Inheritance of White Colour in Alpacas - Australian Alpaca Association

Recommendations
It is imperative that a common, genetically based nomenclature system be introduced into the alpaca
industry. Without a common language for colour, the current mis-identification and confusion will
continue. Current colour descriptions for registration are not detailed enough to assist in
determining inheritance patterns because they are based on only the colour of the adult fibre and
don't take into account that there is probably at least two genetically distinct ways to produce a
fawn, and potentially as many as five ways to get white. This has led to incorrect classification in
the herd books. There is no way to determine what proportion of the herd book data is correct at a
genetic level. Therefore, herd book records must be used with caution when attempting to predict
colour outcomes. In addition, the colour of all cria should be recorded (including pattern) preferably
by photography, so that any age-related changes can be accounted for in breeding programs, especially
when animals change ownership.
Overall the results of this study indicate that in order to reduce the complexity of the colour genetics of
alpacas, breeders should breed like colours together, and should not breed classic grey animals to pale
solid animals. Any white animal that produces multi, classic grey or roan when mated to a solid dark
animal must carry the multi, classic grey or roan gene (perhaps more than one), and should be bred
with that knowledge uppermost in mind. Any animals producing non-self coloured cria can be used in
breeding programs aimed at their own colour and/or for the colour(s) they produce. More research is
needed on the patterns grey, roan and multi so that the extra complexity induced by these patterns can
be understood completely.
The chemical melanin test is the most objective way to measure pigment in fibre, and should be used
to distinguish between true white and light fawn, and blue-black and warm-black animals. Breeders
wishing to produce absolutely white fibre (or very dark black) should use this test as one of the
selection indices for a breeding animal. Melanin analyses should be conducted to determine if pinkskinned
whites have different amount and/or ratio of melanins compared with dark-skinned whites,
and whether BEW have whiter fibre that normal-eyed whites.
Despite the identification of mutations relating to base colour, there is still no genetic explanation for
the variation in intensity of those colours within a given genotype. The desired intensity can be
selected for in a planned breeding program; however this will take many years to have a widespread
effect. In addition, it is not clear if the variation is due to genetics, environment or a combination of
both. Further phenotypic and molecular research is needed to elucidate the cause of the variation.
40