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What is an alpaca?
An alpaca is a member of the camelid family, yes, camels, vicunas, llamas and the like. They are indigenous to the Andes Mountains of South America. Now, they can be found throughout the United States, from Alabama to Alaska and everywhere in between. There are also large herds in Australia and New Zealand. Why are alpacas being raised in these locations? The answer is that they are very valuable and the industry of alpaca ranching is growing rapidly. Alpacas are shorn for their very high-grade wool but this is not their economic value outside of South America where private herds exceed 1,000 animals, a rarity in the United States, etc. Their value today is in a breeding industry. Like show dogs, the females are worth more than the males because they can be bred and increase your herd. A male must be of stud value to have worth; this is like horse breeding, too. The more blue ribbons an alpaca wins in competition, the more valuable is the animal. Male alpacas are called “sires” while the females are “dams”. A newborn is a “cria”. A female will sell, generally, for $10,000 to $25,000 depending on her fiber quality, conformation and color. If she is pregnant or has a cria, her sale price will be higher. There are over 20 recognized colors. Sire breeding costs run between $1,000 to $5,000 on average. The gestation period is just over 11 months and a female is rebred about 6-weeks after giving birth.
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Contributor's Note
I have raised alpacas for ten years.
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Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association
  
alpacas in the field
child with gentle alpaca
alpaca in the show ring
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