About Alpacas

 
What is an Alpaca?

Hopefully, after completing the research to reach this point, there is an understanding that an Alpaca is not one of those things with big wings. Seriously, there are many misconceptions concerning this animal and not the least of which is the confusion between several recent livestock ventures and Alpacas.

To start, Alpacas are indigenous to the Andes Mountain areas of Bolivia, Peru and Chile in South America. They are members of the American Camelid family, including the related species of Llama, Vicuna and Guanacos, all found in South America. American Camelids are also related to the Camels found in the Mid East and Central Asian areas. Alpacas have been a viable species and utilized by man for over 5000 years as a source of rich fiber and other products. For centuries the ancestors of the Inca measured their wealth by the number of Alpacas they owned and enjoyed wonderful garments woven from the fleece of their large herds.

In general terms, a mature Alpaca will weigh between 110 and 170 pounds and stand 34 to 38 inches measured from the top of the front shoulders or withers. Lifespan is expected to be between 15 to 25 years, with exceptional cases of 30 years. More importantly the reproductive lifespan of a female is approximately 15 years, starting with sexual maturity at 18 months to 2 years of age. The reproductive life of males (herdsires) starts with reaching sexual maturity between 2 and 3 years of age and continuing as an active breeder for many years. In older males, the desirable traits found in the fleece are not has evident as in younger animals but the ability to produce quality offspring continues to exist. Gestation requires approximately 11 months with some variation depending on the animal’s age and the environment. A female will produce one offspring (cria) per year, normally with a birth weight of 10 to 20 pounds. Multiple births are very rare.

There are two primary types of Alpaca, Huacaya and Suri Alpaca. The major distinction between the two groups is the structure of the fleece. The Huacaya is the majority group in the aggregate Alpaca population and has fleece resembling a “Teddy Bear”, a very dense, compact fiber. The Suri alpacas also have density, with the fiber collecting in curly long bundles, which hang from the animal as a rich fabric curtain.

The first Alpacas arrived in the United States in 1984. The first importation from Peru and the five subsequent imports in succeeding years and in 1998, were the true genesis of the United States herds today due to the closing of the Alpaca registry in 1998. By closing the registry, the import of Alpacas was effectively eliminated. In September 2006, the Alpaca Registry Institute (ARI) registered the 100,000th alpaca in North America. While this number is very small compared to herds in South America, we are breeding and growing quality animals.

One of the best ways to find out more is to visit an operating farm!
We'd be happy to have you call and schedule a visit.

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