FAQ’s
- What is an alpaca?
An alpaca is a domesticated species of the South American camelid (family: Camelidae; genus Vicugna; species V. pacos). Recent DNA evidence suggests alpacas are descendents of Vicunas (see below) hence the change of the genus name above. They are kept in herds and graze on the level heights of the Andes of southern Peru, northern Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile at an altitude of 11,000-15,000 ft. above sea level. There are no wild alpacas. They are considerably smaller than llamas (to which they are related) but, unlike llamas, were not bred as beasts of burden rather were bred specifically for their fine, soft fiber.
- What are alpacas used for?
Alpacas have been domesticated for thousands of years. The early Incas used their very fine fiber for imperial garments–remnants of which may be seen at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. In both the US and Peru they continue to be kept for their fiber. The alpaca fiber industry is well developed in Peru with large-scale commercial spinning, knitting and weaving operations. In the U.S., due to the smaller number of alpacas, the industry remains at a “cottage” level in most areas of the country. There are increasing efforts, however, to develop a larger commercial industry. Alpaca meat is used by indigent Andean farmers, although apparently, a recent change in Peruvian law has granted the alpaca protected status, resulting in the prohibition of commercial slaughtering and sale of alpaca meat.
- Can alpacas and llamas cross breed?
Yes—the resulting offsping are called huarizo, and are valued in Peru for their unique fleece and gentle dispositions.
- Are there other members of the South American camelid family?
Yes. Vicunas, with very small quantities (3-4 oz) of extremely fine fiber (>12-14 microns), Guanacos (extremely long-legged, fawn colored animals producing very little fiber annually and llamas (used for both fiber and pack animals.
- Are there different types of alpacas?
There are two types of alpacas. Huacayas (“wacayas”) are the most common (about 90%), in both Peru and the US. These animals produce dense coats of up to 6-8 lbs of fairly fine fiber (the best in the 12-14 micron diameter range) with associated “crimp” more akin to sheep’s wool that makes it relatively easy to spin. Suris are a little lighter fleeced (about 4-7 lbs annually). Their fleece is more lustrous and is produced in a “lock” structure, giving them a more “rastifarian” look. Their fleece is more like silk, so is more difficult to spin. Once spun, it is used in high-end draping type garments preferred by Italian manufacturers.
- What are the advantages of alpaca fiber?
Alpaca fleece is a lustrous, silky natural fiber. When compared to wool, it is warmer, less prickly (if spun correctly) and contains no lanolin, contributing to it’s lesser allergenic properties. The processes for washing, carding and spinning alpaca are very similar to the same processes for wool, but do require some modification.
- Are alpacas hard to care for?
In general, alpacas are relatively easy to care for. They need to eat 1-2% of their body weight per day. This translates to about 1 small bale of good quality hay/month—since from spring-fall they graze continually. They also require 1-2 cups of grain/day as well as free choice mineral supplements. All hay and forage should be analyzed annually to ensure proper nutriention. A continuous source of fresh, clean water must be available.
- Do alpacas use a communal dung pile?
They tend to use a communal pile. The males are much better than the females at this, however.
- Do alpacas spit?
Spit consists of a fine spray of green, acidic, relatively foul smelling, stomach contents. Spitting is most often directed at other alpacas, especially during feeding times. Humans getting spit upon are usually caught in a cross-fire during those feeding times or at times when the animals are receiving routine care. After spitting, an alpaca will often exhibit a “sour mouth” in which the lower lip hangs loose and is covered with greenish stomach contents.
- Are alpacas friendly?
Alpacas are a lot like cats. They are curious, like to be near and watch human activity, but since they are prey animals, tend to withdraw and turn away when attention is focused on them or an attempt is made to touch them. They do not like being grabbed and once caught, do not like to have their face and lower abdomen touched. They do not seem to mind “stroking” of their neck or top-line, however.
- What is an alpaca’s gestation period?
The gestation period is roughly 11 months. They rarely have more than 1 live birth per cycle.
- Do they have an estrous cycle?
No, alpacas, like rabbits, are induced ovulators. They have an ovarian follicular cycle (a follicular wave) in which a viable egg develops within the ovary about every three weeks. Should the female breed during the latter part of that cycle, she will ovulate and that egg will be fertilized. A female is often able to sense this cycle and will usually cush (lay down) when a male approaches. If she is not receptive, she will spit at the male several times, and an experienced male, sensing the futility of his efforts, will back away. A rectal ultrasound may be used to asses the ovarian follicular cycle—if a follicle of >7-8 mm is seen, the female will usually be receptive.
- Is artificial insemination (AI) used?
AI can be performed, although at present, the U.S. Alpaca Registry does not recognize a birth resulting from AI. The alpaca male penis must penetrate the female’s cervix and deposit semen in both horns of the uterus for the female to become pregnant. This is different from most other animals where vaginal insemination is the norm. Because of the need for semen to be introduced into the uterus, AI in alpacas is more difficult and more prone to result in uterine infection. Additionally, semen collection is difficult as a male alpaca is reluctant to use an artifical vagina.
- Is embryo transplant available?
At present, there are several research centers in the US performing embryo transplant. At this time, however, no animal produced as a result of embryo transplant can be registered with ARI.
- Do alpacas make a noise?
Most often heard sound is a gentle humming sound. Although heard most often when they are content, it increases in frequency during periods of stress/anxiety or during times of need. A ‘clucking” or “clicking” sound is heard when they are with their young. When excited or alarmed they make a high-pitched, shrieking “scream” which alerts the whole herd. Males, when fighting, also make a high pitched “screaming” sound as they chase each other through the fields.
- How many alpacas can I keep on an acre?
The general rule of thumb is 10 alpacas/acre is the limit. We find 5/acre to be better although the number that can be kept depends to a large extent upon the quality of the pasture and the farm’s ability to rotate pastures so preventing over grazing and allowing good pasture regrowth.
- What type of barn do I need?
Click the attached link to “barns and outbuildings”.
- What type of fencing do I need?
Click the attached link to “fencing”.
- What type of waterers are best?
Click the attached link to “waterers”.
- What do alpacas cost?
As with any industry, the price varies with the quality and genetics of the particular animal. While high-quality females have sold in the past few years for $50,000-85,000, the recent economic downturn has seen prices of these animals drop to far more reasonable levels. Good quality female alpacas can now be purchased for $5,000-25,000. Pet quality males can be purchased for as little as $250-500. Breeding males can be found for $5,000-10,000 although an excellent male with a history of show-winning offspring can still be quite expensive, but should not reach the highs of $500,000-750,000 seen several years ago. People new to the business should do extensive research and evaluate numerous animals from multiple farms before making a purchase.
- What do I do with my fiber?
Interestingly enough, for years many people simply threw it away or stored it in plastic bags and ruined it. It was not worth much and the difficulty of getting it spun in a reliable, timely fashion made it hardly worth the effort. Once spun, you either needed to sell the yarn or knit or weave it into a usable product. It was far easier to sell an expensive alpaca then it was to deal with the yarn. During the past several years, with the growth of the “mini-mill” industry, more and more farms have been having their fiber washed and spun for sale in “farm” stores. Even more recently, a few farms, including ours, have been purchasing raw fiber for use in the production of commercial yarns as well as woven and knitted products.
- What about alpaca shows?
Click the attached link to “alpaca show system”
- Is there an alpaca registry?
Yes. The Alpaca Registry, Inc (ARI) maintains a DNA based registry of US alpacas. They require you to be a member of the registry. Once an animal is born several drops of blood are put on an ARI card and sent to them. They will compare the Sire and Dam’s DNA markers to ensure the proper heritage and issue a certificate regarding that animal. That certificate does not certify ownership of the animal, simply its genetic authenticity. ARI registration is required to participate in all AOBA certified shows
- Where can I get more information?
The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (the National Association) has a website that will provide more information. Their publication, Alpacas Magazine, is a great resource for farms, reference articles, etc. Camelid Quarterly and American Livestock are two other magazines that may be used as a resource. Also, many farm websites offer more information
- Are alpacas certified as livestock by the USDA?
Yes, alpacas were recently certified by the USDA as livestock, though they are not certified as “food” animals.
- Are their tax consequences to raising alpacas?
You should always consult your own accountant or tax lawyer before starting a farm. Please click on our link “taxes and alpacas” for an overview. In general the IRS wants to see that this is a business, not a hobby, for you and that you classify your deductions for the farm and the animals properly. There is not a lot of case law yet, but there is a growing body of investigation that should soon make the area clearer.