Alpaca Breeding

Michell, with its vision of producing and exporting the finest Peruvian Alpaca, has extended its efforts from developing quality Alpaca-fibre products to animal breeding and raising. This is essential for creating quality animals who in-turn produce excellent fibre for processing.

During the early 1980's, Michell made the decision to set up an Alpaca-breeding ranch in the Andean highlands near Puno, close to the Titicaca Lake. The main emphasis was on improving Alpacas through breeding practices and to educate small farmers, who own the majority of the animals throughout the Alpaca-rich Puno District. The plan got off to a good start but was suddenly and violently interrupted by the ‘Shining Path’ terrorists who disrupted most businesses throughout the region, making the ranch unsafe for its employees.

When terrorism subsided in 1995, Michell committed itself once again to a model-breeding programme in the Puno District, establishing the Mallkini Ranch, which is the largest privately owned Alpaca operation on the Peruvian Highlands.

Mallkini possesses a herd of approximately 2,500 Huacayo and Suri Alpacas, which have been carefully selected for its breeding programmes. Michell is also sharing its knowledge gained in breeding with communities and co-operatives in the Puno District with the sole objective to improve the fibre quality. Today Mallkini's herd is among the best in Peru.

Alpaca Fibre

Alpaca is a silky, soft, durable fibre that has unique thermal properties due to the microscopic air pockets found within it. These pockets allow the user to breathe through the fibres on warm days, and likewise trap body heat in cold weather. It is also elastic and non-flammable.   Alpaca hair occurs in over 24 natural shades, which makes it an attractive alternative for top designers world-wide. The versatility of the Alpaca fibre allows it to be transformed into knitted and woven garments, accessories and crafts.

Main Qualities