This is for my readers who are new to alpacas and have no idea what I’m talking about. Read this if you have no idea what an alpaca is.
The following are some terms that we use in the alpaca world that you may not be familiar with:
Cria
CRIA. A cria is a baby alpaca. From the Spanish “criation”.
Dam with her cria
DAM. Momma alpaca. Alpacas have one baby a year and gestate for 11-12 months.
Herdsire
HERDSIRE. Daddy alpaca. All alpaca breedings are done “live”. No artificial seminations or embryo transfers.
Huacaya alpaca
HUACAYA. One of the two types of alpacas. Huacayas have fleece that stands away from their bodies, giving them that “Teddy Bear” look.
Suri alpaca
SURI. 1. The other type of alpaca. A suri’s fiber hangs in locks and is famous for its luster. 2. Tom Cruise’s daughter.
Orgling
ORGLING. This is the sound a male alpaca makes while breeding. It induces ovulation in the female.
Alpaca fiber
FIBER. Alpaca fleece. Alpacas are shorn once a year. This is good for their health and provides breeders with a harvest of fleece to be used to make luxurious yarn and end products.
Leave a comment and let me know if there are other terms that I use that leave you scratching your head.
PRONKING. Can’t believe I forgot this one. Full Explanation here.
If you would like to know more about alpacas, contact Katy Spears.
Loved this explanation of all things alpaca! I think the first pic is just precious!
Just Me… the Crazy Rancher’s Wifes last blog post..My Night on the Town!
What happened to “pronking”? (LOL) Did you retire the word?
Can’t believe…just added it!
My kids loved looking at the photos. My 3yo daughter couldn’t believe that “hair” could receive ribbons at a show. We’ll have to steal your idea and do a swine glossary over at our site.
Hollys last blog post..Lost and Found
Wow…these were new to me …thanks for the education and the so..so cute photos..with the exception of the orgling one…not too cute
Thanks Katy for the education! I loved the photos too.