Alpacas, the woolly, smaller cousin to the llama, is
regarded worldwide, as the “finest livestock investment” by its rising
popularity and marketability in Canada and the U.S.
History has indicated that the alpaca played a large part in the
ancient Incan culture of its native South America. Domestic to the highest
plateaus of the high-country mountains of the Andes, the alpaca has been
domesticated for over 5000 years. The production of the luxurious, sought
after and highly desirable fiber, was once reserved only for the Incan
royalty of ancient days. The alpaca was subsequently almost annihilated
during the invasion of the Spanish. The survival of these highly regarded
animals is historically attributed to the indigenous peoples’ love and
respect for the alpaca, increasing their numbers by the protection sought
high in the mountains where the harshest of weather conditions and forage
availability exist, where perhaps no other type of animal could survive. South America today is home to approximately 4 million Alpacas, and Canada
is home to an imported 7000 to date.
Llamas are known in South America as the “ship of the Andes”, because
one of their primary uses remains to this day in being a beast of burden
or pack animal. The smaller Alpaca is raised for wool alone in North
America, and therefore remains an aristocrat of the livestock community,
neither for being a work animal or raised for meat.
During the 1800’s, Alpaca wool was "rediscovered" as
the ultimate choice in fiber, possessing qualities of superior warmth,
durability, and especially strength which is not diminished by its fine
and soft quality. Alpaca wool can often be compared to Cashmere in
softness, and has secured a profitable and long life in the fiber markets
of the world. Successful Alpaca owners can attest to the financial
viability in raising alpacas not only today, but in the future.
Alpacas are one of the four members of
the South American Camelid family, along with llamas, vicunas, and
guanacos. Two breeds of alpacas exist – the Huacaya and Suri breeds,
the type of fiber being the distinguishing factor of each. Huacaya Alpacas
are much more common, with a more crimped and fluffed out appearance
totaling 90% of the Alpaca population. The more rare Suri Alpaca
possesses a silky, hair-like quality of wool that actually drapes down in
tight, ringletted locks. Suris make up approximately 10% of the overall
Alpaca populous.
Adult Alpacas stand about 3 feet at shoulder height and
adults can weigh in unshorn anywhere from 100-175 pounds. Shorn much like
a sheep once per year, Alpacas will produce 5-10 lbs of lanolin-free
fleece which can be hand spun, unwashed directly off the animal. Although
North America is still a “breeders’ market”, selectively breeding for the
finest wool and conformation standards, the highly marketable fiber from
the Alpaca will remain the end “farm product”.
Animals belonging to the Camelid family
are regarded commonly as the easiest to manage livestock, and certainly
the Alpaca must top the list of those regarded as the “ultimate” to raise. Requirements suggest a 1 acre of pasture and room-to-roam for every 10
alpacas, with supplements of llama/alpaca formulated pellet feed
(available commercially); good grass hay during winter that is low in
protein - because of the evolution of the Alpaca on sparse Andean scrub
grasses which are low in protein – as Alpacas require “low” protein
content to produce a higher quality of healthy fleece. Alpacas, like
llamas, will not overeat, and should have access to free-choice hay and
grass.
As well, their softly padded, 2-toed feet, unlike
hoofed livestock, are easy on pasture. Alpacas are social herd animals,
and as such should be purchased in multiples to ensure their own emotional
well-being. Like llamas, they use a communal dung pile and are extremely
clean, making them the perfect ambassador animal to take into rest homes
and public schools.
Alpacas prefer the outdoors, but require
only a 3-sided shelter as a sunbreak, windbreak, and rain/snow shelter.
Regular de-worming, vaccinations, and trimming of toe nails are the only
other regular maintenance required besides yearly shearing. Alpacas are
not hard on fences, nor are they jumpers and escape artists like other
livestock. Alpacas are induced ovulators, where their "heat" cycle is
brought on BY breeding, and as such can be bred anytime of the year. Crias
(baby alpacas) weigh in at 12-20 pounds and gestation is 11 ½ months. Twins are extremely rare, and the single birth, daylight labor rarely
requires human intervention. Alpacas have a life span of 15-20 years and
can be raised for fun or profit, or both.
Alpacas are, will likely always be considered the
easiest of all livestock to care for and manage. With their gentility,
beauty, intelligence and earth-friendly profitability, Alpacas will
continue to be the ultimate exotic livestock of choice.
