A. Alpacas are a member of the camelid family.

1. Two types

a. Huacaya

b. Suri

B. They originate from the Alto Plano (high altitude plain) of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. (south American). This area freezes most nights and food is not very plentiful.

C. Height is approx. 36 inches at the shoulders

D. Weight is approx. 150-175 lbs. For an adult.

E. They have padded feet that are environmentally friendly

F. Lower teeth and a upper dental pad cut and grind grasses and grains.

g. They produce luxurious fiber that is sheared annually, not harming the animals.

A. Alpacas are herd animals, at least 2 animals is a herd.

B. Shelter

1. 3 sided shelters or “lean-to” type structure is all that is required.

C. Fencing

1. Alpacas do not challenge fences.

2. Concern is placed on keeping out predators.

3. The domestic dog is considered a predator.

4. We use a 2x4” welded wire 5’ high. With one strand of electric fence on the outside 6’ up from the ground. to discourage digging or climbing.

D. A clean supply of fresh water is necessary.

1. In the winter we use a heated bucket.

2. Buckets should be cleaned 2 times a week.

E. Feed

1. It is recommended that use of a low protein feed is utilized

A. Timothy hay as opposed to alfalfa

B. use of a low protein grain (many on the market)

F. Supplements

1. Some areas have more vitamin/mineral deficient soil than others. Selenium appears to be the most commonly deficient.

2. We offer free choice supplements and occasionally administer supplements

A. We use Agway’s vit. E alpaca blend ( formulated by Dr. Norm Evans) as free choice

B. We also supplement our cria with A,D,E, B-12 gel.

G. Transportation

1. There will be times when you will want/need to transport your alpacas

A. Shows

B. Vet. Appt.

C. Emergencies

2. You can transport alpacas in just about any vehicle.

A. Pick-up truck with a cap ( full size can hold 2 adults and 2 cria)

B. SUV/ mini van ( small) can hold 2 adults comfortably)

C. We recommend a trailer of some type (with mats)

A. Most care is routine and can be accomplished by everyday people

1. Vaccinations

A. CDT (clostridium tetanus and diphtheria) Annually

B. Panacur dewormer as needed and/or directed by your vet.

C. Rabies annually (needs to be done by your vet)

2. Mennigeial Worm Very Important usually fatal

1. It’s lifecycle is carried out in the White tail deer population.

2. Recommendations from Ohio State are monthly vaccination with Ivomectin. (consult your vet)

3. West Nile virus (occasional fatal)

1. Causing some concern in the Midwest.

A. No vaccine

B. Supportive treatment.

B. Trim toenails quarterly and when necessary.

A. First imported in 1984, importations ceased in 1998.

B. The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association.

1. Breeder support and education

2. Accredits alpaca shows

C. The Alpaca Registry

1. Maintains database of DNA typed registered animals.

2. Closed to new importations in 1998.

D. The Alpaca Fiber Coop. of North America

A. Alpacas as a business

1. Supply and Demand

A. Supply (is Limited))

1. Approx. 40,000 alpacas in the U.S. currently.

2. Alpacas reproduce slowly 1 cria/year

A. 50/50 male female ratio

3. U.S. registry is closed to further importation to protect our national herd, this will further limit U.S. herd growth.

4. Mass production, such as cloning or embryo transfer is not permitted by ARI

B. Demand (unlimited)

1. AOBA has reported increased demand every year since the initial importation in 1984.

A. 50% increase in farms in 2002

B. Over 30,000 request for info. In the last 12 months

C. Over 300,000 visitors to AOBA website last year

2. Alpacas are becoming a household name.

3. Alpaca garments and textiles are becoming increasingly known and sought after.

4. More people are looking for a change in their lifestyle.

2. Investment qualities

A. Alpacas are insurable.

B. Alpaca compounding

1. Offspring retained in your herd will produce offspring, increasing your herd.

C. Tax-Deferred wealth building

1. As your herd grows you postpone paying income tax on it’s increased value until such time as you begin selling the offspring.

3. Alpaca ownership

A. Hands on alpaca ownership

1. Where the alpaca owner supplies day to day labor

B. Agistment

1. Care and boarding supplied by someone other than the owner.

2. The owner will make decisions about care, breeding, sales, etc.

4. Tax significance of owning alpacas

A. If alpacas that are actively raised for profit, all expenses pertaining to the business venture can be written off against your income.

1. Feed

2. Fertilizer

3. Vet. Expenses

4. Deprecation of breeding stock, barns, fences.

B. Pet alpacas

1. Alpacas make wonderful, gentle, and loving pets.

2. They are easily haltered and make great 4-H projects

3. Pets are male alpacas that are gelded.