The G.A.I.N. — The Genetic Alpaca Improvement Network — is a performance-based, computerized program for evaluation of genetic breeding values. The G.A.I.N. is designed to help alpaca breeders to make the most informed, scientific genetic decisions for their breeding programs. The G.A.I.N. gives breeders reliable information that they can use to advertise and sell their breeding stock. Buyers of The G.A.I.N. members animals have the confidence of paying for dependable and precise genetic values to meet their needs. The G.A.I.N. uses modern, scientifically-proven technology (called "EPDs") to measure genetic performance.
An alpaca breeder who is a member of The G.A.I.N. receives reports on the genetic values for every animal in their herd, based on the performances of those animals and all the animals that are genetically related to them, over many years and management systems. By using across-herd EPDs, a breeder can make genetic improvements efficiently and reliably. EPDs allow a breeder to rank all the animals by genetic value, identify high-producing replacements, and cull poor-producing animals.

Additional Items:

Handling Data: The G.A.I.N. is committed to providing accurate, top-quality genetic performance evaluation information to The G.A.I.N. Members. The G.A.I.N. uses data provided by individual alpaca owners to construct EPDs (see http://www.alpacagenetics.com or published guide). The mathematical process The G.A.I.N. uses involves measuring relationships (genetic linkages) between individual alpacas. Breeders should note that for some alpacas, adequate genetic linkages currently do not yet exist in the The G.A.I.N. database to provide for highly accurate EPDs. If appropriate genetic linkages do not exist at the time The G.A.I.N. calculates EPDs for any given alpaca; and/or if critical data are missing or are otherwise unusable from any producer's records; The G.A.I.N. reserves the right to provide customers with alternative genetic evaluation services (such as HEPDs; (see http://www.alpacagenetics or published guide). In the event that herd records are not suitable for any The G.A.I.N. genetic evaluation services, The G.A.I.N. will make a full refund of all fees paid to The G.A.I.N. for any year/production cycle that herd data are not reported upon.

Confidentiality: The G.A.I.N. agrees to hold individual herd data (raw data) in confidence and will not divulge, make public or sell individual herd data. The G.A.I.N. further agrees that data will only be made public in aggregate form (for example, in group form for research and summary purposes).

Claims: The G.A.I.N. makes no claims regarding the accuracy or integrity of individual herd data provided by alpaca owners. The G.A.I.N. Members understand and acknowledge that The G.A.I.N. utilizes herd data provided by individual alpaca owners, and that The G.A.I.N. does not guaranty or warranty the accuracy or integrity of such information. Further, The G.A.I.N. Members understand and acknowledge that The G.A.I.N. makes no warranties regarding the information generated as a result of the individual alpaca owner supplied data. The G.A.I.N. Members agree that they shall make no claims against The G.A.I.N. as a result of any information generated as a result of information provided by individual alpaca owners, including, but not limited to, any claims for negligence, breach of contract or the inaccurate reporting of data. The G.A.I.N. Members hereby waive any express or implied warranties in connection with the information provided by The G.A.I.N., including any warranties created by federal or state law.

The Genetic Alpaca Improvement Network (G.A.I.N.)
4370 Bennett's Corner Rd · Holley, NY 14470
Phone: 585-638-8572 · Fax: 585-638-8573
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