An alpaca is a domesticated South American camelid known for its fluffy and soft fleece. Alpacas are members of the camelid family, which also includes llamas, guanacos and vicuñas. They are native to the high altitudes of the Andes Mountains in South America, particularly in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile. Peru is currently the world’s biggest producer of alpaca fleece.
“After the intrusion of Spanish conquistadors around 1530 [in South America], sheep and other European livestock were brought into South America, and the Andean people with their alpacas were pushed high up into Andes, where they have predominantly remained to this day. The ‘push’ to higher altitudes was the result of mass slaughter of not only thousands upon thousands of alpacas, but of the Inca people as well as their king. The introduction of European animals brought diseases hitherto unknown to the South American continent.
“Peru’s Quecha peoples are custodians of a vast alpaca population where a pastoral life exists above the tree line at around 3 000m above sea level. Alpacas were very special to the Andean people, [as] they provided all the fibre for their clothing as well as being used for weaving their stories into tapestries that still exist today,” says the South African Alpaca Breeders’ Society.
An alpaca is a ruminant, like sheep and cattle. The website Bella Paga says alpacas are grazers, and feed on pasture. However, they can also eat hay. On average, the alpaca eats between 1,5kg and 2kg of feed/day. When gestating, however, says Bella Paga, the female alpaca can eat up to 3kg/day.
According to the Smithsonian National Zoo, alpacas are slender-bodied, with long legs and necks, small heads and large, pointed ears.
Denne historien er fra February 09, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 09, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
