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.
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.
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 take between 10-24 months to mature. On the other hand, males only become ready to start mating after a period of between 2-3 years. Females take 11.5 months to give birth and once they do that, they are ready for breeding again in two week. Twins are very rare in alpacas.
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.
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.
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 take between 10-24 months to mature. On the other hand, males only become ready to start mating after a period of between 2-3 years. Females take 11.5 months to give birth and once they do that, they are ready for breeding again in two week. Twins are very rare in alpacas.
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If you are in need of information about an Alpaca breeder near Denver, locals can come to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://www.ranchoalamogordoalpacas.com now.
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