Kylie Munyard, B.Sc. (Hons) PhD

Deputy Director of Graduate Research, Senior Lecturer Molecular Genetics, School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia

Dr Kylie Munyard obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology, with Honours in Veterinary Biology, from Murdoch University in 1990. After working as a Clinical Cytogeneticist, she went on to complete a PhD (“The Ecology of Methanogens in the Rumen”) at UWA/CSIRO in 2000.

Dr Munyard is currently a Senior Lecturer/Researcher in Molecular Biology at the School of Biomedical Sciences at Curtin University. Her research interests are South American Camelid genetics and conservation genetics of Australian quail. In 2006, with funding from the AAA, she worked with alpaca breeders to perform a survey of the incidence of staggers in Australian alpacas. A two-year project investigating microsatellite markers in alpacas (funded by Morris Animal Foundation) has also been completed. The results from both projects have been published in peerreviewed scientific journals. In 2008 she was an invited speaker at two seminal events, the Inaugural World Alpaca Conference (Sydney) and the 1st International Workshop on Camelid Genetics.

Prior to commencing Academic duties in the school of Biomedical Sciences at Curtin University, Dr Munyard was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Centre for High-throughput Agricultural Genetic Analysis (CHAGA), specialising in animal and instrumentation projects. Her projects within CHAGA included the invention of a DNA extraction kit, as well as provision of parentage assessments on cattle, and the development of an online database that allows fast and easy assignment of parentage to unknown animals. Two provisional patents and one full patent have arisen from that work.

Speaking:
Saturday, Jan. 18
1:15 pm – The Alpaca Genome: A Brief but Action Packed History
2:15 pm – How Do I Breed an Alpaca that Colour? Finding the genes that control colour in alpacas

Norm Evans, DVM

Camelid Researcher, Author, The Alpaca Field Manual

Norm Evans received his DVM degree from Auburn University in 1968. He started a mixed practice which became a 5 person practice. He did embryo transfer in cattle for 8 years and has done camelids for 29 years. Since 1996, his practice has been 100% camelid. He is author of 3 editions of The Alpaca Field Manual. While retired from active practice, he still works full time with field research of how an alpaca’s fiber production is affected by environment, male and female genetic traits as well as nutritional influences as measured by the skin biopsy and histogram.

Speaking:
Saturday, Jan. 18
10:15 am – Inheritibility of Fiber Traits
4:30 pm – Nutrition to Maximize Reproduction & Fiber Health

R. Mark Enns, PhD

Colorado State University; Boulder, CO

R. “Mark” Enns grew up working on the family’s fourth-generation wheat and cattle operation in northwest Oklahoma. Those early experiences stimulated his interest in livestock and agriculture and led him to undergraduate degrees from Tabor College, and master’s and doctorate degrees in animal breeding and genetics from Colorado State University.

After completing his education, he worked two years in New Zealand for Landcorp Farming Ltd., the largest ranching company in that country. At Landcorp, he developed genetic improvement programs for beef cattle, deer, sheep and goats. After his time in New Zealand, he spent four years at the University of Arizona and then joined the Department of Animal Sciences at CSU in 2001.

As a professor at CSU, he teaches courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level in animal breeding and genetics and in livestock production systems. His primary research focus is on beef cow adaptability/longevity and genetic improvement in susceptibility to bovine respiratory disease and pulmonary hypertension (also known as high mountain or brisket disease). He has a special interest in using multi-trait selection and genetic improvement to improve the profitability of beef production at the producer level.

Enns serves the beef industry through the CSU Center for Genetic Evaluation of Livestock—a center that calculates expected progency differences and performs foundational genetic evaluation research for breed associations and producer groups both nationally and internationally. In addition, he serves on the board of directors for the Beef Improvement Federation as the western region secretary.

Education
Ph.D. in Animal Sciences with emphasis in Breeding and Genetics, Colorado State University, 1995
M.S. in Animal Sciences with emphasis in Breeding and Genetics, Colorado State University, 1991
B.A. in Biology and Natural Science-Chemistry, Tabor College, 1987

Speaking:
Saturday, Jan. 18
3:30 pm – Genetics & EPDs

Dr. Michelle Kutzler is a native of Kent, Washington. She graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. After graduation, Dr. Kutzler worked in mixed animal practice in Minnesota for four years before going to Cornell University to pursue a theriogenology residency and a PhD. Since 2002, Dr. Kutzler has been at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. Dr. Kutzler teaches numerous courses in Animal Production and Reproductive Biology. She has published widely in the fields of both large and small animal veterinary medicine. Dr. Kutzler is the Western States (Region 4) Director for the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners and the President of the Llama Association of North America. In addition, she is active in the International Llama Registry (Show Division Youth Committee member) and Alpaca Owners Association (Membership committee member). Dr. Kutzler also owns and shows llamas and alpacas as well as spins, knits, and felts with their fleece and sells their manure as fertilizer. Dr. Kutzer and her husband (Sean) of 24 years have 3 amazing children, including one who is following in her mother’s footsteps at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.

Speaking:
Saturday, Jan. 18
9:00 am – Embryo Transfer in Camelids
11:15 am – Parasitology (including Lab Demonstration)

Christina Adams

Christina Adams is an award-winning writer with a background in aerospace, government and health. She is the author of Camel Crazy: A Quest for Miracles in the Mysterious World of Camels, and A Real Boy: A True Story Autism, Early Intervention and Recovery. She has an MFA in Creative Writing and her work has been featured by NPR, The Washington Post, OZY, The Los Angeles Times, The Orange County Register, Open Democracy, Orange Coast Magazine, Web MD, Global Advances in Health and Medicine, Dubai One, Khaleej Times, Epocha, Good Housekeeping, TATA SKY, The Rajasthan Patrika, The Writer, literary magazines and many more. She speaks on writing, health, camels and autism internationally, including audiences in Germany, India, England, Pakistan, UAE, and the US.

Speaking:
Saturday, Jan. 18
3:30 pm – “Camel Crazy” – A Quest for Miracles in the Mysterious World of Camels

https://christinaadamsauthor.com
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https://www.instagram.com/christina_adams_author/
https://twitter.com/christinathink

Lisa Shubitz, DVM

Dr. Shubitz is a Research Scientist at The Valley Fever Center for Excellence. Her research focus includes developing a vaccine for Valley Fever, studying the epidemiology of the disease in canines, the ecological distribution of the fungus in Southern Arizona and interactions between the host (both animal and human) and the fungus that causes Valley Fever, using animal models. She is well versed in alpacas and their particular susceptibility as well as treatments and is currently running trials regarding medication doses in alpacas.

Speaking:
Saturday, Jan. 18
8:05 am – Valley Fever

Julie E. Dechant, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS and ACVECC

Dr. Julie Dechant graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1996 and completed a Large Animal Surgery Residency at Colorado State University in 2000. She is board certified in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and in the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. She received Faculty Teaching Awards from the School of Veterinary Medicine (2015) and UC Davis (2016). Dr. Dechant has been at UC Davis since 2004 and is currently a Professor in Clinical Equine Surgical Emergency and Critical Care at UC Davis. Dr. Dechant is the faculty advisor to the UC Davis Camelid Medicine Club and she supervises the care and use of the camelid blood donor and teaching herd. Her research interests are related to improving the diagnosis and care of large animal emergency and critical care patients. She also has a secondary interest in camelid medicine and associated research.

Speaking:
Sunday, Jan. 19
9:00 am – Myths & Misconceptions about Congenital Diseases
10:15 am – Updates in Research

Daniel Mora, DVM

Dr. Daniel Mora, DVM grew up on a small farm in Southern California. There, his family raised many types of livestock. Dr. Mora left southern California to attend UC Davis where he received his B.S. degree in Animal Science. After graduating, he worked for The University of California maintaining a 100 acre wildlife refuge and study area. Working for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, Daniel maintained a captive black tail deer herd, both captive and free flying wildlife flocks, open upland grassland and riparian type habitats, 15 acres of orchard grass/clover and fescue pastures as well as the installation and construction of necessary facilities. Daniel’s agricultural experience includes maintaining the greenhouses and assisting with experiments.

Dr. Mora received his D.V.M. degree from the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis. In 2001 he started his own mobile veterinary practice. Tri County Mobile Veterinary Services is a mixed animal practice. Approximately 40 percent of his patients are camelids.

Dr. Mora enjoys the pleasure of working with UC Davis Veterinary Student Llama and Alpaca Medicine Club to offer actual hands on experience with llamas and alpacas. In addition Dr. Mora has presented a number of education lectures to various Alpaca Breeder associations on subjects that have ranged from pasture management/weeds, neonatology, to general animal care, and handling. At LANA, Dr. Mora has presented on various subjects ranging from how to inject properly, vaccination strategies, parasites, heat stress to general animal husbandry.

Speaking:
Speaking: Saturday, Jan. 18
8:05 am – The Health Camelid – Part I
9:00 am – The Health Camelid – Part II

Robin Skillman, DVM

Dr. Robin Skillman is a graduate of U.C. Davis and is a small ranch owner. She has a mobile veterinary practice with a focus on food and fiber production animals.

Over 30% of her practice is devoted to Camelids – working with clients from small hobby farms to serious commercial breeders. She is located in the Sierra Nevada Foothills north of Sacramento.

Speaking:
Saturday, Jan. 18
1:15 pm – Prenatal Care/Birthing
2:15 pm – Cria Care

Dr. Felipe Avila

Dr. Felipe Avila obtained his undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Brasilia (Brazil) in 2005, and his PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University in 2014. Dr. Avila’s doctoral studies focused on camelid molecular cytogenetics and genomics, culminating with the development of the first whole-genome integrated cytogenetic maps for the alpaca and dromedary camel. After that, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine until 2018, where he utilized high-throughput genomics tools to study performance traits in various horse breeds.

A researcher at UC Davis since 2018, Dr. Avila’s research interests include equine and camelid genetics and genomics. The focus of his camelid research program is to use a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to elucidate the genetic basis of camelid diseases.

Speaking:
Saturday, Jan. 18
3:00 pm – Co-presenting with Kylie Munyard

Leslie Phillips, MS, DVM, CVA

Grass Valley, CA

Dr. Leslie Phillips received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1988 from the University of California at Davis. She was certified with the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 1995 and the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 1997. In 2006, she was certified in veterinary Chinese herbal medicine with the Chi Institute.

Leslie has been a lecturer at UC Davis Veterinary School and a laboratory instructor for the basic acupuncture course for IVAS and the Chi Institute. Dr. Phillips has been the North American Exam Coordinator for the IVAS basic course in Veterinary Acupuncture for the past 15 years and past president of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture.

Dr. Phillips treats large and small animals and her practice is limited to Veterinary Acupuncture, Chiropractic and Chinese Herbal Medicine in the Nevada County area.

Dr. Phillips enjoys riding her horse, playing her stand-up bass and hiking.

Speaking:
Saturday, Jan. 18
10:15 am – Alternative/Holistic Care for Camelids

Charlene Schmid

Certified Master Sorter; Past President, Calpaca; Owner, Integrity Alpacas & Fiber; Vacaville, CA

Charlene Payne Schmid began alpaca ownership in May of 2013 and built a ranch that currently holds a commercial fiber herd of around 30 alpacas, primarily white. In 2019, Charlene obtained certification through SUNY/Cobbleskill as a Master Sorter. Charlene offers fiber consulting and sorting services that support both cottage and commercial fiber industries.

Speaking:
Sunday, Jan. 19
3:30 pm – Planning Your Harvest
4:30 pm – Navigating Post-Shearing Fiber Options

Ian Watt

Alpaca Consulting, Morro Bay, CA

Ian has been in the alpaca industry in Australia since 1991 and the US since 2003.

He has held various executive positions in both national alpaca organizations, and was an early promoter of the Australian EPD program and the exploration of artificial insemination, ET and EPD¹s.

He has a long career in agriculture specializing in animal production and In marketing as the National Marketing Manager in the Australian housing industry for Australia¹s second largest home builder.

He introduced the OFDA 2000 fiber testing technology, biopsy measurements and herd evaluation consulting services to the US alpaca industry in 2003.

He has conducted workshops and seminars around the US and overseas, written several books and brings a long history in merino wool production to the US alpaca industry.

His real passion is the development of profitable and sustainable alpaca businesses and a national commercial industry in the US.

His penchant for plain talk and simple concepts makes his presentations educational and thought-provoking, whilst sharing his extensive animal production experiences provide opportunities for growers and breeders to expand their knowledge bases.

Speaking:
Sunday, Jan. 19
3:00 pm – Understanding Histograms & Biopsies
4:00 pm – Evaluating Your Herd

Nick Cavanaugh

Nick Cavanaugh has been training, showing and enjoying dogs for the last 3 decades. He has been active in various dog sports such as packing, carting and agility, and has titled dogs in obedience, and finished AKC Champions. For the last ten years, he and his family have been working, showing and breeding Anatolian Shepherd Dogs on their ranch in the eastern hills of Napa County, where they raise Katahdin sheep and chickens.

Nick is a breeder and active voice for the use and preservation of working dogs. He participates in the education of ranchers and local municipalities on the beneficial and environmentally humane use of livestock guardian dogs for predator management.

Speaking:
Speaking: Sunday, Jan. 19
11:15 am – Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs)

Margaret Drew

Owner, Stonehenge Llamas; Vacaville, CA

Nancy Hester

Owner, Latitude Llamas; Director, Pack Trial Llama Association; Course Certifier & Screener, North American Ccara Association; Redding, CA

Niki Kuklenski

Niki Anderson Kuklenski has been involved with llamas for over 30 years. During that time, she has been both a 4-H & FFA member (first in Washington State) and leader of her own group which had 25+ kids. She still judges for other 4-H members at their local fairs during the summer. Niki and Jeff pack and drive for pleasure around the Western United States. Additionally, they volunteer their time to educate and work with rescue situations. Niki is involved with Pet Partners therapy program and utilizes six llamas and one miniature horse for her therapy visits. During the Summer she volunteers in the animal therapy program at one of the Paul Newman “Hole in the Wall Camps” for children with life threatening illnesses.

Niki wrote the training materials for driving with llamas for both show associations and was instrumental in the design of the current Eagle Cart and Flaming Star Llama Harness. She has conducted clinics all over the world on driving, misc. llama care, showing/grooming and basic llama care. Niki rewrote the criteria for evaluating lama pet partners for the Delta Society now called Pet Partners pet therapy program. In 2005 she was asked to sit on the advisory committee for the ILR for classic llamas. Niki has written for Llama Banner, Backcountry Llama, American Livestock, GALA and a few other publications.

Niki’s hobbies include spinning and knitting. She belongs to a small local spinning group with mostly sheep members and participates in their annual fleece sales. Another big passion of Niki’s is llama history, genealogy and pictures of older llamas. She works closely with the ILR to fill in gaps in their online picture database.

Niki was a full time alternative high school teacher, teaching Agricultural Science among many other things. Currently she is a substitute teacher at a local junior high and high school.

For more information about Niki or her farm, please go to:
http://www.jnkllamas.com or e-mail her at info@jnkllamas.com
Facebook “Registered Therapy Llamas”
Twitter http://twitter.com/therapyllamas
Instagram http://instagram.com/therapyllamas/

Speaking:
Sunday, Jan. 19
8:00 am – Why Alpacas? Why Llamas? (Panel)
10:15 am – Performance/Show Handling (Joint Presentation)
11:15 am – Camelids as Therapy Animals

Christine Terbijhe

Shepherdess at QT Farm in Shingle Springs, producers of luxury fiber and livestock, including sheep, alpacas, llamas, and cashmere goats. Christine shares the farm duties with her Dutch husband Bert and twin 16 year old daughters, Anica and Ariana. Animal and fiber fun also includes volunteering as Librarian for the Hangtown Fiber Guild, Docent at Marshall Gold Discovery Park in Coloma and Co-leader of the 4-H alpaca and llama project in El Dorado County. When she’s not playing with animals or fiber, she’s working to help pay for it all as President of IRB Management, Inc., a healthcare consulting firm for the protection of human subjects in research.

Speaking:
Sunday, Jan. 19
8:00 am – Why Alpacas? Why Llamas? – Panel participant