UK National Testing Scheme

Excerpts from testimonials (full testimonials are listed below)

“I am extremely happy to have this service locally available in the UK again.” – Tim Hey, (BAS Judge) owner of Inca Alpaca

“Art of Fibre’s testing provides the trusted data that supports and guides our breeding program”. – Roger and Elaine Clarke of Amberley and Ambermoon Alpacas

“As a breeder that has used AoF for close to 20 years, I have come to rely on their accuracy. professionalism and support.” – Nick Harrington-Smith, (BAS Judge and AOA Judge Trainer) Alpaca Evolution

Art of Fibre’s ‘Quality Control Program’

Our ‘Certified alpaca testing’ is subject to our own QA program. As the only industry standards for testing fibre are relevant to the testing of sheep’s wool, Art of Fibre have developed their own Quality Control scheme specific to testing alpaca fibre. This scheme includes:

1/  Twice daily calibration check using manufacturer’s calibration slide with polyester fibres.

2/  Calibration check for every testing batch using a reference alpaca sample for which the test results are known.

3/  The OFDA2000’s carry out a built in calibration check where it measures at regular intervals, 4 wire fibres with diameters ranging from 10 to 100 microns. 

4/  Regular comparative testing trial using 5 alpaca samples that are tested on both our OFDA2000 devices

5/ Regular calibration testing using fibre industry standard’s ‘Interwool laboratory tops’

5/  Twice a year, alpaca samples are tested on both our OFDA’s with the same samples sent to the OFDA manufacturer in Western Australia 

6/  If any of the above checks result in discrepancies above the acceptable margin of error, testing services are frozen until the issue is resolved.

A certificate of compliance for any ‘Certified alpaca testing’ we carry out is available on request.

Testimonials:

“As a breeder of over thirty years, having accurate fibre analysis is fundamental to our selection and breeding programme here at Inca Alpaca. Since The Art of Fibre (formally known as AAFT) extended their service from Australia to include Europe, the benefits to European based growers have been plenty. The process of submitting the samples is straight forward and the turnaround time has been so helpful, especially when you need samples out of season to match buyers requests or aid with breeding decisions etc.

I guess the main reason for sticking with this testing company for so long is due to the comprehensive statistical information that is produced with each sample that I submit. The fibre histogram is thorough and very useful but it’s the added bonus of a staple length fineness profile that sets this testing company apart from the others, as the profile allows me as a breeder to analyse and evaluate health and performance throughout the fibre growing period. This is especially useful for looking at stress related issues surrounding lactation, parasitism and weaning in young stock. In addition to the histogram and length profile, you can also request, free of charge, the results in Excel format and this allows me to input the date directly into our herd management software with little ease.

I would like to offer my full endorsement to The Art of Fibre and would encourage anyone not currently using their services to make the switch and benefit from the extensive information they provide at a very affordable price. I am extremely happy to have this service locally available in the UK again.” – Tim Hey, (BAS Judge) owner of Inca Alpaca.

“Accurate, professional and dependable, the Art of Fibre’s testing provides the trusted data that supports and guides our breeding program, driving the continual advancement of the Amberley and Ambermoon herds.”  Roger and Elaine Clarke of Amberly and Ambermoon Alpacas

“As a breeder that has used AoF for close to 20 years, I have come to rely on their accuracy professionalism and support.  With a keen emphasis on fibre quality in our breeding program Paul’s willingness to share his extensive knowledge has helped us make significant progress in better understanding fibre traits and their importance. We look forward to many more years of collaboration.” Nick Harrington-Smith, (BAS Judge and AOA Judge Trainer) Alpaca Evolution

How to take a sample

Note – please include a copy of the order confirmation with your samples.

For further details contact Harley Taylor, harley@artoffibre.com