For those seeking a sustainable and profitable livestock operation, alpacas just might be the perfect answer. Known for their docile temperaments and luxuriously soft fleece, alpacas are growing in popularity across North America. But what exactly does it take to raise these charming creatures? This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about getting started in alpaca farming.
An Introduction to Alpacas
- Native to the Andean mountains of South America
- Related to llamas, guanacos, vicuñas
- Two breeds: Huacaya (fluffy, crimpy fleece) and Suri (long, silky dreadlocks)
- Average lifespan of 20+ years
- Mature height at withers: 3-4 feet
- Average adult weight: 150-200 lbs
Alpacas are social herd animals that thrive in groups of at least two or more. They are docile and easy to handle compared to other livestock. Fun fact: they communicate via soft humming!
Key Benefits of Raising Alpacas
- Low-impact grazing habits – Alpacas are gentle on pastures since they don’t pull grass out by the roots. Their manure also makes excellent fertilizer.
- Valuable fleece – Alpaca fiber is very fine, soft and prized in the textile industry. Huacaya fleece is similar to wool, while Suri has a luxurious, silky texture.
- Low maintenance care – Compared to other livestock, alpacas need less hands-on care and are fed a simple diet of hay, pasture and pellets.
- Pleasant temperament – Alpacas have a gentle, flock-oriented nature and are easy to handle.
- Environmentally friendly – From their grazing habits to their biodegradable fleece, alpacas are a sustainable livestock choice.
Startup Costs and Profit Potential
Raising alpacas requires significant upfront investment. However, the costs are very scalable depending on your goals. Here’s an overview:
Purchasing Alpacas
- $2000-$10,000+ per alpaca – Cost depends on age, breeding status, pedigree, fleece quality
- Ideal starter herd: at least 3 females (dams) and 1 male (sire)
- This allows you to breed and grow your herd
- Plan for $15,000-$30,000+ to purchase starter herd
Shelter and Fencing
- Sturdy fencing – Perimeter fencing plus interior paddock divisions
- Shelter – Barn or loafing sheds for protection from elements
- Estimate $15,000-$30,000+ for materials and construction
Supplies and Equipment
- Feeders, water troughs, wheelbarrow, shovel, scales, restraint equipment, shears, vet supplies
- Approx. $2,000-$5,000 depending on scale
Land
- 5+ acres minimum recommended, though alpacas can be stocked at high densities
- Land costs vary greatly based on location
Total Startup Cost Estimate: $35,000-$100,000+
Once up and running, the ongoing costs for feeding, routine care and health maintenance are very reasonable compared to other livestock.
There are several income streams to offset costs:
- Breeding – Selling unbred females ($2000-$7000) and fertile males ($5000-$20,000+)
- Stud services – Charging other farms a breeding fee for using your males
- Fleece – Raw fleece sells for $2-$8/lb. Can also sell value-added products like yarn and apparel
- Tax benefits – Qualifies for agricultural tax exemptions and incentives
With time and planning, a well-run alpaca operation can indeed prove quite profitable.
Caring for Alpaca Health
Alpacas are relatively hardy animals, but they do require attentive care and preventative health management. Here are some key aspects to maintain their well-being:
Nutrition
- Hay and pasture should make up majority of diet
- Supplement with grain/pellets depending on age and condition
- Provide free-choice loose minerals and fresh water
- Changing seasons affect food supply, so monitor body condition closely
Vaccinations
- CDT vaccine for clostridial diseases
- Additional vaccines may be recommended by vet
- Annual boosters are imperative
Parasite Control
- Regular fecal testing to monitor parasite loads
- Deworm using rotational protocol based on fecal results
- Keep pens and pastures clean to prevent parasite spreading
Hoof Care
- Trim toenails as needed, usually annually
- Inspect feet regularly for injury or abnormalities
Shearing
- Annual shearing is essential for health and hygiene
- Timid alpacas may need sedation for safe handling
- Avoid stress and prevent sunburn for 1-2 weeks after shearing
Reproduction Care
- Annual pre-breeding exams to ensure fertility
- Monitor for signs of pregnancy using ultrasound, blood tests
- Assist births if needed; have vet on call
With proper nutrition, clean housing, attentive herd monitoring and an established veterinary relationship, you can safeguard the health of your alpacas and avoid issues or epidemics.
Breeding Alpacas: A Primer
Here is a quick introduction to alpaca breeding and what makes it unique:
Key Features of Alpaca Reproduction:
- No specific breeding season – Females can get pregnant anytime of year. Peak breeding from late summer to early winter.
- Induced ovulators – Ovulation occurs only after mating takes place, rather than a regular cycle.
- Long gestation – Pregnancy lasts 11.5 months (335-360 days)
- Single births – Nearly always gives birth to just one cria (baby)
Breeding Goals:
- Expand herd size – Average 10-12 live cria born annually per female
- Enhance fleece quality – Breed for finer micron, uniformity, and color
- Avoid inbreeding – Monitor pedigrees; do not mate closely related alpacas
- Maximize fertility – Ensure health, condition, and reproductive soundness
The Breeding Process:
- Female readiness – Watch for mating receptive signs like laying down, fertile spit, flagging tail
- Introduce male – Place receptive female into male’s pen for breeding
- Timing – Can re-breed after 2 weeks if no pregnancy; annual pregnancy checks
- Record details – Track breeding date, parents, and outcome for each cria
With observation, patience and methodical record-keeping, you can achieve great success breeding quality alpacas.
Harvesting Alpaca Fleece
Alpaca fiber produces a lucrative income stream. But collecting the fleece requires proper technique and timing. Here’s an overview:
Shearing Logistics
- Done in spring to early summer
- Avoid cold weather to prevent chill
- Schedule shearer or use professional service
- Restrain and calm alpacas to avoid injury
- Count on shearing costs of $3-$5 per alpaca
Preparing for Shearing Day
- Gather supplies – restraint, brooms, bags/tarps, first aid, etc
- Organize workspace with adequate lighting
- Identify pregnant females (avoid stressing them)
- Withhold feed morning of shearing
Shearing Process
- Restrain alpaca in upright or lateral position
- Shear body methodically, avoiding second cuts in fleece
- Keep fleece sections separate for optimal processing
- Check for cuts, treat any wounds
- Release alpaca to recover area
Processing Fleece
- Skirt fleece to remove dirty sections
- Grade and sort fleece by quality, fineness, color
- Store in breathable conditions, avoid moisture
- Ship to processor or cooperative to make yarn, products
With practice, you can learn to harvest useable, high-value fleece for sale or your own products.
Adding Value Through Alpaca Products
Beyond selling raw fleece, there are numerous opportunities to turn your alpaca fiber into finished goods. Some ideas include:
- Yarn – Spinning raw fleece into yarn or roving to sell to crafters
- Felting – Using unspun fleece to create sturdy felt for products
- Apparel – Sewing fleece into coats, hats, gloves, socks, etc.
- Home goods – Turning fleece into rugs, throws, pillows, dryer balls
- Toys – Felting it into toys or stuffing plushies with alpaca fiber
- Craft supplies – Marketing fleece, yarn, and roving to artisans
- Handmade soaps and lotions – Using alpaca milk, oil and lanolin
Value-added products allow you to expand your customer reach and get premium prices. Niche marketing through online stores, craft fairs and farmers markets are great sales channels.
Case Study: Southview Farm Alpacas
To see a real-world example, let’s look at Southview Farm Alpacas, a breeder and fiber producer in Alberta, Canada. They share insights into how they built a successful alpaca business:
Getting Started
- Began with purchase of 4 female alpacas and 1 male
- Took 2 years to learn ropes of alpaca care & breeding
- Built up herd to 40 head, focusing on pedigree and fiber quality
Handling Costs
- Hay and pellets: $300/month
- Routine care and shearing: $2000/year
- Vet: $1000/year plus emergencies
- Mortality insurance: $1000/year
Generating Income
- Breeding and selling offspring: $10,000-$15,000/year
- Stud services: $2000/year
- Raw fleece sales: $5000-$8000/year
- Value-added products: $4000/year
Key Tips
- Start small to learn the basics
- Re-invest income back into quality herd
- Get involved in ALC associations for support
- Consider agritourism activities like farm tours
Southview Farm demonstrates how with astute business sense and animal husbandry, an alpaca operation can thrive!
Alpaca Farming: The Verdict
For those seeking a rewarding lifestyle of animal husbandry paired with sustainable agriculture, alpacas present excellent opportunities. Their pleasant temperaments, eco-friendly grazing habits and valuable fleece make them ideal as livestock.
However, alpacas do require an intensive initial investment in purchasing animals and farm infrastructure, plus an ongoing commitment to attentive care and breeding. There is also a moderate learning curve to understand their unique care and behavior.
If you take the time to educate yourself, start small, and continually refine your husbandry skills, you can reap the benefits of these charming and profitable creatures! With vision and dedication, you may find that alpaca farming is your dream vocation.
