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One mammal reared mainly for their wool is the Alpaca.
Alpacas are a domesticated mammal that's derived from the
family of camels. Genetics has determined that Alpacas are
descendants of Vicunas. Alpaca are found in the highlands
and parts of Peru, Bolivia and Chile. Green grasses are the
main sources for food and water for hydration.
Alpaca is one of the four species of fiber producing animals
reared in South America. The other three are Ilama, guanaco
and vicuna. Among these alpaca and Ilama are the domestic
animals whereas vicuna and guanaco stray around. The former
two are reared because they produce wool. Alpaca provides
good amount and quality of wool whereas vicuna has a soft
and fine coat. The hair obtained from the Alpaca in the
early 19th century were as long as 12 inches but these days
the length has decreased and is almost the half of it.
Besides, white, brown, and black, the fleeces of alpaca are
grey and fawn in color. The yarn produced from mixing all
these colors is ginger colored, which is further dyed in
black.
Incas initially raised the Alpaca for good quality wool but
due to hybridization of the Alpaca and the Ilama, the
quality of wool was dramatically reduced. These wools were
later exported to Europe since it was discovered that alpaca
cloth can be made out of the wool. Currently, raising alpaca
is practiced highly in Canada, USA, and other such nations.
It is seen as one of the growing industries in these
nations.
Alpacas appears similar in shape and size to sheep. They
are a little taller, height with a high erect neck and a
better shaped head. Just like sheep they are domesticated in
large flocks. Alpacas have a peculiar habit of spitting like
their counterparts Ilamas.
Alpaca is also the term used by textile industry for wool
derived from Peruvian alpaca and the type of fabric made
from alpaca fiber. The latter is more frequently used. These
days this alpaca fiber is made from mohair, English wool and
Icelandic sheep wool. The traders differentiate between
these two types of fibers, although buyers fail to identify
the original alpaca.
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