Alpaca are wonderful animals, so curious and timid that they capture the attention even of a person that it isn't interested in animals at all.
They are very highly regarded not only for their beauty but also because they are excellent "lawn mowers". When grazing, they don't damage the lawn, leaving it perfectly trimmed..
Indigenous to South America, they belong to Camelid family. Domesticated thousands of year ago by the Incas and selected for the quality of their wool. Today in the world there is a wide range of colours, about 22. The largest herds are located in South America but also in USA, Canada, New Zealand as well as, Europe, where these animals are much appreciated for their fibre. |
Alpaca are ruminants, they eat about one kilogram of hay everyday. They don't drink much water, like all members of the camelid family. They don't destroy trees or bushes as they prefer eating grass without damaging the roots:, The fields take on a " lawn-like" appearance . Their faecal pellets are odourless, both fresh or dried can be used as fertilizer.
Alpacas are herd animals and are very docile. They are easily halter trained, which is useful for herd management and transportation. They are sheared once a year (May- June) producing a fair quantity of fibre, different from animal to animal (male about 4kg, female about 2,5-5 kg, and "cria", first shearing of a baby alpaca, depends on the quality of the animal). They give birth to only one cria per year, after an 11 month gestation.. The female is ready to be mounted just a month after giving birth and if receptive, she will allow the male to approach her. If not, she will “spit off” indicating a possible pregnancy. This can be verified by testing progesterone levels, with further periodic testing to confirm pregnancy progression until 6 months gestation. There are two types of alpaca: Suri and Huacaya. Suri yields a valuable fibre due to its very fine handle (softness) and luster, similar to silk. Huacaya, fibre, also very valuable,, has more volume with crimp (wavy and elastic structure), but still very soft.
The fibre of the Huacaya alpaca comes in many colours, from white to tan, brown, grey, black......and everything in between!
The fibre does not contain lanolin, therefore doesn't cause allergies and is very warm. The alpaca is a very valuable animal and remains uncommon on the market. Pricing differs according to the age, sex, and if the female animal is pregnant. It’s not necessary to have your own farm to enjoy owning these animals. After purchase, the animals can be boarded at the farm where all there needs are cared for and you can visit. |
