Japan, Britain, Israel and France now have alpacas. This growth is sure to continue as the alpaca gains international recognition. The demand for alpacas is part of a larger appetite for invest ment in rare breeds. Whole industries have sprung up around ostriches, miniature donkeys and even Tibetan yaks. Investment in rare livestock coincides with people s desire to live in the country, raise their children on a farm, or retire to a rural lifestyle.
Alpacas offer an outstanding choice as a livestock investment.
They have long been known as the aristocrat of all farm animals. But most of all, alpacas are easy keepers, they have a charismatic manner, they do very well on small acreage, and they produce a luxury product which is in high demand. Consumers are drawn to alpaca sweaters with just one touch. Alpaca is several times stronger and much warmer than sheep s wool. The fiber itself is semi-hollow and makes very light, thermal garments.