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WHAT IS AN ALPACA?
Alpacas are members of the Camel family and are indigenious to South America. Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984 and are now being successfully raised and enjoyed throughout North America and abroad.
There are two breed types of alpacas - the Huacaya and the Suri. The lifespan of the alpaca is about 20 years and gestation is on average 11.5 months with single births. Adults are about 36" tall at the withers and generally weigh between 100-200 pounds with a stocking rate of 2-8 animals per acre. Alpacas don't have incisors, horns, hooves or claws. They have soft pads on the bottom of their feet so you don’t experience compaction of the soil as with other livestock. Clean-up is also easy since alpacas deposit droppings in only a few places in the paddock, called dung piles.
WHY RAISE ALPACAS?
Alpacas are raised exclusively for their fleece. They provide a continuous “cash crop” of superior fiber without causing them any harm; unlike other forms of livestock that must be slaughtered to harvest their primary end product. This luxurious fiber contains no lanolin and is stronger & warmer than the finest sheep’s wool. It is as light & soft as cashmere, yet less expensive and more easily acquired. After only minimal preparation, it is ready to be spun into yarn or used to make felt. It comes in more colors than any other fiber producing animal (approximately 22 basic colors with many variations and blends).This cashmere-like fleece, once reserved for Incan royalty, is now enjoyed by spinners and weavers around the world.
WHAT DO ALPACAS REQUIRE?
Alpacas are one of the easiest, mild-tempered, gregarious, inquisitive natured livestock to maintain and require little special equipment. Given shelter, proper feed and clean water they readily tolerate a wide variety of climates. The occasional de-worming, toenail trimming and annual shearing are all that is needed to keep your herd healthy.
SHELTER - Alpacas only need a 3-sided, open loafing shed to escape inclement weather.
FENCING - Since alpacas don’t challenge fences your fencing should be constructed to keep predators out — not alpacas in. A 4’ fence is adequate; however, if predators are an issue in your area then a minimum of 5’, 2” x 4” no-climb fence is highly recommended.
FOOD - Alpacas are pseudo-ruminants. They have a single stomach divided into 3 compartments, which produces rumen, allowing them to chew cud very efficiently. They are also browsers that will eat brush as well as grass in the pastures. Access to good quality roughage is essential. They will consume up to 2% of their body weight in hay per day. Grain is optional depending on pasture condition, quality of hay, specific nutritional needs and owner preferences. You will also need to provide a free-choice mineral supplement.
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Huacaya
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Suri
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