They were the foundation of a prosperous civilization living in the Andes mountains. In 1984, the first Alpacas were imported into the Unites States. Alpacas require no special fences or barns. Fences need to be able to keep out dogs and coyotes. The alpaca prefers grazing in an open pasture and a three sided enclosure is adequate for shelter.
Alpacas are ruminants and are exceptionally efficient in utulizing the nutrients in grass.
Females can be bred at 15 to 18 months. Over the centuries, breeding practices have resulted in a consistent, uniform coat of fine, luxury fiber. Alpaca fiber occupies a small niche in the world textile fiber market. American breeders are working aggressively to establish a commercial market in this country. Alpaca fiber, which has no lanolin, is very different from wool.