ABOUT ALPACAS
10 things you should know about alpacas...
1. They are members of the camel family.
2. They come from South America (Peru, Bolivia and Chile).
3. Their fleece is softer than cashmere and stronger than wool.
4. There are two types of alpacas Huacayas and Suris.
5. There are currently only around 80,000 alpacas in the United States.
6. Their pregnancies last almost an entire year.
7. They are happiest in a herd, and have similar "pack" dynamics to dogs.
8. They will occasionally spit at each other, but rarely at humans.
9. They are gentle, curious animals who form attachments to humans.
10. They are considered one of the most environmentally-friendly herd animals on the planet.
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Alpacas are docile, curious members of the camel family that have been domesticated and raised for their precious fiber. They are cousins of the better known llama, though they are smaller and have a finer fleece. There are two different types of alpacas the Huacaya (pronounded "Wha-kai-ya") and the Suri (as in "Suri Cruise"). The Huacaya has a fuller fleece and looks more like a teddy bear, whereas the rare Suri has a longer, dreadlock type of fleece. |
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Current Trends in the Alpaca Industry |
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The Alpacas has been a strong breeder and fiber industry for the past 20 years, since alpacas were originally imported to the United States. There is a current ban on alpaca importation, which has slowed growth of the North American alpaca industry. This has resulted in steady high prices for the animals. The fees for alpacas range from $1500 for pet quality animals to over $300,000 for show-winning herdsires. In general, high quality bred females can expect to fetch between $17,000 and $30,000, depending on specific characteristics and pedigree. There are numerous alpaca local and national shows in which animals are judged based on conformation, fleece, and coloring. In addition to these shows, there are many prestigious auctions which allow farms to showcase their best animals. |
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FROM: www.alpacainfo.com
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. 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 world's 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 producing 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. |
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The Earth-Friendly Alpaca |
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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 our Mother Earth.
The alpaca's feet are padded and they leave even the most delicate terrain undamaged as it browses on native grasses.
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.
Its camelid ancestry allows the alpaca to thrive without consuming very much water, although an abundant, fresh water supply is necessary.
The alpaca does not usually eat or destroy trees, preferring tender grasses, which it does not pull up by the roots.
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.
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The Alpaca Breeding Lifestyle |
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The joy, ease of care and potential profitability of raising alpacas has attracted people from many walks of life to become breeders. For some, alpacas are a primary source of income, for others a part-time business venture, but a source of pleasure for both. Young couples with children can enjoy the benefits of owning and caring for alpacas as a rewarding family experience. People who have raised their kids and are seeking a business and lifestyle to enjoy as they approach retirement are often owners. Ultimately, whether making the switch from a fast-paced, corporate way of life, or adding alpacas to an already established rural setting, breeding these unique, gentle animals can provide both income and pleasure, all included in a peaceful, stress-free lifestyle. There are also plenty of family-oriented alpaca events around the country, including local and state fairs, alpaca farm open houses and auctions, and larger shows hosted by alpaca organizations, the largest and most impressive being the annual Alpaca conference and show presented by AOBA. Some breeders also choose to get involved in selling products made from alpaca fiber as a hobby or an additional home-based business venture. The spinning and weaving of fiber is a skill that can lead to profits. Alpacas have brought impressive financial returns to families all across America, but it's the fun and hands-on nature of this lifestyle that has really captivated people searching for a simpler and more rewarding way of life. Even if you don't have the land and are committed to a full-time career, you can still begin your alpaca adventure by purchasing and boarding at a nearby alpaca farm or ranch. |
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There are two different types of alpacas the Huacaya (pronounded "Wha-kai-ya") and the Suri (as in "Suri Cruise"). The Huacaya has a fuller fleece and looks more like a teddy bear, whereas the rare Suri has a longer, dreadlock type of fleece. At Skipjack Suri Alpacas, we have chosen to breed only Suri alpacas because we were attracted to their rare, distinctive look. In fact, suris are so rare that if they were not a domesticated breed, their low numbers would put them on the endangered species list. Our suris represent the best of what the breed has to offer dramatic, long-hanging locks in a rich array of colors. |
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FROM: www.surinetwork.org
Suri alpacas are distinguished in the camelid family by their unique fiber characteristics. The fiber grows parallel to the body while hanging in long, separate, distinctive locks. Its artistic style enhances the graceful appearance of the animal compared to the soft, wooly look of huacaya alpacas. Suri fiber locks, made up of high-luster fibers, drape down the sides of the body in a twisted or flat form of various size. Suri fiber has a slick hand and softness with an exquisite luster. Suri fiber is in demand and consistently brings a premium price in the fiber market. Suri alpacas emanate extraordinary vigor, intelligence, ease of breeding, and adaptability to hot and cold climates. These attributes rank high on the list of many reasons for treasuring Suri alpacas. It is known from archaeological records that alpacas have been domesticated for 6,000 years. Early depictions of Suri alpacas dating from between 5 and 20 thousand years ago can only be found on the western slopes of the Andes mountains in Peru. The Suri appears as a distinct breed in pre-Colonial textiles, pottery, and jewelry. The word "suri" appears to originate from the Aymara language, and according to world-renowned alpaca expert Dr. Julio Sumar, refers to the lustrous quality exhibited by the feathers of a South American cousin of the Ostrich. Suri alpacas were first brought to the United States in 1991. Importations have brought Suri alpacas from Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, giving U.S. breeders access to genetic material from all three countries in South America that produce Suri alpacas. Today, breeders of North American alpacas enjoy the best bloodlines from South America, providing an excellent livelihood and lifestyle with the beautiful and rare Suri. Suri fiber:
High fashion fabric for men's and women's designer clothing
Luxury apparel, coats, sweaters, and unique decorator items
Specialty interior fabrics and textiles
The fiber of suri alpacas is coveted by the fashion industry and cherished by the hand spinner. Its softness of cashmere, luster of silk, warmth and featherweight of goose down, durability of wool, and its ability to accept color dyeing makes it a favorite of all fiber enthusiasts. Suri fiber blends well with wool and other fine fiber, including silk, and the yarn can be knit, crocheted, or woven.
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Skipjack Suri Alpacas is a proud member of the Suri Network. The Suri Network, founded in 1997, is a non-profit organization "dedicated to the preservation of the Suri alpaca." With almost 250 current members and growing, the Suri Networks purpose is to promote, through education and awareness, interest and growth both in Suri alpacas and the fiber related business in North America. |
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