About Alpacas 
Alpacas originate from South America, on the Altiplano, which runs through, Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. Their fleece was once referred to as the "Fibre of the Gods", and only Inca royalty were once permitted to wear this luxurious fibre.
Belonging to the Camelid family, they are close relatives to the Camel and Llama. Their cousins also include the Guanaco and the Vicuna.
Alpacas were introduced to Australia in 1984 and now, over 20 years on, the industry is now well established. With the importation of alpacas, coupled with public appeal and a high fibre demand, the industry is positioned to flourish and deliver attractive financial returns.
There are two type of alpacas. The Huacaya alpaca grows fleece that closely resembles that of the merino. The fleece forms a bundle of staples, is full of crimp and lustre, and as it grows out from the body, it gives the alpaca a well rounded, full, dense appearance.
The Suri alpaca grows fleece that closely resembles that of the Angora goat. Pencil like staples or dreadlocks hang down the body giving the Suri alpaca a slender, more elegant appearance. The fibre has no crimp but is extremely lustrous and silky.
Alpacas are gentle creatures. The alpaca is a browser and will nibble on grasses and hay in the pastures. They are a grazer like cattle, and will chew their cud. They have a split upper lip, bottom teeth and dental gums on the top, which prevent them from damaging the vegetation roots. As the alpaca has pads, not hooves on its feet, there is less damage to the degradation of the land and therefore faster pasture regrowth.
Producing an average of 2-6 kilograms of fine, delicate fleece per year, the value of high quality fibre is the economic underpinning of the future market for Alpacas. The alpaca fibre has a fibre structure that gives it high durability, tensile strength and resistance to pilling and shrinking. It is suitable to allergy sufferers with a silky-soft handle, which is lightweight and warm. The fibre comes in 22 natural colours, which can be dyed and combined with other natural fibres like wool and silk. Exclusive fashion centres around the globe, including Paris and London, are delighted with the Alpaca fibre which is being showcased with increasing vigor, and enthusiasm.
Alpacas are a valuable commodity around the world. People pay very high prices for them because they are in scarce supply; they produce a superb and versatile fibre that is in high demand; they are economical to care for and have virtually no environmental impact on their pasture land. Alpacas are also famous for their gentle nature and intelligence.
Interesting Facts
Alpacas have an average lifespan between 15 - 25 years. Alpacas communicate to each other through a cry or humming sound.
Alpacas grow to about 1 metre high at the shoulders.
Alpacas weight an average of up to 70 kilograms.
Alpacas come in 22 natural colours with varying patterns.
Alpacas drop their dung in only a few spots in the pasture, therefore avoiding the spread of parasites.
Alpacas are clean shaven, therefore do not require crutching or taildocking.
Breeding:
Male alpacas commence breeding at approximately 2 to 3.5 years of age.
Female alpacas may begin their breeding life around 12 - 18 months of age.
Female alpacas ovulate upon the act of mating.
Alpacas have single births, although twin births are rare.
Alpacas give birth during the daylight hours.
The gestation period is 335 days (11.5 months), however, can range from 320 - 376 days.
Female alpacas can be mated 2 to 4 weeks after giving birth.
Fibre:
Alpacas are shorn once a year using conventional sheep shearing equipment.
Alpacas produce a fibre return of between 2 to 6 kilograms each year.
Alpaca fibre does not contain lanolin, therefore they do not suffer from flystrike.
With 22 natural colours, the white may be dyed to any specified colour.
Terms
Macho: - Adult male alpaca
Hembra: - Adult female alpaca
Cria: - New born alpaca
Tui: - Alpaca aged up to 12 months
Wether: - A male alpaca that has been castrated