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Our venture started in January 2006 when we acquired our first 2 alpacas. In August 2006 we bought a 420 acres farm in Whitemouth, Manitoba, and founded the first Canadian fibre farm. Today, with 600 animals, we are the biggest alpaca farm in North America. Our animals were donated by breeders from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia to further our venture – an exotic fibre spinning mill and research centre!
The professional operated mill will process from 30 to 60 tons of exotic fibre per year. We will process our own fibre, buy fibre from other breeders and do custom spinning. The yarn and fashion accessories will be sold in Canada, Europe and Japan.
Our fibre farm is a haven for fibre alpacas and llamas that are not beautiful enough to compete in contests. Other fibre animals such as musk ox, yaks, exotic sheep and cashmere goats will enhance our budding petting zoo and wildlife park. The planned on-farm-store will sell all kinds of exotic yarn products (handicraft kits, fashion accessories, garments, toys).
The research centre is a by-product of the fibre farm and the exotic fibre mill. Not much is known about the behaviour and various health and nutrition issues of alpacas and llamas, even less is known about musk ox and yaks.
Alpaca fibre combines a number of extremely desirable attributes into one fibre:
· Alpaca fibre is silky, soft, supple and smooth to the touch. It is prized for its unique silky feel and luxurious handle.
· The colour of the fibre is variable, up to 22 colours having been defined. Alpaca colours range from white to black through greys, fawns and browns.
· Alpaca is unusually strong and resilient. The strength does not diminish as it becomes finer.
· Alpaca is as soft as cashmere and warmer and stronger than lambs’ wool.
· Alpaca is easily dyed any colour and always retains its natural lustre.
· Alpaca contains microscopic air pockets which creates lightweight clothing with good insulating values.
· Most people can comfortably wear pure alpaca next to their skin.
Each quality is employed to create different products such as cloth, scarves, sweaters, blankets, carpets and so on. The alpaca fibre may also be blended with other fibres, generally of natural origin.
Alpacas are clean, intelligent, peaceful animals and are a pleasure to be around. An adult alpaca requires about 2.5 lbs of low protein hay per day, a minimal amount of supplements and, of course, fresh water. Fences should be designed to keep out predators. A 3-sided shelter is adequate for shade, as well as winter wind protection. They require little pasture--6 to 10 alpacas per acre make them an ideal small acreage livestock. They have common dung piles, making cleanup a snap and vastly reducing parasite problems. Alpaca droppings are almost odourless and make an excellent fertilizer for flowers and gardens. Their padded, hoofless feet are easier on pasture than any other livestock animals.
Physical Facts
· Life Span: 15- 20+ years
· Height: 32"- 39" at the shoulder
· Birth Weight: 10 - 17 pounds
· Adult Weight: 100 - 190 pounds
Reproduction, Birth & Babies
Male alpacas reach sexual maturity at about 2 1/2 years of age. Females are first bred at 16 - 20 months of age. Like other South American camelids, alpacas do not have a heat cycle and can be bred any time of the year. An average gestation of 335 days produces a single baby which is usually delivered from a standing position during daylight hours.
If you want to learn more about alpacas and llamas come and visit Blue Danube Alpaca! pausenwein@gmx.at or 348-7040 |
