The West Virginia Alpaca Organization was established in
2007 by the Alpaca Breeders of West Virginia. We are
dedicated to the development of a robust and sustainable
alpaca industry in the United States. Our mission is to
represent the West Virginia alpaca industry and be a
resource for camelid enthusiasts.
WVAO’s function is to promote alpacas, educate the public
and support our members. This organization is tackling the
issues that face our alpaca community such as veterinary
care, farm labor, supply resources, state taxes, predator
control, youth education, fiber processing and much, much,
more.
Come and join our wonderful community that is dedicated to
West Virginia Alpacas
Class – MAMMALIA Order – ARTIODACTYLA Suborder – TYLOPODA – Camelids Family- CAMELIDAE – NEW WORLD - Lama pacos - alpaca
Alpacas are fleece animals from the South American Andes
Mountains of Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. They have a
soft pad on each foot with two nails that help them
carefully maneuver in their rugged environment. Alpacas are
ruminants with a three compartment stomach. Their digestive
system enables them to process sparse vegetation very
efficiently.
Photo by Vision Acres.
The lifespan of an alpaca is about 15-25 years. Adult
alpacas average between
100-175 pounds. They have a
gestation period of 335 days and are stimulated ovulators.
Females produce one offspring at a time with twins being
very rare. A baby alpaca is called a cria. A newborn cria on
average weighs between 15-19 pounds.
Alpacas have provided beautiful warm fine fleece which has
been made into garments for centuries. Alpaca fleece is a
fine wool that has been categorized in 22 different and
distinct natural colors. They are shorn each year like sheep
without any trauma to their wellbeing.
Photo by Glory B. Farm.
Huacaya Alpaca
The huacaya alpaca is the most common variety of alpaca and comprises approximately 90% of the world’s population. Huacayas have fleece with a wavy appearance. The waves are called crimp. There are many different crimp styles. The crimp gives the huacaya a fluffy, rounded look. The fleece is extremely fine with a wonderful brightness to it. This fiber contains no lanolin and should feel warm and inviting to the touch while being very dense. Huacaya fiber blends well with other fine fibers and can be used in knitting, crocheting, weaving, felting and high quality garments.
Photo by Glory B. Farm.
Suri Alpaca
The Suri alpaca is a rare breed of livestock comprising
less than 3 % of the total world alpaca population and only
17% of the total U.S. alpaca population. Suri alpacas are
distinguished by their unique fiber. The fleece drapes down
the sides of the body and neck in long, elegant locks. There
are several different lock structures ranging from flat to
twisted. The fiber contains no lanolin and has a cool, silky
hand. What makes suri fiber truly unique is its luster. High
luster puts suri fiber in great demand. It blends well with
other fine fibers and can be used in knitting, crocheting,
weaving as well as high quality garments.
