South Africa Alpaca Breeders' Society

The South Africa Alpaca Breeders' Society (SAABS) promotes the breeding and sustainable farming of alpacas, and offers guidance to new farmers joining the alpaca community.

The society has played an important role in the growing alpaca industry since the start of the 21st century. In 2001, the SA Alpaca breeders' Club was inaugurated and subsequently promulgated to a Society in late 2007. SAABS is registered under the South African Stud Book and Livestock Improvement Association, which makes the alpaca a registered breed in SA.

The society is in charge of maintaining the minimum breeding standards and genetic improvements of South African alpacas. If a farmer wants to register his stud alpacas, they have to be a member of the society.

Breeders' Society Services

The Alpaca Breeders' Society offers its members six crucial services:

There are a number of shearing services available in the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal for breeders who’d like their alpacas sheared professionally.

There are stud services in both the Western Cape and Gauteng for breeding.

Alpaca husbandry in the Western Cape includes day-to-day care, ive breeding and the raising.

For veterinary advice, members can join the SAABS WhatsApp group, which allows them access to other breeders who can offer immediate health guidance based on their individual experiences.

There are various breeders in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal on hand for Breeding advice.

Micron wool testing can be done in the Eastern Cape. 

Membership Breeders' Society

The Alpaca Breeders' Society has roughly around 60 members and 1442 registered alpacas on 48 alpaca farms.

The community grew significantly in the last few years as alpaca farming gained popularity. 

A membership fee allows the society to publish an annual newsletter, as well arrange seminars across the country for its members. 

Membership Benefits

As a member of the Alpaca Breeders' Society, new farmers are introduced to helpful contacts in the alpaca community and are able to receive information and advice needed to run a successful farming business.

Members are guided by a Minimum Breed Standard and are protected by a Code of conduct on the sale and marketing of their animals, as well as the sale of fibre-related products. Furthermore, members have access to a wide range of services to improve their farming practices. 

SA National Alpaca Day is celebrated annually on the 27th of April, and members across the country can arrange a meet-up to celebrate their achievements, or the society will host an open day for existing breeders and new alpaca farmers wanting to join the society.