Jan 12
30
What Type Of Alpaca Farm Should You Choose
When first preparing to set up an alpaca farm, one of the key considerations must surely be which type of alpacas to breed. There are two types of alpaca, namely Huacaya alpacas and Suri alpacas and the main difference between them lies in the type of fleece they produce. Since the fleece is what will ultimately turn your herd into a profit, this decision should not be taken lightly.
In many aspects, the relationship between Huacaya and Suri alpacas is clear from various physical traits. Both tread on soft footpads, rather than hoofs or claws. Both share the three-stomach system, an average weight of 150 lb (approximately 68kg) and an average height of 36 inches (91.4cm). Their diet and needs for care are the same. Both have a life expectancy of around twenty years. The main distinction lies in the appearance of the fleece. There is even a school of thought that asserts that they are merely two variations of the same type, originally created by selective breeding.
Approximately eight to nine out of every ten alpacas is a Huacaya. It looks a little like a huge, cuddly teddy bear, which adds to its international appeal. The fleece is crimpy like the wool of a merino sheep and this type of alpaca can be shorn annually. Its fleece is excellent for spinning yarn for knitting, which also contributes towards its popularity. Since this is the more common type of alpaca, the cash yield on its fleece is not as high as that of Suri alpacas.
Suri alpacas represent less than a tenth of the total population to be found on alpaca farms around the world, but they produce a fleece that is as silky as mohair and highly suitable for weaving. The designer Armani uses Suri fleece for its alpaca range of products. Suri alpacas are only shorn every two years. This means that although its fleece commands a higher market price, there is less opportunity to claim back on the investment. In recent years the price of Suri alpaca fleece has risen to up to three times the amount of Huacaya fleece. While these factors make Suri alpacas seem like an attractive buy, it also contributes towards making them expensive.
While many spinners prefer the easy workability of Huacaya when they spin yarn, Suri can be spun in this way too, but it is often blended with wool, silk or cotton.
Most alpacas are intelligent and endearing. Regardless of which type of alpaca you choose for your venture, you will no doubt find the exercise of running an alpaca farm deeply rewarding.
