Objective: To increase the exposure and value of Altered Male Llamas.

Overview:
Other animal industries recognize and appreciate the value of their altered/gelded males. Responsible livestock breeders routinely geld most of their males, because a breeding program can utilize only a very limited number of males. Also, it is widely recognized that gelded animals (horses for example) are more even-tempered, less combative and better able to focus – and thus easier to train - than non-gelded ones. A male horse is often gelded to make him more well-behaved and easier to control. Neutered dogs generally are more docile and also are better able to focus, making them prized for their athletic abilities, valued for their companionship, etc. 

The decision to geld or not to geld a particular animal is more about quantity (50% male offspring) than quality. Even so, many struggle with the dilemma of how to market the ones that, for various reasons, are not chosen for a breeding program. In the llama industry, the misguided belief that gelded llamas aren’t worth much demonstrates several problems the industry has created for itself.

First, if breeders choose to geld only a small percentage of their male llamas and then try to pass the majority of the others off as “breeders,” then a disservice is being done to the industry in general and to the purchasers of these llamas in particular. In many instances, these males are sold for a nominal sum just to move them on. From experience, most breeders know that, even though they may turn out quality breeding males, there simply aren’t enough places and other breeders that need these males. While most male llamas may be capable of reproducing, they aren’t capable of raising the quality level of llamas in general. Very few males – only the crème de la crème – should become part of any breeding program. On the other hand, as geldings they are quite capable of filling a variety of important roles. One of these roles could be to demonstrate the quality of the breeding programs that created them. It would speak volumes if the public and potential owners could routinely see well-trained, well-conformed, quality gelded males in the show ring and in other public settings. This is the norm in other industries. 

Second, few llama owners use their male breeding stock to perform many functions that geldings can do so well. Although some appreciate the marketability and public relations value of a well-trained, quality altered male llama, many do not. These llamas often are viewed as something to “get rid of,” even though they could successfully fill a wide variety of valuable roles – including showing, packing, carting, public relations, babysitting (crias), guarding (other livestock as well as their own herd) therapy and fiber production, to name a few. True, most owners don’t need more than a couple of gelded males, but what about the virtually untapped market of potential llama owners who don’t know about the many virtues of llamas and have no knowledge of llamas in general? Wouldn’t a show quality, well-trained, gelded male be the logical choice to take the initial step into llama ownership? Wouldn’t that have more positive, long-lasting impact upon growing the industry than selling someone a “stud” that is often a “sub-stud” and untrained, setting the new owner up for disappointment with the llama industry? 

Finally, in the large majority of cases – not all- the gelding/altered llama show classes are where “second-class llama citizens” are shown. This is the culmination of years of not routinely gelding most males, and it is a disservice to gelded llamas in general. If more quality males were gelded, then the second-class llama concept could be erased. 

Over the past decade the number of llama breeders and llama ownership has dropped steadily, and new llama owners entering the industry cannot keep pace with ones leaving. Therefore, the supply of male llamas far outstrips the demand. But, what may appear by some to be a challenge too large to overcome will be considered an opportunity by others. That opportunity is now presenting itself to the llama industry. With the accumulation of males over the past decade, breeders have created a valuable but overlooked asset within the llama industry: Show Quality Altered Males. 

CLI has taken the lead and initiated a movement within the llama community to encourage owners to geld a high percentage (probably 90% or more) of their male llamas and then promote them through the Altered Male Classes at CLI shows. The end result can be Altered Males that have proven themselves in the show ring under the toughest judges in the industry. These llamas can become exceptional show quality public relations and promotional ambassadors for individual ranches - something that intact males have a hard time doing. Finally, with no testosterone affecting the fiber of Altered Males, the average diameter of their fiber can be a few microns finer than intact males, giving the breeder yet another selling tool to promote Altered Males. 

As an added incentive CLI will create additional value for Altered Males through its Registry (CLR) by registering any altered male for one-half the normal registration fee. The registration will include a microchip. DNA will not be required for Altered Males.

CLI IS COMMITTED TO RESPONSIBLE LLAMA BREEDING 

ALTERED LLAMA CLASS

Which Llamas Qualify?
Neutered males qualify. Vasectomized males are not eligible.
Class Description
Two classes: Altered Males less than 24 Months
Altered Males 24 Months & Older
No fiber restrictions or divisions. All types of fiber (traditional, silky & suri) are allowed.

Judging Criteria:
Two judges are used to evaluate each Altered Male Class

Conformation
A.  Conformation counts for 50% of the evaluation.
B.  Each llama’s conformation is judged against the CLI Conformation Standard.
C.  Conformation is judged by the conformation judge.

Fiber
A.  Fiber quality counts for 50% of the evaluation.
B.  Each llama’s fiber is judged against the fiber standard.
C.  Fiber is judged by the fiber judge.
D.  All types of fiber (traditional, silky & suri) are judged in the same class. 
E.  Each llama’s fiber is judged against the appropriate CLI Fiber Standard (Traditional, Silky or Suri).

Recognition
A.  Class Placings
     1.Best conformation in each class is awarded.
     2.Best fiber in each class is awarded
     3.Judges confer to determine overall class placings for best packages of conformation & fiber. 
     4.Complete oral reasons are given for fiber and conformation evaluation of each class entry.
B.  Ribbons & Trophies
     1.Best conformation entry in each class receives a ribbon
     2.Best fiber entry in each class receives a ribbon
     3.First through third overall placings are awarded for best packages of conformation and  fiber. 
     4.One Champion and one Reserve Champion trophy are awarded for the division.
C.  Points
     1.Exhibitor points are awarded for each class as follows:
          a. Champion: 5 points
          b. Reserve Champion: 4 points 
          c. First place overall: 3 points
          d. Second place overall: 2 points
          e. Third place overall: 1 point 

Note: In the future, as class sizes increase, the Altered Male Division will become a tiered division. It will then evolve into two or three fiber categories (Traditional, Silky & Suri). If the increase in the number of entries does not yet merit three categories in the Altered Male Division, then the next step would be to offer Traditional and combined Silky/Suri classes within the division.