The Australian alpaca industry has filled its largest shipment ever.

One of the many unsung Australian export industries – local alpaca from the southern half of the country fetch a high price in Chinese markets and, in this case, laboratories as well.

The cargo was comprised of an incredible 525 stud animals, breeding males and pregnant females travelling on a chartered Singapore Airlines 747 freighter aircraft.

The luxury travel option was selected to protect the early days of new alpaca research in China.

The herd will live on the grounds of Shanxi University in northern China, where they will be used for genetic research into the properties and uses of alpaca wool.

Exporters in Western Australian say they are keen to keep up the peak in alpaca transport, as the country seeks new ways to link profitably with its Chinese neighbours.