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.
There are two types of alpacas - the Huacaya and the Suri. 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.
Alpaca
owners enjoy a strong and active national organization. The Alpaca
Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA) with a growing number of
Regional Affiliates and AOBA sanctioned national committees addressing
every aspect of the industry.
The
Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America (AFCNA) accepts fleece from
its members, and turns the precious textile into quality alpaca
garments and products. Members benefit from a ready outlet for their
fiber, while the cooperative works to increase awareness of and demand
for this every day luxury.
The
Alpaca Registry (ARI) has been established to help ensure accurate records
and has a state-of the-art system to document bloodlines. Alpacas must
be blood typed in order to be registered. Virtually every alpaca in the
U.S. is registered.
