|
| | A
few basic facts about Alpacas
- Alpacas
are members of the camelid (or camel) family. They are mild-tempered; gregarious animals with an
inquisitive nature and a penchant for bringing great delight to their
owners.
- There
are two different breed-types: the huacaya (wah-KI’-ya) and suri
(“surrey”). Although both
types of alpacas are physiologically nearly identical, one main physical
difference is clearly identifiable: the fleece.
Huacaya fleece has a degree of “waviness,” or “crimp,” thus
giving huacaya a fluffy, “Teddy Bear-like” appearance. Suris, on the other hand, have no crimp in their
fleeces, so their fiber clings to itself, forming beautiful “pencil
locks” that hang down from the body in gentle, silky cascades.
- Indigenous
to South America, the alpaca is raised for its soft fleece.
This fleece is sheared once a year, yielding roughly five to ten
pounds (~2-1/4 to 4-1/2 kilos). After
only minimal preparation, it is ready to be spun into yarn (for knitting,
crocheting, and weaving) or used to make felt (for creating hats, cloth, or
moccasins).
- Alpacas
stand approximately 36 inches (~1 metre) tall at the withers (the area where
the neck and spine come together) and weigh between 100 and 200 pounds (~45
to 90 kilos).
- They
require only modest amounts of food (approximately 1-1/2 to 2% of their body
weight in hay per day), plus free access to fresh water and free-choice
minerals. Some owners also
supplement their animals’ diets with additional grains and crumbles, based
on specific nutritional needs and preferences.
Information taken from “Meet the Alpaca” brochure
distributed by Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association, and The Alpaca Registry.
For further information about alpacas, please log on to www.AlpacaInfo.com.
|
