So You Want To Raise Alpacas

Information Websites, Breeding, Care, Handling and Training Tips

 

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Holmes Laboratory

WHY TEST?

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we will consistently work to provide you with the best quality product, on-time delivery and a high return on your investment

From The Outside Looking InThe Future Of Fiber

 

Alpaca Feeding & Nutrition

Questions about alpacas nutrition?

These Feed Companies know

Alpaca nutrition.

Mazuri Diets

Golden Blend Feeds

 

How Does Your Hay Stack Up

Hay listed meets the Camelid Hay Nutrient Levels

Recommended By Dr. Norm Evans, D.V.M

ITEM

Report - Dry Matter Basis

Unit

Moisture

Less than 15

%

Crude Protein

10 - 14

%

TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients)

57 - 60

%

Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio

Less than 2:1

  

Potassium (K)

Less than 2.25

%

Iron (Fe)

Less than 800

ppm

RFV (Relative Feed Value)

95 - 102

  
     

This list provided by Holmes Laboratory

Alpaca Health

Keeping Your Alpacas Healthy

 

Alpaca Fleece & Fiber

 

 

 

 

Sending Your Raw Fiber To The Mill

Contact These Fiber Mills For Information About Sending Your Raw Fiber To Be Processed

Georgia Mountain Fiber

New Era Fiber Mill

Frontier Fiber Mill

 

 

 

 

Fiber Testing

Can quality fiber be judged by it's look? Or it's feel? Fiber testing is the tool that will lead to a much better ability to select herdsires and dams. As the Alpaca industry moves from a expansion driven market to a fiber driven market fiber testing will be even more important. The selection

of herdsires will be based on their ability to produce cria that with quality fiber.

 

 

 

Marketing Your Fiber & Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are considering becoming an alpaca owner about

Where To  Go To Learn About Raising Alpacas

Alpaca Show List

 

See My Observations From The OutSide Looking In

 

 

Some Suggestions For Those Thinking About Becoming Alpaca owners.

 

Research.....Research....Research.....Learn all you can before you buy. Talk to owners (not just to those who you are buying from). Visit internet sites. Talk to fiber mills. Feed suppliers. Check out your local area for potential buyers for your raw or processed fiber products and know what their needs are.

 

Be clear in what you expect from your alpaca farm: Is it going to be a hobby or a business.

Learn the tax laws that apply to your operation.

Develop a long term plan: know where you want to be in five years.

 

Specialize in one color: while there are 22 colors of alpacas and variety looks nice in the field. Start out with one color so you can have large enough quantities fleece to meet the needs of a prospective buyer.

 

Know what you are feeding your animals.

 

Do not allow yourselves to get caught up in the "make big bucks overnight with alpacas" thinking. The potential for nice returns is a definite reality but several owners I have talked expected unrealistic quick profits. See more visit "From The Outside Looking In".