About Shogun

Shogun Alpaca Stud was originally established at Silverdale, NSW in 1998. In 2001, it was relocated to a 100 acre property at Hampton NSW, overlooking the Kanimbla Valley. It is a boutique establishment obtaining good results in the showring; Canberra National Show & a Reserve Champion Fleece.

We at Shogun, are passionate about our animals. Our initial breeding females were sourced from well established studs for introduction to new, superior bloodlines. This breeding program has enabled progeny to display fleeces with lustre, handle & density.

Shogun Stud is available for agistment & support to new breeders. We are also currently able to supply both breeding females & guard weathers. All our animals, both alpacas & goats, have been assessed under The Australian Johne's Disease Market Assurance Programme as MN3.

About Alpacas

Alpacas are endemic to the Andes region of South America & have been farmed for their fleeces since Incan times. The 17th century saw Spanish contact & upheaval in this ancient civilisation, resulting in retreat to the Altiplano or high plains. Harsh conditions on these mountain pastures have honed alpaca bloodlines over preceeding centuries, providing tough & agile beasts with quality fleeces. Peru, Bolivia & Chile remain home to the alpaca, though breeding programs have been established in countries such as the United States, Canada & Australia since the 1980s.

Alpacas are camelids, related to the dromedary, Bactrian camels, llamas, vicunas & guanacos. There are two sub-species; huacaya & suri. The suri grows a long, silky fleece whilst the huacaya's is dense & woolen. Alpacas have padded feet, suiting them more to erosive pastures than hoofed stock. They are also small, gentle & readily handled, with a life span of 15 to 20 years. Gestation is 11 to 12 months, usually resulting in a single juvenile or cria.

Alpacas are shorn annually, yielding an average 2 to 5kg of quality fibre which is recognised by the textile industry in 22 different hues.