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THERE
ARE TWO TYPES OF ALPACAS
 Huacayas:
(pronounced wa-KAI-ya) have the fluffy
teddy bear appearance that many associate with alpacas.
Huacaya is the more common of the two types. They
comprise about 80% of the U.S. alpaca population.
These beautiful animals are characterized by their
fluffy fleece. The fiber grows outward from the alpaca's
body. The fiber is soft and strong and generally crimpy
throughout. Huacaya fiber can be commercially processed
using either the woolen or worsted process and produces
a soft, lofty thread or yarn. It's ideal for knitted
wear or soft tweeds.
 Suris:
(pronounced SUR-ee) are the rarer of the two types
of alpacas and comprise about 20% of the U.S. alpaca
population. These elegant animals are characterized
by their draping locks. You can see how the fiber
hangs down rather than looking wooly and round as
it does on huacayas. This fiber is slick and straight
with little or no crimp and has a high degree of sheen.
At the microscopic level, the scales of the suri fiber
are smooth edged and one directional, which gives
it this slickness. Suri fiber is almost always commercially
processed using the worsted process, which results
in a thin, hard thread which is used in making gabardines
and crepes. Suri fiber brings a premium price on the
world market because of its scarcity and unique characteristics.
- Average
Lifespan: 15-25 years
-
Average Height: 36 inches at the withers
(shoulder)
-
Average Weight: 120-180 lbs. (about 1/2
to 1/3 the size of a llama)
- Color:
22 natural colors with many variations and blends
- Weight
at birth: 12-22 lbs. avg.
- Length
of Gestation: 335-345 days
- Pounds
of fiber produced each year:
5 to 10 lbs. (sometimes more)
click
here for
AFCNA NEWSLETTER
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Camelid
Community 2007 Report "Celebrating Diversity, Sharing
Goals"
Aug 3-5, 2007-Radisson Hotel, Kansas City, MO
By Sheila Fugina and Barb Baker, moderators
(requires
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Reader)
Web
Links-Camelid Community 2007:
Presentations and Discussions
(requires
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Information
about Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) in
.doc format
New
Animal ID System Available
Show Me Missouri Farm Bureau
Magazine
Jan/Feb 2005 issue
The
Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced
that livestock producers across the state can begin
registering premises online with the Missouri Animal
Identification Program (MAIP), the first step in establishing
a national animal identification system. Information
gathered will be used solely by MDA and USDA authorities
for animal health purposes to ensure disease investigations
progress rapidly and efficiently. Premises identification
numbers can be immediately obtained by completing
the registration process online at www.mda.mo.gov
. To receive a printed registration form or additional
information, contact the Department's Animal Health
Division at 573-751-7766.
National
Animal Identification
System or NAIS
Chuck Purgason,
MO State Senator 33rd District
(click
here for document-PDF)
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