When discussing lingering fleece qualities I would like us to focus on AFD and SD only but certainly could staple length or fleece weight. Recently I was challenged by a well known and experienced person why worry about lingering fleece qualities. The reasoning was due to keeping older genetics rather than cycling them out for more improved genetics. I am certain there are many more reasons but that was my take away. My answer was reduction in cost was the primary reason there is an appreciation for lingering fleece qualities. Based upon our cost structure I put together a thought experiment to prove the point. Premise and Assumptions: Breeding fee: $2,000 Birthing costs: Veterinary visit, IgG blood test, micro chip, AOA registration - $200 Annual husbandry: Includes 1 vet visit and professional shearing, net fleece revenue $263 Replacement age 5 Female is owned Year and cost owning lingering fleece qualities 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 $2,463 263 263 263 263 263 263 263 263 263 236 263 Year and cost recruiting every five years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 $2,463 263 263 263 263 2,463 263 263 263 263 2,463 263 Over 12 years holding an alpaca that expresses lingering fleece qualities cost $5,356.00. Over 12 years replacing an alpaca every five years cost $7,293.00. Breeding fee reduction to match cost between both scenarios would be $1,000.00. The net difference: $1,937.00. Does this make the case for lingering fleece qualities?