Aotearoa Mana
Aotearoa Mana is a light fawn Huacaya Alpaca out of Hadstock NZ Amazing Lady and by Mitchell Park Gladiator.
Mana can translate as 'authority, prestige, pride or status'. The concept, however means more then just the literal english translation.
Mana’s bloodlines include: Inti, Maid of the Mist, Highlander, Brigantine, Sculptor, Jolimont Amazing and Mitchell Park Gladiator. His dam Hadstock NZ Amazing Lady is one of our best females and the granddaughter of the famed Jolimont Sculptor now deceased. Mana’s sire Mitchell Park Gladiator was selected for his fine fleece as a senior male, his conformation and his gentle temperament.
The genetic mix of dam and sire has produced fleece characteristics which stand out from the rest of our herd. His fleece structure consists of deep crimp, very merino like in character, in long thin bundles which are consistent all over including legs, tail, neck, rump, withers and bonnet.
Mana's fleece has to be seen to be believed. He is showing stud potential at a very early age. We will see how he grows out, what his fleece returns like after shearing and keep our eye on him. His fleece exhibits long, thin, individual bundles with deep crimp. His fleece is consistent all over and we just love him!
Mana was shown in two shows this season, the Manawatu A&P Show in Feilding and the National Expo in Hamilton. We were keen to see how he would do under a judge’s scrutiny and we were not dissapointed!
At the Manawatu Royal he pronked away with a First in his class, Best in his colour class and Reserve Champion Junior Male. At the National Show he also got a First in his class, and Reserve Champion Junior Male, over the young male that beat him in Palmerston North. Unfortunately he was not eligible for his colour class as the National Supreme Huacaya automatically took that place (a well deserved placing).
Mana's show results were telling of his fleece, with the National Judge Jude Anderson, recommending all visitors to open his fleece should they get the chance. Mana was weaned at 4 months rather then 6 and despite some minor growth issues he still placed exceptionally well against the highest numbers ever for a National Show, and compared to some well grown out junior males.
Mana's fleece was entered into the Inaugural International Fleece Show held in conjuction with the World Alpaca Conference in Sydney Australia, March 2008. His fleece was 'Highly Commended' out of close to 500 entries and with only 14% of entries getting a placing or commendation.
Fleece
December 2007, Mean Micron 18.40, SD 4.98, CV 27.1, CF 97.3, SPNF 18.9, Curve 47.9
March 2008, Mean Micron 17.60, SD 4.0, CV 22.7, CF 99.1, SPNF 17.4, - Grid Tested at the International Alpaca Show
