Our Alpaca Meat Philosophy
The decision to slaughter alpacas is not an easy one—and not always easy to understand. We recognize that. However, as a fourth-generation farming business, we carry daily responsibility for our animals. For us, responsibility also means making difficult decisions consciously—rather than avoiding them.
This philosophy is not just a concept for us, but part of our everyday actions.
The Alpaca as Livestock
The decision to slaughter alpacas is not something everyone agrees with.
We are a fourth-generation family farm and, as certified master farmers, we also train young agricultural apprentices. In addition to alpaca breeding, we run a dairy farm with our own young stock and a closed pig farming operation with breeding sows and fattening animals. It is therefore natural that we have a different perspective on alpaca meat than some other alpaca enthusiasts.
Although we value these animals, there are situations where an animal must be culled. In such cases, we make a conscious decision to use the meat rather than euthanizing the animal and disposing of it. In Switzerland, alpacas are considered livestock, and their use for meat production is legally permitted and part of agricultural reality. The topic of alpaca slaughter is therefore something we approach consciously and responsibly. For more information on livestock farming in Switzerland, please refer to the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (BLV)..
This perspective may feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. However, these animals are more than just their wool or appearance. For us, responsible animal husbandry also means not ignoring difficult realities. The decision to slaughter an alpaca is never taken lightly, but always with careful consideration of responsibility and animal welfare.
Another important aspect for us is maintaining a stable and responsible market. To avoid price dumping and to protect new owners from problematic animals—such as those with berserk syndrome, severe genetic defects, or irreparable injuries—such animals are not passed on, but instead responsibly utilized. In this way, a necessary decision also results in a high-quality, healthy, and valuable food product.
Learn more about the Special characteristics of alpaca meat and nutritional values of alpaca meat.
Which alpacas are used for meat?
As we focus on selective and responsible breeding, working only with carefully chosen males, a large proportion of offspring are classified as hobby males—not every male is suitable for breeding or resale.
Our primary goal is always to place our alpacas with other breeders and enthusiasts. However, there are animals with traits or behaviors that make integration into other herds difficult or impossible. This particularly includes very dominant males or animals that do not fit well into existing herd structures. In such cases, we consciously decide not to pass these animals on, but instead use them for alpaca meat production.
n certain cases, we also take in animals from other alpaca owners. This is never done indiscriminately, but only under clearly defined conditions. For us, it is essential that the origin, husbandry, and condition of the animals are fully traceable and meet our own standards—not every animal is automatically accepted. This is another example of how our alpaca meat philosophy is reflected in the careful selection and evaluation of each individual animal.
The health of the animals is a key requirement. We pay close attention to ensuring that there are no infectious diseases, parasites, or other health risks that could affect processing or safety. This is carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis, both for our own animals and for those we take in.
Many animal owners also face the challenge of not having direct access to suitable butchers or marketing opportunities. In such cases, we can offer a solution—without long transport routes and with respectful, regional processing.
For these reasons, alpaca meat is occasionally available in our farm shop.
A Sustainable Alpaca Industry
The alpaca industry in Switzerland continues to develop in a stable way, and animals still achieve strong market prices. As a result, we are not facing the same challenges seen in other countries, where factors such as market oversupply, rising feed costs, limited grazing land, or climatic conditions can lead to difficult decisions regarding herd sizes.
This reality is often not widely discussed, yet it remains part of the industry’s development. Not every animal is suitable for breeding, not every animal can be meaningfully rehomed, and not every animal finds the right place.
We believe that a healthy alpaca industry is not built on enthusiasm alone, but also on responsibility, honesty, and a conscious approach to these challenges. For us, this means taking responsibility not only in good times, but also when decisions are difficult.
Processed Locally & Responsibly
Every animal born on our farm is treated with care and respect. This commitment does not end in the pasture—it continues through every step.
Our alpacas remain in our care until the very end and are personally looked after. Processing is carried out consciously at a regional level by our trusted butcher nearby. This allows us to avoid unnecessary transport and keep stress for the animals as low as possible. At the same time, processing follows our own high standards.
In close collaboration with Ochsen Metzgerei, we create high-quality products made from pure alpaca meat, including Mostbroeckli, Bauernschueblig, Salsiz, and other specialties, as well as carefully selected cuts for gentle preparation. You can find our alpaca meat products here
In this way, we combine animal welfare, artisanal processing, and regional value creation—transparent, traceable, and firmly rooted in our region.
Responsibility in Agriculture
Our work is not based on short-term decisions, but on experience, responsibility, and a conscious approach to our animals. We understand that this topic can be viewed differently. All the more important for us is to communicate our approach transparently and not avoid the discussion.
For us, agriculture means taking responsibility in a holistic way—for the animal, for the quality, and for the final product. This mindset shapes our entire alpaca meat philosophy—from breeding to processing.
