Transcript ARF—Funding the Future - Alpaca Research Foundation

Alpaca Research
Foundation (ARF)
“Funding the Future”
What IF…
We were able to cure our alpacas of potentially lifethreatening diseases with just a few doses of the right
medicine?
Fewer defective cria were born?
More alpacas had extremely dense baby-fine fleece and
colors were easier to predict?
Veterinarians had all the information they needed to treat
our alpacas?
Photo by: Jackie Donaldson
Would You be Surprised
to Know…
The researchers and
technology are available to
answer these questions.
The science exists.
All that is lacking is the
funding to support the
research.
Photo by: Jackie Donaldson
What is ARF?
ARF is an independent non-profit organization
that provides funding for alpaca-related
research.
ARF does not conduct research. However, it
funds research proposals submitted by
qualified researchers.
ARF’s Mission
“To encourage and support
scientific research which
benefits the North American
alpaca industry, primarily in
areas of alpaca health and
husbandry, genetics and fiber”
Photo by: Kerry Anderson
ARF’s Organization
Board of Directors - comprised of DVMs, MDs
and PhDs
Set research priorities and select proposals for funding
Disseminate research information to alpaca breeders
Development Committee - comprised of industry
representatives
Develop and implement fundraising activities
Partners for Knowledge
Morris Animal Foundation (MAF)
Largest private funding agency for companion animal and
wildlife research
Funds alpaca research through their Llama/Alpaca Division
Has infrastructure for financial & scientific monitoring of studies
Enables ARF to work cooperatively with the llama community
through the Lama Medical Research Group
Partners for Knowledge
ARF cooperates with MAF to provide:
Alpaca industry input to MAF projects
Funding support for select MAF projects
Representation on the MAF Board of Directors and
Executive Committee
Funding Process
ARF
Requests
Research
Proposals
Proposals Funded
Spring
Researcher submits research
proposal
ARF Board
Reviews Proposal
Funding Sources
AOBA and ARI Check-offs on Membership
Renewals
Annual Giving Letter
Auction of Donated Animals
Super Stud Raffle at AOBA meeting
Affiliate and Private Donations
100% of Donations Go Towards Funding
Research
ARF Successes
A vaccine that alpaca breeders can use to prevent EEE, a
form of encephalitis that has killed several alpacas
A protocol for use of a drug called pantoprazole that can
help prevent ulcers in alpacas
Identification of a Coronavirus that killed several alpacas by
causing a respiratory infection known as snots in alpacas
Determination of the prevalence of BVDV in North American
alpaca herds to help put rules and recommendations in
place that prevented the spread of BVDV in alpacas.
A better understanding of how alpaca semen works that will
help in the development of protocols for artificial
insemination
Photo by: Lucy Farrar
ARF Successes, cont.
A protocol for the use of an oral antibiotic in alpacas that
makes it easier for breeders to administer antibiotics
A test that will help breeders evaluate luster in suri alpaca
fleece
A protocol for the early detection of E. mac in alpaca feces
that will lead to more successful treatment outcomes at a
lower cost to breeders
A map of the alpaca genome that can be used to develop
genetic tests that will help breeders identify animals that
carry inheritable diseases and favorable fiber traits
Demonstration that a drug that breeders had been using to
treat ulcers in alpacas was in fact not working.
Photo by: Deb Hill
Could We Do More?
Every year, we receive
many excellent
research proposals.
There simply isn’t
enough money to fund
them all.
Photo by: Deb Hill
What Can You Do
to Help?
Spread the word about ARF
Write an ARF Investigator profile for
Alpacas Magazine
Consider volunteering for the
Development Committee
Encourage faculty members at your
State’s veterinary college to submit
research proposals to ARF
What Can You Do
to Help?
Provide financial support
through:
Donate breedings or
auction proceeds
Work through affiliates
on special events to
benefit ARF
Make a cash donation
Working Together
We can find the medicines we need to cure life
threatening diseases
We can reduce the number of defective cria born
We can improve fiber quality and improve the
predictability of offspring colors
Veterinarians will have the information they need to
treat our alpacas
For More Information
Contact the ARF Board through our website with
your research related questions and concerns at:
www.alpacaresearchfoundation.org
Watch for ARF sponsored articles in Alpacas
Magazine
Thank You