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Alpacas are a domestic South American mammal related to camels and llamas. Among
the earliest known domesticated species, alpacas are prized for their fibre.
 Alpacas average 120-180 lbs. They stand 34-36
inches at the withers. They produce 1 offspring per year, twins are very rare. Their
gestation is 337 days +/- 30 days. Their fibre, which is shorn once a year, comes
in a wide range of natural colors and also dyes very easily. Alpacas have two
different fibre types, the majority are huacaya (wa ki a) and the other is suri.
The best kept secret in South America has moved north to the United States and Canada,
where livestock breeders have become very excited about this relatively new industry. Some
of the reasons why the alpaca industry is so attractive are stated below.
 | Alpacas are gentle, easy to raise animals which do well in our cold climate on very
little acreage. They require predator proof fencing, shelter and bedding in the
winter, low protein forage, appropriate mineral supplements and a clean water supply. |
| The world population of alpacas is relatively low. Embryo transplants and
artificial insemination are technologies not yet developed in the alpaca
industry. Alpacas will not be screened for registration in the U.S. and Canada after
December 31/1998. The registry is very strong requiring microchipping and DNA
typing of every animal. These factors should ensure a strong breeding market for years to
come. |
| The alpaca produces between 2 and 6 kgs of fibre a year. It is stronger, softer
and warmer than wool. It is a rare specialty fibre and will always be so. The
fibre produced in South America is exported to Europe and Japan and used for fine suits
and outerwear. In North America, because of our limited supply of alpaca fibre, it
is mainly a cottage industry but there is a bright future in the textile industry if we
can increase our fibre supply. |
               
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