The Alpaca is a member of the Camelid family of South America, the majority living in Peru & Chile. The world population is just over two & a half million. In South America they are highly prized and bred for their wool. Being in every way superior to sheep wool and free of grease & lanolin.
The alpaca is a small ( height 85cm at shoulder, weight 60kg) hardy animal with a gentle & friendly disposition. A ruminant requiring grass & hay year round with the occasional low protein feed & mineral supplement.
The animals are shorn once a year in spring producing 4 to 5 kg of fleece per animal. In France we vaccinate and worm twice a year and use toe clippers to trim the feet when needed. Husbandry is a simple and straightforward affair.
The alpaca is a herd animal and at least two must be kept. Because of their calm and gentle nature they mix well with other common forms of livestock in the field. They need little land to thrive and can be stocked 5/6 to the acre (12/15 / hectare) With their padded feet they do not spoil the land in wet weather and thrive outdoors all year round. They require some form of shade in summer, either a small wood or modest field shelter.
They live on average about 15 to 20 years. Females produce a cria a year, gestation being around eleven & a half months and the best time for conception two weeks after giving birth. Females are ready for breeding from about 18 months onwards & males for stud start at 3 years old. Births are normally very straightforward and take place in the field without assistance, usually between 8 & 12 in the morning.
Colours range from white through fawns, greys rich browns to black, the undyed fleece being much in demand in its natural state for luxury knitwear and weaving.
|
