ALPACA FIBER

"Alpaca Fleece Grown Close To Heaven"

Alpaca fiber has been called "The rare specialty fiber". Found in 22 natural colors, the fiber can be blended to create an array of colors. The fiber is unusually strong, soft and smooth to the touch. Being raised at high altitudes, in severely cold climates, Alpaca fiber has developed more thermal capacity than almost any other animal. The fiber contains microscopic air pockets which make lightweight garments with high insulation value.

Due to the absence of lanolin or grease, Alpaca fiber costs less to process than sheep's wool. It is easily dyed any color and does not tear, pill or create static. Manufacturers blend alpaca with silk, mohair, wool, cashmere and cotton.

Good breeding and nutrition, fineness of fiber and fleece weight per animal will increase. The terms luxury and Alpaca are becoming synonymous.

CRIMP is the appearance of fibers in an intact lock. It's measured by the waviness per unit of length.

CRINKLE is the form individual fibers take when the lock is separated and is what gives the elasticity to the fleece. High crimp fleeces have a corresponding high level of crinkle, producing elasticity in the spun yarn.

MICRON TESTING is a technique that analyses the overall quality of the fleece. Micron testing has been used for years in the textile industry and now is used as a breeder promotional tool.

FIBER SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

Mid-site sample is a section of fleece obtained from one spot on the side of the Alpaca. Any sample should be a minimum of 2 square inches with the fiber cut off at the skin level.

Three-site samples are taken from three spots on the Alpaca's side from three different sites.

Grid technique is used with shorn fleece and is the most accurate. A grid is placed over the whole fleece and small samples are taken from each opening.

For some producers, the primary market for Alpaca fiber is spinners, weavers and knitters, with the key factor for the demand is the high quality nature of the fiber.

Canadian prices for Alpaca fiber and processed products are:

1) Raw alpaca fleeces range from $20 to $40 per pound

2) Processing costs range from $10 to $20 per pound depending on cleanliness, quality and quantity.

3) Finished yarn sells for up to $160 per pound but will vary according to the extent of processing (whether it has been washed, dyed or rolled into balls)

The world market for Alpaca fleece consists of the South American countries (Peru in particular) exporting large volumes to Germany and Italy where it is used in the high fashion industry. Consumer demand for Alpaca garments is expected to remain strong due to a preference for high quality natural fibers.

Bonnie & Larry McNamara

Ottawa, Ontario

613-443-1029