Small Ruminate II: Llama & Alpaca Flashcards

1
Q

What are llamas and alpacas? (2)

A
  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.
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2
Q

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

A
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3
Q

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

A
  1. Alpaca:
    - 48-84kg or 106-185lbs
    - 20 to 25yrs
  2. Llama:
    - 130-200kg or 286-440lbs
    - 15 to 30yrs
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4
Q

Pseudo ruminates are what?

A

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

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5
Q

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

A
  1. Induced ovulators
  2. Four teats
  3. Gestation periods:
    - Llama: 350 days
    - Alpaca: 335 days
  4. Usually 1 offspring; twins are rare.
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6
Q

Cria definition

A

Newborn llama or alpaca

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7
Q

How to handle camelids: (3)

A
  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.
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8
Q

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

A
  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)
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9
Q

Ear squeeze (ear twitch) restraint (3)

A
  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
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10
Q

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

A
  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.
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11
Q

When performing a jugular venipuncture you will want to…

A

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

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12
Q

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

A

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.

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13
Q

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

A
  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.
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14
Q

Use of llamas? Alpacas?

A
  1. Llamas are mainly used as pack & guard animals.
  2. Alpacas are generally meant for wool & meat production.
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15
Q

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

A

True! Domesticated about ~6,000 years ago

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