11.7.2025 - LAM2 - part 1

The discussion starts with an introduction to camelids and their classification.
Emphasis on learning objectives was made, which outlines the topics that will be covered in depth.

Breeding information:
- Breeding two Huacayas can yield a Suri offspring.
- Breeding two Suris can result in a Huacaya offspring.

Adult llamas are larger and lack fleece on their heads.
Adult alpacas tend to have fleece on their faces, which can obscure their eyes.
Identification through ears: Llamas possess banana-shaped ears, while alpacas do not.
Terminology at small alpaca farms:
- Males may simply be referred to as males or additionally as 'sire' (for breeding males).
- Females are frequently referred to as females.
- Offspring are termed 'cria.'
- Weanlings: no specific term other than weanling.

Cushing: The position adopted by a camelid when it lies down in a sternal recumbent position.
Ogling: A distinctive mating vocalization made by male llamas during copulation.
Herd Guard: A llama among sheep, used for protection against predators.

Camelid owners often view their animals as part of the family and invest emotionally in their care.
Some owners may be highly knowledgeable about their camelids and can be involved in nutrition, vaccine schedules, and health monitoring.
Common misconceptions may arise from well-intentioned owners regarding nutrition:
- Monthly deworming is often believed to be necessary.
- Excessive grain feeding is a common misbelief; can lead to health risks such as obesity and diabetes.

Utilized primarily for
- Pets: Both llamas and alpacas are maintained as companion animals.
- Breeding and Showing: Particularly prevalent with alpacas.
- Fiber Production: While llamas produce fiber, alpacas are recognized primarily for efficient fiber production.
- Packing: Llamas are regarded as beasts of burden and are used for transporting goods.
Important consideration: Placing heavy loads on an alpaca can lead to the animal lying down due to their behavioral response called "kush."

Current values show:
- Alpacas typically worth more than llamas.
Noteworthy details about llama importing began in the early 1980s.
First import of alpacas into the US occurred in 1984; imports ceased in 1998 when the alpaca registry limited registration to pre-registered animals only.

Camelids have a strong flight response and are prey animals, often hiding signs of illness.
Key handling principles:
- Patient handling reduces stress.
- Avoid isolation; they feel more comfortable in pairs.
- Facilities should include rounded corners and non-slip flooring.

Approach slowly, from the side.
Alpacas run with their heads up, increasing the chance of accidental clotheslining when trying to catch.

Halters designed for alpacas should prevent interference with nasal airways.
Neck restraint is most effective; controlling the neck ensures compliance.
Avoid using painful restraint techniques, such as tail grabbing or ear twitching.

Camelids are pseudo-ruminant with a three-compartment stomach:
- The first two compartments function similarly to the rumen and reticulum in ruminants.
- The third compartment secretes acid for digestion.

Their erythrocytes (red blood cells) are elliptical and have a high affinity for oxygen, suitable for high altitude adaptation.
The split upper lip aids in selective grazing to avoid non-food items, decreasing hardware disease risk.

Camelids possess canines and modified incisors.
- Fighting teeth in males should be trimmed for safety to avoid injury during fights.

Camelids do not have cloven hooves; they have two toe pads with nails on the front.
Regular hoof trimming ensures they walk comfortably.

Condition scoring is imperative by palpating lumbar spine and assessing flesh between spinous processes.
Normal TPR (temperature, pulse, respiration) rates are:
- Heart rate: 60-80 bpm
- Respiratory rate: 15-30 breaths per minute
- GI sounds: 3-5 contractions per minute, noting this is higher than cattle.

Annual procedures ideally performed simultaneously:
- Shearing: crucial for thermoregulation; ideally performed before summer to avoid heat stress.

Ideal dry matter intake for maintenance is 2% of body weight; pregnant or lactating requires 3-4%.
The recommended stocking density for pasture is 5-7 camelids per acre to reduce parasitic load.
Supplementation: Zinc is vital for skin health; camelids are sensitive to copper.

Similar to sheep with nematodes being a primary concern; camelids thrive with pasture space to avoid intensive grazing.
- Regular monitoring of pastures and targeted deworming strategies is needed.

Stage One: Preparatory phase lasting 2-6 hours.
Stage Two: Begins with membrane rupture until cria birth (30-45 minutes should show constant progression).
Stage Three: Passage of placenta (should occur within two hours).
Newborns should stand within an hour and nurse within 2-4 hours for proper colostrum intake.
Ideal colostrum intake: 10-20% of body weight within the first 24 hours, ideally 10% within first 6 hours.

Atresia: Leading cause of neonatal failure; shows symptoms of open-mouth breathing.
Cleft Palate: Presence of milk out of the nose signifies this condition, which carries a poor prognosis.
Umbilical Hernias: Can be treated effectively with belly bands.