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Alpaca
Facts |
Raised in their natural habitat
of the Altiplano, or high altitude regions of Southern Peru, Bolivia and Chile, the Alpaca has developed more thermal
capacity in it's fiber than almost any other animal. Mother nature designed the ideal fiber for use by mankind
and then placed it on the gentle Alpaca.
Alpacas were a cherished treasure
of the ancient Inca civilization and played a central role in the Incan culture that was located on the high Andean
plateau and mountains of South America. Alpacas have been domesticated for over 5,000 years and their popularity
is only now becoming internationally recognized.
This cashmere-like fleece,
once reserved for Incan royalty, is now enjoyed by spinners and weavers around the world. Alpaca can be blended
with wool, silk, and mohair, and dyes easily.
The average adult alpaca
weighs between 100 and 175 pounds and stands about 36 inches at the withers. The average life span of these herd-oriented
animals is about 20 years. Alpacas are timid and gentle, yet curious. They are easy to care for, readily trained
and adapt well to all climates. Instead of hooves, they have padded feet with two toes making them gentle on the
land. As ruminants, they efficiently convert grass and hay to energy, eating significantly less than most other
livestock animals.
There are two kinds of alpacas
- the Huacaya and the Suri. While their body types are identical, they appear distinctly different because of the
unique fibers they produce. The fiber of the Huacaya alpaca is dense,
crimpy, and wool-like, while the fiber of
the Suri is straight, lustrous and hangs in a "dread-lock" fashion. Depending on the processing method,
either type of fiber can be used for worsted or woolen products. Since their fiber grows continuously, alpacas
are usually shorn once a year in the Spring.
Alpaca herd management
is uncomplicated, easy and fun. They prefer grazing and browsing in open pastures, although seasonal supplementation
with good quality hay, low protein pellets and mineral mix may be recommended. They require only simple shelters
for protection from the elements. Fences are needed more to keep predators out than to keep alpacas in. Occasional
grooming, toenail trimming, vaccinations and parasite control comprise the majority of regular care. Annual shearing
can be done with hand shears or sheep-sheering equipment.
Females can begin to breed
at about 15 months (or 95 pounds), while males begin breeding between 2 and 3 years. Alpacas do not come into heat
but, instead, are induced ovulators and are able to breed year round. Pregnancy may be confirmed by a variety of
tests.
The alpaca's gestation period
is approximately eleven and one-half months, most often resulting in one healthy baby, called a cria. Most births
occur during daylight hours and require no human assistance. Alpacas are devoted and protective mothers until weaning
at 5 or 6 months.
Breeding for general health,
reproductive vitality, conformation and fiber quality is both an art and a science that becomes more predictable
as the alpaca industry matures. Even so, the cria's color is often a surprise and a delight to both the experienced
and the inexperienced alpaca breeder alike.
Alpaca fibers are among the softest
of all animal fibers. Alpaca fiber is seven times warmer and three times stronger than sheep's wool and does not
feel scratchy like other animal fibers. Their fleece does not contain lanolin and does not have guard hairs, making
cleaning and processing very simple and enjoyable. While alpacas come in 22 natural colors - more than any other
fiber-producing animal - their fiber retains its luster even when dyed with non-chemical dyes. Alpaca fibers are
sought after by fiber artists for spinning, weaving, knitting, felting, lock hooking and many other fiber arts.
Used alone or blended with other fibers, such as cashmere, mohair, silk, wool or cotton, alpaca products are a
luxurious pleasure both to the eye and to the touch.
The Alpaca has the habit of defecating in fixed areas and avoids grazing around piles, thus parasite infestation is low. These
piles also make the job of cleaning pastures much easier. The firm, dry pellet produced by the Alpaca makes an
excellent fertilizer.
No other farm animal can equal the Alpaca in offering sound investment returns from easily managed, fully insurable animals on a
small acreage. The North American Alpaca industry will remain focused on breeding stock for many years due to the
slow reproductive rate, import restrictions and current demand. The demand for Alpaca fiber is so great among fashion
designers and textile mills, that it will be a long time yet before we are able to satisfy that market.
Every Alpaca breeder
believes there is no greater delight than owning animals which are as intelligent, charming, and beautiful as the
Alpaca. As the future unfolds, Alpacas and their beautiful fleece will take their place at the head of the specialty
fiber market. The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association AOBA and the Canadian Alpaca Breeders Association are
available to help both current and future alpaca breeders stay informed of the industries news.
Alpacas make good investments
as well as practical pets. They are clean, safe, quiet, intelligent and disease-resistant. Alpacas have soft padded
feet, are gentle on the land and can be easily transported in the family van. They make wonderful companions and
great 4-H projects for a child.
The financial returns
of owning a small herd of alpacas are generous. Alpacas can provide a satisfying addition to one's investment portfolio
with the added benefit of encouraging a healthy lifestyle and family cohesiveness. It's easy to see that alpacas
are a stress-free investment you can hug.
Alpaca owners enjoy
a strong and active National Breed Association (AOBA) with a growing number of Regional Affiliates, a developing
wool co-op and committees addressing every aspect of the industry.
The Alpaca Registry
has a state-of-the-art system to document bloodlines and stringent screening for health and quality of imports.
Alpacas must be blood typed in order to be registered. Virtually
every alpaca in the U.S. is registered. |
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