Alpaca Fact Sheet

Alpaca Fact Sheet – The following is a brief fact sheet on alpacas.

A Brief History…

• Alpacas are a domesticated member of the camelid family. The camelid family includes camels, llamas, guanacos, and vicunas from South America. Ten million years ago, this family of animals originated on the plains of North America. A common ancestor to the South American camelids migrated to South America about 2.5 million years ago. Two wild species, guanacos and vicunas developed. It is thought that about 7,000 years ago, alpacas were created through selective breeding of the vicuna.

• The Andes Mountains in South America have been the home to the alpaca since ancient times. Their fleece was regarded by members of the Incan civilization as "The Fiber of the Gods", and was once reserved exclusively for Incan royalty.

• An interesting alpaca fact is that these gentle animals were nearly driven to extinction by the Spanish conquerors in the 17th century, but small herds of alpacas managed to survive in the high Andes Mountains, known as the Altiplano, one of the most inhospitable places on earth. This high altitude, combined with the harsh landscape ensured only the hardiest of the alpacas survived, with a dense, high quality fiber.

• In 1984, a small group of importers brought the first alpacas to the United States from Chile and Bolivia. In 1993 the first Peruvian alpacas made its way to the United States.

• There are only 3.5 million Alpacas world wide and 2.7 million reside in South America, primarily in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. Today, alpacas are found on almost every continent, with a population of about 60,000 in the United States.

Physical Statistics

• Alpacas weigh between 12 and 20 pounds when they are born. An alpaca baby is called a cria. They are typically up and nursing within a few hours.

• Adults weigh between 100 and 225 pounds, and average 36” at the withers. Males, known as Machos, are typically larger than the females, called Hembras.

• There are two different types of alpacas, the huacaya and the suri. Huacayas make up about 90 – 95% of the population, and has a shorter, dense, crimpy fleece, giving it a very fluffy or woolly appearance. The suri has fiber that grows quite long and forms silky, pencil-like locks.

• Alpacas have soft padded feet, and they have no top teeth in the front. Alpacas are intelligent, very curious, non-aggressive and fairly easy to handle. They have no horns, claws or hooves and never bite. Just like cats and dogs, each has their own personality.

• Ninety percent of alpacas are white, but they come in 22 natural colors, more than any other animal.

• Alpacas are classified as a modified ruminant, and chew their cud similar to a cow, although they have three stomachs rather than the true ruminant, which has four.

Alpaca Health

• The life span of an alpaca is 15 to 20+ years, and they are relatively disease resistant.

• Since they are cold weather animals, alpacas in warmer climates need fans in the summer to keep them cool.

• Alpacas do not suffer from fleas or ticks, fly-strike or foot-rot. Being livestock, however, they do require certain vaccinations and must be on an anti-parasitic control program.

Breeding

• Male alpacas reach sexual maturity from about 13 to 30 months of age. Males make an ogling sound during the mating process. Females are first bred at 16 - 20 months of age. An interesting alpaca fact is that alpacas are induced ovulators and can be bred throughout the year. Females have a long reproductive life, and may breed up to 20 years of age.

• An alpaca's gestation period is 11 to 12 months, and they have single births (twins are extremely rare). Births are relatively easy and trouble free and 99% of the time is in daylight hours. The baby (cria) is usually delivered from a standing position.

• One alpaca fact worth noting is that breeding success can range as high as 100% in North America, while in South America it is much less (around 40%) due to harsher conditions and less careful animal husbandry.

The picture on the right is of a cria, recently born, just learning to stand up and walk.

Alpaca Fiber Facts

• Alpaca fibers are considered luxury fibers in the textile trade because of their unique qualities. The first shearing of a yearling alpaca provides the finest fleece and commands a premium price.

• Alpacas are usually shorn once a year, in the spring, and produce from 4 to 10 pounds of fiber. Depending upon its weight, quality, and cleanliness an alpaca fleece can command up to $450.

• Alpaca Fact - The fiber is stronger and three times warmer than wool, with an incredibly soft, supple touch, similar to cashmere. Alpaca fiber contains microscopic air pockets which makes it very lightweight, while possessing thermal capacity and warmth unlike other natural fibers. Unlike wool, alpaca fiber contains no lanolin, and therefore does not itch.

• A most unique alpaca fact is that they come in 22 natural colors and 250 shades, so that the fleece can be blended to produce an infinite array of earth tones. It also can be dyed to produce the marvelous bright or soft colors valued by current fashion trends. Garments made from Alpaca fiber were reserved for Incan royalty. A peasant caught wearing alpaca clothing was punished, sometimes even put to death.

• People who own alpaca garments will find they last practically forever. Alpaca does not easily tear, pull, stain or create static. It is easily cleaned.

• Please note: Other countries (such as Peru, Bolivia and Chile) do not have the same labeling laws as the United States. Items marked “100% Alpaca” and made in the US are just that. Some foreign countries allow up to 40% foreign material (such as wool or lama fiber) in garments and still may label it as “100% Alpaca”. The United States Alpaca industry is currently working on fixing this loophole. We recommend you read the label and ask questions if it’s not American-made.

Alpaca Care

• Alpaca Fact - Alpacas are considered the easiest livestock to care for. They are hardy animals which adapt to nearly any climate and require very little special care. Mostly, they eat grass and hay, with a minimal amount of supplements, and fresh water. Basic care includes yearly vaccinations, worming, and regular toe and occasional dental care.

• Fences should be designed to keep out predators (such as dogs and coyotes). Alpacas typically do not challenge fences. They need basic shelter from the elements, although they don’t like to be totally enclosed (especially without windows). A 3-sided enclosure is adequate, for shade and winter wind protection. My first winter I put plenty of hay in the barn to keep the alpacas warm, and they stayed outside during a snowstorm. The next morning one of my alpacas, Chaco, had icicles hanging from his bangs. See the picture below.

• Another alpaca fact is they have common dung piles, making cleanup easy and eliminating most parasite problems. Alpaca droppings are almost odorless and make an excellent fertilizer for gardens (my sister-in-law says alpaca poop is the best fertilizer for tomatoes!).

• Alpacas are extremely hardy and adaptable to virtually all climates and altitudes. Their padded feet are easier on pasture than any other livestock animal. Unlike most other livestock, you may keep up to 8 – 10 alpacas per acre, depending on the pasture conditions.

• Alpacas are trainable, and mine come when called (most of the time). Some even respond when I call them by name. It’s easy to train them to accept a halter and be led.

• Because alpacas are herd animals, they get stressed if they are left alone. It’s best to always keep two or more together, even when traveling. Alpacas travel well, and I’ve even transported two of mine in a mini van! Other times I’ve transported them in a cargo van or a horse trailer. They’re so docile, they’re one of the few animals that a child is allowed to bring into a show ring.

• Alpacas seem to get along well with other animals. I have a dog, a couple of goats and some chickens. My goats and Zeus (my herdsire) are buddies. They always hang out together, and the goats make noises and complain if they’re separated.

Alpaca Fact - Communication

• Alpacas make a variety of sounds such as clicks, snorts, and but are best known and loved for their humming. They make this humming sound in a variety of situations such as when separated from their herd, or when a mother is talking to her cria. An interesting alpaca fact is that when they see a predator, such as an unfamiliar dog, one of the alpacas may squeal as an alarm to the others in the herd.

• Like other camelids, alpacas do spit – but usually only at each other. It’s usually at feeding time that this happens. Yes, I have been spit on. The most memorable occasion involved an alpaca spitting and the intended target (another alpaca) ducked her head at the last second, and I got spit on for being in the wrong place at the wrong time!

Investment

• There’s a wide price range on alpacas. Pet quality may sell between $1000 and $1500. A couple of years ago a world record price of $425,000 was reached for Wellington, an alpaca stud with superior genetics. Most registered alpacas will sell between $12,000 and $30,000.

• There are multiple sources of income for alpaca breeders. Sale of livestock can be very profitable. Stud fees currently average between $1500 and $3500 (although some are as high as $7500). Sale of fiber is an additional source of income. Many alpaca breeders will offer agistment (boarding) services to bring in additional income. I know of quite a few breeders that have now set up farm stores to sell alpaca garments and yarn.

• The United States has experienced stable prices over the last 10+ years. In fact, prices for alpaca breeding stock have risen over the past few years. Importation was closed in this country in 1998, helping to keep the market stable for all breeders. The Alpaca Registry also helps to track bloodlines and ensure quality animals. Combined with the fact that artificial insemination is not allowed, prices seem to remain stable for years to come.

• Since alpacas have a long reproductive life, you are able to reap the benefits of a female that may produce more than ten babies in her lifetime. So your initial investment may pay you more than ten times over, similar to an annuity. A decent stud will provide you profitable dividends as well.

• The alpaca industry has an extremely strong organization to protect the interests of its members, The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA). In addition, the industry has a national alpaca fiber cooperative, to help promote and market alpaca fiber and products. The industry continues to grow and prosper with both of these organizations providing leadership.

• Alpacas are insurable, unlike most investments. Try asking for that benefit in the stock market!

• Alpacas offer the tax benefits of other livestock. They are considered to be one-sixth of an "animal unit" under USDA guidelines. Thus, you may be able to deduct the cost of your “perfect investment”.

• Alpacas are an environmentally-friendly livestock investment that doesn’t need to be killed to produce income. Plus, how many investments will come up to you and give “kisses”?

Zoe Jo Playing Hide and Seek

We hope this Alpaca Fact Sheet has answered many of your questions concerning alpacas. Everybody who meets alpacas falls in love with them. I've had mine for over three years, and they continue to be the "perfect investment"