Introduction to Camelids

Introduction to Camelids

  • Presenter: Dr. Danny Wieser, DVM, MRCVS

Learning Objectives

  • Identify main camelid species and uses

  • Recognize key anatomy and physiology

  • Describe safe handling principles

  • List components of routine wellness care

  • Describe routine husbandry principles

  • Outline unique aspects of clinical exams

  • Outline effective communication techniques with owners

  • Identify and describe key stages of parturition and common congenital defects

Old World Camelid Overview

  • Taxonomy: Camelidae

  • Old World Camelids (Asian/African):

    • Bactrian (Origin: Asia)

    • Dromedary (Origin: Africa)

New World Camelid Overview

  • New World Camelids (South American Camelids):

    • Llama (Lama glama) – domesticated

    • Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) – domesticated

      • Breeds: Suri and Huacaya

    • Guanaco (Lama guanicoe) – wild

    • Vicuna (Vicugna vicugna) – wild

Breeds of Alpaca

  • Suri: About 10% of population; fleece has long straight fibers, lustrous, organized in waves that fall in "pencils" from the top-line.

  • Huacaya: About 90% of population; fleece is shorter with crimped fibers. Density is important, luster is not.

  • Fun Fact: Each breed can produce the other even if two Suris or two Huacayas are bred.

Comparison of Llamas and Alpacas

  • Llama vs. Alpaca:

    • Birth Weight:

      • Llama: 8-13 kg

      • Alpaca: 7-11 kg

    • Adult Weight:

      • Llama: 110-200 kg

      • Alpaca: 55-80 kg (up to 100 kg)

    • Nose:

      • Llama: Roman (curved/slightly bent) nose

      • Alpaca: Straight nose

    • Ears:

      • Llama: Long, banana-shaped ears

      • Alpaca: Straight ears

    • Head fleece:

      • Llama: Very little

      • Alpaca: A lot, often obstructing eyes

Camelid Terminology

  • Subject Terms:

    • Males: male, sire, stud, "macho", gelding (castrated)

    • Females: female, dam, "hembra"

    • Babies: cria (neonate); weanling (typically weaned at 6 months; "tui")

    • Parturition: birthing, criation, unpacking

    • Collective: herd (not flock)

    • Haircoat: fleece, fiber (not wool)

Terminology Continued

  • Term Definitions:

    • Cush/Kush: Sternal lying position, common in all camelids.

    • Orgling: Distinctive mating vocalization made by male llamas and alpacas during copulation.

    • Herd Guard: A llama used to protect sheep/goats from predators.

Communicating with South American Camelid Owners

  • Unique Considerations:

    • High emotional investment – considered pets or family members.

    • Use empathetic communication.

    • Knowledgeable but variable experience among owners.

    • Preventative care expectations must be set, including topics such as vaccinations, nutrition and mineral supplementation, and parasite control.

    • Be prepared to debunk common myths:

      • Myth: Camelids spit all the time.

      • Myth: Monthly deworming is best.

Roles of the South American Camelid

  • Uses:

    • Llama:

      • Pets: Yes

      • Breeding: Yes

      • Showing: Yes – thriving

      • Fiber Production: Yes - low quality

      • Packing: Yes – primary function, low environmental impact

      • Meat: Depends on perspective

      • Current value: £250 - 2000

    • Alpaca:

      • Pets: Yes

      • Breeding: Yes

      • Showing: Yes – significant

      • Fiber Production: Yes - primary function

      • Packing: No – significant behavior against it

      • Meat: No - usually not in North America

      • Current value: £500 - 20,000+

South American Camelids in the USA

  • Llamas:

    • Large scale importation began in the early 1980s; high prices initially.

    • Importation declined in the 1990s; stable industry established.

  • Alpacas:

    • First imported in 1984.

    • Importation ceased in 1998 when the Alpaca Registry closed to non-registered stock.

    • Breeding females could sell for $15,000 to $25,000 initially; prices fell post-2007 recession.

    • High-quality females and stud males retain high prices; top-selling male sold for $600,000.

    • Pet quality males usually acquired cheaply (approximately $500).

    • By December 2020, over 260,000 alpacas were registered in the US.

Handling and Restraint

  • General Principles:

    • Alpacas are prey animals with strong flight responses.

    • Calm, quiet, and patient handling reduces stress and risk of injury.

    • Always avoid isolating them from their herd; compliance increases with companions.

Facilities for Handling

  • Use catch pens with solid walls (approximately 8-10 ft² per animal).

  • Ensuring rounded corners helps prevent panic or injury.

  • Non-slip flooring is essential.

Approach and Capture Principles

  1. Approach slowly and quietly from the side; avoid direct eye contact.

  2. Gently corral the animal into a corner or catch pen.

  3. Arms should be out horizontally and gently wrapped around the neck, as controlling the neck allows control of the animal.

  4. Avoid chasing, which increases stress and risk of injury.

Restraint Techniques

  1. Halters and Leads:

    • Use properly fitted camelid-specific halters (noseband must sit high on nasal bone).

    • Avoid forceful pulling to prevent nasal occlusion and stress.

  2. Neck Restraint:

    • Stand beside the animal, wrapping one arm around the neck and other at the shoulder.

    • Controls the animal effectively for brief procedures like injections.

  3. Sternal Recumbency (Cushing):

    • Often used for blood draws and rectal exams.

    • Some may cushion naturally when nervous; induce by gentle pressure.

  4. Standing Restraint with Barrier:

    • Place the animal against a wall or padded chute. Use an assistant if needed.

  5. Chemical Restraint:

    • For more invasive procedures, sedatives like xylazine + ketamine + butorphanol may be utilized.

Restraint Techniques to Avoid

  • Tail jack or rump hold: low efficacy and risk of injury; may cause spitting.

  • Leg restraints: only during specific procedures such as shearing or C-section.

  • Tethering techniques: using ropes on all four limbs may induce stress and pain.

  • Avoid excessive chasing, loud noise, grab of fiber or skin as they are painful and stressful to the animals.

Unique Anatomical Features of South American Camelids (SACs)

  • 3 Compartment Stomach:

    • Comprised of C1, C2, and C3: functioning as “pseudo-ruminants.”

    • C1 and C2: fermentative digestion analogous to rumen & reticulum.

    • C3: distal 1/3 secretes acid; site of potential ulceration risk.

  • Erythrocytes:

    • Resemble avian species: small and elliptical with a high hemoglobin affinity for oxygen; adapted to high altitude hypoxia.

  • Highly Mobile: Selectively grazing and discriminately eating; resistant to Hardware Disease unlike cattle.

  • Foot Anatomy: Instead of hooves, camelids have two toe pads with nails, less damaging to terrain.

Physical Exam

  • General Assessment:

    • Note the animal's attitude and temperament before handling.

    • Evaluate respiratory rate, cud chewing, lameness, and any neurological deficits.

    • Body Condition Score (BCS) is critical:

      • Visual vs palpation techniques.

      • Palpation of lumbar spine similar to sheep.

Physical Exam Variables

Adults

  • Heart Rate (beats/min): 60-80 (40-60 if not stressed)

  • Respiratory Rate (breaths/min): 15-30

  • Temperature (°C): 38.0-38.9 (100-102°F)

  • Gastrointestinal Sounds: 3-5 C1 contractions/min (mostly intestinal noises).

Crias

  • Heart Rate (beats/min): 70-100

  • Respiratory Rate (breaths/min): 20-30

  • Respiratory Sounds: Bronchovesicular sounds; quiet unless respiratory conditions arise.

  • Temperature (°C): Similar to adults.

  • Gastrointestinal Sounds: Mostly intestinal noises (pre-ruminating crias).

Examination of Head

  • EENT observations, menace/palpebral reflexes, mucous membranes (MM) and capillary refill time (CRT), and submandibular lymph nodes (SMLNs) should be evaluated.

  • Assess bulbar conjunctiva as another inspection area.

Annual Procedures

  1. Shearing

  2. Dental examination

  3. Foot exam/trimming

  4. Vaccines

  • Ideally, all procedures should be done simultaneously to minimize stress of handling.

Shearing

  • Importance: Prevents heat stress; primary area for heat dissipation is the ventral thorax and abdomen.

  • Timing: Shear in the spring before temperatures rise.

  • Method: Can perform a whole-body or barrel clip; leg restraint may be necessary.

Dentition

  • Fighting Teeth: Permanent upper incisor plus upper/lower canines.

  • Tooth Eruption Timeline:

    • Initial incisors usually erupt by full-term.

    • I1: 2-2.5 years

    • I2: 3-3.5 years

    • I3: 3-6 years

    • Permanent canines: 2-7 years.

Dental Care

  • “Floating” cheek teeth is usually unnecessary.

  • Regular maintenance: Use a Dremel or cutting blade, avoiding manual tools.

  • Incisors: Continuously grow; trim as necessary.

  • Fighting Teeth: Leave 2 mm crown above gumline.

  • Monitor for tooth root abscesses, common in camelids; mandibular abscesses visible, maxillary may be concealed.

Foot Conformation and Care

  • Camelids possess toenails around a soft footpad per limb.

  • Trim toenails flush with the soft pad annually; require trimming 2-3 times a year under certain conditions (e.g., soft surfaces).

Vaccine Basics

  • Vaccines for Camelids: No labeled vaccines established in the US.

  • Client Education: Educate clients since vaccine companies do not cover complications or guarantee efficacy.

  • Several studies have validated immune responses to commonly administered vaccines, underscoring immunization needs.

Core Vaccines in the US

  • Vaccines:

    • CDT: 2 doses 3-6 weeks apart, then annually.

    • Rabies: Begin at 3-4 months, then annually.

    • Multivalent Clostridial vaccines (7- or 8-way): Follow similar schedules.

    • WNV: 3 initial vaccines over 3 weeks, then annually.

    • EEE: Same timing as WNV.

    • EHV-1: Every 6 months.

    • Leptospirosis: Short immunity; vaccinate every 6 months after initial series.

IM/SQ Injections

  • Preferred Method: SQ for most cases; IM reserved for specific few.

  • Injection Sites:

    • SQ: Axillary region behind elbow.

    • IM: Caudal neck, cranial to shoulder; semimembranosus, semitendinosus for muscular injections.

Venipuncture

  • Preferred Site: Right jugular vein due to skin thickness and proximity.

  • Higher Up: Thinner skin and more superficial jugular vein.

Camelid Nutrition Basics

  • Maintenance: 2% of body weight (BW) in dry matter; 3-4% BW in dry matter for pregnant/lactating/growing animals.

  • Pasture Density: Ideal stocking density for sheep/cattle interactions is 5-7 camelids per acre, promoting better parasite control.

  • Mineral Supplements: Use camelid-specific supplements; zinc aids skin health. Avoid sheep, cattle, and horse supplements due to risk.

Other Husbandry Considerations

  • Typically grazed on pasture.

  • Males and females should be housed separately.

  • Provide adequate shelter and shade; install proper fencing.

  • Crias often weaned at 6 months; separate field space for weaned animals.

Camelid Endoparasite Basics

  • Susceptible to similar GI parasites as sheep (e.g., Hemonchus, ostertagia, nematodirus, trichuris, coccidia).

  • Not well adapted for high burdens; require close monitoring during co-grazing with sheep.

Developing a Parasite Control Strategy

  • Worming Programs tailored to individual farms.

  • Pasture Control: Include rotation, low stocking densities, and feces removal in regular practices.

  • Monitor fecal counts; consider selective treatments based on specific needs.

Parturition

  • Gestation Length: 335-372 days.

  • Stages of Parturition:

    • Stage I (Preparatory): 2-6 hours, signs include restlessness and tail lifting.

    • Stage II (Active Delivery): 30-45 minutes, marked by delivery following the rupture of membranes.

    • Stage III (Placental Passage): Less than 2 hours.

Parturition - When to Intervene

  • Situations for Intervention:

    • At least 15 minutes of visible membranes with no progression suggests inertia.

    • Any sign of unproductive straining beyond 15-20 minutes suggests complications.

    • Abnormal presentations or absence of pushing from the dam during Stage II signals a need for immediate intervention.

Crias' Post-Birth Considerations

  • Rules of thumb: should stand within 1 hour, walk by 2 hours, and nurse within 2-4 hours.

  • Meconium passage should occur within 18-24 hours; warm soapy water may be used for assistance if necessary.

  • Colostrum: Critical to provide 10-20% of body weight within the first 24 hours, preferably within the first 8 hours.

Crias - Vitamin/Mineral Supplements

  • Vitamin D: Administer every 2-3 months during winter at a dose of 1000 IU/kg (up to 2000 IU/kg in northern areas).

  • Bo-Se: Administer 0.5 ml for alpaca crias and 1 ml for llama crias within the first few days if selenium deficient areas.

Crias - Congenital Defects

  • Newborn Exam: Look for congenital defects, common due to intensive breeding.

  • Choanal Atresia: Membranes prevent normal breathing; often fatal.

  • Imperforate Vulva: Requires surgical intervention; can be corrected under sterile conditions.

  • Cleft Palate: Poor prognosis; nasal discharge with milk indicative.

  • Umbilical Hernia and Heart Defects: Monitor for murmurs; surgical corrections may be needed.

SAC Sedation

  • General Anesthesia: Good for longer procedures; approximately 45 minutes effective sedation with Xylazine, Ketamine, and Butorphanol.

  • Short Procedure Sedation: "Stun sedation" using a smaller cocktail for about 20 minutes effective sedation.

Castration Information

  • General Anesthesia: Required; suitable for field conditions if performed correctly.

  • Techniques: Surgical prep must vary based on conditions, use methods suitable for the setting and ensure strict asepsis during hospital procedures.

Questions

  • Contact: dwieser@rossvet.edu.kn

  • "An Adventure? Alpaca My Bags"