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THERE
ARE TWO TYPES OF ALPACAS
 Huacayas:
(pronounced wa-KAI-ya) have the fluffy
teddy bear appearance and is more common of the two
types of alpacas. They comprise about 80% of the U.S.
alpaca population. These beautiful animals fiber grows
outward from the alpaca's body. The fiber is soft,
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) 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 fluffy
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.
- Average
Lifespan: 15-25 years
-
Average Height: 36 inches at the withers
(shoulder)
-
Average Weight: 120-180 lbs.
- Color:
22 natural colors with many variations and blends
- Weight
at birth: 12-22 lbs. avg.
- Length
of Gestation: 335-345 days
- Annulized
weight of fiber:
5 to 10 lbs. (sometimes more)
On Line Alpaca Education Courses
for Veterinarians
Available now, at www.vet.k-state.edu/CE/camelid/camelid.htm,
large and small animal veterinarians around the world
have a growing library of on line education focused
on camelid medicine. All courses in the Camelid Distance
Education Program are offered for veterinary continuing
education and are administered through Kansas State
University. Veterinary technicians and alpaca owners
may also access this program; there is a coding system
to reflect appropriate courses for different skill
levels. Additional courses are planned and will continually
be added to this program. Please let your vet know
of this convenient education opportunity. For additional
information see www.midamalpacafoundation.com
Web
Links-Camelid Community 2007:
Presentations and Discussions
(requires
Acrobat
Reader)
Information
about Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) in
.doc format
click
here for
AFCNA NEWSLETTER
(requires
Acrobat
Reader)
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
Acrobat
Reader)
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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