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Mother
Nature designed the ideal fibre for use by mankind and then
placed it on the gentle alpaca.
 Although
lost in the lore of antiquity, the Andean peoples of South America
domesticated and cherished the alpaca over 6000 years ago, and
made one of Mother Nature’s favourite animals central to
their culture. In fact, historical evidence has shown that the
very fine and soft cashmere-like fleece of the alpaca was reserved
exclusively for Incan royalty. It is said that if other than
the royals were found to clothe themselves in it, they were
sentenced to death. Thank goodness we’re in the 21st Century
as we love to wear alpaca and we're anything but of royal blood.
Today alpaca fibre is highly prized by spinners and weavers
as well as the haute couture fashion houses around the globe.
Once
Sir Titus Salt of London, England “discovered” the
extraordinary qualities of alpaca fibre in the mid-1800’s,
demand for these remarkable animals and their valuable fleece
began to spread worldwide until World War II when it became
somewhat ignored except by those few who could still afford
such luxurious indulgences during those troubled times. When
consumers could once again afford to treat themselves to that
special alpaca garment it experienced a resurgence of popularity
in the fashion industry however, in the 60’s and 70’s
it fell from grace when it started to be sold on the streets
as cheap, poorly constructed items made of poor quality fibre.
The dedication of Bolivian born designer, Beatriz Canedo Patino
has in recent decades helped to restore alpaca to its rightful
place as an haute couture fibre. Ms. Patino, textile manufacturers
and fashion designers in Europe and Japan can take credit for
alpaca once again enjoying the status as an elite fibre worthy
of the almost reverent appreciation it deserves. Alpaca is often
called the “Gold of the Andes” because it has proven
itself as valuable to the economy of the Andean peoples for
thousands of years much like the “gold of the Incas”
did for the Spaniards when they conquered those lands.
The
average adult alpaca weighs anywhere between 110 and 175 pounds.
Their lifespan is approximately 20 years.
Alpacas are timid, gentle, curious and intelligent and are therefore
easily handled and halter trained. They are quite safe around
young children.
Alpaca
herd management is uncomplicated, easy and fun nor do we have
to kill them to benefit from them. Instead of hooves they have
soft padded feet making them gentle on the land and environmentally
friendly. As ruminants, they efficiently convert grass and hay
to energy, eating significantly less than other livestock animals.
Whilst alpacas eat pasture
close to the ground, they do not tear or damage the plant as
do some livestock. They prefer browsing in open pastures with
fresh water always available, although seasonal supplementation
with good quality hay, a well balanced mineral mix and perhaps
a low protein grain is recommended. They require only simple
shelters to offer them
protection from the elements as well as shade to give them relief
from a hot summer sun. Fences
are needed more to keep predators
out than to keep the alpaca in. Occasional minimal grooming,
toenail trimming, vaccinations and parasite control comprise
the majority of their regular care. Like sheep, they are shorn
annually. They can be easily transported in a minivan, pick-up
or trailer.
Alpaca
females are usually bred at about 1 ½ to 2 years, while
males usually begin breeding between 2 ½ to 3 years.
Alpacas do not come into “heat” but instead are induced
ovulators and are able to breed year round. Although possible,
artificial insemination is not a practical consideration nor
could the resulting offspring be registered under the current
registration eligibility criteria.
Alpacas
give birth usually during the daylight hours and delivery rarely
requires human intervention. A single baby, called a “cria”,
usually weighs 15 - 20 pounds and more often than not, may be
standing and nursing within an hour of its birth. Twins are
rare, occurring once in about every 2000 births. Alpacas are
devoted and protective mothers until weaning at 5 or 6 months
of age. Gestation is approximately 11 ½ months.
Alpacas
are very clean and appear to be highly disease resistant. They
have a habit of defecating in fixed areas and avoid grazing
around dung piles thus parasite infestation is less probable
than other livestock. They adapt well to most climates, altitudes
and conditions.
Alpacas
are herd animals and therefore should always be in the company
of at least one other alpaca. They become quite stressed when
alone and could possibly even die.
Do
alpacas spit? Rarely will an alpaca spit at a human. They will
spit off an amorous male when his attention is not wanted or
to establish a pecking order while feeding. That’s when
you duck!
Alpaca
fibre is soft, silky, lightweight and durable; rare qualities
that meet the demand of the consumer. Many who cannot wear sheep’s
wool can comfortably wear alpaca as there is an absence of much
of the prickle factor found in sheep’s wool. Their fleece
does not contain lanolin and has little guard hair making cleaning
and processing relatively simple.
Alpacas
are ideally suited to small acreage. No other farm animal can
offer the same high returns from this easily managed, fully
insurable livestock. Alpacas can provide a satisfying addition
to one’s investment portfolio with the added advantage
of tax benefits that can be easily confirmed by one’s accountant.
The North American alpaca industry will remain focused on breeding
stock for many years due to the slow reproductive rate, import
restrictions and current demand of a rapidly growing industry.
It’s easy to see that they are truly the world’s finest
livestock investment.
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