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.
This article presents some important facts and tips for breeders of alpacas. The domestication of alpacas has been done for several thousands of years. Images of the animals were used by the Moche people of Northern Peru in their artwork. Alpacas do not live in the wild. Its closest relative called the vicuna is thought to be the wild ancestor of the domesticated alpaca. Its origin is in the South American continent.
Alpacas fall under a group of animals called camelids. Other animals in that category are camels, vicuna, and llamas. Of all camelids, the fiber of vicuna and alpacas is the most valuable. The high value of the fiber from alpaca is because of high quality and quantity. On the contrary, fiber of vicunas is valuable because it is soft, fine, and high quality.
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 mature after a period of between 10-24 months. On the contrary, males take between 2-3 years to be ready for mating. Gestation period is 11.5 months and the females are ready to breed again after two weeks only.
This article presents some important facts and tips for breeders of alpacas. The domestication of alpacas has been done for several thousands of years. Images of the animals were used by the Moche people of Northern Peru in their artwork. Alpacas do not live in the wild. Its closest relative called the vicuna is thought to be the wild ancestor of the domesticated alpaca. Its origin is in the South American continent.
Alpacas fall under a group of animals called camelids. Other animals in that category are camels, vicuna, and llamas. Of all camelids, the fiber of vicuna and alpacas is the most valuable. The high value of the fiber from alpaca is because of high quality and quantity. On the contrary, fiber of vicunas is valuable because it is soft, fine, and high quality.
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 mature after a period of between 10-24 months. On the contrary, males take between 2-3 years to be ready for mating. Gestation period is 11.5 months and the females are ready to breed again after two weeks only.
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