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About Alpacas

Alpaca Facts

Alpacas are members of the camel family.
Alpacas live from 15-25 years.
Adult alpacas weigh about 65-80 kg.
Alpacas grow to about one metre at the shoulder.
The average gestation period is about 338 days.
Newborn (cria) weigh about 6-8 kg.
There are two types:-
- Huacaya (most common).
- Suri (about 3% of alpaca population).
Alpacas are environmentally friendly having soft padded feet and leaving grass roots to re-grow so the land is not denuded.
Alpacas are intelligent, enjoyable and have a fascinating social structure.
Adult male alpacas are called 'Machos'
Adult female alpacas are called 'Hembra'.
New-born alpacas are called 'Cria'.
An alpaca aged up to 12 months is called 'Tui'.
A male alpaca that has been castrated is called a 'Wether'.

Alpaca Fleece

Huacaya fleece resembles merino type wool; with fineness, lustre and good crimp definition being desired.
Suri fleece has well defined 'pencil' locks which hang down from the body. Lustre, fineness and silky feel are the ideal.
Due to it's cell structure, alpaca has a much lower 'prickle factor' than wool and is more comfortable to wear for a given micron.
Alpaca is lighter, softer, warmer and stronger than wool.