|
The Breed :
Domesticated members of the camel family
Characteristics :
Alert, intelligent and docile. Herd animals that need
each other for companionship, express themselves with a soft
hum. When frightened, they huddle together. Utilize
their food and water efficiently. Healthy and disease
free. Low maintenance and adaptable. Odor free
and clean - confine their dung to a common area. Travel
well. Thrive in almost any climate and on any terrain.
Soft padded feet and eating habits are kind to the pasture.
Bruxo's Triumph
The Market:
~50,000 alpacas live in the United States
~3 million alpacas live in South America
~15,000 alpacas live in Australia
Requirements :
-
Simple fencing and a three-sided shelter
in most climates.
-
Fans in the very humid, hot weather for
cooling.
-
Heaters only when cria are born in very
cold weather.
-
One acre of grass pasture for up to 10
alpaca
-
Pasture grass or hay in winter and a small
amount of grain (food costs average 50 cents a day per
animal).
-
Willing to learn owners.
-
Basic animal vaccinations, regular de-worming.
-
toenail trimming and occasional teeth
cutting.
-
Health certificates for interstate travel.
Shearing:
Recommended every 12 to 18 months in early spring.
Produce about 6-8 pounds of fiber.
Life Span :
20+ years
|
Adult Weight: 100 to 180 pounds
Males : Sexual maturity between
18 months and three years
Females : Bred when they
reach 75% of their adult weight or 18 to 20 months of age.
Rebred two to four weeks after giving birth.
Female Cycle : Alpacas are
induced ovulators and can be bred anytime of the year.
Spring and Fall births are encouraged.
Average Gestation : 335 days
or about 11 months.
Births : Usually occur in morning
daylight hours. Trouble-free, front feet and headfirst
births. Healthy cria are up and nursing within an hour.
Twins are very rare.
Birth Weight : 12 to
20 pounds
Weaning : 6 months after birth
Registration : All alpacas
are registered by six months of age with the Alpaca Registry
Inc. (ARI). DNA blood typing is used to verify and document
lineage in conjunction with the University of California-Davis
Insurance : Mortality, limited
accident and trip transport insurance is available from several
companies and is highly recommended for new owners.
|
