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Newsletter
ALPACAS ARE THE PERFECT LIVESTOCK INVESTMENT
Why? Below are many answers:
- Alpacas are modified ruminants that are members of the
Camel family.
- There are two types of alpacas:
- Huacaya alpacas have crimpy fiber that stands our from their body creating a fluffy "teddy bear" look.
- Suri alpacas have long dreadlock styled fiber that is characterized by high luster and little or no crimp that hangs straight down from their body.
- There are two types of alpacas:
- These wonderful fiber producing animals come in more than twenty different natural shades. No other fiber-bearing animal comes in such a wide array of colors!
- This luxurious fiber was once reserved for Incan royalty.
- A North American Fiber Co-op is established to cost effectively process raw fiber and produce luxurious end products at a minimum of cost.
- Traditional farmers are looking at alpacas as a way to diversify their business.
- The financial returns of owning a small herd of alpacas are generous.
- They are intelligent, curious animals and quick to train.
- They are "earth friendly":
- The pads on their feet are soft and don't compact the soil like animals with hooves do.
- Their manure (pellets) makes great fertilizer for your plants, flowers and vegetables!
- They don't pull up grass from the roots like some grazing animals do.
- They are hardy animals that require minimal shelter, fencing and care.
- Alpacas are safe and gentle and easily handled by young children.
- Depending on count zoning, neighborhood covenants and/or regional climate, five to fifteen alpacas per acre works well.
- They are disease resistant.
- Regional, national and international alpaca associations strengthen the alpaca industry.
- The Alpaca Research Foundation oversees important alpaca veterinary topics are vital to our industry.
- A breed association, breed registry and show circuit are established for this livestock industry.
- There has been a strong, stable market and prices in the U.S. since the first importation in 1984.
Shelter
Alpacas are very hardy animals whose native home is the South American
Andean mountains at 10,000 to 14,000 feet. Their fiber provides excellent insulation and three sided shelters provide adequate shelter.
Shade
for intense summer heat is prudent and shearing is a necessity for the quality fiber production and health. Barns are great to protect
newborn crias in cold weather, but garages and other out buildings can work well too!
Fencing
Alpacas typically do not challenge
fencing. In most cases, four foot high mesh fencing works great. Fencing is designed to protect against predators. If you live in
a location with mountain lions, your fencing requirements would be greater.
Herd Management
Shearing - alpcas should be sheared
every year for fleece quality and comfort and health of the animal.
Pregnancy - Gestation length for alpacas is 11 months. Alpacas
are mature enough to breed between 12-18 months of age. Females are re-bred 14-21 days after delivery. Alpacas seldom have any birthing
complications.
Worming/Vaccinations - Your climate, ranch activity, and other parasitic concerns in your area will determine your worming/vaccination
schedule. Typically, once a year vaccination and twice a year worming program is sufficient.
Do Alpacas Spit?
Yes, at each other!
They will sometimes spit when threatened or when protecting young or their feeding station. Alpacas are typically gentle creatures
and humans may get caught in the crossfire of alpacas "communicating" with each other!
Tax Advantages
Alpacas are considered a
capital asset and can be depreciated over five yeats or, under appropriate conditions, approximately $100,000 can be expensed each
year and used to shelter income from other sources. Farm expenses such as feed, veterinary care, advertising, etc. and many other
expenses can also be deducted as a business expense. (Set up a consultation with your accountant to get the facts.)
Prices
They
are worth the money, money well spent. Fiber quality males can be bought for $750 - $2,000. Investment quality females range from
$10,000 - $30,000.
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