Consequently air is trapped in the garment, providing further insulation. Fiber Fineness Fiber judges evaluate fiber mainly by putting their hands on the alpaca's fleece. Alpaca fiber can be scientifically measured by cutting a 2 inch fiber sample from the side of the alpaca and sending it off to a testing laboratory. The results will be reported in a histogram which graphically shows fiber data for your sample. As an animal matures, its fiber tends to have a higher or coarser micron value.
Males sometimes possess a higher micron value than females.
The level of nutrition can significantly affect fiber diameter too. Overfed animals produce higher micron values than those who are of average weight. We shear our alpacas annually in the spring. This allows them to grow enough fiber back to keep them warm by the winter. We separate different parts of the fleece.