Get to Know Alpacas:
Alpacas are cousins to llamas and camels. The Incas domesticated them several thousand years ago for use in clothing the imperial family. In contrast, llamas were bred as guard and pack animals. Llamas and alpacas are among the most ancient of the world’s domestic livestock. The majority of alpacas still reside in the high plains regions of Chile, Bolivia and Peru however they are now being raised successfully throughout the United States and abroad. In 2006 the total population of registered alpacas in North America was just over 70,000. Importation has been closed for several years and will not reopen, so supply is limited for several reasons:

• Alpacas reproduce slowly. A female generally breeds for the first time between 18 – 24 months of age, is pregnant for 11 – 12 months, and almost always only has one cria per year.
• Many breeders retain their offspring to build their herds.

The primary function of the alpaca is fiber (fleece) production. They have one of the world’s finest and most luxurious natural fibers. Alpaca fleece is shorn from the animal without causing injury, is softer than cashmere and warmer, lighter, and stronger than wool. It comes in more colors that any other fiber producing animal. There are approximately 22 natural colors with many variations and blends including black, gray, brown, fawn, rose gray and white. The majority of the world’s alpaca population is white in color so the rarity of colored alpacas contributes to their value.

Products created from alpaca fiber are comfortable to wear because of the lack of the prickly feel you may get from sheep’s wool, due to the absence of guard hair. A very important characteristic of alpaca fiber is the handle, or feel of the fiber.

There are two types of alpaca – the Huacaya (Wa-kai-ya) and the Suri (Sury). The difference between the two is the type of fiber (fleece) they produce. Huacaya’s produce a fluffy style while the Suri’s produce long ringlets. The lifespan of the alpaca is about 20 years. They graze on pasture grasses and chew a cud like a cow. Alpacas grow to about 36” at the withers and weigh between 100 to 200 pounds. Alpacas have a highly developed flight reflex in large part because they don’t have many defenses against predators. They are gentle animals and easy to handle if socialized.

Alpacas are easy to care for. They require little beyond regular worming and vaccinations, in addition to occasional trimming of their nails and teeth. They respond wonderfully to socialization. They require low amounts of protein in their feed to produce a high quality and healthy fleece. Because 5 to 7 alpacas require only 1 acre of pasture, they are ideal for small acreage farms. Unlike hoofed animals, their softly padded feet are extremely easy on pasture. They are a modified ruminant with a three-compartment stomach, it converts grass and hay to energy very efficiently eating less than other farm animals. Alpacas eat about 2 lbs. Of hay a day and should also be given loose mineral salts, either free choice or sprinkled on feed. Alpaca pellets are available at local feed stores. Overall, it will cost less to feed an alpaca per month than the average dog – about $8 per month.

Alpacas should be shorn once a year and will yield approximately 5 – 10 pounds of exquisite fleece. Alpaca fleeces tend to yield a higher percentage of clean fiber than sheep. The fiber is lanolin free and can be spun directly off the animal.

Alpacas are induced ovulaters. This means they are ready to breed almost any time of the year. A female will ovulate in response to mating and will normally “spit off” an interested male if she is pregnant.

Alpacas normally give birth during the morning to mid-day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and do not usually require human intervention. Shortly after birth, the mother will start humming to her cria so the cria can differentiate mom from the other alpacas.

Alpacas are most content when they are outside. However some form of protection from the elements should be provided such a 3- sided building. Alpacas will not normally challenge a fence. If your property isn’t feasible for alpacas, or you are not quite ready to care for them yourself, you can still purchase alpacas and simply board or “agist” them with another farm. Agisting costs range from $3 to $5/day for each animal depending on included services.

Alpacas have minimal fencing requirements. A very simple and inexpensive fence such as non-climb V-mesh strung on T-posts will work to keep them in. Most breeders find they need to be more concerned about keeping predators out. It is typically the neighborhood dogs that are most dangerous so any fence that will keep out dogs will work in most circumstances. Some breeders use guard llamas and livestock guard dogs to protect there herd.

Manure clean up is easy since alpacas deposit droppings in communal piles, which helps control the spread of parasites and makes it easy to collect and compost.

Generally, alpacas travel very well. Upon sensing motion, they tend to lie down and enjoy the ride. I use my minivan for short trips to shows or to the vet.

Investing:
Investing in alpacas can be compared to investing in real estate; There is minimal risk, you can insure your losses (you can insure your alpaca against injury or death and infertility), there are tax advantages and ultimately profit taking. The risks are much smaller in comparison to the stock market. In 2005 Industry analysts predicted a stable alpaca market well into the next decade given the large demand, slow birth rates, and the small alpaca population in the United States.

The majority of alpaca farmers have small farms – either small acreage or small herds or both. They are a good choice for small farms because they are ready made income diversification. You can generate income from animal sales, agisting, breedings, fiber and product sales. Compared to most other livestock, alpacas are clean, easy to care for, and lovable engaging creatures. Females produce a single cria each year for up to 16 years and will continue to keep your equity growing by the crias they produce.

Tax advantages:



Getting started:

There are so many options. I recommend visiting our farms and seeing the different layouts to determine what will work best for you. The questions you might ask yourselves are:

Which breed would you like to own? (Huacaya or Suri or both)

Do you have a market niche? (Breeder, knitter, spinner)

Do you want breeding stock? (females, males, both)

Once you determine what you want and what your land can accommodate we can help you select the best animals for your needs. We have many years experience to help you choose quality fibered animals with sound conformation.

http://www.alpacamentors.com/