South American Camelids

What are the 4 South American Camelid species?

- Llama
- Alpaca
- Guanacos
- Vicunas

What size groups should they be kept in?

Single sex groups of at least 3

What is their fur like?

- Not waterproof as no lanolin
- High quality and valuable
- Referred to as fibre rather than fleece/wool

How many alpacas are there estimated to be in the UK?

The British Alpaca Society has 45,000 registered alpacas and estimates there are around 15,000 unregistered.

How many llamas are there estimated to be in the UK?

Between 2000 and 4000

How much do alpacas weigh?

55-90kg
Newborns weigh 4-6kg

How much do llamas weigh?

113-250kg
Newborns weigh 8-18kg

What are the two alpaca breeds?

Suri alpacas which are larger, harder to handle, and have dreadlock-type fibre.
Huacaya alpacas which are smaller and less temperamental, with fine, crimped fibre.

What is it called when an alpaca sits down?

Crushing

How much space do alpacas require?

There should be 5-7 alpacas per acre of pasture.

How should south American camelids be housed?

- Shelter is essential
- Mud should be avoided
- Water to drink and to stand in during the summer
- Ground-feeders
- Dust bath
- Alpacas enjoy a change in terrain
- Animals should be able to feed without competition

What is normal alpaca behaviour?

- Sounds range from a happy humming to an angry grumbling
- distressed alpacas will scream
- Self-defence includes kicking, spitting, and spinning away
- Alpacas are nasal breathers

How should alpacas be handled?

- Gently and calmly
- They do not like being touched on the face
- Easily spooked

When do alpacas reach sexual maturity?

Males at 13-24 months
Females at 12-18 months

When do alpacas ovulate?

Alpacas are induced ovulators, meaning they ovulate after mating. This is because the male makes a special 'orgling' sound and semen contains induced ovulation factor.

How long is an alpaca's gestation

11-13 months

What are the signs of unpacking?

- Unpacking occurs between 7am and midday generally
- Signs include a lengthening vulva, mammary enlargement, relaxed and puffy perineal region

When can an alpaca rebreed after unpacking?

15-20 days postpartum, although females may not be receptive for up to 40 days post-partum.

How should a cria be cared for immediately after birth?

- Crias should be walking within 2 hours of birth
- Dams cannot lick their young, so crias must dry off in the sun
- Crias must receive colostrum. Some breeding farms keep castrated males for blood donation in the case that passive antibody fails

How often are alpacas sheared?

Huacaya alpacas are typically sheared yearly, and Suri alpacas are typically sheared every other year.

How often do alpacas require their feet trimming?

- Once a month or every few months
- Nails should be flat against the foot pad.

How often do alpacas require vitamin D?

Vit D can be injected twice yearly or given orally every 4-6 weeks.

What vaccinations do alpacas require?

- There are no licensed alpaca vaccinations, but sheep vaccinations can be used.
- We generally vaccinate alpacas 'too much' rather than 'too little' as we are yet to discover how frequently they should be vaccinated.
- Pregnant alpacas may be vaccinated so they pass immunity onto their offspring.
- The main concern is clostridial disease.

How are alpacas wormed?

Alpacas are particularly susceptible to parasites, and can become unwell with even a low parasitic burden.
Oral worming medications are given in response to worm egg count monitoring.

What are some key alpaca diseases?

- Worms
- Skin disease
- Flystrike
- Clostridial disease
- Leptospirosis
- TB
- Orf
- Abortion due to stress
- Vitamin D deficiency

Are alpacas classified as food-producing animals?

No, which means they can have drugs which are prohibited in other livestock species but if this is the case, they must never enter the food chain.

What are the requirements for an alpaca to be registered with the BAS?

The alpaca must be microchipped, and it is preferred that they have an ear tag, although it does not necessarily have to be in the alpaca's ear.
Females have a left ear tag, and males right.