How is the alpaca business different from the Emu business?
The Emu industry depends, in part, on creating a demand for emu meat. Emus also reproduce relatively quickly with one hen producing 20-50 eggs in a single season. Emus are valued for the oil and other byproducts they yield. However, harvesting these byproducts requires slaughter. While the emu industry has its merits, the alpaca industry is very different. Alpacas are not raised for meat and reproduce slowly. Alpacas also provide a useable byproduct the fiber, which is harvested each year by shearing and does not involve slaughter. Of course, alpacas are also adorable, can be easily trained and enjoy interacting with people.
