History of the Camelid - Alpaca
5,000 years of History from Peru to Ross Alpaca Ranch in Northeast Ohio. Alpacas are gentle, charming, lovable and valuable members of the camilid (camel-id) family. Camelids include camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas
(vi-cu-nas) and guanacos (gua-na-kos), all of which are ruminants, much like cows and deer.
These animals have a multi-chambered stomach and chew cud in order to digest their food. This very efficient way of converting grass and hay into energy means alpacas eat far less than other animals.
Now, Alpacas can be found in North America, including our farm, Ross Alpaca Ranch in Northeast Ohio but originally, alpacas were found only in the Andean mountain areas, called the Altiplano (High Plains) of Peru and
Bolivia. The climate and terrain of the Altiplano is very harsh. Summer temperatures generally do not exceed 60° F and, in winter, temperatures dip well below zero. It is not a smooth, flat plain, like those found in the U.S.
This environment, with its rocky, uneven terrain, allows a limited amount of plants to grow. It supports small patches of grass - the main source of food for the alpacas that live there.
Currently native to the South American countries of Bolivia, Chile and Peru, alpaca's numbers are still relatively small, with just over 3 million animals on the continent. But over 5,000 years ago, in the young Incan empire of
South America, llamas and alpacas were plentiful and domesticated. Llamas were used as pack animals to
haul supplies. However, alpacas, used for their fine fleece, were revered and treasured.
These beautiful animals were one of the key foundations to Inca commerce. They provided food, clothing, fuel and transportation to the Incas who were accustomed to a very harsh and hostile existence. In the Incan
society, garments made from alpaca fiber were reserved only for royalty. Alpacas were considered a valuable possession and were used as money in the Inca civilization.
Some say they were the very first form of currency.
When the Spanish conquered the Inca in the 1600s, the alpaca herds were massacred, almost to the point of annihilation. The surviving animals were tended by the Indian peoples. In the 1800s, Sir Titus Salt, an English
manufacturer of woolens, discovered the fabulous alpaca fiber. Against the advice of his father, he spun the "alpaca hair" and wove it into beautiful fabric, producing products that gained prominence for their quality and
warmth.
In 1984, the first alpacas were imported into the United States. Today, there are about 45,000 alpacas in all of North America. Alpacas still live on the Andean plateau in the mountains of South America. Alpacas can also be
found in Australia, Canada, England, Germany, New Zealand, France and Japan. You can find fine specimens of these remarkable alpacas at Ross Alpaca Ranch.
Meet the Alpacas
The alpacas on our farm, like all alpacas, are engaging, lovable creatures. We raise Huacaya and Suri Alpacas. Alpacas typically have a compact size, long necks and ears that typically point slightly outward, along with their
short, wedge-shaped heads that feature large, expressive eyes. The abundant, soft spongy fiber of the Huacaya, an almost teddy bear like appearance, help to differentiate Huacaya alpacas from Suri.
Suri alpacas have long pencil locks that extend from the body towards the ground. When they move in the pasture these locks swirl majestically about their frame. Their facial appearance tends to be different, but rather it
is how the fleece accentuates the features, that give them this look. Structurally, the Suri and the Huacaya are much the same; the primary difference is how the fleece manifests on the animal.
The alpaca's tail is naturally short and low set, often giving the animal the appearance of having a rounded rear end. The rear legs of the alpaca may be set very slightly under but the hocks should never be sickled. When
viewed from the front, the alpaca's front legs should look straight or nearly straight, however alpacas with tremendous fiber coverage on their front legs seem to be a bit knobby kneed due to the way the fiber grows. This
can be very misleading. If shorn or wrapped the legs in fact may be straight.
Alpaca feet are padded and soft, enabling them to tread on, but not damage, even the most delicate terrain. They have two toes from which nails grow out and down. In the high Andes, these nails are
worn down naturally. With soft ground as found in the US, Alpaca nails need trimmed from time to time. This enables good health and soundness in the animals because long nails will cause leg issues.
Alpacas lack upper front teeth and enamel is absent from the insides of their lower incisors. They grasp forage with their agile split upper lip, nip it off with the action of their lower incisors against their upper pallet, and then
grind their foodstuffs with their molars.
Adult alpacas usually weigh between 100 and 170 pounds and stand two to three feet at the withers. Their life span is 15 to 25 years, however with the climate in North America, diet and care, alpacas that live here, may live
even longer. Crias are born between 13 and 20 lbs. After a gestation of approximately 50 weeks, and live happily with mom until they are about six months old.
Alpacas come in 22 natural colors including basic white (cream), black as well as the many beautiful shades of brown, gray, tan and fawn in between. White markings often decorate the face, necks, legs and feet of
alpacas. The paint (or piebald) pattern exists in the species but not appaloosa markings.
These earth-friendly animals do not eat or destroy trees or bushes; they prefer only tender grass. Alpacas may gnaw on wood so many times trees are outside the pasture area. Care should always be given to the plants
accessible to alpacas, as some can be toxic plants. Due to their multi chambered stomach they are economic processors of food. Alpaca manure is a quality selenium-enriched fertilizer, perfect for growing fruits or
vegetables. Alpacas digest seeds, which prohibits weeds sprouting from the garden. A herd will consolidate its waste into one or two spots in the pasture, thereby controlling the spread of parasites and making it easy to
collect their manure.
Alpacas can obtain parasites, however by following a worming regime, these are easily managed. Most alpaca farmers easily administer alpaca wormers themselves. Alpacas are generally hardy creatures and easily
managed. It is important however to remember that they are livestock and as with all living creatures sometimes issues arise. A consistent husbandry program and interaction or "knowing" you alpacas is the best plan of
action. Of course, knowing your alpacas is also the most rewarding!
If you are interested in a first hand experience getting to know alpacas, please accept this invitation to visit! Call or email us to set up a date and time to learn more about our friends the alpacas.
Alpaca Types
Alpacas come in two fiber types - Huacaya and Suri. The fiber of the Huacaya (pronounced wa-ki-a) alpaca is dense, crimped and woolly in appearance. This abundant coverage gives the Huacaya a soft and hugable look
and explains its overwhelming popularity worldwide. Ninety percent of the North American alpaca herd consists of Huacaya.
Huacaya fiber is the most used type of alpaca, lending its self to both knit garments as well as woven. The natural crimp of the fiber spins a tight yet lofty strand and maintains its tensile strength. Huacaya fiber has a soft
bloom, creating an unequalled softness and luxurious handle.
The Suri (sir-e) alpaca, which is extremely rare, is distinguished from the Huacaya alpaca by its unique fiber characteristics. The fiber grows parallel to the body while hanging in long, separate, non-crimped locks. Suri fiber
locks are made up of high luster fibers. The fleece drapes down the sides of the body in a twisted or flat form of various size. Suri fiber has excellent luster, a slick hand and extreme softness.
Suri fiber, while also able to be spun into glorious yarn is best suited for Lacey weight scarves, shawls or as it is best known, woven into cloth and used in suitings or outerwear. This weaving process holds fast the slippery
Suri yarn between the weft and warp creating a strong fabric with luster and buttery softness.
While the two types of alpacas differ in appearance, there are several similarities in the composition of alpaca fiber. First both species have hypoallergenic fleece, due to the lack of natural oils or
lanolin as found in sheep's wool. Additionally alpaca fiber has a smooth shaft preventing it from retaining dander, also an issue for those with allergies to natural fibers.
Alpaca is a natural insulator and is water resilient as well as naturally flame retardant. It is lighter and far more durable than wool. Alpaca is a very sturdy fiber and garments made from alpaca will not pill or wear thin spots.
The finer grades of alpaca, commonly known as "Baby Alpaca" & "Baby Royal" will pill slightly, due to the fineness of the fiber, but nothing like wool or cashmere.
Alpaca Behavior
Peruvian Alpacas are very herd-oriented and usually prefer the company of their own kind to that of other species. Within the herd, there is a hierarchy of dominant and less assertive animals. When frightened, alpacas tend
to band together, which simplifies moving them as a group.
The gentle character of alpacas makes them easy to handle. They must become accustomed to human touch and most can easily be trained to halter and accept people. Rarely handled animals usually require some form
of restraint for treatments, which can usually be accomplished by one person holding the animal. Unlike their North American livestock equivalents, adult male alpacas are typically
less aggressive among themselves and with humans. Most can be kept together in non-breeding situations and some in breeding situations as well.
Alpacas are intelligent and clean. With their three stomachs, they are browsers and very economical to feed. They require only good grass hay and a mineral supplement. Their pellets are practically odorless (much like a
rabbit) and low in nitrogen. The easily cleaned manure can be mulched and used as excellent fertilizer in flower and vegetable gardens.
Alpacas communicate with a variety of mostly quiet noises, body postures and an occasional spit when confronted by extreme adversity. Their most common sound is a soft, pleasant humming. They sound off an alarm call
to signal the approach of an intruder. Some mother alpacas actually cluck to their newborn babies. Alpacas also have readily understood body language as they posture with ears, tail and neck primarily to establish pecking
order in the herd. Young alpacas are especially curious and often communicate by sniffing and touching other animals.
Alpacas love water, using it as a cooling device in warm weather. Most enjoy ponds, pools and sprinklers and will come running when they recognize a person with a hose. Alpacas should be discouraged from lying in water
for extended periods of time. While extended exposure to water can cause fiber loss on the alpaca's legs and underside, (They do not become bald but appear shorn in these areas.) periodic hosing in hot summer weather
is beneficial and provides immediately cooling to the animals. This is fun not only for the alpacas but for the handlers as well.
Alpaca Breeding
At Ross Alpaca Ranch, we are thoroughly immersed in the care and feeding of our herd of Peruvian Alpacas as we prepare them to become strong breeders. Female alpacas are ready for breeding when they have reached
75 percent of their adult weight, which usually occurs between 16 and 24 months of age. Since a few may become pregnant as early as 6 months of age, it is important to keep young ladies separate from intact males of
this age until the females are ready for breeding. Sexually mature females are induced ovulators and do not exhibit estrus cycles typical of most domesticated animals. If not pregnant, a mature female is almost constantly
"open" or "receptive" to breeding.
Males mature more slowly than females and typically begin breeding at 2 ½ to 3 years of age. Some, however, are precocious as youngsters and should be separated at about 8 months of age from receptive females; since
fertilization by a young male is possible any time after the penis no longer adheres to the prepuce (sheath).
Breeding is done in a prone position and takes at least 15 minutes. The male dribbles, rather than ejaculates, semen into the uterus of the female. While breeding, the male makes a continuous "ogalling" noise and moves
his front legs occasionally along the sides of the female. The mating process induces the female to ovulate so that she can become pregnant. Actual fertilization of the egg takes place long after breeding has completed.
A female's behavior can be an indicator of a successful breeding. As early as one week after breeding, a female when presented with a male, can exhibit behavior of avoiding the male and spitting at him as he peruses her.
This is just one of the methods of determining pregnancy. Additionally pregnancy can be confirmed by either determining blood progesterone levels after 21 days, or performing an internal ultrasound and/or external
ultrasound. Of these procedures the indirect assessments at times may be misleading. Unfortunately, the anatomy of many female alpacas is too small to allow rectal palpation or visualization of the pregnancy of internal
ultrasound. The most reliable of methods is the blood progesterone test.
Female alpaca can absorb a pregnancy rendering them void. It is important to continue to monitor a female throughout her pregnancy, to insure a successful breeding is continuing. As the fetus grows ultrasound's can be
used, while behavior and progesterone testing are also a viable form of confirmation.
At Ross Alpaca Ranch, as the time approaches for our pregnant
females to give birth, we are on alert. The gestation for these beautiful Peruvian alpacas is approximately between 11 to 11 ½ months and females almost invariably produce a single baby. A young alpaca is called a cria and
normally weighs from 10 to 18 pounds at birth. During the first few hours, the cria will stand, start to walk and begin to nurse. The Dam's milk contains precious antibodies needed for the healthy development of a cria, as
the baby receives it's immunities from this first milk. A cria who does not receive this immunity can develop serious issues as it continues to grow. An IgG test is always performed on our farm, within the second 24 hours
after birth, to insure a successful passing of these valuable antibodies. A vet check is done as well and the veterinarian will administer shots appropriate to the cria, and the Dam.
We generally keep a new cria and Dam separate from the herd for a few days so that we can monitor its progress, weight and behavior. Additionally this allows us to keep the cria out of unpleasant weather and bond with
the Dam. Each birth is different depending on the behavior of the Dam, Cria, time of year and any other varying circumstances. After we are confident that all is well, the Dam and cria are placed with the balance of the
female herd.
Watching the Crias play together is a heartwarming and joyful site. Just as sun sets the Crias start pronking, or running in the field. They play and frolic with the other alpacas, and on a dime cork screw jump onto the air.
What a wonderful way to end the day.
Housing, Care and Feeding of Alpacas
Alpacas are naturally curious but they do not tend to run away. Though keeping them home is seldom a problem, adequate fencing is critical. The Alpacas at Ross Alpaca Ranch live within exterior fencing that is high and
tight enough to keep out potential predators. Woven wire or any solid material, erected to a height of five feet, usually suffices although some owners add an electric wire along the top for extra protection. Internally, use any
combination of boards,woven wire, cables and barb less wire, standing at about four feet, so the smallest animals cannot escape under or through.
Alpacas are hardy and they adapt to all climates. They require very
little in the way of shelter. Rather than strict confinement, provide
access to an open barn or a simple overhang for protection from storms and strong summer sun.
Provide these efficient utilizers of feed with pasture or clean, grass-type hays but do not overfeed them or depend on the use of protein-rich hays, such as alfalfa. In their last trimester of pregnancy, nursing mothers and
growing female youngsters require higher levels of protein and may benefit from supplemental feeding. They need fresh water along with mineral salt, either in block or loose form. Alpacas are sensitive to the deprivation of
essential minerals including selenium (to prevent white muscle disease), vitamin D to prevent rickets and phosphorus. Be sure to compensate for the mineral(s) that are lacking in their feed if they are fed green forage or
hay from areas of specific deficiencies.
Alpacas are generally hardy, disease resistant animals that greatly benefit from preventative medicine and ready access to veterinary services, especially if the doctor has alpaca and/or llama experience. If none is
available, find a local veterinarian who is interested in and willing to learn about the species. An alpaca's nails should not be allowed to grow long and curl. They should be trimmed regularly. Inspect their teeth and trim their
incisors if they exhibit excessive growth. We learned early at Ross Alpaca Ranch that if we shear the animals once a year, it further adds to their happiness and well-being. Then, we send the award-winning fleece to be
prepared and woven into the magnificent garments for sale in our retail outlet, The Alpaca Store at Ross Alpaca Ranch, right here on our farm.
Alpaca Fiber
The Fiber of the Future
Browse our unique retail outlet, The Alpaca Store at Ross Alpaca Ranch, for fine alpaca products and you will soon appreciate the extraordinary qualities of this alpaca fiber. One touch of a sweater, scarf or dress will prove
why it prized for its softness (equivalent to cashmere and surpassed only by vicuna), fineness and strength. Alpaca is three times stronger than sheep's wool, thus providing you with long lasting and much loved apparel
items that will stand the test of time. World textile experts have appreciated the value and durability of alpaca fiber for many years, and in Europe is a much recognized and revered textile. The fleece, which is the premium
fiber grown on an alpaca (softest, finest, most uniform and dense) is found on the alpaca's sides and loin.
The leg, chest, face and neck wool often consists of thicker, less uniform fibers; however these fibers can be used for many types of goods; felt, certain fabrics, and substantial yarns used in rugs. Soft as cashmere and
warmer, lighter, and stronger than wool, Alpaca comes in more natural colors (22) than any other natural fiber. Alpaca is hypo allergenic, free from dander and natural oils that cause sensitivity in many people. In addition
alpaca is perfect for children, being naturally flame retardant. Alpaca is breathable and is water resilient making it perfect for outerwear.
Fiber production is the economic underpinning of the alpaca industry for the future. Alpaca fleece, has all the qualities to make it one of the finest fibers in the world, however it is still quite rare. For every 32 pounds of
sheep's wool, less than one ounce of alpaca fiber is produced. Just one alpaca fleece has the potential for an artisan to create many types of value added products or hand crafted creations, generating quality income.
The herds in North America are not generally large enough to support industrial processing, however fiber co-operatives and mills are emerging which offer a ready market for breeders. Alpaca
is also coveted by cottage industries and some breeders sell their fleece to local spinners and weavers. Still others invest in alpacas to guarantee a secure source of fiber for their own cottage industry. Others purchase
ready to wear alpaca garments from companies such as ours, and offer them for sale on their farm, allowing them the ability to indulge their customers with products if creative skills, and time are not withstanding.
Whatever you choose to do with your alpaca fiber, you will find, as we have at Ross Alpaca Ranch, the rewards you receive are a wonderful addition to a fabulous alpaca lifestyle.
Understanding Micron Testing
Micron tests are very subjective. First, proper testing relies on a proper sample taken from the mid section of the alpacas fleece. I must qualify these samples prior to examining their micron results as I took these samples
from the shoulder of each alpaca. In the spring I do not cut holes in the fleece portion of the alpaca. This can be an issue in show fleeces and halter classes. I currently am preparing samples to be sent again from the
fleeces that were shorn this year. The cumulative information will result in an overall understanding of each specific alpaca.
AFD - Average fiber diameter. This is the average diameter of each fiber. When you consider that a human hair is about 100 on this scale you can better understand the fineness of alpaca fleece.
SD - Standard Deviation. This is the amount of deviation from the AFD + or -. This means that an alpaca with an AFD of 20 and an SD
of 7.0 could have additional fibers in the fleece measuring an AFD of 27 and fibers as low as an AFD of 13.
CV - Coefficient of Variation. This value is a mathematical formula based on the two previous readings. It is the Standard deviation divided by the average fiber diameter. It is a very good determining factor in evaluation of
micron counts. An alpaca with a low CV will have a softer fleece than that of a higher CV animal. When you consider a CV, the lower the number, the more uniform the fleece.
%> 30 - Percentage of fibers greater than 30. This is the medulated fiber reading. Medulated fibers are solid fibers, without the hollow core that is found in fleece fiber. Medulated fibers equate to the prickle factor. Since they
are coarser, they flow less readily than fleece fiber into a yarn strand.
Other Considerations
When selecting alpacas it is best to not focus on one specific trait but rather a complete picture of the animal based on both fleece and confirmation. Remember that a positive trait has equal and opposing properties. For
example a very fine fleece may lack density. Where a very dense alpaca may lack fineness. Which one is best? Both and neither. It is truly subjective. The goal here is to select the alpaca that best fits the desired results,
looking to improve on the next generation. Your breeding program needs to take into account ALL factors, and be open for change.
Age is another consideration. A nursing cria may have a higher micron because of the mother's milk than the same animal the next year. A yearling male may have a finer fleece prior to becoming a fertile male based on the
hormones that present themselves as the alpaca matures. A pregnant female will have a higher micron for the same reason, in addition to her nutritional requirements. Another consideration is - Is that mother nursing a
cria, in addition to carrying an unborn fetus? As an alpaca ages, so does its fleece characteristics and the yearly growth amount of fleece.
Nutrition has a lot to do with micron testing. Over feeding can result in increased fibers greater than 30 microns. This is a very important factor. It is extremely important to raise healthy alpacas with their nutritional needs
foremost while balancing specific animals requirements and consideration of fleece. Alpacas that tend to hover over the feed area are found to have a higher AFD and %< 30 Fleece. The CV however will show the true nature
of the fiber, as the uniformity is not diet subjective. Micron tests can be a reliable tool for the breeder to make nutritional and husbandry decisions.
Color is the last consideration. With the increase of color in a fiber the inherent AFD will be higher. This is why whites and fawns tend to have the best AFD readings, as they are void or low on pigment. Blacks on the other
hand have tremendous pigment and that will raise a micron reading. Throughout the color scale of alpaca fleeces the micron levels will be higher based on the color increases. Again, this is where it is important to take into
account all of the properties of a micron test.
Understanding Alpacas
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| Mystic Ridge Alpacas - Where the Magic is in the Breeding Where the magic is in the breeding |
