Alpaca Scales Used For Dual Purposes

By Author: Mel Joelle
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Alpacas are animals that are closely related to llamas, and less closely related to camels. They originated in South America, especially in the Andes Mountains where their meat, and more importantly, the fiber from their coats was highly prized. Alpacas are raised by thousands of breeders, owners and small farmers in the United States. The animals are considered by some to be pets, by others to be a source of valuable fiber to be sheared and sold, and by others as in investment.

As with any other animal, alpacas must be carefully monitored for health. They receive a variety of dietary supplements, and when ill, must receive the proper dosage of medication. Alpacas vary significantly in size. Of course the baby animals, known as crias, are quite small. Adults may range up to 150 pounds, or even larger. When determining the correct amount of medication, it is critically important to know the weight of the animal.

Alpaca scales, such as those offered by Arlyn Scales, are designed specifically for that purpose. The scale platform is very low to the ground, making it easy for the animal to step up. For comfort, it ...
... is covered with a rubber mat. The indicator includes special software to accurately weigh an animal that will not stand still. The digital display on the alpaca scale has large, black, graphics digits, making the weight easy to see. Although the scale capacity is 500 pounds, the readability is one tenth of a pound, allowing accurate weights to be determined for even the smallest alpacas.

In addition, the alpaca scale can serve a dual purpose by using it to weigh the fiber from the sheared animals. With the excellent sensitivity provided the Arlyn Scale can accurately provide fiber weights for both statistical and marketing purposes.
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