Graceful Herds

Monaco Pines introduces alpacas to West Texas

by Melissa Rinehart

Alpacas are  majestic and extraordinary animals that many people have never been around.

Monaco Pines has been open for only three months and  has  already rescued many alpacas from other ranches that were unable to care and provide for them properly.

The first of its kind in West Texas, the ranch is owned and operated by Charlie and Cindy Negen. Currently, there are 33 alpacas and 14 llamas residing at the ranch, with more to be added soon.  The ranch is adding 20 female alpacas, who are pregnant or have given birth, and two more studs in late December or early January. This will put the population at the ranch around 50.

Alpacas are South American mammals related to llamas. They were imported  into the United States 1984.

There are two kinds of alpacas, Suri and Huacaya. The difference between the two breeds are their coats. The Suri coat is long like dreadlocks  and have no crimp. Huacaya coats have a crimp and are  fluffy.

 “ It is a matter of taste and what you desire to raise,” said Cindy Negen.

Negen explained that there are three nationalities of alpacas:  Peruvian, Chilean and Bolivian.

At Monaco Pines Ranch, the Huacaya that they raise are mostly Peruvian and Chilean nationalities. The Huacaya breed also comes in 22 different colors.  In addition to their various physical features ,alpacas do not have any top teeth, only two toe nails, and three stomachs.

Coming from all over the United States, newborn alpacas undergo several tests, including Bovine viral diarrhea,  and DNA testing. They are required to have these tests to travel. They are registered, except the gelded males cannot be breed, as they do not have the registration documents.

Alpacas are used for their blanket of good fiber for things such as yarn and clothing.

“This is part of why I raise alpacas,” Negen says. “Their fiber is exquisite. It is better than cashmere. All the yarn that we have spun is dye-free. There is no smell, and it’s fire resistant.”

Monaco Pines, located in Hockley County near Whitharral, sends their fiber out to be spun into yarn and for the manufacturing of clothes. The alpaca fiber is 50 percent warmer and lighter than wool.  The alpaca’s hair is sheared once a year.

The Negens will be opening a store on Nov.15 at KK’s Craft Mall in Lubbock, where yarn and garments made from fiber of the alpacas will be available for purchase.

The difference between llamas and alpacas is that the fiber of llamas does not look anything like alpaca fiber, and their ears are shaped differently.

Also, the llama is bigger in size than an alpaca. A llama can get up to 500 pounds, while an alpaca can get up to 200 pounds. The llamas are used to protect the other animals on the farm.

The ranch has several different pens where the alpacas are kept. “Juvenile Hall”  is where all the younger male alpacas are kept. “Honeymoon Suite” is where the breeding takes place. “Bachelor Pad”  is where  all of the studs are housed, and newborn alpacas and their mothers are kept in the Cria crib.  The “Maternity Ward” is where the pregnant alpacas that are not due for a while are kept.  The “Ladies in Waiting” pen is for females waiting to be bred, but currently the pen does not have any expecting mothers. 

The females are pregnant for 11 and  a half mouths and can have only one baby a year. Alpacas can be bred 21 days after they have given birth. Males need to  wait 24 hours in order to be  bred again, and have to be at least two years old. Females must be  at least 18 months old before breeding.

“They are not real happy unless they are pregnant,” said Negen

Monaco Pines does 99 percent of  its own veterinary work, giving all the animals shots, weighing them, trimming toe nails and examining teeth to make sure that the alpacas are in good health

Monaco Pines will be participating in  their first show the day after Thanksgiving. They will show their six  best young alpacas. These alpacas have  good crimp and dense fiber, along with healthy teeth. They cover the fiber with a red coat so that it stays clean for the show.

Monaco Pines  also offers a huge line of services. They breed  other alpacas and llamas with their studs or females for other farms. They also host field trips for schools or groups. The goal for the ranch is to educate those who visit. Personal tours, offering one-on-one time learning about alpacas and the ranch, are available as well. They also board alpacas for others who want one but do not have enough room for them.

In addition, mentor programs will teach others  how to care for their alpacas. They also will sell alpacas, and have already sold five. Plans are for a summer camp, to be held in three sessions throughout the summer of 2009.

For more information about Monaco Pines, visit www.monacopines.com.

All Photos By Britni Palomino/Plainsman Press