Alpacas and their larger cousins, llamas, are actually camels from South America. They are related to the one and two-humped animals we commonly know as camels that are found in Africa and Asia. Alpacas and llamas have been domesticated for thousands of years. They, along with their wild relatives, vicunas (vi koo nyas) and guanacos (gwa na kos) make up the South American camelid family.
The ancient Inca people valued their alpacas so much that only royalty could wear garments of this amazing fiber. It has been known as the "Fiber of the Gods" and "The Fiber of Kings". When Spanish conquistadors invaded Incan lands, many of the indigenous people took their most prized alpacas into hiding, leaving their gold behind. Those animals left behind were slaughtered by the invaders. Archaeologists have found mummified alpacas in ancient tombs with fiber so fine, we have yet to duplicate it.
The first importation of alpacas into the United States took place in 1984. By 1998, the gates to importation were officially closed, making the North American alpaca herd a self-sustaining population whose value has remained stable for over 20 years. Breeders have been working toward ever-improved fiber and breeding stock.
What do you do with them?
Alpacas are raised for their exceptionally warm, fine fiber. It can be carded, combed and blended with other natural and/or synthetic fibers, for a wide variety of finished blends.
Alpaca exhibits natural luster and brightness. Due to the unique structure of alpaca, it tends to reflect light very well, contributing a natural luster or brightness to finished products.
Alpaca fiber is relatively easily processed, as it contains little grease, oil or lanolin. It is compatible with processing by either the woolen or worsted systems, depending on fiber length. The lack of lanolin also makes alpaca odor free.
Alpaca fiber is stronger than many other animal fibers, even at the finer grades. Studies reveal alpaca to have a tensile strength of 1.5x of similar wool fibers. This trait allows manufacturers to creat lightweight, sculpted, and fashionable garments, since a bulky sweater format is not required to provide equivalent warmth. Alpaca can deliver warmth in light, delicate and elegant fashions. Alpaca's natural strength also provides durability. Alpaca fiber is highly abrasion resistant (given quality fiber and processing). The options for alpaca are numerous, from worsted to woolen, bulky sweater to form-fitting delicate knit, next to the skin sweater to a fine gabardine coat. The possibilities are almost endless.
Alpaca wicks moisture - up to 30% of its weight! This means alpaca fabric will allow moisture to move to the outside of the garment where it can evaporate. Cotton and wool products, on the other hand, absorb moisture. This is why a wool sweater can feel very heavy if you are caught in the rain - wool can hold up to 50%. A water-soaked wool sweater can also bring out the smell of lanolin residue that was trapped within the fiber scales. When a fiber absorbs moisture, the moisture diffuses into the fiber, causing the molecules to separate and fiber volume to increase, which is called swelling (or hygral expansion). Wool and cotton socks tend to make your feet sweat because they are absorbing moisture. Alpaca does not tend to absorb moisture. Rather, it transports moisture away from the foot where it can evaporate at the outside of the sock.
Alpaca is naturally low-allergenic. Although inconclusive, alpaca may exhibit hypoallergenic qualtities. We know about the "prickle factor," where thick and/or hollow fibers of around 30 microns can prick the skin, causing rashes, discomfort, and other reactions, thereby making some wool very uncomfortable to wear. AllergyNursing.com reports that some people who were believed to be allergic to lanolin, were instead reacting to the "prickle factor". Although some people who believe they cannot wear wool find that they can wear alpaca comfortably, there is not enough evidence to substantiate a claim that alpaca is hypoallergenic. Alpaca has an open scale structure, which creates spaces that may be susceptible to filling with dust, mold and pollen. So, while alpaca may appear to exhibit some hypoallergenic characteristics, more research is needed before it can be claimed to, in fact, be "hypoallergenic", and to what degree.
Alpaca fiber comes in more natural colors than that of any other fiber-producing animal on earth. Although it accepts dyes easily, it can be used in a natural state, completely free of dyes and still provide a wide variety of color variations. It is used to make everything from hats, scarves, socks and mittens to high fashion items such as capes, shawls, coats, suits and dresses.
Alpaca is fire retardant. More studies are needed, but unlike so many synthetic fibers, alpaca will not melt and stick to your skin in a fire.
Alpaca fleece is shorn once a year, usually in the spring, producing an average of 50 to 90 oz. or more of first quality fiber, as well as 50 to 100 oz. of second and third quality fiber per alpaca. In its raw state, an ounce of alpaca fiber varies from $2.00 to $5.00. Each stage of processing, such as cleaning, carding, spinning, knitting, finishing, etc., adds more value to the fiber. As a finished garment, it can sell for upwards of $10.00 per oz.
Alpaca fiber is sold in several different forms. Handspinners and fiber artists buy raw fleece. Knitters often purchase alpaca yarn. Fiber cooperatives and mills process alpaca fiber into finished goods for the producer to utilize in an on-farm store. Fashion designers are incorporating alpaca into their designs and worldwide demand for alpaca fiber is increasing.
Owning alpacas enriches ones life in many intangible ways, as well. How does one describe the value of art, music, or a relationship with another living creature? The cares of the world slip away as one watches alpacas peacefully grazing or playfully interacting. The entertainment, listening to their soft humming, or the gentle touch of a nose against yours is priceless.
There are two types of alpacas.
Alpacas come in two different forms. The more common type of alpaca is the huacaya (hwa ki ya). They have a very dense, crimpy fleece that grows perpendicular to the body, giving them the appearance of big, fluffy long-necked sheep. 90% of the world's alpacas are of this type.
The other kind of alpaca, the suri (surrey) has a very dense, smooth, silky and lustrous fleece that hangs parallel to the body in long, flowing locks. Only 10% of alpacas worldwide are suri, which means "straight", but they make up about 20% of the North American herd. M2A Farm specializes in the rare and beautiful suri alpaca.
Alpacas for sale!
Award-winning alpacas of many colors and ages at reasonable prices. Proven breeders. Healthy, sound, gentle. Health records provided. Post-purchase support. Sales to qualified homes only.