Alpaca Education :: Astral-Light Alpacas, LLC.

One of our highest priorities at Astral-Light Alpacas is educating the public about this ancient, exotic Incan treasure known as the alpaca. Please click on the links below to learn more about these special animals:

History of the Alpaca | Alpaca Facts
Alpaca Care | Shearing | Nutrition

History of the Alpaca

Alpacas are indigenous to South America and are a domesticated member of the camelid (camel) family. Other camelid family members include the domesticated llama, the wild guanaco and vicuna of South America, the Bactrian camel of Asia and the Dromedary camel from Africa.

Hundreds of years ago, they were considered a priceless treasure among Incan civilizations. Unlike the llama which was bred for transportation or carrying heavy loads, the alpaca was raised for its soft, luxurious fleece which was highly valued and used for royal Incan clothing, tapestries and artwork. Stunning examples have been found still intact in ancient burial sites.

With the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, many alpacas were destroyed as a way to conquer the Incan people who used them as a food source as well as for their fleece. Also the Spaniards preferred their native merino sheep over the alpaca; therefore for a period of time, alpaca fiber was a well-kept secret.

During the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s, textile manufacturers discovered the luxury, warmth, versatility and strength of alpaca fiber. Sir Titus Salt of Saltaire, England began studying the unique properties of alpaca fleece - that the fiber was stronger than sheep's wool and that its strength did not diminish with fineness of staple. He fashioned alpaca textiles from raw fleece that were soft, lustrous, and alpaca began making its mark across Europe. South American breeders expanded their herds to meet the growing demand, and by the 20th century, alpacas were being exported to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, England, Israel and the United States. Today, the alpaca textile industry is centered in Arequipa, Peru; yarn and other products made from alpaca are sold primarily in Japan and Europe.

Alpacas were first imported to the United Stated in 1984. Today, alpacas are being successfully raised in many parts of the world, and the United States alpaca industry is flourishing. In 2004, the USA alpaca industry celebrated its 20th year anniversary.

At Astral-Light Alpacas, LLC we are committed to preserving the noble heritage and rich history of the alpaca through selective breeding, setting high standards to produce luxurious, fine fiber, and a desire to consistently improve the quality of our herd.

Alpaca Facts

Alpacas is a domesticated member of the camelid (camel) family. Other camelid family members include the domesticated llama, the wild guanaco and vicuna of South America, the Bactrian camel of Asia and the Dromedary camel from Africa.

Alpacas are raised for their luxurious fleece. In the USA, there are less than 200,000 alpacas so alpaca owners breed and sell the alpaca to increase its population.

There are two breed types of alpacas: the Huacaya ("wah-kí-ah") and the Suri ("surrey"). Both types primarily physiological identical; however, it is their fleece that differentiates them from one another.

The Huacaya is characterized by a dense, crimped fleece that gives it a fluffy "teddy bear" appearance. The majority of alpacas are huacayas.

The fleece of the Suri breed has no crimp, so the individual fibers twist around one another to form long, lustrous pencil locks that flow down from their bodies.

Alpacas have the most variety of natural colors of any fiber-producting animal - approximately 22 color variations and blends.

Alpacas stand approximately 36 inches tall at the withers (where neck and spine come together) and weigh between 100 to 200 pounds. With proper care, they can live up to 15-20 years. When they are born, the average birth weight is 14-16 lbs; however, it is becoming increasingly common to have crias (babies) over 20 lbs.

Personality - they are gentle, curious, and mild-tempered. They have a strong herding instinct and they thrive on the companionship of other alpacas. Llamas are known to bond alpacas but they should be placed together by gender and it is recommended that the llama be neutered.

Earth-Friendly - the alpaca's feet are padded and do not tear up the terrain as compared to hoofed animals. They usually do not eat or destroy trees, preferring tender grasses, which it does not pull up by the roots.

The alpaca manure can be used as a rich fertilizer for growing fruits and vegetables.

Clean-Up -- Alpacas usually eliminate in one or two spots, thereby making it easy for clean-up. It also helps control the spread of parasites.

Alpaca Care

Alpacas are hardy animals but do require care and attention like any other livestock. They require vaccinations (CD&T; possibly rabies and West Nile Virus), toenail trims as needed, wormings, checking for external parasites, and possible dental care.

Shearing

They are sheared once a year usually in spring or prior to the region's hot season. Professional alpaca shearers should be scheduled in advance since they are in high demand during shearing season.

Nutrition

Alpacas are classified as modified ruminants - meaning they have three stomach compartments. They thrive on good quality grass if in a pasture or in dry lot facilities - grass hay (orchard, brohm) and some alfalfa. All may require supplemental feeds, vitamins, and minerals. Overall, the cost for feeding alpacas is less than most livestock.