Homeland and pedigree of the alpaca, description of the appearance, behavior of the animal, reproduction of the alpaca, tips on caring for and keeping exotic animals at home, cost.
The content of the article:
Alpaca (lat. Vicugna pacos) is an incredibly beautiful animal created by nature. From the very first day of your acquaintance, this amusing living creature will become not only your faithful, cheerful friend and comrade, but also a kind of decoration for your home, especially if you have a spacious area and are looking for some original four-legged “neighbor”, as well as its delightful appearance and ease of content are captivating.
Origin and native territories of the alpaca
The alpaca is a representative of the fauna, on the study of which a lot of not only time, effort and material resources were spent. Years passed, and scientists still figured out how to correctly classify this miracle of nature. So, in the end, animal DNA testing came to the rescue. Thus, it seemed to everyone that a single and correct scientific classification was approved, in which it was said that alpaca belongs to the class Mammals, the infraclass Placentals, the order Artiodactyla, the suborder Callus, the camelid family, the genus Vicuna and the alpaca species.
Since these mammals are revered as one of the most ancient and established animals on the planet, their homeland remains unchanged. The largest alpaca populations remain in South America, namely in its high mountain regions. Probably, most of these excellent artiodactyls live in the lands of Peru, where they quite comfortably settled in the Andes, where they feel great at an altitude of over 3000–5000 meters above sea level. Large social groups of alpacas are also found in Chile, Ecuador and western Bolivia.
In recent years, attempts have been made to breed these mammals more and more often, because they are not just cute “little animals”, but also a very decent source of income. Alpaca breeding is very common in Australia; maybe the microclimate there is more suitable, but it is believed that animals native to the Australian continent wear more valuable and high-quality fur than those from South America.
Description of the appearance of the alpaca
If you review some information about these magical mammals, everyone everywhere insists that in appearance they are most similar to a llama, but this statement is only partially true. In terms of the structure of its body, an alpaca is something between a llama and a sheep.
The height of this animal varies from 75 to 100 cm, the average body weight is approximately 60–80 kg. The entire surface of the alpaca's body is covered with a layer of thick, soft and curly fur, which in texture is not just pleasant, delicate and soft, many compare it to children's plush toys. Another feature of this mammal is its face; it is so pretty and beautiful that it seems that rays of goodwill and friendliness emanate from it. Their lower lip is forked. On the lower jaw, it is possible to notice powerful and strong incisors; it is thanks to this that the alpaca can quite calmly eat a wide variety of types of plant food.
These good-natured animals were assigned to the calloused suborder for a reason, there is a reason for everything, and all because in their anatomical structure there are no hooves at all, in the place where they should be located there is only a kind of calloused outgrowth, for alpacas it serves as quality of the foot. These “little animals” move along the surface of the earth, relying on their finger phalanges, so they cannot trample down pasture for themselves. Each of their limbs ends in two fingers, on which there are blunt claws that have a slightly curved shape.
If we talk about something separately, it’s about the fur of this animal. It grows constantly, “without days off or holidays”; on the sides of the body, the length of alpaca fur reaches approximately 25–35 cm. Under the main hair there is an even softer and more delicate undercoat, but it is in no way inferior in length. Usually it is the same as the base fur.
As for coloring, this also has its own characteristics, the whole point is that although in nature there are only two subspecies of this soft and fluffy mammal, there are plenty of colors, so products made from alpaca wool are rarely repainted. The entire color spectrum ranges from white shades to rich dark brown. There are also individuals whose body can be seen to have a pattern formed by asymmetrical inclusions and spots.
Alpaca lifestyle in open country
On their native lands, they are accustomed to living, if not alone, then in very small herds; they prefer to go out to pasture exclusively during daylight hours. When night falls on the ground, the alpaca goes to rest; by the next day it needs to gain strength and energy, and all the food that the animal has eaten all day must be digested.
These calloused animals with especially valuable fur have chosen not the most comfortable conditions for their permanent residence, but this does not in any way affect their well-being and cheerfulness. Their places for grazing are also not quite ordinary, since for this they choose areas in the most severe mountainous regions, where snow already flaunts at arm's length. It is clear that in such locations there is not always an abundance of food products, so people living nearby try to sow these areas with vegetation so that these cute and valuable “little animals” never go hungry.
Alpaca is not just a cute and friendly animal, it is also very sociable. Mammals find a common language quite well among themselves, in the literal sense of the word. In the process of communication, they use not only sound signals, but also their own body language, which no one understands. Every specific movement of the neck, ears, and even this or that pose means something, but if you are not an alpaca, then you will never figure it out. But science does not stand still and maybe after some time we will still know what is on the minds of these sweet creatures.
But, unfortunately, not everyone reveres, loves and appreciates these artiodactyl representatives; in their natural habitat there are also “persons” who, without remorse, can eat alpaca for lunch and do it with great pleasure. Most often, these creatures are attacked by pumas and cheetahs; if they encounter a not so large and strong predator on their way, the alpaca will not be confused and will begin to fight off the enemy, using blows with its forelimbs and spitting. In addition, during such a battle, the animal never forgets about its relatives; with piercing and loud sounds it notifies everyone of the danger.
Mating season and alpaca offspring
These mammals can already be considered sexually mature at the age of two years. There is no specific mating season in the alpaca population; it usually lasts all year round. The duration of pregnancy is approximately 320–335 days, at the end of this period of time one calf is born. Occasionally, twins may be born. The female becomes pregnant only once every two to three years.
The body weight of a newborn alpaca is approximately 5–8 kg; after an hour and a half of birth, the baby is already on its feet. No matter what color the female is, all babies have fur that is colored exclusively in cream shades; after some time, the color changes.
Babies feed on mother's milk for 5–6 months, but these periods are very relative, since it is believed that these young animals can already be fed with adult food when their weight is more than 30 kg.
Keeping and caring for alpacas at home
Looking at the above historical information that these amazing creatures were kept as pets long before the Egyptian pyramids were built, we can conclude that there is nothing supernatural in their keeping. Since in those days they could not even think about any new technologies, artificial feed, or even veterinarians. So if the Indians were able to cope with such an animal as the alpaca, then you will definitely be able to do it.
In general, this is a rather unpretentious creature; if it lives calmly in harsh mountainous areas, then our variable climate certainly will not frighten it.
Since these camelids are among those creatures that are accustomed to living in herds, albeit small ones. And if possible, it is better to have three individuals at once, or at least a couple. Firstly, animals will thus adapt to new conditions much faster, and they won’t get bored.
Taming. If we talk about this mammal, then it is actually the sweetest and kindest creature. You can pet and cuddle them calmly, without fear, the main thing is not to make sudden movements and do not approach your pet from around the corner unexpectedly, otherwise you may get hit with a forelimb from the alpaca; he will not do this on purpose or out of malice. It’s just that by their nature they are very timid and in a state of fear they can resort to self-defense. There is no need to be afraid if your child approaches a pet - the animal never attacks, much less children, but if it is specifically provoked, it can violate its principles and give a good kick. So if you let children near this comrade, then only under the supervision of adults.
Alpaca cage. This kind of pet is perfect for keeping in a country house; for its comfortable living, it will be enough to build a spacious lawn. It’s up to you to install some kind of shelters or other structures in this place; if you don’t do this, nothing bad will happen, for such a pupil the main thing is that he has a place where he can hide from the rain and snow, and everything else this is already a matter of profit. During the winter cold, the alpaca can be placed in some warm room, but rest assured, it will feel good outside under a canopy, because nature has awarded it with such a fur coat in which the pet is not afraid of either wind, cold, or even severe frosts. Only, wherever the animal happens to spend the winter, you need to make sure that the floor in this place is dry, warm and as soft as possible. So it's a good idea to line it with a wide layer of straw.
Feeding. In principle, alpaca nutrition is not much different from what ordinary farm animals eat. Moreover, the body of this exotic is designed in such a way that it is more adapted to food of lower quality. Maybe this is due to the fact that in their native areas there is sometimes a shortage of food and they have to eat everything that comes along the way, or it’s all about anatomy - the alpaca has three stomachs, while other ruminants have three sections. four. But this fact does not exclude the regular cleaning of alpaca pastures from weeds and poisonous plants.
The basis of an alpaca's diet should be greens, this can be meadow grass, shoots of young plants and tree leaves; they especially like the leaves of fruit trees; you can bring your friend branches of various shrubs, as well as willow, birch, acacia and rowan. This exotic will happily eat the moss growing in your area. In terms of hardness and toughness, these animals can probably cope with any food, since their incisors are constantly growing, like those of rodents. And on the pasture, their forked lower lip helps them collect food.
During the period when there is no greenery, the main dish for a home alpaca should be hay; you can feed the pet with different varieties and collections, the main thing is that the hay is fresh, without rot and mold. You can also give oats, chopped vegetables, in particular, they are very fond of carrots and cabbage leaves, and they will not refuse apple peels. They enjoy eating rye bread and oatmeal. It’s good to put salt in your pet’s feeder; they love to lick it.
On average, in one day, an adult alpaca should eat food, the average weight of which is approximately 1-2% of the animal’s body weight, which is approximately 25-28 kg of food per month. The main thing is to ensure that your pet does not overeat; obesity in an alpaca has a very bad effect on its overall health.
Hygiene. These animals are not just cute and beautiful, they are also very clean. You don’t have to worry that the area where your pet grazes may have its waste products everywhere. The fact is that it is customary for these smart and neat living creatures to relieve themselves in a specially designated place, then most likely your pet will choose one of the corners of your site as a restroom and will visit it regularly.
As for bathing, you can say that the alpaca is simply partial to water; it will happily stand quietly while you wash it with a hose. Even if you just spray her with water, she will also be incredibly happy about it. But such washing will have practically no effect on the appearance of the wool, except that there will be no dirt on it. In order for her fur to always look beautiful and well-groomed and fluffy, it is necessary to regularly clean the fur with sand. Such procedures should be done at least once a week
Hair and nail trimming. Your pet will need to have a haircut every year, as its fur grows at a rate of approximately 14–20 cm per year. Such haircuts should be carried out somewhere around the middle of spring, so that before the first cold weather their warm coat has already been restored, but under no circumstances cut them completely bald, as you risk ruining their future fur.
Also, due attention will need to be paid to the animal’s limbs; at least once every 10–15 days, it will need to have its claws trimmed.
Everyone knows that alpaca fur is very expensive and of high quality, but the fact that in ancient times they supplied people with another very valuable product is another matter. The whole secret is that alpaca is not just valuable fur and a producer of raw materials for warm clothes. Even animal waste products were in demand; manure was used as fuel.
The term “Inca gold” meant alpaca wool, which used to be local currency, but today is an expensive export product.
In the modern world, the animal itself has also found a use; every day, a method of treating children with autism or other mental disorders, such as alpaca therapy, is gaining more and more popularity. An animal may not be able to eradicate the problem, but it can give children a lot of new positive emotions; practice has shown that after children communicate with this mammal, their psychological and emotional state reaches a new level.
Buying and price of alpaca
The price for one individual of this mammal ranges from 160,000 to 400,000 rubles.
More information about alpaca in the following video:
Alpaca, or llama, is an animal of the camel family. The qualities that appear to us when defining “camel wool” are largely applicable to alpaca wool.
In the wool clothing market, alpaca yarn is considered one of the most valuable and often used yarns for sewing warm clothes, its properties often reminiscent of sheep's, but of higher quality.
Woolen clothing made from alpaca wool is not only warm clothing, it is, first of all, a sign of quality, as well as an emphasis on refined taste and style. Fashion designers, adding the wool of this amazing animal to their works, make woolen clothes more attractive, pleasant to the touch, especially warm and stable for long-term wear, which combines lightness and practicality, charm and amazing durability.
Alpaca wool is highly prized. And therefore, and also due to its characteristics (wool is very hard), it is rarely used in its pure form. The benefits of alpaca wool are most evident in blended yarns. Blends with regular or merino wool and artificial fibers (for example, acrylic) are widespread. The main advantage of products made from alpaca wool is that they practically do not form pills - long fibers prevent matting.
It is valued primarily for its wool (24 natural shades), which has all the properties of sheep, but is much lighter in weight. 5 kg of wool is sheared from one individual; they are sheared once a year. Alpaca fibers are straighter than sheep's wool, are not creaky and are extremely rich and silky with a subtle sheen. Such qualities are not found in any other type of fur.
Alpaca wool is three times stronger and seven times warmer than sheep wool. Living high in the mountains, where the temperature difference between day and night reaches 30 degrees, alpacas have warmer fur than other animal species.
Ancient tales, amazing legends, funny myths and untold riches, in addition, the horizon of high mountain plains, colorful and at the same time frightening sheer cliffs, as well as impenetrable thickets - all this is Peru, one of the favorite habitats of Alpacas.
The color range of alpaca wool is quite wide; about 20 shades can be distinguished - from pure white, traditional beige or silver - to brown and even black. A special feature of alpaca wool is that naphthalene cannot be used during its storage, and therefore only natural remedies are used as anti-moths - lavender, tobacco and cedar.
Initially, alpacas were mistakenly attributed to the genus of llamas, but in 2001 the taxonomy of the species was changed from Lama pacos to Vicugna pacos, having found out that the ancestors of alpacas were vicuñas, and not guanacos, the ancestors of all domestic llamas. The difficulty in accurately identifying the genus was that all four members of the camelid family found in South America can produce offspring if interspecific, so only DNA research could provide a definitive answer to the origins of the alpacas.
Llamas and alpacas, when crossed, produce offspring - huarisos - which are not capable of reproduction, but have a very gentle character and are therefore ideal for the role of pets.
In nature, there are two types of Alpaca: Suri (Suri) and Huacaya (Huacaya). Animals differ only in the appearance of their fur.
Alpaca wool is most often a natural color and the palette here can be varied. The animal itself “paints” itself in the desired tone. It can be black, or all shades of brown, gray and even silver, but white yarn is especially valued. To raise albinos as Peruvians, you have to work hard, and sometimes you have to manually sort through the fibers, removing a different color of wool.
Local residents are very fond of the whole range of alpaca wool, and Europeans use it in almost all fashionable innovations.
It has been noticed that the younger the alpaca, the thinner and softer the wool, so for warm woolen clothing it is better to use fibers from young animals, and denser yarn is also suitable for carpets.
Alpaca wool is a natural fiber shorn from alpaca. It can be light or heavy, depending on how it is twisted. It is a soft, durable, luxurious and silky natural fiber. Unlike similar sheep's wool, this fiber is warmer, non-spiky, and has no lanolin, making it hypoallergenic. Alpaca has natural water-repellent properties. Huacaya alpaca wool, which grows in a soft spongy layer, has natural curls, making it a natural elastic thread ideal for knitting. Suri alpaca wool has far fewer curls and is thus best suited for woven products, but is also surprisingly luxurious. Designer Giorgio Armani used alpaca suri wool in fashionable suits for men and women.
Alpaca wool is used to make a variety of products, from very simple and inexpensive clothing made in Aboriginal communities to complex, industrial and expensive products such as suits. In the United States, groups of small alpaca breeders have banded together to create “Fiber Cooperatives” to make alpaca fiber products cheaper to produce.
In its physical structure, alpaca fiber is somewhat similar to hair, very smooth. Alpaca wool is similar to merino wool fiber, but alpaca yarn is generally stronger than wool threads. The hole in the heel that appears on a wool sock or on the elbows of a wool sweater will not appear on a similar alpaca garment. When twisting the fibers together, the strength increases several times. More careful twisting is necessary, especially for alpaca suri wool, as its fibers are silkier, but this can reduce the softness of the yarn.
Alpaca has very fine and light wool. It does not retain water, is warm even when wet and can effectively withstand solar radiation. These characteristics guarantee the animal a permanent and weather-appropriate coat to combat sudden temperature changes. This fiber provides the same protection for humans.
Alpaca fiber also contains microscopic cushions that make it possible to produce lightweight textiles as well as various types of clothing. Cells in the central core of the fiber may shrink or disappear, forming air pockets that promote insulation. Wool varies from alpaca to alpaca, and some may have more myelinated (fluffy) fibers compared to wool and even mohair. This may not be a desirable quality. Myelinated fibers can take less dye, stand out in finished clothing, and are weaker.
Good quality alpaca fiber should be approximately 18 to 25 micrometers in diameter. Alpaca wool, which has a smaller diameter, is preferred and is therefore more expensive. As alpacas age, the width of their fibers increases; the growth of fiber width ranges from 1 micron to 5 microns per year. This is caused by the animal overeating, and if too many nutrients are consumed, the animal does not gain weight, but the fiber becomes thicker. Any alpaca wool exceeding 34 micrometers is classified as llama wool.
As with all wool-valued animals, fiber quality varies from animal to animal, and some alpacas' wool is less than ideal. Fiber quality and durability are the two most important factors when determining the value of an alpaca.
Alpacas come in a variety of shades from blue black, black brown, black, brown, silver gray to white, pink and gray. However, white fibers predominate, due to selection: white fibers can be dyed in a wider range of colors. In South America, whites are preferred as they usually have better coats than dark-colored animals. This is because dark colors were not popular with breeders. Today breeders are working hard to breed dark fiber animals and have made significant progress in the last 5-7 years.
The processes of preparing, combing, spinning, and finishing alpaca wool are very similar to the process used to process sheep wool. 
Alpacas have been bred in South America for thousands of years. Vicuñas (as they are called there) were first domesticated and bred by ancient Andean tribes in Peru, Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. Alpacas have also been exported to other countries in recent years. In countries such as the USA, Australia and New Zealand, breeders shorn their animals annually, weigh the wool and test it for fineness. Thanks to the knowledge gained, they are able to breed animals with heavier and finer fibers. The weight of the shearing from each alpaca varies; the maximum you can shear from a male individual is up to 7 kg of wool, of which 3 kg is excellent quality fiber.
Interest in clothing made from alpaca fiber has increased in recent years, perhaps in part because alpaca farming has a fairly low environmental impact. Sports enthusiasts recognize that alpaca products are lighter and warmer, more comfortable in cold weather, so sportswear and outerwear manufacturers are beginning to purchase more alpaca products. The use of a blend of alpaca and merino wool is common in the fiber industry to improve processing and quality of the final product.
In December 2006, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2009 the International Year of Natural Fibers to raise the profile of alpaca and other natural fibers.
I want to tell you about an interesting and cute animal, the alpaca. Her wool makes wonderful things! They are light, durable and warm.
An animal that is bred in South America in the Andes. Mostly in Peru, as well as in Ecuador and Chile.
The alpaca was domesticated several thousand years ago. Now it is considered a rare animal. It is not found and does not take root anywhere except in the highlands of South America.
Alpacas are very cute creatures. They are overly curious by nature, so much so that they can even get hurt if they become interested in something, and they have a meek, peaceful disposition. By the way, they don’t spit at people, but only at each other, and mainly in disputes over food. They love young, juicy grass, but, in principle, they are unpretentious in food.
They look very good-natured. But the character is stubborn.
The animals themselves are small, no more than a meter tall, with a long neck and graceful head. They belong to the camelid family, the genus Vicuna, although at first they were classified as llamas.
It was not possible to come to the correct opinion, because interspecific crossings are possible. Only DNA analysis helped to draw the right conclusions.
Alpaca wool
Alpacas are bred for their beautiful wool.
In the mountains, at an altitude of 3000-4000 meters above sea level, where they live, the daily temperature difference sometimes reaches 25-30 degrees.
But alpacas are well adapted for living in such conditions; their wool is very warm and soft, seven times warmer than sheep’s.
The texture is a little wavy and as if silky in appearance and to the touch.
It does not contain organic fats at all, so products made from it do not get dirty for a long time and even have the property of self-cleaning, and also do not cause allergies, since due to the lack of fat, dust mites do not grow in it.
Alpaca wool is three times stronger than sheep wool; even after a long time, products made from it look very good, they do not form pills and the fabric does not pill.
Alpacas are sheared once every one or two years and do not cut off all the wool, but leave some for the animal to keep warm, because living conditions in the mountains are harsh.
Wool is expensive because it is obtained from one alpaca no more than a kilogram (this is only once a year!)
Views: 4342
13.11.2017
Alpaca(lat. Vicugna pacos, camelid family) is a herbivorous domestic animal domesticated by humans more than 6,000 years ago. Unlike , which served the ancient Indian tribes as pack animals, alpacas were used as a source of valuable fur and wool for making warm clothes and shoes.
The ancestors of alpacas are believed to be artiodactyl mammals.Vicuna(lat. Vicugna vicugna), common in the Andes, in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile. They are much smaller in size than guanacos (animals that became the ancestors of llamas), but have a greater external resemblance to them.
A characteristic feature of vicunas, unique to this species, is a pair of lower incisors, which tend to constantly grow (as in rodents) throughout the life of the animal. Wild herds of vicuñas live on high mountain plateaus located at altitudes of up to 4500 - 5500 m. Delicate and thick wool helps animals survive in high mountain conditions, where contrasting temperature changes occur.
If the average weight of vicunas is about 50 kg, then their descendants, alpacas, reach 70 kg. Alpacas rarely grow above one meter. The animals are not suitable for cargo transportation, but their wool is recognized as the best in the world for its quality. There are two subspecies of alpacas: Suri (lat. Suri) and Huacaya (lat. Huacaya), which differ from each other in the length and density of the coat. Suri is easily recognized by her long, silky locks of fur that hang almost to the ground. Huacaya wool is not so long, it resembles very soft and delicate plush. Over the course of a year, one animal produces from 3 to 6 kg of raw wool, from which 1 to 3 kg of valuable yarn can be obtained.
Alpacas are considered long-livers - their average life expectancy is 20 - 25 years, the productive period lasts 14 years. The number of alpacas in their natural habitat today is about 3.5 million. Animals feed on herbaceous plants, weeds, leaves and shoots of perennials; on farms, vegetables, fruits and mineral supplements are added to their diet, which has a positive effect on the quality of the fleece. Alpacas have much less food requirements than other farm animals: grazing 25 animals requires a pasture area of 1 hectare. In addition, they constantly need fresh water. A physiological feature of these animals is the absence of upper incisors, and therefore they tear off stems with their lips.
Alpacas are diurnal. In the evening they are busy chewing food. Since in the wild animals are accustomed to a herd existence, they usually stay in small groups consisting of several females with cubs and one leader. Female alpacas carry their babies for just over 11 months. Typically, one baby is born (twins happen once in 1000 births), weighing no more than 1 kg.
Alpacas have a very sweet and gentle disposition. Outwardly, they look like long-legged and long-necked sheep. The special structure of their feet, like those of all representatives of the camelid family, has a beneficial effect on the preservation of the natural landscape: alpacas are not able to trample the grass due to the absence of hooves. Attempts to resettle alpacas from the Andes to other mountain regions (Europe, Africa) were unsuccessful. But in farms in the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia, where animals were exported for the purpose of domestication and breeding, there are a significant number of alpacas. So, today the alpaca population in the UK numbers about 10 thousand animals, in Germany and Switzerland there are about 4 thousand, and in Australia – up to 60 thousand. Keeping and caring for alpacas is not difficult: you need to provide them with food, water and build a pen with a canopy or provide other shelter (a clean, unheated room) in case of bad weather.
Alpaca wool is of greatest economic importance. It is distinguished by its purity, fine fiber and durability. The natural color of the coat varies from white, cream, beige to brown and black, and has up to 52 shades (according to Peruvian classification).
Alpaca wool is highly resistant to weather conditions, so it can remain uncontaminated for a long period of time. It does not contain lanolin, is lightweight, durable, has high thermal insulation, water-repellent, and hypoallergenic properties. Alpaca wool is used to make high-quality home textiles, characterized by lightness, soft fiber and excellent warming effect (blankets, rugs, bedspreads), fabrics, yarn and clothing.
In addition to wool, the skin and fur of these animals are very valuable. The excellent taste of alpaca meat also does not go unnoticed. This product has been recognized by nutritionists and chefs as the most delicious, healthy and dietary. 100 g of alpaca meat contains 23 g of protein and a small amount of fat. One adult animal produces up to 23 kg of meat, half of which is intended for preparing sausages, ham, and sausages.
Alpacas are often used as pets. They are distinguished by calmness, goodwill, intelligence and complaisance. They can participate in games with disabled children, brighten up loneliness for the elderly, and serve as a means of psychotherapy for those who suffer from depressive disorders.
Animal alpaca appeared long before the Egyptian pyramids. It is surprising that living only high in the mountains of South America, the animal has survived there in natural conditions to this day, without changing its original territory.
In modern times, the resettlement of alpacas in different parts of the world is a tempting and expensive enterprise, which is explained by the unique demand for this amazing creation of nature.
Description and features of alpaca
Today, alpaca is a domesticated animal from the camelid family. In appearance, it is a small mammal, up to 1 m tall, with a good-natured appearance, similar to a small llama or a sheep with curls all over its body. Adults reach 70 kg in weight.
Alpacas are considered rare animals, among which there are only two groups:
1. Alpaca Huacaya- The most common variety, it is compared to a child's teddy bear for its soft and fine fur.
2. Alpaca Suri- rare view. The wool is of the highest quality and valuable, looking like long and twisted curls.
Alpacas are a group of calloused animals and walk using the phalanges of their toes. They cannot trample pasture like sheep or goats, since they do not have hooves, but only a calloused outgrowth as a foot. Their two-fingered limbs have curved and blunt claws.
The main feature of animals is their very dense and long hair, for which they are so valued. Thanks to the thick clothing, alpacas have adapted live in a large mountainous, harsh area. In the highlands, temperatures fluctuate within one day to 30 0.
A feature of animals is the ability to breathe rarefied air. Their fur grows continuously, reaches 30 cm on the sides, and has a fine and delicate structure. The lengths of the main hair and undercoat are almost the same.
Shades of color from white to brown and black tones, sometimes there are alpacas with a pattern of white and beige spots. The unique qualities of wool are lightness, softness, and shine, for which it is called “divine fiber.”
U alpacas a forked lower lip and strong growing incisors on the lower jaw, allowing it to feed on various types of plants. They communicate with each other not only using vocal signs, but also widely use body language that is unfamiliar to a person: a certain stance, position of the ears, turn of the neck.
Crossbreeding alpacas and llamas produce offspring that are ideal for the role of pets. Huarisos, as they are called, are distinguished by their ease of control, humility, and gentle character. But they do not produce their offspring.
Alpaca habitat and lifestyle
The ancestors of the alpaca, as established through DNA research, were vicuñas from the family of humpless camels, and their closest relatives. Their habitat is South America, highlands in the Andes.
About 3 million animals live in this territory, in the forests, mountains and on the coast. In other places, the breed does not take root in natural conditions, although animals are exported to many countries of the world for breeding and domestication; more than 60,000 alpacas live in England alone, and 10,000 in England. Multiple attempts to acclimatize alpacas in nature ended unsuccessfully.
Human interest in alpacas arose in ancient times, about half a century BC. The ancient Incas began breeding animals for their possession of wool, meat and skin. Even manure was used - it became fuel. The wool of alpacas was called gold by the Incas. Today, for residents of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile, this is an important export product. And once it was the local currency of the Incas.
Alpacas tolerate living in the mountains and harsh climatic conditions thanks to their warm and long wool, which covers them especially tightly on the sides. In terms of quality characteristics, it is seven times superior to sheep.
Alpaca animal in its ancestral territory it leads a wild or semi-wild, in captivity, lifestyle. Herds of animals graze in harsh areas of the highlands, almost right next to the snow, where nothing grows except grass. Livestock breeders even sow other plants into local meadows to feed the alpacas.
In natural conditions alpacas live in herds. During daylight hours they are active, and at night there is a period of rest. During this time, you need to digest all the food eaten, accumulated during the day.
The animals' natural enemies are mainly pumas and leopards. If small predators attack, alpacas defend themselves with their front legs, striking the enemy and spitting. At the same time, they make sounds notifying their relatives of danger.
Alpaca in captivity
Usually they have a small enclosure with a canopy to protect them from rain or snow. A warm room is not required, because unique wool is an excellent thermostat. Their diet does not differ from ordinary herbivorous farm animals. Favorite treat is licking salt.
By nature, animals are very sweet and kind creatures, obedient and unobstinate towards humans. They have an inordinate curiosity that can cause them to get hurt if something catches their attention.
They can be very stubborn in their intentions. Like camels - relatives, alpacas can spit. But they do this only in their own environment, mainly due to the division of food. People are not offended by this habit.
Due to their good nature, communication with alpacas is very useful for educational activities among disabled children and the elderly. One has only to note that sometimes animals show timidity, which is why they can suddenly strike with their legs or head. But in a calm atmosphere they never attack.
The animals are used as pack animals; they are capable of transporting up to 70 kg. But alpacas are kept, mainly, of course, for their wool, which is of great value. Once upon a time, only very rich people wore clothes made from their wool. It is still one of the most expensive.
Breeders spend a lot of money on delivery and breeding alpaca. Buy Cubs can only be born in special nurseries. Animals are very difficult to breed.
Alpaca food
Alpaca is a herbivore. They feed on grasses, leaves, and almost all types of vegetation. When searching for food, they move very slowly, looking for the most nutritious plants. They need regular watering.
They differ from other ruminants by an anatomical feature that gives them an advantage in collecting feed. The alpaca's mouth is similar to a harelip, the incisors are located at an angle, and are constantly growing, like those of rodents.
Alpacas are unpretentious and hardy, less demanding on food than conventional sheep. In captivity, they are fed grass and leaves in the summer, and hay, vegetables, bread and oatmeal in the winter. The diet can be the same as that of a horse. To obtain wool of special quality, livestock breeders add various minerals to the feed.
Alpaca reproduction and lifespan
IN herd of alpacas has its own alpha male, or leader, for a certain habitat. Mating time in their harem lasts all year round. Gestation of one cub lasts 11 months. Twins are very rare. Alpacas give birth only once every two years.
A newborn baby weighing 1 kg is on his feet within an hour. The color of his coat is always soft cream, but later it changes. Maternal feeding continues until 6 months, when the baby reaches a weight of 30 kg.
Young alpacas reach sexual maturity at 2 years of age. Under natural conditions, animals live up to 25 years. But in captivity, their life, as a rule, ends by 7 years.
Alpaca price
Domesticating animals for wool is a profitable enterprise. Many natural shades, antiseptic properties, resistance to pilling and matting, wear resistance, lack of lanolin - this is an incomplete list of advantages and unique features.
The fur of a young animal is especially valuable and expensive. From one individual, up to 1 kg is cut once every two years. For comparison, an adult animal produces up to 5 kg of wool. Therefore, the cost of the products is considered to be in the high price category: an alpaca scarf made in Italy costs about $400.
Modern technologies make it possible to create unique compositions of materials. Blend of acrylic fibers and wool alpaca - fabric High Quality. Familiar to many alpaca wool blanket, carpets of unsurpassed quality.
Features of care alpaca coat, scarves, bedspreads, blankets or other things, the use of naphthalene is inadmissible. It is allowed to use only natural anti-mole substances: lavender, tobacco or cedar.
The alpaca has served people for thousands of years, remaining a creature that not only brings benefits in economic life, but also gives people an invaluable connection with primordial nature and history.
Loading...
