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.
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.
Alpacas and vicunas are some of the smallest animals belonging to the camelid species. Due to the small size, breeders do not use them as pack animals. They are bred for fiber and meat only. Andean inhabitants once considered the meat a delicacy. There is a growing market for alpacas in North America and the animals fetch a high price. The high prices has led to increased of smuggling of alpacas into the US and Canada.
Alpacas are very social. They herd in groups composing of young ones, females and alpha males who are also territorial. Warning of others about an intruder is done in a sharp, noisy inhalation made in quick succession. Smaller predators usually attacked by herds. Attacks entail kicking and spitting. The canid family is shown a lot of aggression by alpacas, something that some breeders often exploit in using alpacas in 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.
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.
Alpacas and vicunas are some of the smallest animals belonging to the camelid species. Due to the small size, breeders do not use them as pack animals. They are bred for fiber and meat only. Andean inhabitants once considered the meat a delicacy. There is a growing market for alpacas in North America and the animals fetch a high price. The high prices has led to increased of smuggling of alpacas into the US and Canada.
Alpacas are very social. They herd in groups composing of young ones, females and alpha males who are also territorial. Warning of others about an intruder is done in a sharp, noisy inhalation made in quick succession. Smaller predators usually attacked by herds. Attacks entail kicking and spitting. The canid family is shown a lot of aggression by alpacas, something that some breeders often exploit in using alpacas in 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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