MOST people invest in a superannuation fund but not Desley Barlow. Her investment of choice is Alpacas.

Since she joined the Capricorn Park Alpaca group, her herd has grown from four originally to more than 60, in just four short years.

Showing off several of her stars at the Rockhampton Show yesterday, Desley said she never expected to fall in love with the animal so much.

"I went to an open day once and they had a workshop afterwards, you had to put your name down and enter, then I was told the facts of how to provide for them and I thought it was something I wanted to do. That was four years ago. Now I have more than 60 of them," Desley said.

"They aren't that expensive to buy or look after but I call it my Super as it has real potential to grow.

"I definitely didn't expect to own 60 one day, I always wanted to show my animals but once your alpacas start ribboning their value goes up.

"When a baby is born they are worth about $2000 but if I take them to the show and they get a few ribbons they rise to $4000-5000 in a year."

Desley said it was impossible to pick a favourite of her 60 strong herd, even if they all had unique personalities. To her, learning about the specific breeds was "fascinating".

"You are always learning, they come from South America and are a camel group and there is always something to do with them which I find fascinating," she said.

"Learning the certain breeds. I don't even have a favourite. They all have different personalities, Spirit was one of the first ones I bought and now she has had two babies. It's been great watching her grow up.

"We are here with a group of Alpaca growers who come together for functions and shows.

"It is a way to promote ourselves so people can see Alpacas, the different types and colours. You have the Huacaya, who have sheep-like fleece and the Suri which is like dreadlocks. I love them all."