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What Are Alpacas?Alpacas are beautiful, gentle, and intelligent animals that have evolved from the wild vicuña through 6,000 years of selective breeding by the South American native peoples. So prized was their fine, silky fiber that clothing made from the exquisite fleeces of the royal Incan herds were permitted to be worn only by royalty. Considered national treasures, alpacas were only first allowed to be imported into the US in 1984. These sweet, easily managed and hardy creatures immediately endeared themselves to North Americans. They are in the camel family along with the vicuña, guanaco, and llama.Alpacas are inexpensive to feed and require little space. One acre can suffice for five animals. They have soft, padded, earth friendly feet instead of hooves. Their primary food is grass hay or pasture. The average alpaca consumes approximately 1-½ bales of hay per month if there is no pasture forage available. A balanced feed supplement as well as a free feed mineral supplement, both formulated for alpacas, should be available to all herd members. Late term pregnant or lactating females as well as growing young animals and breeding males may require additional nutritional support.
There is worldwide demand for luxurious, cashmere like alpaca fiber, which comes in 22 recognized colors, from bright white to blue black. It is warmer, lighter, stronger, and finer than sheep’s wool, and alpaca garments often are handed down through generations as heirlooms. There are promising developments in the alpaca fiber industry, which indicate a growing market for American alpaca far into the future.
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Good
fencing is important as protection from predators, and alpacas
need shelter from strong winds and precipitation. They are
shorn once per year in the spring and in hot climates need to
be monitored for heat stress. Alpacas produce one baby (cria)
per year with an 11 to 12 month gestation period. Yearly
vaccination, a worming protocol, and periodic toenail trimming
are husbandry requirements.
Alpacas,
whether pets, fiber animals, or breeding stock, are the ideal
livestock for small acreage, offering tax advantage as well as
many lifestyle benefits. They promote outdoor activity and
can foster family cohesion. They are safe for children and
make excellent 4H projects. Alpacas can be trained to do
obstacle courses and to perform tricks. Their naturally
calm nature will lift your spirits, and their adorable appearance
and endearing ways will steal your heart. Alpacas are a
great new lifestyle for retired people as well. They provide
investment opportunity and the stimulation of learning a new business,
along with the joy of caring for such delightful animals.
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