Links
Below you can find additional links to other sites that contain very helpful information on everything you need to know about alpacas.
Fun Facts
- Alpaca fiber, which is often called alpaca wool by mistake, is extremely warm!
- Strands of alpaca fiber examined by a microscope reveal tiny air pockets throughout the alpaca fiber. These air pockets are what make alpaca fiber such a great insulator, making clothing made from alpaca fiber warm and very light weight.
- There are no naturally occurring oils, grease, or lanolin in alpaca fiber, so there is no worry about a garment made from alpaca fiber having a foul odor that would need to be masked.
- Alpaca fiber is stronger than the more commonly worn Merino wool; therefore it is also more abrasion resistant.
- Alpaca fiber is extremely durable. It can be blended and dyed any color without losing its natural sheen.
- It is compatible with woolen or worsted systems, so a garment does not necessarily have to be made entirely of alpaca fiber. Plus, since the fibers are so strong, they are water resistant and can withstand solar radiation.
Joanna Bulow
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Things To Consider When Beginning An Alpaca Farm
Alpaca Farming
The Lifestyle
The joy, ease of care and potential profitability of raising alpacas has attracted people from many walks of life to become breeders. For some, alpacas are a primary source of income, for others a part-time business venture, but a source of pleasure for both. Young couples with children can enjoy the benefits of owning and caring for alpacas as a rewarding family experience. People who have raised their kids and are seeking a business and lifestyle to enjoy as they approach retirement are often owners. Ultimately, whether making the switch from a fast-paced, corporate way of life, or adding alpacas to an already established rural setting, breeding these unique, gentle animals can provide both income and pleasure, all included in a peaceful, stress-free lifestyle. This lifestyle is made possible since alpacas can be raised on relatively small acreage and they are clean, safe, quiet, intelligent and disease resistant. Alpacas have soft padded feet, are gentle on the land and can be easily transported. More...
Financial Aspects
Financial Benefits of Alpaca Ownership
Why do people in so many countries call alpacas, "The worlds finest livestock investment?"
For any investment to be valuable, it must possess certain qualities which make it desirable.
Gold is scarce, real estate provides shelter, oil produces energy, bonds earn interest, stocks
are supposed to increase in value, and diamonds symbolize love. Alpacas share many of these investment
attributes.
Around the world, alpacas are in strong demand, and people pay high prices for them. They are scarce,
unique, and the textiles produced from their fiber are known in the fashion centers of Paris, Milan and
Tokyo. There are excellent profit opportunities and tax advantages available to alpaca breeders.
Historically, the alpaca's value has sustained ancient cultures, such as the Incas of Peru, and
today alpacas are the sustaining economic force for millions of South Americans. History has validated
the value of the alpaca.More...
Breeding
A Brief Introduction
Alpaca breeding in the United States has until recently been a largely neglected subject.
With a relatively small national herd, almost any breeding strategy that put new animals on the
ground was deemed a good one. As the national herd approached 100,000 animals new, and much needed
attention has been focused on this area.
Many systems have been used in livestock breeding, and each offers both advantages and disadvantages.
Breeders, no matter how large or small their herds might be, generally strive towards certain goals.
The wise breeder has some specific goals in mind - something other than the current fad in the show ring!
Any breeding program should aim to inculcate the positive in the herd, but the knowledgeable breeder
maintains awareness of problems the breed may have as well. In alpacas one might want to familiarize
themselves with issues such as Choanal Atresia, Angular Limb Deformities and other skeletal issues.
More...
Care and Diet
Physical Needs
Of all livestock you can own, the alpaca is one of the easiest and most inexpensive to maintain. This factor contributes significantly to their overall investment value and the quality of life of those who care for them. Small wonder that the alpaca is now considered the world's finest livestock investment. More...
Articles
Heat Stress Tips
Top 10 things to do to prevent heat stress
Dr. David Anderson, "here are the TOP TEN things to do to prevent heat stress in your alpacs this summer. The list is not all inclusive, but these are some of the most important things you need to do to protect your alpacas from serious overheating!"... Read More
The Suri Selection Tool
Understanding the term "pure suri"
The term "pure suri" is misunderstood. There are a number of ways to define a pure suri. The Suri Network breed standards as adopted, define a pure suri as the phenotypic product of mating a suri male with a suri female. The zoological definition of a pure breed is: A population of a species that have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from other populations in that species. Individuals within that population that reproduce with another individual of the population will produce offspring that are recognizable as members of that population... Read More
How to Get Started
Useful tips on where to begin
The key to getting started is information gathering. Another great way to learn about the joy of owning alpacas is to visit the farms of people who are already in the business. Alpaca breeders are friendly folks and they enjoy sharing their alpacas with the public... Read More