Alpacas are descended from the vicuña (Vicugna vicugna), a wild camelid of the Andes. They were domesticated about 6,000 years ago by indigenous populations in the high-altitude regions of present-day Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Ecuador. Unlike the llama (Lama glama), which is derived from the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), the alpaca was primarily bred for its wool, known for its softness and thermal properties.
The alpaca is a medium-sized animal, measuring between 80 and 100 cm at the withers and weighing between 50 and 80 kg. It is characterized by a fine head, upright, pointed ears, and an elongated neck. This animal is primarily raised for its wool production. Its dense and woolly fleece can be various colors, ranging from pure white to deep black, including shades of brown, gray, and fawn. Alpaca fiber is fine, soft, and silky, comparable to cashmere and merino wool. It is distinguished by the absence of lanolin, a natural grease found in sheep wool, which makes it hypoallergenic and easier to process. The fibers also have a smooth surface, giving them a soft feel and reducing irritation. Young alpacas produce finer fiber, often referred to as “baby alpaca.”
The alpaca fleece is extremely insulating, capable of retaining heat while being lightweight. This property is due to the microscopic structure of the fibers, which contain small air pockets. These pockets trap body heat in cold weather and allow the skin to breathe when it’s hot. Alpaca fibers are strong and durable, with superior resistance compared to sheep wool. They do not pill easily and maintain their silky appearance even after years of use. Despite its density, alpaca fiber is very lightweight, making it an ideal material for creating wearable and comfortable clothing. Due to its low moisture absorption, alpaca fiber is naturally water-resistant and dries quickly.
Alpacas are hardy and well-adapted to the climatic conditions of the Andes, particularly extreme temperatures and high altitudes (3,500 to 5,000 meters). They live in hierarchical social groups led by a dominant male. Their temperament is generally calm, although aggressive behaviors, such as spitting, may occur in response to threats or stress.
Two main breeds are recognized:
Suri : Long, silky fleece forming hanging locks.
Huacaya : Dense, crimped fleece, representing the majority of alpacas.
Alpacas do not have a defined breeding season like most animals. They are induced ovulators, meaning that mating triggers ovulation in the female. The gestation period lasts about 11 to 12 months, resulting in the birth of a single offspring, called a cria, weighing between 6 and 8 kg. Females reach sexual maturity around 12 to 15 months, while males become capable of reproducing at around 2 to 3 years of age. The lifespan of alpacas ranges between 15 and 20 years.
Alpacas are strict herbivores, primarily feeding on grasses, grains, and hay. Their digestive system is particularly efficient at extracting nutrients from low-energy plants. In captivity, their diet can be supplemented with specific concentrates that are high in fiber and low in starch. They drink water regularly, although they are capable of enduring moderate drought periods.
The digestive system of alpacas, like that of other camelids, is a model of efficiency designed to maximize nutrient absorption from plants that are often poor and difficult to digest. Unlike typical ruminants, alpacas have a three-compartment stomach instead of four. This, combined with their feeding behavior, allows them to survive in the harsh conditions of the Andean highlands.
Alpacas are ruminants. They chew their food thoroughly before swallowing and regurgitate the larger particles to chew them again, a process known as rumination. This improves the efficiency of plant fiber digestion. They have a digestive system that minimizes water loss. The water contained in the food is efficiently absorbed, and they can tolerate long periods with limited water availability.
