The Alpaca & Llama are species of the South American camelids that are being domestically farmed here in New Zealand. South American camelids date back over 2 million years and in the 11 th & 12 th century AD were farmed and worshipped by the Incas, however in the 16 th century when the Spanish invaded Peru, many animals were slaughtered, and those that escaped headed up into the highlands of the Andes near the borders of Chile, Bolivia & Peru. Due to the hash climate animal numbers decreased. Since the 1980’s Peru has managed to turn the Alpaca & Llama Fibre Industries around and is the largest exporter of their fibre and yarn.

CHARACTERISTICS AND FIBRE

ALPACAS – Huacaya breed are very compact in size, about 1 metre at the shoulder and adults weigh around 50 – 80kgs,they grow a single fleece coat, very soft and beautiful, which is used for quality fashion garments that keep their shape and don’t pill - they come in many solid colours and also broken colours. Fleece weight can vary from 3kg to 5kg requiring the fleece to be skirted by removing the neck, belly, leg and keeping the ‘saddle blanket’ for production, the skirting can be used for rugs & wall hangings. They have long necks with wedge shape faces and short upright ears, and their tail is short and low set giving them the rounded rear end. They can live between 15 to 20 years. Alpacas are ruminant type animals with multi-stomachs that necessitate cud chewing. They have a hard upper palate with no upper front teeth but with grinding upper & lower molars in the back. Their upper lips are split and highly effective in manipulating food. Each foot is two-toed and heavily padded, the soft pads protect soft winter pasture.

LLAMAS – are noted for their striking Regal appearance and can have an average weight of 125 to 160kg when fully grown around 4 years of age .They grow a fine double coat fleece that is elegant and can be spun & woven and is also ideal for felting, they too come in many solid colours and broken colours. Fleece weights can vary from 2kg to 4kg, requiring skirting and keeping the ‘saddle blanket’ for production, while the skirting can be used for rugs & wall hangings. They have very long necks with longer shaped head and longer “banana shaped ears”, straight backs and slightly raised tails. They can live up to 20 to 25years. Llamas are the same as the alpacas – ruminant type animals with the same features re mouth and feet as the alpacas.

Females can be bred as early as 12 months of age with a gestation of 335 to 350 days resulting in a single birth (twin are a rarity). The average weight of an alpaca cria is 4 1/2kg to 9kg – llama cria is 8kg to 15kg. Females are normally re-bred two weeks after giving birth. One indication of pregnancy is the refusal of the females to sit when reintroduced to a male and often resulting in the female spitting at the male (this is call a ‘spit off’).

Male alpacas and llamas can be sexually mature from 2yrs of age (depending on each males maturity). During copulation, the female assumes a sitting position with the male on top. Copulation times are varied but may last as long as 45 minutes, this induces ovulation.Birthing is relatively easy and trouble-free, usually during daylight hours. If cria are born in cold and wet weather – it is a good idea to put a cria coat on them – please note that the mothers do not lick their babies.

ALPACAS & LLAMAS – Appear dignified and refined, however they are curious and inquisitive. They are highly social animals and need the company of their own species. They enjoy human contact and respond well to attention, being very gentle they are easily halter trained, this enables you to participate in showing or for the llamas putting on a saddle pack and going trekking. They communicate through tail, body, and ear postures, as well as by sounds (usually hums but sometimes shrill cries). Spitting is usually directed towards other animals in the herd to reinforce the ‘pecking order’ and enforce herd social behaviour. Very clean animals, they use communal ‘dung heaps’ making pen cleaning convenient. Llamas that are gelded make excellent livestock guardians, protecting herds against dog and fox attacks.

Males not required for stud can be castrated by your vet around 1 year of age – these animals make wonderful pets and fibre producers. Stocking rates 5-8 to the acre (depending on the quality of pasture.) Fencing – a normal 7 plain wire fence or netting is all that is required. Shelter – Alpaca & Llama do not normally seek shed shelter, if you have trees etc as wind breaks this is mostly all they need.

Drenching eg injectable “Dectomax” Parasitism, Alpaca & Llamas are very susceptible to parasitism, ‘barbers pole’, does affect alpacas and Llamas.  Young grazing animals in warm humid conditions are most at risk.

Prevention – you need to feed approximately  200gms per adult animals per day of Zinc Lucerne Alpaca & Llama nuts – gradually increasing the amount through Dec to insure the animal is getting full dose rate by mid Jan -  start deceasing the volume from early May so that you have ceased feeding the zinc nuts by June where you can then put them back onto the same nuts without zinc  for the balance of the year.

ALPACA & LLAMAS are very easy to transport in a horse float, special trailer – or back of a van – just remember to place straw or hay on the floor and carry water if travelling any long distances.

Good practices in alpaca & llama management depends on an understanding of the animals and on your own common sense. It is important to get to know your animals and to observe them every day to make sure they are all acting normally. The slightest change is worth checking on and with constant observation you will soon anticipate if something is amiss. If you are even a little concerned seek advice from your vet or an experienced breeder. In both the alpaca & llama world there is always someone around willing to help.