Alpacas
Here at His Grace Acres, we chose Alpacas for our farm, specifically for their fiber. Alpacas are members of the camelid family. The camels that most people are familiar with are the ones with humps; such as those you would see in Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Asia. However, there are four other camelids (without humps) that are indigenous to South America: two of them, llamas and alpacas, have been domesticated for thousands of years (2).
The alpaca comes in two breed-types: huacaya (pronounced wah‑KI‑ah) and suri (SOO‑ree). Huacayas, the more common type, account for about 90% of all alpacas, and have fluffy fleece that gives the animals a teddy bear-like appearance. Suris, on the other hand, grow silky, lustrous fleece that drapes gracefully in beautiful pencil-locks (2).
We have both Huacaya and Suri fiber to choose from. Many people wonder what the difference is between Alpacas and Llamas so let me explain.
We have both Huacaya and Suri fiber to choose from. Many people wonder what the difference is between Alpacas and Llamas so let me explain.
Alpacas vs. llamas
The information provided comes from ModernFarmer.com
- Their ears: Alpaca ears have short spear-shaped ears while llamas have much longer, banana-shaped ears.
- Their size: Alpacas generally weigh in at around 150 pounds while llamas can get as heavy as 400 pounds. At the shoulder, an average alpaca stands between 34 and 36 inches, while a llama generally ranges between 42 and 46 inches.
- Their faces: Llamas have a longer face; an alpaca’s face is a bit more blunt, giving them a “smooshed in” look.
- Their purpose: For more than 5,000 years alpacas have been bred for fiber (and in Peru for meat as well), while llamas have been bred for the same amount of time as pack animals and meat.
- Their hair: The alpaca produces a much finer fiber than the llama. The alpaca also produces more fleece than its larger cousin and in a much greater variety of colors. Llamas also generally do not have as much hair on their head and face as alpacas do.
- Their dispositions: Alpacas are very much herd animals, while llamas are more independent minded. Alpacas also tend to be a bit more skittish than llamas.
Sources:
1. https://modernfarmer.com/2015/09/difference-between-llama-and-alpaca/
2. http://www.alpacainfo.com/academy/about-alpacas
1. https://modernfarmer.com/2015/09/difference-between-llama-and-alpaca/
2. http://www.alpacainfo.com/academy/about-alpacas
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