Alpacas a Domesticated Animal
Alpacas were a cherished treasure of the ancient Incan civilization. They played a central role in the Incan culture and were located on the high Andean Plateau and mountains of South America. They are very hardy animals who are still raised in their native home in the Andean mountains at about 10,000-14,000 feet. They were traditionally raised for their luxurious fiber or fleece. Alpacas are a member of the camel family, which also includes dromedary camels, llamas, vicunas, and guanacos. Alpacas have been raised in the high Andes mountains for centuries. Alpacas are one of the oldest domesticated breeds of animals. Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984. Alpacas are now being successfully raised and enjoyed throughout North America and abroad. Alpaca breeding has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry in North America and is still on the rise. Alpacas cannot be mass-produced and are rare outside of South America.
Alpacas are herd animals, and are generally kept in groups of two or more. They have soft padded feet, making them gentle on pastures and grass lands. Alpacas only have teeth at the bottom of their mouth for eating. They are grazers and like cattle chew their cud. Alpacas selectively graze, eating pasture grasses and hay, along with small amounts of feed and minerals supplements feeding them is relatively inexpensive. Alpacas are mature enough to breed between the ages of 12-18 months and normally have only one baby per pregnancy. They are virtually odorless and do not attract flies like other livestock. Alpacas are considered a disease resistant animal, which may lower the cost of veterinary care. They are quiet and are said to make a humming sound. Alpacas are safe and gentle animals, they do not bite or butt like some farm animals can. Alpacas can live up to 15 to 20 years and make excellent companion animals and pets.
Alpacas are often raised as an alternative to other domesticated livestock. They are one of the few animals which can be profitably raised on small farms. They require a small amount of acreage compared to other livestock, usually about ten acres or less. Alpacas are happy in a small area and are easy on the environment. Alpacas also thrive in temperate climates. They are easy to care for and don’t require any special type of shelter. They are clam and quiet animals that are easy to handle. They have been and still are used as pack and guard animals.
Alpacas are very intelligent and are easy to train. In just a few sessions they will pick up and retain many behaviors such as accepting a halter, being led, lifting a foot for toenail trimming and being loaded into a vehicle. Alpacas like other livestock are blood typed to insure the accuracy of breeding records, this is to provide absolute identification and documentation of bloodlines.
Alpacas provide one of the most luxurious fibers in the world, it can come in 22 colors and is recognized by the textile industry. They only need to be sheared once a year and may produce 5 to 10 pounds of soft fiber that is turned into warm garments. Alpaca fleece is comparable to cashmere in softness and can be mixed with other fibers, like mohair, this vary’s the texture of the yarn produced. Alpaca fibre is similar to sheep’s wool, but it is lighter in weigh and silkier to the touch. The fibers are warmer and do not have a prickly feel. They also contain no lanolin and make it hypoallergenic. Alpaca fibers are hollow, which make for great insulating properties. Alpaca garments can be worn comfortably against your skin.
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Farm Animal care
Steve Strickler is up every day before the crack of dawn on his dairy farm in Allen County, Kansas because he’s committed to doing the right thing. The health of his dairy herd trumps everything else on the farm, even his own comfort. Nutritious diets, healthy living conditions and good medical care are essential for a healthy herd, and these are among the many animal care practices routinely used by dairy farmers. This interview was edited from the Kansas Farm Bureau television documentary, The Care & Feeding of Farm Animals. Purchase a copy at www.kfb.org
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