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Alpacas and Llamas


Alpacas and Llamas

The Pet Directory Farm Animal Article - Alpacas

ALPACAS belong to the species called South American Camelids and are closely related to Llamas. Llama are approximately twice the size of alpacas and have banana shaped ears, they are predominately used as pack animals whereas alpacas are breed for their fine fleece.

There are two distinct fleece types within the Alpaca species. The Suri (pronounced Soo-ree) has fleece that hangs down from the body in ringlets, and the more numerous Huacaya (pronounced hawk-eye-yuh) which has a more fluffy appearance with fleece that grows perpendicular to the body. Both types can be any one of the 12 recognised colours including shades of black, white, grey, fawn and brown or a mixture of colours (called multi-coloured or fancy). The fleece is often spun in its natural colour although it will take dye readily.

The Pet Directory Farm Animal Article - Alpacas

Alpacas are shorn annually in spring or summer, and produce 2-6kgs of fleece. The most valuable part of the fleece is the saddle and can weigh 1-3kgs. They can be shorn in a standing position however the preferred method is to lie the animals on their side and restrain their legs with a tether at each end. This protects both the shearer and the alpaca from being accidentally cut. Fleece may be spun by hand and is keenly sought after by hand spinners or it can be sold commercially to processors. It can be processed into high quality fashion garments such as suits, jackets, skirts and coats. Jumpers knitted from alpaca fleece are soft, light and warm. Due to its cell structure alpaca has a lower prickle factor than wool and can be comfortably worn close to the skin.

BASIC ALPACA HUSBANDRY

Alpacas are functional ruminants (chew their chud) and are predominantly grazers and occasional browsers. They require approximately the same daily equivalent of food and fencing requirements as a sheep. Fresh drinking water must be available at all times. If you live in a high rainfall area a shelter is required, Shade trees or shelters will be required during summer. Alpacas have a lifespan of approximately 20 years.

Teeth, toenails and internal parasites need to be attended to as required, and they require vaccination with 5-1 sheep/cattle vaccine twice a year. They are shorn once a year. Alpacas are relatively hardy and husbandry of non breeding stock is simple. However they have a very strong herding instinct and most will fret if kept in isolation.

Wethers (castrated males) are the easiest to care for and are ideal for novice owners. Alpacas can make excellent pets, however all alpacas have individual natures and you should specify at the time of purchase that you require a docile and trained alpaca.

Vaccination of Alpacas

Information supplied by Dr Jamie McNeil BSc BVMS(Hons) MVS for The Pet Directory

Every now and then it is wise to step back from the information barrage that we find ourselves in everyday and ensure that we understand the basics…. Remember the old adage “You need to walk before you run”! This in mind let us take a look at a very basic area of animal husbandry, vaccination.

Why vaccinate animals?
Vaccination is simply a means of preventing disease before it occurs. The diseases which vaccines have been developed for are generally very serious, often fatal or not easily treated with conventional drugs. Hence we often cannot just rely on giving the affected animals medication to get them over it…Remember “prevention is better than cure”.

 

How do vaccines work?
Quite simply a vaccine contains two main ingredients. Firstly it contains a modified version of the disease-causing organism and secondly it contains a chemical that it is irritating to the body (adjuvant). When you inject the vaccine into the animal two things occur. The modified organism is detected by the body and recognized as a foreign invader. As the organism has been modified, it cannot cause the disease itself but in all other ways it is exactly the same as the real thing. The body then makes antibodies specifically to attack the invading organism. The role of the adjuvant is to cause irritation and inflammation in the area of injection. This means that blood flow to the required area is increased, which improves the chances of the body finding and making antibodies against the invading organism.

What diseases should I vaccinate my alpacas against?
At the present time the main diseases we vaccinate alpacas against are termed “The Clostridial Diseases”. The diseases include:
1. Tetanus
A disease where the muscles of the body are caused to tighten or contract without being able to relax. Death usually results from the inability to breath;
2. Enterotoxaemia 
A disease which causes damage to major body organs such as the kidney (“Pulpy Kidney”) hence causing major organ failure and death;
3. Black Leg 
A disease that causes large amounts of severe muscle damage, gas production under the skin and eventually death due to the overwhelming nature of the infection;
4. Black Disease
A disease that causes severe damage to the liver and other areas of the body. Death occurs due to overwhelming nature of the infection;
5. Malignant Oedema
A disease similar to Blackleg but infected tissue tends to produce large amounts of fluid under skin rather than gas. Death occurs due to overwhelming nature of the infection.

Alpacas by John Manning

The characteristics of these diseases is firstly and most often death. Secondly, they generally occur in young, healthy, fast growing animals. This means that young animals are generally at greatest risk and hence greatest need for vaccination.

As you can see there are 5 disease listed so hence they are often referred to as “5 in 1” diseases as are the products used to vaccinate against them. Sometimes you will see products that are called 6 or 7 in 1. These are 5 in 1 products with the addition of another organism to prevent a disease in dairy cattle called leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is usually not a fatal disease and vaccination is primarily carried out for the safety of the people milking cows rather than for the animals. It is not considered a major problem in alpacas. Some vaccines contain an organism to prevent “Cheesy Gland” in sheep. I do not recommend these products for use in alpacas.

Which vaccine should I use?
Some of this has been explained above but in summary choose a product that is protecting against the 5 clostridial diseases listed above. Always read the instructions of the product purchased and follow them correctly. Different manufacturers have different vaccination protocols that suit and maximize the effectiveness of their product.
There are no products that are registered or designed for use on alpacas; you are using them at your own risk. That being said many of the products currently available on the market have been used in alpacas and no problems have arisen.

When should I vaccinate my alpacas?
Before you proceed with vaccinating your animals, please read the directions of the product you are planning to use. You will note that no dose appears for alpacas, only for sheep/goat and cattle. I tend to use the cattle dose due to the heavier weight of alpacas than sheep, particularly when young and have not experienced any reported problems.

Young animal should be vaccinated as early as recommended on the product you purchase. One product recommends as early as 6 weeks of age. Certainly young animal should have their first shot by 10 weeks of age for at this time any protection that they may have received from their mother via the colostrum has diminished.

In a previously unvaccinated animal, once you have given the first injection you must follow through with second booster injection generally 4-6 weeks later. This is needed because it reminds they body again about the organism. The body is tricked into thinking that this disease is a very big threat as it has been exposed to it twice in a very short period of time.

Therefore it makes extra antibodies so overall you end up with a greater reserve of disease fighting goodies waiting for what it expects is another invasion very soon.

After the two initial shots, a 6 monthly or yearly booster must be given for the reasons stated above. In the case of Tetanus and Blackleg, such an approach should provide lifelong protection. This is not the case for the other 3 diseases. Hence regular boosters are recommended and should be given.
Older animals even though at a lower risk from the diseases should still be vaccinated particularly breeding females as this allows large amounts of antibodies to be present in their colostrum so passing on some immunity to the cria for about the first 8-10 weeks of its life.

When should I vaccinate the pregnant females?
Most products will recommend that pregnant females be vaccinated or receive their booster vaccination about 4 weeks prior to giving birth. This time period is specified to ensure that the highest possible levels of antibodies are present in the colostrum.

The down side of this, particularly in alpacas, is that there is a degree of stress in handling and injecting these animals. Some concern has been raised about an increased risk of abortion or premature births. It is known that high levels of stress in late pregnant animals may initiate early labour. Some people/vets recommend not vaccinating at this late stage of pregnancy in alpacas. Ultimately the decision comes down to an individual choice made on the basis of the perceived risk to the newborn cria, the nature & temperament of the female to be vaccinated and possibly also the facilities available to perform the procedure. If you are unsure about this area discuss the issue with you vet. If a female has been vaccinated regularly but doesn’t receive this late pregnancy booster they will still have antibodies in their colostrum, though it may not be at as higher levels.

Although not flashy or at the cutting face of new information, vaccination is a necessary and proven effective means of preventing disease and death in your animals. Discuss a vaccinating regime with your vet if not sure on which way to proceed. It is pretty cheap insurance!

Lots About Llama

Llama4

General Appearance and Type
The llama is an athletic animal, tall and sturdily built with an appearance of strength and nobility. It’s movements should be fluid and graceful, with both head and tail carried high. It’s disposition is calm and it’s nature curious.

It is a symmetrical, well balanced animal with neck length being proportionate to both back and leg length. Generally, a llama reaches maturity at about three years of age. It should be capable of carrying a load over long distances and when true to type, will exhibit the characteristics listed in this standard.

Llama2

Llama Uses
Domestic Pets
Llamas are gentle animals with inquisitive natures that will often captivate people for life. They are safe around children and the elderly and are a delight to keep on either a large or small acreage. Their tractable nature ensures children and adults alike can handle them equally well.

Many llamas love crowds and behave very well. They are not spooked by cars, children or loud noises and will almost go anywhere that you can go.

Fibre 
Llamas produce a strong, soft, low micron wool appreciated by knitters and spinners. It is lanolin free and comes in a wide range of rich, natural colours.
Once made into garments it is exceedingly warm due to the natural insulation qualities of the fibre. Llama fleece is also ideal for felting and makes wonderful hats and jackets. The fleece may be collected by means of shearing or brushing.

Guardians 
Some llamas make excellent livestock guardians, protecting herds against dog and fox attacks. Highly intelligent, llamas can distinguish between possible and imminent threats. They have a natural wariness of canines and although they will become used to the family dog, they will become aggressive toward a predator advancing on a family group.

A confrontation between a llama and predator usually results in the predator’s retreat. Llamas have been known to stomp foxes, coyotes and predatory dogs to death as well as herding flocks of livestock to protected areas. However, despite this ability a llama is no match for a pack of marauding dogs.

Llama3

Llama Care
Housing and Fencing 
The llama has an impressive ability to cope with most types of climate but requires shelter from the elements for basic comfort and health. Large trees are excellent but if these are not available a three sided shed is adequate. Llamas do like to shelter from strong winds and rain and will need some shade in summer.
When llamas are content within their living group they are respectful of fencing and can generally be confined by a four foot fence of any type. As long as llamas have adequate feed on their side of the fence and not presented with any tasty treats on the other side, they will seldom put pressure on the fence. Generally sheep fencing is adequate. Barbed wire and star pickets are not recommended as they can cause injuries. Electric fencing may be used but is not necessary.

Llama1

Training 
Llamas are intelligent and easily trained. A trained llama is a pleasure to work with and ensures the occasional medical and maintenance procedures are stress free for both llama and handler. To successfully train any animal requires consistency and this is also the key to achieving the best results when training llamas.


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