An alpaca refers to a species of South American camelid that is usually domesticated. It is close in resemblance to small llamas. Usually, two different breeds of alpaca exist, that is, Huacaya and Suri. Although these animals resemble llamas in appearance, they are smaller and are not beasts of burden like llamas. There are many people who breed alpacas in the United States. To become an alpaca breeder near Denver, it is vital to understand all facts about these animals.
The information in this article is important for any breeder of alpacas. First, domestication of alpacas stretches thousands of years back. Moche people of Northern parts of Peru used images of the animals in their art. No species of alpacas lives in the wild. Vicuna is the closest relative of alpacas and it is considered to be its wild ancestor. South America is its place of origin.
Alpaca is one of the animals classified as camelids. Other animals within the same class are camels, llamas, and vicunas. The fiber of alpacas and vicunas is the most valuable among all camelids. Fiber from alpacas is known for high quantity and quality. Conversely, fiber from vicunas is known for high quality, fineness, and softness.
Many animals are classified as camelids and vicunas and alpacas are some of the smallest of all animals. Alpacas are thus not used as pack animals as a result of small size. They only provide meat and fiber. The meat was considered by Andean inhabitants as a delicacy. The market for alpaca meat in North America is growing fast. The meat is on high demand and is very expensive, something that has made cases of smuggling to rise.
Alpacas are social animals. They form family groups composed of females, territorial alpha males and young ones. The animals make sharp, noisy inhalations similar to high-pitched brays to warn each other of an intruder. The whole herd often attacks smaller predators by spitting and kicking them. The animals show a lot of aggression towards the canid family. Some breeders exploit this trait in using alpacas for guarding sheep.
The use of a communal dung pile is common among alpacas. The dung pile is usually in a place where the herd does not graze. The use a communal dung pile limits how internal parasites spread within the herd. In general, males are tidier and use fewer dung piles compared to females. Some breeders have exploited the tendency to use a common dung pile to house-train alpacas.
Sounds produced by alpacas vary depending on various situations. When terrified or in danger, they make a high-pitched whine. They make a wark noise when they are excited or when they spot a strange cat or animal. Clucking or clicking is used in signaling submissive behavior. Alpacas also hum commonly to indicate to others that they are presence or content. When fighting, males produce bird-like screams.
Females need between 10-24 months to reach age of maturity. Conversely, males take a slightly longer time to mature. They need two to three years. It takes 11.5 months for the female to give birth to a young one and they rarely produce twins. Females are ready for after 2 weeks only.
The information in this article is important for any breeder of alpacas. First, domestication of alpacas stretches thousands of years back. Moche people of Northern parts of Peru used images of the animals in their art. No species of alpacas lives in the wild. Vicuna is the closest relative of alpacas and it is considered to be its wild ancestor. South America is its place of origin.
Alpaca is one of the animals classified as camelids. Other animals within the same class are camels, llamas, and vicunas. The fiber of alpacas and vicunas is the most valuable among all camelids. Fiber from alpacas is known for high quantity and quality. Conversely, fiber from vicunas is known for high quality, fineness, and softness.
Many animals are classified as camelids and vicunas and alpacas are some of the smallest of all animals. Alpacas are thus not used as pack animals as a result of small size. They only provide meat and fiber. The meat was considered by Andean inhabitants as a delicacy. The market for alpaca meat in North America is growing fast. The meat is on high demand and is very expensive, something that has made cases of smuggling to rise.
Alpacas are social animals. They form family groups composed of females, territorial alpha males and young ones. The animals make sharp, noisy inhalations similar to high-pitched brays to warn each other of an intruder. The whole herd often attacks smaller predators by spitting and kicking them. The animals show a lot of aggression towards the canid family. Some breeders exploit this trait in using alpacas for guarding sheep.
The use of a communal dung pile is common among alpacas. The dung pile is usually in a place where the herd does not graze. The use a communal dung pile limits how internal parasites spread within the herd. In general, males are tidier and use fewer dung piles compared to females. Some breeders have exploited the tendency to use a common dung pile to house-train alpacas.
Sounds produced by alpacas vary depending on various situations. When terrified or in danger, they make a high-pitched whine. They make a wark noise when they are excited or when they spot a strange cat or animal. Clucking or clicking is used in signaling submissive behavior. Alpacas also hum commonly to indicate to others that they are presence or content. When fighting, males produce bird-like screams.
Females need between 10-24 months to reach age of maturity. Conversely, males take a slightly longer time to mature. They need two to three years. It takes 11.5 months for the female to give birth to a young one and they rarely produce twins. Females are ready for after 2 weeks only.
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