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Why SLA Keured Suri Llamas?
The spectrum reaches from aesthetics to economics. Since 1993, we have focused the Silver
Moon breeding program on producing suri fiber on elegant, conformationally
correct llama frames. This focus, along with selective breeding, has produced some of the
finest and most valuable suri llamas in the world.
To ensure sustained value and increased integrity of suri
llamas, in 2003 we gathered together a small group of like-minded breeders and together formed the
Suri Llama Association and Registry. SLA is the first llama breed association to
be formally organized as well as the first to create and maintain a Breed
Standard, require DNA and microchip identification on all breed stock, and host
a separate Breed Registry. Its goals and missions include preservation and
improvement of this ancient breed, while marketing suri llamas and their fiber
in the world market.
We believe SLA Registered Suri Llamas to be the best livestock investment
available. First because suri llamas are rareat this writing there are fewer
than 1500 in North America.
Everyone who is fortunate enough to own one says the same thing;
we want more!. Even the most jaded long-term llama breeders have been infected with the
excitement of the future of suris.
The rarity factor in livestock investment is important,
but would mean less without the support of a strong breed association such as SLA.
One of the most important functions of a breed organization is to
maintain a respected Registry with high integrity. The Keuring (Inspection)
process, which has been time tested for hundreds of years in European breeds of
horses, is the method for gaining entry into the SLA Registry. All suri llamas
must first be registered by the International Lama Registry and have DNA and
microchip on file with SLA.
At a Keuring, SLA trained Inspectors score each
llama individually against the Breed Standard for strengths and weakness.
200 points may potentially be earned on the score sheets for fiber, movement and
conformation.
Breeders may then use
these scores to select the best breeding pairs based on phenotypic information from
the Keurings and genotypic information from the SLA Registry.
A SLA Registered Llama is the only way to assure investors that the llama
they want to purchase is a certified suri llama.
SLA will host a conference in Estes Park, Colorado on June 1-4, 2006.
It will be packed with fun, education on suri llamas and their luxurious
fiber and will also include a chance to observe a keuring and purchase
SLA Registered Suri Llamas.
For more information on the Suri Llama Association, checkout the website: www.surillama.com
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