[AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber

 

 am not trying to start a war, but we have to be realistic about animals that need to be fed and many farms inability to do that, due to job losses, illness or whatever.

     Alpacas have been classified as LIVESTOCK, which is why we are able to make them an agriculture business venture, however, many alpaca breeders want to consider them "Exotics" yet take advantage of the "Livestock" classification.  

     I personally think many alpaca breeders have a romantic view of alpacas and can't/won't even consider them being used for food livestock, yet sheep and goats are considered fiber and food all the time.

     My friend has been researching different meat processing businesses to learn more about alpaca slaughter.  For some, feeding animals that no longer produce young or good fiber, is folly and despite the sentiment, must make unpopular decisions. 

     I have nothing against slaughter, provided it is done as humanely as possible and in an environment that does consider animal welfare.

     I raise chickens, turkeys and guineas and five years ago, intended to keep every animal on our farm, despite its age or contribution to our farm.  TODAY, I am more realistic and realize we cannot afford to feed turkeys until their old age, or roosters that do nothing but cause havoc.  My dh and I processed our first turkeys this year and believe it or not, it was not the horror I thought it would be.  In fact, taking care of old, sick, injured or debilitated animals is a much more horrific task.  We were calm and treated our birds with respect and compassion.  They were calm and not frightened when the deed was done and while I will NEVER enjoy killing an animal, I felt a certain amount of pride that I hatched them, I fed and raised them in a healthy environment and they free ranged happily for many months of their life--they were sheltered and taken care of until the day they died and they died being respected and cared about.

     So, I guess the point I am making is that slaughter does not have to be the evil many think it is.  Their lives served a purpose and so did their deaths..........and that is an honorable thing, imo.

    Also, btw, I feed my dogs raw and we buy from a company out of Conn.  They have many products for sale and one regular item is llama meat.  I have not seen alpaca meat, but possibly sometime in the future.  

Laura

R Half Pint Farm

Spotsylvania, VA

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