BREEDING ALPACAS & COLOURS

ALPACA WOOL SINCE INCA EMPIRE :

“A GODS’ WARMING GIFT TO MANKIND”

ALLPACHU BREEDING FOR ROYAL BABY ALPACA FIBER

By the springtime, as soon as the climate becomes enough mild and temperatures rise back up, we proceed with the annual ritual of alpacas shearing.

The whole year’s harvest consists of the precious fiber that makes up the coat of our huacaya alpacas.

The shorn animals, in turn, get true benefit being freed from a redundant fleece.

Of course, this operation is carried out in full respect of the animals, paying the utmost care not to procure them wounds and limiting as much as possible the execution time, in order to avoid them excessive stress.

Although we are talking about a product of animal origin, we would like to refer it to as a harvest, because just like with any agricultural crop the result is strongly influenced by environmental factors and farm management.

The obtainment of a fleece with excellent characteristics is not due to chance, but it is the result of proper herd dealing and accurate genetic selection.

So, animals with health problems that have suffered stress or simply have not received an appropriate dietary supplement or an adequate parasitological control program, they will bear signs in the structure of its own fiber which will be uneven and less pleasant to the touch, showing poor luster, density and length.

Nevertheless, genetics has the main impact on the fiber quality. Genetic gain, on which we focus our attention, is defined as the increase in average levels of herd production from one year to the next due to the selection of superior animals for breeding.

For alpaca breeders, production is influenced by a number of economically important characters. In addition to type or appearance, here in Allpachu we are seeking to achieve the best in terms of fleece weight, low fiber diameter, uniformity, and the absence of high micron guard hair.

And last but not least, all of the above features should be durable over the years, so that even the less young animals can continue to produce superior quality fiber for most of their life.

ALLPACHU BREEDING FOR ROYAL BABY ALPACA FIBER

By the springtime, as soon as the climate becomes enough mild and temperatures rise back up, we proceed with the annual ritual of alpacas shearing.

The whole year’s harvest consists of the precious fiber that makes up the coat of our huacaya alpacas.

The shorn animals, in turn, get true benefit being freed from a redundant fleece.

Of course, this operation is carried out in full respect of the animals, paying the utmost care not to procure them wounds and limiting as much as possible the execution time, in order to avoid them excessive stress.

Although we are talking about a product of animal origin, we would like to refer it to as a harvest, because just like with any agricultural crop the result is strongly influenced by environmental factors and farm management.

The obtainment of a fleece with excellent characteristics is not due to chance, but it is the result of proper herd dealing and accurate genetic selection.

So, animals with health problems that have suffered stress or simply have not received an appropriate dietary supplement or an adequate parasitological control program, they will bear signs in the structure of its own fiber which will be uneven and less pleasant to the touch, showing poor luster, density and length.

Nevertheless, genetics has the main impact on the fiber quality. Genetic gain, on which we focus our attention, is defined as the increase in average levels of herd production from one year to the next due to the selection of superior animals for breeding.

For alpaca breeders, production is influenced by a number of economically important characters. In addition to type or appearance, here in Allpachu we are seeking to achieve the best in terms of fleece weight, low fiber diameter, uniformity, and the absence of high micron guard hair.

And last but not least, all of the above features should be durable over the years, so that even the less young animals can continue to produce superior quality fiber for most of their life.

ALLPACHU TEAM @ SHEARING …

CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS FIBER IN THE TEXTILE MARKET …

A HIGH PERFORMANCE SUSTAINABLE FIBER WITH REALLY SPECIAL TRAITS

Elastic, strong and soft to the touch, the alpaca wool offers the biggest color range out of all the natural fibers and like fur, it has its own natural luster which does not diminish with time.

Alpaca fiber really provides maximum comfort: it is smooth and delicate to the touch because of the cell structure of its hair, which is unequalled by other animal fibers, and unlike some wools, there is no itchiness when alpaca fleece touches the skin, furthemore it has the advantage to not accumulate charges of static electricity.

Going back to the times of Inca Empire, alpaca fiber was considered a symbol of high social status and a greatly desired commodity. A piece of cloth was considered the most precious gift, it was exclusive only to members of the royal family and the highest officials of the Inca civilization. Therefore, they allowed only designated craftsmen to weave the alpaca fiber.

Today it is appreciated by vendors, designers and customers as alternative to wool, cashmere and fur because of its unique attributes, here below the 10 most popular ones:

* The Alpaca hair is three times stronger than that of the sheep and seven times warmer.

* It is fireproof so it won’t burn unless in direct contact with a flame.

* It is thermally insulating by having microscopic air pockets inside, which makes it lighter but still very hot.

* It absorbs little humidity from the surroundings and it does not retain water.

* It can resist solar radiation and its natural color does not fade and it has a silky shine that remains despite washing.

* Being so strong and resistent, it is ideal to achieve very durable and easy care garments, that means effecting saving for people, furthermore, by producing less waste we can limit the environmental impact.

* It is hypoallergenic because it does not contain fat, oil or lanolin and it is mostly itch-free.

* It is very thin fiber, the most precious grade is defined Royal Alpaca, it is below 19 microns at times even down to 12 microns.

* It is naturally colored with the richest color range out of all the natural fibers (more than 22 natural colors), so it does not require any chemical dyeing process, which often damages the wool structure.

* It is a natural fiber therefore completely biodegradable so once again a greater care for our environment.

NATURAL ALPACA FIBER COLOR CHART

WH White

BG Beige

LF Light Fawn

MF Fawn

DF Dark Fawn

LB Light Brown

MB Medium Brown

DB Dark Brown

BB Bay Black

TB True Black

LSG Light Silver Grey

MSG Medium Silver Grey

DSG Dark Silver Grey

LRG Light Rose Grey

MRG Medium Rose Grey

DRG Dark Rose Grey

WHY ARE SOME PARTS OF ALPACA BODY BRING SOFTER OR COARSER HAIR ?

FIBER ON EACH ANIMAL IS OF 3 DISTINCT TYPES

The biggest difference in finess and softness depends on the area that is shorn.

* BLANKET HAIR (Prime Shearing):

The longer fiber is found on the mid-section back of the animal, the so-called BLANKET.

The fibers in this area experience less stress than those on the legs or underbelly, it is fine and soft so it is the most suitable for spinning.

* NECK HAIR (Second Shearing):

Characteristically fine and soft but too short for spinning, this fiber can be used for felting though.

* LEGS, UNDER BELLY, APRON HAIR (Third Shearing):

Characteristically long, coarse, stiff and straight, those parts are closer to the ground and will get dirty easily and they are also more prone to friction. So this fiber is too coarse and harsh for spinning into a yarn and not much good for felting, but it is best for mulch, insulation or stuffing.

Here at ALLPACHU we are employing the third choice and all the too short tufts to produce alpaca keratin soap, so we are proud to say that in this way we have been able to get zero post-shearing waste.

FIBER ON EACH ANIMAL IS OF 3 DISTINCT TYPES

The biggest difference in finesse and softness depends on the area that is shorn.

* BLANKET HAIR (Prime Shearing):

The longer fiber is found on the mid-section back of the animal, the so-called BLANKET.

The fibers in this area experience less stress than those on the legs or underbelly, it is fine and soft so it is the most suitable for spinning.

* NECK HAIR (Second Shearing):

Characteristically fine and soft but too short for spinning, this fiber can be used for felting though.

* LEGS, UNDER BELLY, APRON HAIR (Third Shearing):

Characteristically long, coarse, stiff and straight, those parts are closer to the ground and will get dirty easily and they are also more prone to friction. So this fiber is too coarse and harsh for spinning into a yarn and not much good for felting, but it is best for mulch, insulation or stuffing.

Here at ALLPACHU we are employing the third choice and all the too short tufts to produce alpaca keratin soap, so we are proud to say that in this way we have been able to get zero post-shearing waste.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A FINE FIBER …

GRADES OF HUACAYA ALPACA FIBER

MAKING SENSE OF MICRONS

Alpaca fiber grade is the classification system used to grade the fibers according to their fineness (micron count).

By definition a micron is 1 millionth of a meter or 100th of a millimetre, as a basis of comparison, a human hair measures an average of 60 microns.

A fibre micron test is undertaken to measure the finenesse of an alpaca’s fleece , which in this way can be correctly ranked.

But different fiber grade classification can be found, one of the most common systems fall into the following ranges:

* ROYAL BABY ALPACA: 19 OR FEWER MICRONS
* BABY ALPACA: BETWEEN 20 AND 22,9 MICRONS
* SUPER FINE: BETWEEN 23 AND 26,9 MICRONS
* ADULT: BETWEEN 27 AND 29,9 MICRONS
* HUARIZO: BETWEEN 30 AND 32 MICRONS
* COARSE: OVER 32 MICRONS

For a breeder with a bit of experience judging a fleece can have as much to do with just tactile and visual sensation.

However the best criteria, to wich we also refer, should be objective mesurements of the fleeces finess and density.

Fiber samples obtained from mid-section of each alpaca can be analysed by laserscan or OFDA (Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser) for mean fiber diameter.

By going into more detail a skin section collected from the same position can be processed by a biopsy (SRS system), this allows to know further precious informations about the follicle density and the quantitative ratio of both primary and secondary follicles.

Bearing in mind that the finer-fibred animals have higher follicle density than animals with thicker fibres, we can really take advantage from these substantial data in improving our alpacas hair finesse, lenght and density.

GRADES OF HUACAYA ALPACA FIBER

MAKING SENSE OF MICRONS

Alpaca fiber grade is the classification system used to grade the fibers according to their finenesse (micron count).

By definition a micron is 1 millionth of a meter or 100th of a millimetre, as a basis of comparison, a human hair measures an average of 60 microns.

A fibre micron test is undertaken to measure the fineness of an alpaca’s fleece , which in this way can be correctly ranked.

But different fiber grade classification can be found, one of the most common systems fall into the following ranges:

* ROYAL BABY ALPACA: 19 OR FEWER MICRONS
* BABY ALPACA: BETWEEN 20 AND 22,9 MICRONS
* SUPER FINE: BETWEEN 23 AND 26,9 MICRONS
* ADULT: BETWEEN 27 AND 29,9 MICRONS
* HUARIZO: BETWEEN 30 AND 32 MICRONS
* COARSE: OVER 32 MICRONS

For a breeder with a bit of experience judging a fleece can have as much to do with just tactile and visual sensation.

However the best criteria, to wich we also refer, should be objective mesurements of the fleeces finess and density.

Fiber samples obtained from mid-section of each alpaca can be analysed by laserscan or OFDA (Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser) for mean fiber diameter.

By going into more detail a skin section collected from the same position can be processed by a biopsy (SRS system), this allows to know further precious informations about the follicle density and the quantitative ratio of both primary and secondary follicles.

Bearing in mind that the finer-fibred animals have higher follicle density than animals with thicker fibres, we can really take advantage from these substantial data in improving our alpacas hair finesse, lenght and density.

BREEDING ALPACAS & COLOURS

BREEDING ALPACAS & COLOURS

BREEDING ALPACAS & COLOURS

ALLPACHU BREEDING FOR ROYAL BABY ALPACA FIBER

By the springtime, as soon as the climate becomes enough mild and temperatures rise back up, we proceed with the annual ritual of alpacas shearing.

The whole year’s harvest consists of the precious fiber that makes up the coat of our huacaya alpacas.

The shorn animals, in turn, get true benefit being freed from a redundant fleece.

Of course, this operation is carried out in full respect of the animals, paying the utmost care not to procure them wounds and limiting as much as possible the execution time, in order to avoid them excessive stress.

Although we are talking about a product of animal origin, we would like to refer it to as a harvest, because just like with any agricultural crop the result is strongly influenced by environmental factors and farm management.

The obtainment of a fleece with excellent characteristics is not due to chance, but it is the result of proper herd dealing and accurate genetic selection.

Nevertheless, genetics has the main impact on the fiber quality. Genetic gain, on which we focus our attention, is defined as the increase in average levels of herd production from one year to the next due to the selection of superior animals for breeding.

For alpaca breeders, production is influenced by a number of economically important characters. In addition to type or appearance, here in Allpachu we are seeking to achieve the best in terms of fleece weight, low fiber diameter, uniformity, and the absence of high micron guard hair.

And last but not least, all of the above features should be durable over the years, so that even the less young animals can continue to produce superior quality fiber for most of their life.

ALLPACHU BREEDING FOR ROYAL BABY ALPACA FIBER

By the springtime, as soon as the climate becomes enough mild and temperatures rise back up, we proceed with the annual ritual of alpacas shearing.

The whole year’s harvest consists of the precious fiber that makes up the coat of our huacaya alpacas.

The shorn animals, in turn, get true benefit being freed from a redundant fleece.

Of course, this operation is carried out in full respect of the animals, paying the utmost care not to procure them wounds and limiting as much as possible the execution time, in order to avoid them excessive stress.

Although we are talking about a product of animal origin, we would like to refer it to as a harvest, because just like with any agricultural crop the result is strongly influenced by environmental factors and farm management.

The obtainment of a fleece with excellent characteristics is not due to chance, but it is the result of proper herd dealing and accurate genetic selection.

Nevertheless, genetics has the main impact on the fiber quality. Genetic gain, on which we focus our attention, is defined as the increase in average levels of herd production from one year to the next due to the selection of superior animals for breeding.

For alpaca breeders, production is influenced by a number of economically important characters. In addition to type or appearance, here in Allpachu we are seeking to achieve the best in terms of fleece weight, low fiber diameter, uniformity, and the absence of high micron guard hair.

And last but not least, all of the above features should be durable over the years, so that even the less young animals can continue to produce superior quality fiber for most of their life.

A HIGH PERFORMANCE SUSTAINABLE FIBER WITH REALLY SPECIAL TRAITS

FIBER ON EACH ANIMAL IS OF 3 DISTINCT TYPES

The biggest difference in finess and softness depends on the area that is shorn.

* BLANKET HAIR (Prime Shearing):

The longer fiber is found on the mid-section back of the animal, the so-called BLANKET.

The fibers in this area experience less stress than those on the legs or underbelly, it is fine and soft so it is the most suitable for spinning.

* NECK HAIR (Second Shearing):

Characteristically fine and soft but too short for spinning, this fiber can be used for felting though.

* LEGS, UNDER BELLY, APRON HAIR (Third Shearing):

Here at ALLPACHU we are employing the third choice and all the too short tufts to produce alpaca keratin soap, so we are proud to say that in this way we have been able to get zero post-shearing waste.

FIBER ON EACH ANIMAL IS OF 3 DISTINCT TYPES

The biggest difference in finesse and softness depends on the area that is shorn.

* BLANKET HAIR (Prime Shearing):

The longer fiber is found on the mid-section back of the animal, the so-called BLANKET.

The fibers in this area experience less stress than those on the legs or underbelly, it is fine and soft so it is the most suitable for spinning.

* NECK HAIR (Second Shearing):

Characteristically fine and soft but too short for spinning, this fiber can be used for felting though.

* LEGS, UNDER BELLY, APRON HAIR (Third Shearing):

Here at ALLPACHU we are employing the third choice and all the too short tufts to produce alpaca keratin soap, so we are proud to say that in this way we have been able to get zero post-shearing waste.

GRADES OF HUACAYA ALPACA FIBER

MAKING SENSE OF MICRONS

Alpaca fiber grade is the classification system used to grade the fibers according to their fineness (micron count).

By definition a micron is 1 millionth of a meter or 100th of a millimetre, as a basis of comparison, a human hair measures an average of 60 microns.

A fibre micron test is undertaken to measure the finenesse of an alpaca’s fleece , which in this way can be correctly ranked.

But different fiber grade classification can be found, one of the most common systems fall into the following ranges:

* ROYAL BABY ALPACA: 19 OR FEWER MICRONS * BABY ALPACA: BETWEEN 20 AND 22,9 MICRONS * SUPER FINE: BETWEEN 23 AND 26,9 MICRONS * ADULT: BETWEEN 27 AND 29,9 MICRONS * HUARIZO: BETWEEN 30 AND 32 MICRONS * COARSE: OVER 32 MICRONS

For a breeder with a bit of experience judging a fleece can have as much to do with just tactile and visual sensation.

However the best criteria, to wich we also refer, should be objective mesurements of the fleeces finess and density.

Fiber samples obtained from mid-section of each alpaca can be analysed by laserscan or OFDA (Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser) for mean fiber diameter.

By going into more detail a skin section collected from the same position can be processed by a biopsy (SRS system), this allows to know further precious informations about the follicle density and the quantitative ratio of both primary and secondary follicles.

Bearing in mind that the finer-fibred animals have higher follicle density than animals with thicker fibres, we can really take advantage from these substantial data in improving our alpacas hair finesse, lenght and density.

GRADES OF HUACAYA ALPACA FIBER

MAKING SENSE OF MICRONS

Alpaca fiber grade is the classification system used to grade the fibers according to their finenesse (micron count).

By definition a micron is 1 millionth of a meter or 100th of a millimetre, as a basis of comparison, a human hair measures an average of 60 microns.

A fibre micron test is undertaken to measure the fineness of an alpaca’s fleece , which in this way can be correctly ranked.

But different fiber grade classification can be found, one of the most common systems fall into the following ranges:

* ROYAL BABY ALPACA: 19 OR FEWER MICRONS * BABY ALPACA: BETWEEN 20 AND 22,9 MICRONS * SUPER FINE: BETWEEN 23 AND 26,9 MICRONS * ADULT: BETWEEN 27 AND 29,9 MICRONS * HUARIZO: BETWEEN 30 AND 32 MICRONS * COARSE: OVER 32 MICRONS

For a breeder with a bit of experience judging a fleece can have as much to do with just tactile and visual sensation.

However the best criteria, to wich we also refer, should be objective mesurements of the fleeces finess and density.

Fiber samples obtained from mid-section of each alpaca can be analysed by laserscan or OFDA (Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser) for mean fiber diameter.

By going into more detail a skin section collected from the same position can be processed by a biopsy (SRS system), this allows to know further precious informations about the follicle density and the quantitative ratio of both primary and secondary follicles.

Bearing in mind that the finer-fibred animals have higher follicle density than animals with thicker fibres, we can really take advantage from these substantial data in improving our alpacas hair finesse, lenght and density.

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* ROYAL BABY ALPACA: 19 OR FEWER MICRONS
* BABY ALPACA: BETWEEN 20 AND 22,9 MICRONS
* SUPER FINE: BETWEEN 23 AND 26,9 MICRONS
* ADULT: BETWEEN 27 AND 29,9 MICRONS
* HUARIZO: BETWEEN 30 AND 32 MICRONS
* COARSE: OVER 32 MICRONS

* ROYAL BABY ALPACA: 19 OR FEWER MICRONS
* BABY ALPACA: BETWEEN 20 AND 22,9 MICRONS
* SUPER FINE: BETWEEN 23 AND 26,9 MICRONS
* ADULT: BETWEEN 27 AND 29,9 MICRONS
* HUARIZO: BETWEEN 30 AND 32 MICRONS
* COARSE: OVER 32 MICRONS