Alpacas are part of the camel family and are closely related to a llama. An alpaca’s size ranges from 32-39 inches at the shoulder. At birth, cria (an alpaca's offspring) weigh from 10-17 pounds. But when they are full grown, it weighs from 100 to 190 pounds. The usual coloration of an alpaca’s fleece can be different shades of black, brown and white.

 

There are two types: the Huacaya and the Suri. The Huacaya's fleece is crimpy and thick and the Suri's looks like draping locks. It hangs down and is very smooth. Like the llama, an alpaca is only found in domestication. But its relative, the guanaco is still found in the wild.

 

Alpacas are found in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, and parts of North America and Australia. They are usually kept in herds that graze throughout the year. Alpacas can withstand basically any temperature. But heat can sometimes be difficult for them. Their living space doesn’t need to be big unlike other animals because five or ten alpacas for each acre of land gives them plenty of room.

 

In the 3000 and 4000 BC, ancient hunters successfully created the alpaca. From then on an alpaca was used for clothing, food, fertilizer, and food. The Incas believed that an alpaca’s fiber was a good way of gaining wealth. Even now an alpaca is very important. Especially to Indian breeders and herders because of a traditional practice of breeding that is passed down from father to son. This tradition has helped keep the alpacas from going extinct. As of now, their population is noted.

 

Their diet mainly consists of hay. But sometimes they can eat carrots or alfalfa. But too much alfalfa can be too rich for an alpaca. Since they are ruminants, alpacas hew their cud. Meaning they chew on their regurgitated food. Even though alpacas are domesticated, they can still be threatened by predators such as wolves, coyotes, bears, mountain lions, and dogs. Fences are a good way of keeping predators out.

 

Llamas and alpacas can successfully cross-breed to give birth to fertile offspring called huarizo. They are also well known for their fiber’s quality and how their fiber can be used in many different ways, such as clothes. But owners say not to let an alpaca sit in water for a long period of time because this can cause them to lose their fiber. But of course, they can’t go completely bald.

 

Author: Wena L

Published: 02/2009

 

Sources: 1970/ABOUT-ALPAChttp://www.candalaraine.com/Text/1137085339937-AS http://www.alpacameadows.com/thefacts.asp http://www.fantasyfarms.com/alpacas.htm http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Alpaca http://www.ableoaks.com/books/coatcolors.html