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The alpaca is a member of the South American camelid family, which includes the vicuna, guanaco, llama and alpaca. The llama and alpaca have been domesticated for over 5,000 years, with the llama being primarily used as a pack animal, while the alpaca is raised for its exceptionally fine fiber. The Incans, who once populated the native area (Peru, Bolivia and Chile) of the alpaca, spun this amazing fiber to produce cloth, which was, in turn, mostly reserved for royalty. Today the largest herd of alpacas is found in the high altitudes of Peru, in an area know as the altiplano. In this harsh environment of cold nights, high winds, thin air and little moisture, the native Quechuan Indians sustain a life as shepherds, tending their herds of alpacas. The alpacas provide these hard-working peoples with both clothing and meat, along with a trade product to supply the rest of their daily needs.
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In 1984 the first alpacas were imported into this country and are now being raised in many countries around the globe. These importations continued until 1998 when the members of the Alpaca Registry voted to close the door to future importations in an effort to provide the North American breeders with greater sales opportunities. With this action accomplished, it is now the local farms that are the providers of alpacas to folks wanting to get started in this ever-growing industry. The current population of alpacas in North America now numbers in excess of 100,000 registered animals, and data from the Alpaca Owner's and Breeder's Association indicates that an ever-increasing number of people are making contact with the organization to find out how they can get started as owners of the world's finest livestock investment.
The joy that raising these peaceful animals is not to be underestimated. This is an animal that can be your primary source of income or a part-time business venture that can involve the whole family in a healthy lifestyle. Breeding these unique, gentle animals is a rewarding experience that can bring you a more peaceful, stress free way of living, and at the same time present you with the opportunity for significant financial returns.
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| Alpaca facts.... |
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There are two types of alpacas, the Huacaya and the Suri. The Huacaya fiber grows perpendicular to the skin and is wavy or crimped, while the Suri fiber hangs down in dreadlock fashion. Only about ten percent of the worldwide population is of the Suri type.
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The lifespan of an alpaca is about twenty years. Female alpacas are generally first bred at about 18 months and can then produce a newborn cria each year thereafter. Male alpacas begin breeding between 2-3 years of age.
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The alpaca's average height is 36 inches at the shoulders, and they can weigh between 125 and 200 pounds as adults.
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The average weight of a newborn cria is 15-19 pounds. These babies are able to stand and begin nursing within 30 minutes after delivery.
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The gestation period for an alpaca averages 335 days and females are bred back as soon as 2 weeks after parturition.
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Alpacas come in 22 recognized colors, with a small percentage of animals being multi-colored.
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The humming sounds that an alpaca produces is a means of communication, along with head and ear posturing.
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A three-sided enclosure is all that is needed to provide shelter throughout the year. Almost any style of fencing will keep these herd animals from roaming off, but more importantly the fence needs to prevent predators such as dogs and coyotes from entering the pasture.
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Five to eight alpacas can be raised on an acre of land, depending on the quality of the forage material. Free access to water is a must. During the winter months, these animals do well on a diet of high-quality hay along with a small amount of grain supplement on a daily basis. Minerals should also be provided on a free-choice system.
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Vet care includes trimming of nails every couple of months, regular worming which is dictated by your geographic location, and some other annual vaccinations. The procedures are all doable by even the novice breeders.
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Daily maintenance, along with feeding, includes cleaning up the communal dung piles.
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With chores done, make sure to spend time just watching and observing. The alpacas' diverse personalities are truly a joy to learn.
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