Alpacas as Livestock

Livestock Model -- Modified!

So, what IS a LIVESTOCK MODEL?
(and why is it Modified?)

Since 2007, alpacas are considered livestock by the state of Texas, and since 2008, alpacas are considered livestock by the federal government.

Think of an equilateral triangle, with a point at the top, and graduating sides angling down to the bottom points.

SEED STOCK

The top tier of this triangle is occupied by the smallest group of suri alpacas, called SEED STOCK. This is the TOP quality males and females used for breeding, that will improve the future generations of both Fleece and Conformation. Fleece produced from these animals should be quite fine, and be used in next-to-the-skin garments or yarn.

MULTIPLIER

This tier is composed of breeding females, and some of the nicer quality males, who have very nice conformation and fleece, but don't reach the Seed Stock level of excellence. These animals may still have lovely fleece. Also in this group are some older-generation Seed Stock who are no longer the top of the line, but still quite nice.

FIBER HERDS

This will be the largest group of suri alpacas, as our North American suri herd grows. This will be the basis of the commercial suri alpaca fiber industry. Suris in this group will be mostly non-breeders (geldings, and a few non-breeding females). This group of mostly males can easily have very nice fiber, but have been gelded because they don't meet the highest standards of density and/or conformation. Also, in general, these males have less veterinary needs, and a bit less maintenance, as there is no breeding involved.

MODIFIED!

The great MODIFICATION is that instead of a typical livestock model that includes slaughter, the fiber is harvested every year, and the suri lives on to produce more fleeces for years to come.

As our suri fiber industry grows, there is room for all the different levels of suri alpacas in the North American suri industry!