Alpaca are extremely gentle animals with an inner curiosity
which makes them very appealing to the small block holder,
commercial farmer or pet owner.
Alpaca are gentle on the pasture and easily maintained but like all
livestock to ensure best animal
health practice, a reliable animal husbandry routine needs to be established.
After many years of being involved in the Alpaca and Equine industry I
have found the methods developed below to be most reliable in
maintaining best alpaca health practices.Worming
Six monthly oral or injectable, calculated on a weight basis. Young
alpaca, and the occasional older alpaca may need to be wormed especially for tapeworms. Cria
(baby alpaca) require a worming program for their first six months of
life. We drench orally once a
month for the first three months, again at six months and/or weaning,
then at
nine months of age and one year. From then on your alpaca will require
drenching for worms at six monthly intervals. Should your alpaca have an
episode of loose faeces or scouring which often results in weight loss your first initiative should be to deworm
your alpaca.
Vaccination
Six monthly injectable 5 in 1 vaccine. This is a multi vaccine and
will protect your alpaca against Black leg, Pulpy Kidney, Black Disease,
Tetanus, Malignant Oedema . Your cria require a course of this.
Vaccination starts at two months of age with two further treatments at
four and six months. From then on at six monthly intervals.
Vitamin Supplementation
We supplement our alpaca, particularly young growing animals during
the Autumn and Winter months with Vitamin ADE. Vitamin D
assists with phosphate/calcium absorption, and without this your alpaca
can be susceptible to vitamin deficiencies/rickets. Initial
observations of vitamin deficient alpaca include - the slow alpaca at
the back, looking a bit stiff and shuffley, sitting down more than
usual, a limp. Get on to this with Vit D and symptoms will resolve
themselves. More severe symptoms are hunched back, pain when
walking, unable to run, weight loss.
When confronted with an alpaca that is unwell or appears off colour
it is important to consult your vet.
Nail Trimming
In New Zealands lush conditions alpaca toenails grow very fast. We
use the shearing days to "Spring Clean" and tidy up wayward toenails,
but they do require regular attention throughout the year especially the
young growing alpaca. Good trimming will encourage straight toe
nail growth.
Shearing
This is an annual event essential in maintaining your alpacas health
and is an opportunity to reap the rewards of all your hard labour. We prefer to shear during
Spring to ensure the alpaca do not suffer from heat stress during the
summer months. This is especially important for pregnant females
and also will assist in the growth of young alpaca.
Pasture and Feed
Alpaca are selective browsers and enjoy a wide range of vegetation including
your newly planted, expensive shrubs. With long necks they are
notoriously good at reaching into prohibited areas. With this in mind
you need to be aware of any
poisonous plants in close proximity to your paddocks. They will eat the
same pasture as sheep, cattle and horses, but are very susceptible to
rye grass staggers. This is caused by an endophyte in the grass which is used to control the Argentine Stem
Weevil, an invasive pasture pest. There is a low endophyte rye grass
available and a variety of other grasses suitable for alpaca. While
alpaca can be maintained on a low protein diet, lactating alpaca and
young stock may need supplementation.
Fencing
Alpacas do not require any specialist fencing. Safe, secure sheep
fencing is adequate. Some form of shelter is necessary (trees or alpaca
houses) the later being useful after shearing or to house a dam and cria
during weather extremes or post birth TOXIC
PLANTS TO BE AWARE OF Jerusalem Cherry
Macrocarpa (thought to cause abortion)
Datura
Azalea
Mallow
Buttercup (invasive pasture weed)
Ngaio
Yew
Laurel
Karaka
Rhus
Rhubarb
Solanum (tomatoes and potatoe)
All Nightshades
Some Lillies
Foxglove
Toot
Inkweed
Hemlock
Oleanders
Ragwort
Rhododendrons
Photinia For a more comprehensive list
click here |
