans to shed light on the process of transforming fibers into yarns, an expertise he has perfected over the years.
Alpaka Show South and Fair
- Friday, 03/07 from 5 p.m. until Sunday, 03/09/2025 in the ARENA
By the Alpaka Marketing GbR. The participating alpacas of the Alpaca Show South will be judged by Amanda VandenBosch, USA, and Tim Hey, GB (International Alpaca Show to be confirmed).
Lucrecia Lovera | ARG
Presents fashion from international designers
Alpaca Fashion Gala
- Saturday, 03/08., 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. in the ARENA
Alpaca Fashion Gala – Presented by Lucrecia Lovera from Argentina. Experience the alpaca fashion of tomorrow from international designers at an impressive Alpaca Fashion Gala.
Stud Fee Auction
- Sunday, 03/09., 12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m. in the ARENA
Alpaca stud fee auction with Petra Borrmann, Alpakas des Westens .An exciting auction of first-class studs awaits you live in the ring. You can place your bid by purchasing a registered bidding card, which will be available on Sunday morning.