History

Alpacas have been domesticated in Peru and Chile for 5,000 years. Their fine, lustrous fleece was prized by Inca royalty. The importance of the alpaca to the local Indians and the persistence of the animal during harsh winter conditions assured its survival. After the modern world discovered the special qualities of alpaca fibre, exports from Peru and Chile commenced. In South America, there are around 3 million alpacas in the high altitude regions of Peru, Bolivia and Chile.

Alpacas were first imported into the United States in 1984, and into Australia in 1989. There are now over 40,000 alpacas in Australia making it the largest herd outside of South America.

The Industry

Is alpaca breeding another agricultural "bubble", like ostriches and deer? We think not for the following reasons:

• Alpaca fleece, the main end-product of the industry, is a well differentiated and sought-after product. It combines softness with strength and feels luxurious next to the skin. It offers the durability of a coarser garment, yet is warm and amazingly light. Alpaca fibre comes in a beautiful range of natural colours - white, silver, all shades of grey and fawn, chocolate brown and true jet black.
• An alpaca eats roughly the same amount as a sheep (i.e. 1 DSE), which makes them ideal for smaller lifestyle farms. We currently have over 50 animals on 10 acres. In Australia, 80 % of alpacas are in herds of less than ten animals. Many owners are small breeders who want to be part of a vibrant, new industry.
• Alpacas are not as labour-intensive as some other livestock. This is great for farmers who also want to work off-farm. Other than annual shearing and twice-yearly vaccinations, alpacas require very little else. An occasional trim of toenails may be required.
• Alpacas do not need expensive infrastructure. Trees and bushes provide the best protection against extremes of heat and cold. Most alpacas will not voluntarily seek shelter in sheds. There is no need for special fencing as alpacas do not test fences. They mostly prefer to stay at home!
• Alpacas do not suffer from flystrike or footrot and do not require mulesing. Alpacas usually give birth during the day. Birthing is generally trouble free and very quick. Crias usually stand and nurse within one hour.
• Alpacas are pseudo-ruminants, and chew cud like a cow. They do well on low protein hay or pasture and cope well with Australia's climatic extremes.

Alpacas and their behaviours

Alpacas are intelligent, alert, and inquisitive herd animals. They guard their paddocks jealously from unwanted intruders such as foxes or unfamiliar dogs. They cannot, however, repel dog packs.

Do alpacas spit? Yes, but not generally at people. Sometimes a female will spit at a male if she does not welcome his amorous attentions!

Alpacas tend to graze gently, allowing faster pasture recovery than with sheep or cattle. Their dung makes excellent fertilizer and it is conveniently dropped in areas where the animals avoid grazing, thus reducing their worm burden compared with many other livestock.

Alpacas make great family pets. They quickly become comfortable with people and are quick to learn the ropes. Just remember, they are alpacas, not dogs ☺. Like other domesticated animals, lots of handling in their youth makes them happier about handling later on. They can be transported from place to place in anything from a horse-float to a small van.