Of the two Alpaca breeds, Huacaya alpacas are far more prolific. In fact, Huacayas make up 90% of the world's alpaca population.
Their fibre resembles that of a sheep. It is typically dense and fluffy, yet fine. It grows from individual follicles in the skin. Huacayas can potentially yield high amounts of fleece at under 20 microns. Other features include its tight crimp, bundledness, and its perpendicular angle to the alpaca's body. Huacaya alpacas that perform well should be able to produce as much as 5.5 kilograms annually.
The fleece of Huacaya alpacas should be uniform across the body, except on the ears and bridge of the nose. A brightness should also be apparent in the fleece- usually an indication of good nourishment.
Huacaya alpacas typically stand at 1m high (shoulder) and 1.5m at their heads. Mature Huacayas generally weigh in at 80 kilograms.
Communication is achieved through body posture, ear and tail movements and varying sounds.
