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Alpacas
were a cherished treasure of the ancient Incan
civilization and played a central role in the Incan
culture that was located on the high Andean Plateau and
mountains of South America. Alpacas were first imported
to the United States in 1984. Alpacas are now being
successfully raised and enjoyed throughout North America
and abroad. There are two types of alpacas - the Huacaya
(pronounced wah-KI-ya) and the Suri. The lifespan of the
alpaca is about 20 years and gestation is 11.5 months.
Alpacas eat grasses and chew a cud. Adult alpacas are
about 36" tall at the withers and generally weigh
between 100 and 200 pounds. They are gentle and easy to
handle. Alpacas don't have incisors, horns, hooves or
claws. Clean-up is easy since alpacas deposit droppings
in only a few places in the paddock. They require
minimal fencing and can be pastured at 5 to 10 per acre.
 Alpacas
produce one of the finest and most luxurious natural
fibers. It is clipped from the animal without causing it
injury. Soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter and
stronger than wool, it comes in more colors than any
other fiber produced by an 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.
Alpacas are “Earth-friendly”
Alpacas
have been domesticated for more than 5,000 years. They
are one of Mother Nature's favorite farm animals. They
are sensitive to their environment in every respect. The
following physical attributes allow alpacas to maintain
their harmony with their environment.
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The alpaca's feet are padded and they leave even the
most delicate terrain undamaged as it browses on
native grasses.
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The alpaca is a modified ruminant with a
three-compartment stomach. It converts grass and hay
to energy very efficiently, eating less than other
farm animals.
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Its camelid ancestry allows the alpaca to thrive
without consuming very much water, although an
abundant, fresh water supply is necessary.
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The alpaca does not usually eat or destroy trees,
preferring tender grasses, which it does not pull up
by the roots.
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South American Indians use alpaca dung for fuel and
gardeners find the alpaca's rich fertilizer perfect
for growing fruits and vegetables.
- A
herd of alpacas consolidates its feces in one or two
spots in the pasture, thereby controlling the spread
of parasites, and making it easy to collect and
compost for fertilizer.
- An
alpaca produces enough fleece each year to create
several soft, warm sweaters for its owners comfort.
This is the alpaca's way of contributing to
community energy conservation efforts.
See ourResources page for links to
more information about alpacas. |
