Alpacas are South American camelids that originate from the Altiplano, the Andean mountain chain that links Peru , Chile , Bolivia and Argentina . Of the 3 million alpacas worldwide Peru has the largest population estimated at 2.5 million. In contrast Australia in 2003 had approximately 40,000 animals.

There are two types of alpaca. The huacaya, a dense well covered animal with potentially merino-like fleece quality, and the suri, an animal of the same size as the huacaya but with an angora like fleece which hangs in long locks. The suri and Huacaya are equally as hardy.

There were thought to be only 30,000 to 50,000 suris world wide in 2003. In Australia there was approximately 2000 in 2003.

Alpacas can live to 15-20 years of age and most likely will reproduce to 12-14 years old. Their gestation is 11.5 months with single baby (cria) births. Maiden females are mated about 45kg or 12-14 months of age.

The alpaca is extremely hardy. It is 30% more efficient at converting nutrients than other ruminants and has come from the inhospitable highlands of the Andes . Alpacas will thrive in most Australian climes.

Alpacas Are Easy To Manage

they nearly always have daylight births

they do not suffer fly strike

they do not suffer foot rot

they dung in the same spot and therefore are ideal for     small farms

they are easily handled in comparison to other livestock

their padded feet are kind to Australia ’s fragile soils

they do not need high protein diets

they are induced ovulators, therefore do not breed     seasonally

they are easily transported, mustered, trained and     prepared for showing

alpacas attempt to ward off stray dogs and foxes

alpacas do not need specialised fencing

So as you can see alpacas are an easily managed livestock which is fun for the whole family. Alpacas have a special affinity to children and these days it's generally the children who do a lot of leading in the show ring. When Jude first left teaching to manage the herd full time she was looking after 120 animals with a female farm hand who worked four half days a week. Of course there is always a large animal that might challenge a persons strength, but if understood and managed correctly alpacas are a delight to farm on a small or large acreage.

On a small farm alpacas are ideal because they dung in the same spot and worms can be controlled. Also they offer good returns if the owner breeders take care to run this livestock investment as you would any successful business.....energy, thought, some luck and a lot of hard work, are all needed. Alpacas on a small property offer a chance for all the family to be involved because they are not intimidating and do respond to care and affection.

On a large property alpacas give farmers an animal that births nearly always in the day light, does not suffer foot rot or fly strike, does not need high protein diets and therefore require less attention than say for instance a mob of lambing ewes. They also ward off most predators like foxes. These simple attributes give farmers a chance to maximise returns.

If You Are:

a farmer looking to diversify

someone interested in knowing more about alpacas

someone wanting to start a alpaca farm

someone wanting to own alpacas but lives where they can     not house the animals

Call or Contact Us and well see if we can help.

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