The price of an individual alpaca on the market can vary greatly. You can buy an alpaca for €$1,000.00 – $2,000.00 but there are also those that cost $20,000.00. What is the reason for this price range? The factors are numerous, from age, health and physiological condition, to body structure and the quality of the fiber, to the origin and awards received.
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Quality of the fleece and alpaca price
The first factor concerns the quality of the fiber produced by the alpaca. It is determined by many factors, such as thickness (measured in micrometers – micron), but also uniformity (a slight deviation from the average hair thickness) or the comfort factor value (percentage of hairs thinner than 30 um in the covering).
These factors have a direct impact on the quality of the coat and its productive potential, and therefore on the price of the alpaca. The finer the hairs, the more uniform, and with a high comfort factor, the better the quality of the products that can be made. The results of the fiber sample analyses for a given individual are presented in the form of a histogram.
In the case of natural fibers, the first element of evaluation by the customer is the tactile impression of the fabric obtained. It should not “scratch” or make the skin itch. The higher the fiber quality, the better the impression it should make on the consumer.
Naturally, the basis is genetics, i.e., the characteristics that the animal has been endowed with by its parents and ancestors. The largest population of alpacas is raised in South America (particularly in Peru). Originally, the herds were the main means of subsistence for many of the poorer families in the region, and there was little room to improve the genetic potential of the population.
Despite this, the Peruvian alpaca population is considered to be of the highest quality. In other countries, efforts to improve genetic potential yield excellent results in the form of high-quality animals (including in the United States and New Zealand). There are several options for assessing the genetic quality of an animal.
Genetics and environmental factors influence the quality of the fleece
The development of genetics allows for the identification of genes responsible for a particular trait (for example, fiber thickness or its uniformity, coat color, structure) in an animal. It almost never happens that a single gene is responsible for a specific trait, usually, it is a “set” of interacting genes that code for a particular trait (the set of all genes that determine traits is a genotype).
It also happens that some characteristics are correlated with each other. The factor correlated with the thickness of the fiber is its color, although not all studies clearly indicate that the wool of white alpacas is thinner than that of dark alpacas. However, genetic testing is extremely expensive, so the basis for evaluating an animal is its effect – phenotype (external appearance).
Very often, an individual is evaluated based on its offspring (what characteristics it has inherited from him and how they affect its quality). The offspring do not receive all the characteristics from the parents in the same way. Therefore, the animal’s pedigree (list of its ancestors) is so important for the future buyer.
Practically all other factors are environmental, those that shape an animal from conception to death: nutrition, health status, age, and living conditions. The nutrition of ruminants is one of the most important factors for their good health and productivity. The optimal level of nutrition in terms of supplying the animals with all the necessary nutrients will ensure good health and abundant growth of the fleece, but can also increase its thickness.
On the other hand, periods of food scarcity worsen the condition of the animal and can cause the appearance of constrictions in the structure of the hair, which negatively affect its quality. Also, immune deficiency states and diseases will cause a similar state of affairs. Such defects will reduce the strength of the hairs in the restricted section and limit their use in processing.
Body structure and anatomy increase the value of the alpaca
An animal cannot be considered solely in terms of its productive potential. The animal itself must exhibit many characteristics consistent with the species and breed. In alpacas, due to the relatively high level of hybridization with llamas, a correct body structure is particularly important.
Originally, llamas were not used for fiber; they were pack animals, so the quality of their hair is inferior to that of alpacas. Moreover, llamas and alpacas differ significantly in build, so this assessment is a good organoleptic indicator of hybridization, which is, of course, undesirable. The purpose of breeding is to eliminate llama genes from the alpaca population. Animals that faithfully reflect the characteristics of the species, without llama traits, will be highly appreciated.
When evaluating anatomy, the following factors are considered:
- height at the withers,
- body length, depth,
- chest width and circumference,
- head length and width,
- heel joint length and circumference.
When looking at an alpaca, it should stand in a square, the whole body should be covered in fiber, pear-shaped ears, not too long a muzzle, straight legs, straight neck, straight tail, close to the body. The movement of the animal should be harmonious, and South American camelids move calmly. A significant problem in the population is prognathism (overly protruding lower jaw), which causes incorrect positioning of the incisors relative to the gums, their excessive growth causes feeding problems.
Such a bite should be corrected regularly. All these factors are hereditary and significantly influence the price of the alpaca, moreover, the structure will be influenced by environmental factors such as health and proper care. Skeletal diseases resulting from various reasons (nutritional deficiencies in young age or infections) can lead to deformities. Overgrown nails interfere with the ability to move properly and, in extreme cases, lead to changes in the limbs. Environmental factors, obviously, are not hereditary, but they lower the quality of the animal and therefore its price and value.
Health and behavior
Much has been said about the genetics of alpacas. Many genetic diseases are lethal. Therefore, sick puppies are not born at all. Occasionally cria are born deformed and usually have no chance of survival or are born dead. In alpacas, twin pregnancies are rare (some say they are quite common, but they end with the resorption of the embryo early in pregnancy). They are also undesirable because they usually cause miscarriage and live births are extremely rare.
The issue of lethality also arises in the case of heredity of the coat. Most likely, classic homozygous gray embryos die during pregnancy. The resorption of embryos can also be influenced by environmental factors, such as severe maternal stress or bacterial and viral infections.
Some disorders allow the animal to survive as the genetic defect of Blue Eyed White is one of the most common. It concerns individuals with light, blue irises and white color, they are usually deaf. The defect is particularly common in individuals who have many white and gray ancestors in their pedigree. Moreover, diseases that can affect the animal daily, which are not very dangerous, can influence the value of the animal.
A potential buyer, seeing symptoms of the disease (if they are evident), will definitely negotiate the price or decide to buy it after the animal has been diagnosed and treated. Buying a sick animal for a herd carries the risk that it will infect other animals (although the basic procedure for buying new animals is quarantine). The defect is particularly common in individuals who have many white and gray ancestors in their pedigree.
In alpacas, little is said about behavioral disorders. Usually the topic of male Berserk syndrome is discussed, whose occurrence rather excludes the animal from breeding. Moreover, animals must be trained since, for example in competitions or during walks, animals must be accustomed to the proximity and touch of strangers.
Reproduction
The issue of reproduction is very important. After all, breeding is born to obtain offspring better than the parents. The correct structure of male and female reproductive systems is obvious if it is a farm animal. Sometimes it happens that a female has problems getting pregnant or gives birth for no known reason, despite having many characteristics that speak of her great quality. Such animals are not suitable for breeding, dishonest sellers may try to sell the animal as covered by a male, knowing that it is likely to have a miscarriage.
Usually, the price of such an alpaca is extremely attractive, unlike females, who are described as good mothers. They have no problems with pregnancy, it proceeds without major complications, the young are born healthy and strong, and the mother has enough food and a strong maternal instinct.
The same goes for males. A good stallion has large testicles (positively correlated with fertility) and the desire to mate. Probably an important role in reproduction is also played by the male’s “song” (gurgling-sighs-purring during courtship and mating). A female sold during pregnancy will obviously be more expensive, especially if paired with a high-quality stallone.
Origin of the animal
The origin of the animal and its pedigree are characteristics that strongly affect the price of an alpaca. There are many breeders around the world with a long tradition, known for their high-quality alpacas having achieved results at shows and exhibitions. There, breeding animals are assessed in terms of structure and quality of fibers. Animals that perfectly reflect the breed standard, have an excellent quality coat, are well cared for, in good condition, achieve the highest positions.
The descendants of titled ancestors, sometimes even legendary, can be sold at very high prices. The more such ancestors an individual has in their pedigree, the more expensive it can be.
As you can see, there are many factors that determine the price of an alpaca. The basis is the genetic value of the animal, its potential. During life, however, there are many environmental factors that also influence their value. It is worth remembering that if the price of an animal is very low, there is definitely something wrong. It may turn out that a very cheap alpaca will later become a “bottomless pit” due to, for example, diseases. When planning a breeding, it is worth buying high-quality animals that provide a good base for creating a herd. Quality always has a price and comes from excellent genetics and investment in the best conditions for animal welfare.