Koenig's Wool-N-Fir Farm Breeding Program

 

Successful breeding of any animal requires that begins a focus on excellent conformation, good health and reproductive fitness.  These are the elements we sought in the blood lines we selected. While banana ears, ear and face wool, leg wool, long fleeces, suri locks, and very fine diameter wool (measuring in the low microns) are important to us and desired by many, they are really just the "wrapping." Llamas do not walk on their ears, nor do they need face and leg wool to stay warm.

At Koenig's Wool-N-Fir Farm, we have built our breeding program from the ground up. Julie's degrees in animal science gave her the background to design our breeding goals and then consistently use them in selecting our animals and outside breedings.  The conformation of the llama starting with their proportions and legs has always been at the top of our list of criteria, along with reproductive soundness.  We strive for large, well balanced, athletic animals with fluid movement.  With the "foundation" set, we began working to improve our fleece quality and the dispositions of our animals.

The result of breeding for ultra fine fiber is seen in the number of blue ribbons and championships in fleece competitions.  In addition to competitions, we use an independent testing laboratory to objectively assess our fiber quality.  At one year of age, our offspring have fleeces under 21 microns, with many in the teens.

We breed for animals that have the presence, carriage and stretch that make them stand out, in the pasture and in the show ring., but also have the disposition to be comfortable in a Fourth of July parade, a Christmas pageant "dressed" as a camel, or begging for attention at the Oregon State Fair with their head and neck through the gate on their stall getting pets from the crowds.

Animals bred at our farm continue to excel in the show ring, indicating that we are achieving our breeding objectives and receiving external recognition for our outstanding animals.

Until a female is pregnant, we introduce the sire to her in special breeding areas where the breeding can be monitored and is safe for the animals. This also insures that we have accurate breeding dates and a known sire.

Even though llama deliveries usually do not require assistance, we try to be on hand for each birth, and closely monitor each animal when she approaches her due date. We have even been known to sleep in the pasture or stall with an expecting dam.