How much land do I need?
Alpaca are very efficient converters of pasture and from the point of view of nutrition, can be farmed quite intensively. Five to seven animals/acre is generally accepted as a
Alpaca are very efficient converters of pasture and from the point of view of nutrition, can be farmed quite intensively. Five to seven animals/acre is generally accepted as a guideline for alpacas. These stocking rates assume good quality pasture that contains sufficient minerals and a variety of grasses and shrubs to maintain alpaca health.
Alpaca can be farmed more intensively (increasing the stocking rate), however this requires more attention to internal parasites, communicable diseases and possible mineral and vitamin deficiency, and may require a more secure level of fencing.
Smaller herds, and smaller blocks (of less than 5 acres) can reduce the stocking rates, to allow for separation of animals (e.g. females separated from herd sires) and rotation of stock.
Need advice on your own animals?
Your vet is the right person for diagnosis and treatment. For everything else, AANZ members near you are usually happy to help.
More in Land & feeding
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- Pasture and dung managementAANZ - Note, some of the original links in this article no longer work and are under review.