Yocom-McColl is donating five (5) OFDA 100 fiber tests to the lucky winner.  Fiber testing is a must have breeders' tool, and Yocom-McColl is the preferred provider for participation in the Alpaca Owners Association EPD program.  A histogram provides owners with average fiber diameter, coefficient of variation, standard deviation, and more from a small sample of animal fiber.

Per Y-M's website, "When utilized properly, objective fiber testing can be a powerful marketing and genetic selection tool. Objective measurement is an assessment made without the influence of personal feelings or prejudice. Visual appraisal and fiber handling are fundamental aspects of fiber judging, but very weak appraisal methods of accurately identifying fiber diameter.

Instrumentation can accomplish the measurement of fibers within a micron. Because the measurements are so tiny, the difference between a sample at 20.5 microns and one at 22.5 microns is small mathematically, but critical in commercial use and pricing structure.

Based on this factor alone, fiber-testing technology gives breeders a useful tool to analyze fiber and track the progress of their selection programs. The determination of average fiber diameter helps identify the best end use for fiber and is information that mills require before making their purchasing decisions."

Learn more about fiber testing and histogram anaysis at www.ymcoll.com