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Alpaca 101: FAQ'sCan I raise alpacas in my part of Canada? Why are there more alpaca farms in western Canada? What are the differences in alpacas – Peruvian, Chilean or Bolivian? What are the primary health issues? What is the average annual vet cost for general care? What are the feed requirements of alpacas? Do alpacas need to be put in a stall overnight? What is the price range of alpacas? Is registration of alpacas mandatory? How much fleece will an alpaca produce? What is the value of alpaca fleece and is there a market for it? How can I learn more about the commercial alpaca fibre industry? Can I raise alpacas in my part of Canada? Why are there more alpaca farms in western Canada? Alpacas are well suited to all regions of Canada, as long as there is adequate pasture land. Our climate is not dissimilar to that which they would experience on the altiplano in South America. The reason there are more alpaca farms in the west is because the alpaca industry started in the west. The majority of the first imported alpacas went to farms in Alberta and B.C.. The industry has been gradually moving east ever since. What are the differences in alpacas – Peruvian, Chilean or Bolivian? Alpacas referred to as Peruvian, Chilean or Bolivian were imported from that country or have descended from such animals. There have been specific breeding programs in Peru and Bolivia that emphasised white fleece throughout the 1950's in order for it to be dyed more easily. Many alpacas from each of these countries exhibit specific characteristics in their phenotype. There are examples of excellent and poorer quality alpacas from all three countries, so it is important to judge each alpaca on its own merits. However You may find that you prefer the look(phenotype) of a Bolivian over a Peruvian or vice versa. What are the primary health issues? There are no particular diseases that alpacas suffer from; in fact, they are extremely disease-resistant compared to other livestock. They require annual vaccinations (e.g., against Clostridium, Tetanus) and periodic deworming. They are susceptible to many of the common livestock diseases, although in some cases are not highly contagious. Good hygiene and proper nutrition are also important to maintain healthy alpacas. What is the average annual vet cost for general care? This figure will depend upon how much you can do yourself. Basic care includes vaccination and periodic deworming which can be performed by the owner. Some breeders routinely give vitamin shots to their newborn alpacas. Sometimes blood needs to be drawn for testing and this is usually done by a vet. As only a pin prick of blood or pulled hair samples are now needed for registration purposes, most breeders are able to do this themselves. Their toenails need to be trimmed every few weeks or months. This is easily done by the owner. What are the feed requirements of alpacas? An Alpaca will eat 1 - 2 % of its body weight in one day. 80 % of this total amount needs to be forage ; i.e hay or grass of between 10- 15% protein . This averages out to around two pounds of forage per day. The remaining 20 % should be a mineral and feed supplement high in nutrients to replace in the body what the forage is not supplying or what a cria is potentially taking through the milk. Always have your pasture and hay analysed for content. Stressful conditions i.e : extreme cold/heat, weaning, moving or late lactation and gestation call for an increase and adaptation of these amounts. There are mineral mixes and feeds designed specifically for alpacas and llamas in either loose or pellet form, Mineral blocks are not recommended as Alpacas can not lick them as readily as they can eat a lose mix. Mineral and feed supplements are required year-round for producing Hembras (females) and growing herd members. They will also browse shrubs and trees if available. Supplemental hay may be advisable in summer in poorer quality pastures. Do alpacas need to be put in a stall overnight? Alpacas do not necessarily need to be put in a stall overnight, however shelter should be available at all times to protect from wind and precipitation, and to provide shade on hot days. Three-sided shelters that are orientated against the prevailing winds are usually adequate as long as the alpacas were sheared in the spring so that they have enough regrowth by winter to keep them warm. Stalling overnight would be recommended in an area where cougars are a threat. What is the price range of alpacas? The cost of an alpaca depends on a number of factors: quality of the fleece, conformation, reproductive abilities, age, sex, whether or not it is registered. The following information is general. Non-breeding animals (generally males) start at approximately $500. Registered breeding males and females usually start around $5,000 and can go up to $15,000-$20,000 or more depending on their quality. Exceptional animals, particularly stud males, may be much higher. Younger animals tend to be less expensive, all else being equal, because they aren't yet proven breeders. Is registration of alpacas mandatory? No, however, registration is highly recommended because it records the pedigree of the alpaca. Pedigree information is very important in the industry because it traces bloodlines. Registration in Canada is through the Canadian Llama and Alpaca Association (CLAA). You do not have to be a member of CLAA to register alpacas, however the fees are less expensive if you are a member. At present, you can only register an alpaca with the ARI when both of its parents are registered with the ARI. Some alpacas in Canada are ARI - registered, and therefore there would be no problem maintaining this registration. How much fleece will an alpaca produce? The average total fleece weight per animal is about 5-10 lbs for an adult shorn once per year. However, the prime fleece comes from the “blanket” area (across the back, upper sides and rump). The average weight of the blanket is about 3-4 lbs. All of these weights are based on relatively clean fleeces with little debris and dust. Fleece weight is not a good measure to use alone when judging an alpaca's fleece as fleece weight will increase with coarseness and density, so a fine, dense fleece may weigh the same as a loose, coarse fleece. What is the value of alpaca fleece and is there a market for it? Fleece value will depend on its quality (fineness, soft feel to the touch, crimp, etc.). Price also depends on whether it is sold in the artisan or cottage industry market versus the commercial market. Higher prices are obtained from the artisan or cottage industry, however this market is limited. The price obtained for raw fibre varies with the quality from about $10-$45 per pound. How can I learn more about the commercial alpaca fibre industry? More information can be obtained from the Canadian Camelid Fibre Co-operative (www.cancamco-op.com), and the various mills across the country . Currently the co-op pools its members' fibre and sends it to various mills to be processed into such items as yarn, socks, fabric and duvets (with the fibre as stuffing). The co-op has recently set up the Canadian Camelid Creation Centre to help promote and market members' product, including raw fibre.  |
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