Alpaca Breeds
Alpacas are members of the camelid family. They are related to the camel and the llama.
There are two breeds of alpacas which have different fleece structures.
Huacaya
(pronounced wa-ky-ya)
Huacayas are the more common of the two fleece types.
Within the national Australian alpaca herd of approximately 130,000 registered animals, huacayas number around 112,000 (86%).
Their fiber is dense and stands perpendicular to their body, much like would be seen in sheep. The fleece of a good quality huacaya should exhibit a distinct crimp (wave) across each fibre and have clear definition of individual staples (bundles) of fibre. The fleece should be bright at the skin with a soft handle.
Suri
(pronounced soo-ree)
Suris are the less commonly seen breed - despite being genetically dominant fleece type if huacaya and suri are interbred.
Australian's national herd stands at approximately 18,000 registered animals, (14%).
The suri carries a silky, soft-handling fleece that moves freely, yet hugs the body giving the animal a flat-sided appearance. The fleece hangs from the centre of the backline (from neck to tail) with well-defined locks forming close to the skin and remaining independent to the tip. The overall effect has been described as similar to a drape of a curtain of silk tassels. The fleece of a good quality suri should exhibit extreme lustre (shine), a silky handle and independent locks.
