Alpaca Facts
|
What is a Suri?
The rare suri possesses a very unique, rope-like twisted lock structure. These locks are made up of groups of straight fibers that hang parallel to the body sides and neck, falling from the middle of the back. If not shorn the fibers may reach all the way to the ground. A quality suri will have curled, twisted, and straight locks dripping with luster.
The fleece of an alpaca is true luxury fiber, being soft enough for baby products and warmer than any other wool available. Produces approximately 6-10 pounds of fiber per year.
Colors: 22 basic colors that may blend into beautiful variations, 250 shades.
The gestation for an alpaca is about 11 1/2 month ( 340 days) with a life span of roughly 15-25 years. Alpacas have just 1 cria a year. Birth weight is usually between 15-20 lbs. Babies can often stand and nurse within 30 minutes to 1 hour. Infant mortality is very low.
The alpaca is an adorable, friendly, intelligent and low maintenance animal. They eat as much as a medium dog. They are about 1/3 the size of a llama and weight between 100-175.
Financial Investment: Alpacas offer solid financial returns, market is strong in the USA and returns are around 15 to 38%.
|
|
|
Herdsires