About Alpacas
The Earth-Friendly Alpaca
Alpacas have been domesticated for more than 5,000
years. They are one of Mother Nature's favorite farm animals. They are
sensitive to their environment in every respect. The following physical
attributes allow alpacas to maintain their harmony with our Mother
Earth.
- The alpaca's feet are
padded and they leave even the most delicate terrain undamaged as it
browses on native grasses.
- The alpaca is a modified
ruminant with a three-compartment stomach. It converts grass and hay to
energy very efficiently, eating less than other farm animals.
- Its camelid ancestry
allows the alpaca to thrive without consuming very much water,
although an abundant, fresh water supply is necessary.
- The alpaca does not
usually eat or destroy trees, preferring tender grasses, which it does
not pull up by the roots.
- South American Indians
use alpaca dung for fuel and gardeners find the alpaca's rich
fertilizer perfect for growing fruits and vegetables.
- A herd of alpacas
consolidates its feces in one or two spots in the pasture, thereby
controlling the spread of parasites, and making it easy to collect and
compost for fertilizer.
- An alpaca produces
enough fleece each year to create several soft, warm sweaters for its
owners comfort. This is the alpaca's way of contributing to community
energy conservation efforts.
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