We will make no attempt to go into the fiber portion in depth but rather touch On the factors that are of particular interest to new breeders and prospective breeders.

Alpaca fiber is the second most expensive fiber in the world - placing 2^nd  to its ancestor the vicuña. Alpaca fiber is highly regarded among natural fibers because Of its unique properties of luster, soft and silky handle, and range of natural colors. Worldwide, however, the alpaca remains a relatively rare animal and its fleece is in low Supply. The problem of supplying commercial quantities of fiber is compounded by the variety of natural colors into which fleece must be classed.

Alpacas are usually shorn annually and the fibers (Haucaya and Suri) are sorted into colors, fineness and length This fiber is then either home processed, sent to one of the small processing plants in the USA or submitted to AFCNA (Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America, Inc, - a cooperative effort with wide spread support from Canada and USA breeders),

Alpacas yield from 4 - 10 pounds of fiber annually (dependent on age, density, genetics, feed). The fiber can be processed as 100% alpaca or combined with other species, It can be made into woolen products (scarves, blankets, etc.) or worsted products (suits, coats, etc.). Breeders routinely submit fiber samples for scientific analysis given in microns with:

The approximate value of the annual 6 pound fiber clip from one good quality alpaca will produce the following (allowing 2 pounds of coarse + 4 pounds of prime fiber):

This is just the cottage style industrial part of the market. Worsted materials and/or Suri products go for much more (ie mens' suits=$4000-7000, womens' coats=$750-2500)

For the fiber industry to become a commercial reality in North America the number of Alpacas must increase dramatically. At the present rate it will take a minimum of 20-30 years. In the mean time there is good profit involved in the annual shearing and present processing/manufacturing methods.

For added or more in depth information on fiber please contact us.