Alpaca Coat Color

The Alpaca Coat Color test has been developed in collaboration with Dr. Kylie Munyard from Curtin University of Western Australia, who has conducted extensive research in alpaca coat color genetics.

Coat color in alpacas is a complex trait, involving two main genes responsible for base coat color (AslP and MCIR), and an as yet unknown number involved with pattern. Alpaca fleece has 22 natural shades that range from black to white, grey, fawn to champagne. Breeding for a specific coat color can be a complex process. The classic grey phenotype can be problematic in breeding due to its association with the blue eye white phenotype and possible health defects. Classic grey can be hidden or cryptic on white or light backgrounds.

With the release of the Alpaca Coat Color test, breeders have the opportunity to test their white or light fawn animals, those with uncertain patterns or mutations, or animals they wish to determine the base coat color to deduce common progeny colors. The test also identifies animals with cryptic grey coat patterns that are generally too pale to see.