Alpaca Facts The alpaca is essentially a man-made animal. That may sound like sacrilege, but it is true in the same sense that the Jersey cow does not exist in a wild form, but was purpose-bred from wild ancestors. The alpaca is a camelid, and probably originates, with the llama, from judicious crossings of two wild species, the vicuna and the guanaco, both of which live in the high plains of the Andes. Recent DNA studies have shown that the vicuna certainly dominates in alpaca genetics. The natives of those regions, the Incas, over many centuries can be assumed to have bred the llama as a beast of burden, and the alpaca as a fleece bearer. Experts studying these origins place different emphasis on the roles of the wild forms in producing the two domestic strains. It is indisputable, however, that all four of these generic forms can interbreed. Although the alpaca comes from a mountain plain habitat sited around 12,000 feet above sea level, it clearly thrives in less extreme climes. The lush pastures and temperate climate of most of the U.K. seem to suit the breed well. In size, alpacas are similar to deer, an adult weighing generally 70-80kg. and standing 90-100cms. at the shoulder. Alpacas live for between 15-20 years. Two distinct forms of alpaca occur, the huacaya and the suri. Much the more numerous, the huacaya has a dense fleece which forms a lock structure standing out from the skin to give it the characteristic look of a fluffy teddy-bear. In the suri, on the other hand, the fleece has a silky tendency and forms long fine ringlets which hang downwards, looking more like that of a Wensleydale sheep. At Blenheim Alpacas we have so far resisted the temptation to acquire any suris, realising that resources will not permit the pursuit of excellence in two directions. Female alpacas take around eleven and a half months to produce their cria, and they tend their offspring with great care and attention. It is rare for there to be any complications in delivery, which usually occurs between 9am and 2pm.The urge to feed is strong, and although the female has very tiny teats (four), in general within an hour or so of birth the new arrival will be seen in a characteristic pose under his or her mother, sucking away. One of the greatest pleasures of the arrival process is to see the strong instinctive group interest, with many females, particularly the yearling maidens, gathering around and literally clucking to encourage the new cria to suckle. Fleece & Fibre Two distinct forms of alpaca occur, the huacaya and the suri. Much the more numerous, the huacaya has a dense fleece which forms a lock structure standing out from the skin to give it the characteristic look of a fluffy teddy-bear. In the suri, on the other hand, the fleece has a silky tendency and forms long fine ringlets which hang downwards, looking more like that of a Wensleydale sheep. At Blenheim Alpacas we have so far resisted the temptation to acquire any suris, realising that resources will not permit the pursuit of excellence in two directions. The alpaca's prime purpose is to produce fleece. This is an exceptional product in several respects. Alpaca fleece is not greasy, like sheep's wool, and while being exceptionally fine it is much stronger, strand for strand, than other animal fibres. It has phenomenal thermal characteristics, and can be spun and woven or knitted into beautiful and fashionable end products. Its rarity gives it a high value, and it can be blended with other fibres, such as merino or silk, to give it great versatility. On average an adult alpaca will yield about 3kg. of fleece at its annual shearing. The British Alpaca Society has formed a co-operative among its members, and this provides a readymade outlet for the bulk of our fleeces. The aim of the co-operative is to provide economies of scale and to add value to the national clip for the benefit of members. While this process is in its infancy, it is clear to most members that it is by this route that a viable fleece industry will eventually replace what is at present largely livestock based. Shearing is done annually. It is interesting to note that at our first shearing it took forty minutes to complete five shearings, including toenail and teeth trimming and vaccinations. The animals appeared quite untroubled by such a sudden transformation from woolly bear to slender antelope.The shearer works with an assistant, who holds the head gently but firmly to minimise stress. The process takes little more than seven or eight minutes. The fleece is then ‘skirted’ to remove the leg fibre, after which the best fibre, the ‘saddle’, is bagged and sent for sale to the British Alpaca Society Co-Operative or kept for showing.