Llama/Alpaca

Alpaca Facts:

Physical Characteristics and Breeds:

• A baby alpaca is called a cria.

• Gestation length for an alpaca is 335 days (11 months).

• The lifespan of an alpaca is 20 years.

• Alpaca stand approximately 3 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh 100 to 150 pounds.

• There are 2 breeds of Alpaca, Suri and Huacaya.

Fiber Production:

• The primary function of alpaca is fiber production. Alpaca fiber is very valuable.

• The fiber is lanolin-free and very soft.

• There are 22 internationally recognized colors of alpaca fiber.

• Alpacas should be shorn once a year.

Llama Facts:

Physical Characteristics and Breeds:

• A baby llama is also called a cria.

• When llamas are heavy in wool coverage (prior to shearing), they are called Woolies.

• Full-grown llamas are between 5.5 feet and 6 feet tall at the top of their heads.

• Full-grown llamas weigh between 280 pounds and 450 pounds.

• At birth, a cria weighs between 20 pounds and 30 pounds.

• The average lifespan of a llama is between 15 and 20 years.

• Gestation for a llama is between 331 and 359 days.

• Crias are typically born during daylight hours.

• Crias are standing and walking within the first hour of birth.

• Female llamas do not lick off their newborn babies; instead, they will nuzzle them and hum to them.

• There are no distinct Llama breeds.

Behavior and Communication:

• Llamas will spit at other llamas to establish dominance.

• Llamas communicate with each other by ear position, body language, spitting, and humming.

• Llamas make different types of humming noises when they are tired, stressed, hot, uncomfortable, curious, or concerned.

• Llamas, usually the male, make an alarm call when they feel their herd is threatened in some way. 

Uses and Applications:

• Llamas are frequently used as livestock guards. They will bond with the livestock they are charged with guarding and effectively prevent predation.

• Llamas are used for breeding stock, packing, driving, fiber production, livestock guards, therapy, and pets.

• Llamas can be used to carry 25 to 30% of their body weight.

• Llama fiber is lightweight and warm.