Small Ruminate II: Llama & Alpaca

Question 1

What are llamas and alpacas? (2)

Answer 1

1. Social and domesticated members of the south American camelid family.
2. Hornless, cud-chewing animals having even number of toes & padded feet & long necks.

Question 2

Name the parts:
-Muzzle -Barrel -Flank
-Tail & Base of -Chest -Cheek/Jowl
-Heel -Fetlock
-Elbow -Croup -Withers
-Throat -Pastern -Ears
-Hip -Cannon Bone -Hock
-Stifle Joint -Gaskin -Metatarsal Gland
-Shoulder -Poll

Answer 2

Question 3

How much does an adult alpaca weigh?
Adult llama?
Life span of each?

Answer 3

1. Alpaca:
   - 48-84kg or 106-185lbs
   - 20 to 25yrs
2. Llama:
   - 130-200kg or 286-440lbs
   - 15 to 30yrs

Question 4

Pseudo ruminates are what?

Answer 4

Have three chambered stomachs.
Omasum is either small or absent.

Question 5

Reproduction
Ovulation type:
Amount of teats:
Gestation period: (alpaca vs llama)
Number of offspring per parturition

Answer 5

1. Induced ovulators
2. Four teats
3. Gestation periods:
   - Llama: 350 days
   - Alpaca: 335 days
4. Usually 1 offspring; twins are rare.

Question 6

Cria definition

Answer 6

Newborn llama or alpaca

Question 7

How to handle camelids: (3)

Answer 7

1. Alpaca should be moved into a position where it is aligned w/the side of the pen with its head in the corner.
2. Move from a position behind the eye to place the back of a hand on the lower neck.
3. Slide hand up to behind the ears while bringing the other hand under the chin. Place forefinger & thumb into the groove of the lower jaw.
   This will give you a “bracelet” hold to help steady the animal.

Question 8

Cushing (aka Kushing) is…
When in this position, it can mean multiple things… (4)

Answer 8

1. Lying down with all four legs underneath
2. Meaning:
   - Normal position for relaxing
   - Or chewing cud
   - Breeding position
   - Sign of stress (typically when being worked with)

Question 9

Ear squeeze (ear twitch) restraint (3)

Answer 9

1. Only do this at the base of the ear
   - Do not twist, only squeeze
2. If twisted, it can cause damage to the cartilage and hematomas
3. Last resort restraint method

Question 10

Injection sites
SQ
IM
IV
Sciatic vein (sigh-at-tic)

Answer 10

1. Red: IV - jugular vein
2. Purple: SQ -
3. Gold: IM - triceps & hamstrings
4. Sciatic vein
   - Back muscles of back legs aren’t ideal but can be done. Avoid sciatic (sigh-at-tic) vein when using this site.

Question 11

When performing a jugular venipuncture you will want to…

Answer 11

Palpate the transverse process and jugular vein is lateral to the trachea.

Question 12

T/F: Shaving without permission is not necessary when working with alpaca’s and llama’s

Answer 12

False! You must get permission from the owner first. It can take up to 18 months for the hair/fur to grow back unlike cats & dogs.

Question 13

How do you trim the hoof of an alpaca? (2)

Answer 13

1. First cut is along the point of the nail.
   - This will bring the nail to the length you want it at.
2. Second & third cuts are down the sides, keeping in line with the alpaca’s pad.

Question 14

Use of llamas? Alpacas?

Answer 14

1. Llamas are mainly used as pack & guard animals.
2. Alpacas are generally meant for wool & meat production.

Question 15

T/F: Alpacas & llamas are the oldest domesticated animals in the world!

Answer 15

True! Domesticated about ~6,000 years ago