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 Alpacas are members of the camelid family and are a cousin to the llama. They are raised for their fiber, one of the finest in the world.
While relatively new in North America, alpacas have been domesticated in South America for about 5000 years. Alpacas played a major part in the Inca civilization.
There are two types of alpaca: the huacaya and the suri. The fleece of the huacaya grows out from the body and has a fluffy appearance, somewhat like that of sheep. The suri fleece grows in defined pencil-like locks. Both types produce very fine, soft fiber. Many products are made from this fiber. It's unique qualities make garments that are lightweight, yet warm, water and dirt-resistant, and virtually itch-free. Baby alpaca is considered to be hypo-allergenic.
Alpacas live between 15 and 25 years. They weigh 100 to 180 lbs, and are about 36-inches tall at the withers (shoulders). Their gestation period is 11 to 11 � months, and they have only one cria (baby) each year. These gentle animals require minimal care. As many as 10 alpacas can graze happily on a single acre, making it possible for small-acreage owners to become alpaca ranchers.
Visitors are welcome by appointment.
Alpacas: The World's Finest Livestock Investment
This page was last updated on July 8, 2011.
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