The three compartments of the camelid stomach. C1 is the large fermentation chamber; C3 is the 'true stomach' where acid digestion occurs. Learn more →
Camelid
A member of the family Camelidae: alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, guanacos and camels. Learn more →
CDT
A vaccine against Clostridium perfringens types C and D plus tetanus — the core vaccine for alpacas. Learn more →
Chaccu
A traditional Andean round-up of wild vicuñas for live shearing, dating back to Inca times. Learn more →
Coefficient of variation (CV)
Standard deviation of fiber diameter divided by the average, as a percentage. A lower CV means a more uniform fleece. Learn more →
Colostrum
The first antibody-rich milk; a cria must drink it in its first hours. Learn more →
Comfort factor
The percentage of fibers finer than 30 microns. Above 95% is generally comfortable next to skin. Learn more →
Conformation
The physical structure of an alpaca: legs, back, neck, jaw and proportions. Judged at shows.
Cotted fleece
Fleece matted on the animal.
Cria
A baby alpaca or llama, from birth to weaning (about 6 months). Learn more →
Cria coat
A small waterproof or fleece jacket used to keep newborn crias warm in cold or wet weather. Learn more →
Crimp
The regular waviness of huacaya fiber, contributing to elasticity and loft. Learn more →
Crude protein (CP)
The protein content of feed estimated from nitrogen. Alpacas need about 8-16% depending on life stage. Learn more →
Cud
Partially digested feed regurgitated from C1 and re-chewed; healthy alpacas chew cud for hours each day. Learn more →