PRIZED
FLEECE (FIBER)
No
other fiber producing animal has the variety
of natural colors that alpacas provide.
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The
tremendous worldwide demand for these charming animals
and their fiber warrant their present value. Alpaca
prices vary according to sex, conformation and fiber
quality. A well-established alpaca registry carefully
screens any potential imports. Alpacas are fully insurable.
The potential profit and tax advantages available to
alpaca breeders are important, as is the lifestyle of
raising these curious creatures.
The
alpaca industry in the United States and Canada is based
on breeding. Most breeders are concentrating on breeding
for the best fiber, consistent in fineness, uniformity,
yield, and color. Since 95% of the world's alpaca fiber
is white, there is a strong movement in the U. S. to
maintain the genetics of colored alpacas.
The
primary function of the alpaca is fiber production.
Alpacas produce one of the world's finest, most luxurious
and valuable fibers that exists today, soft as cashmere,
warmer, lighter and stronger than wool.
Alpaca
fiber has 16 natural, recognized colors, including true
jet black, gray, brown, fawn, red, apricot, steel blue,
pale silver and even a vibrant rose gray. The colors
can be blended and the fiber is readily dyed, making
it possible to obtain any color desired. Breeders take
pride in their colorful herds with ever improving fiber
quality. The scarcity of colored alpacas contributes
to their value.
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