Feed Summary
- Breeding and Birthing Stage: High-quality forage and Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5% for pregnant dams.
- Cria Stage (0-6 Months): Mother’s milk, supplemented with Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5%. Cria at this stage consume approximately 3-4% of their body weight in milk, feed, and forage daily.
- Weaning Stage (6-8 Months): High-quality forage and Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5%. Weaning cria consume around 2.5-3.5% of their body weight in feed and forage daily. Growing alpacas and llamas consume about 2-3% of their body weight in feed and forage daily.
- Growing Stage (8-18 Months): Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5% and high-quality forage.
- Adult Stage (18 Months and Beyond): Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5% and high-quality forage. Adult alpacas and llamas consume approximately 1.5-2.5% of their body weight in feed and forage daily.
Alpaca and llama husbandry involves carefully managing these South American camelids, focusing on their breeding, feeding, and health care. Proper husbandry practices ensure their well-being and productivity, including regular veterinary check-ups, balanced diets, and appropriate housing. These practices help maintain their fleece quality and overall health, supporting their roles in agriculture and their value as companion animals.
BREEDING & BIRTHING
The lifecycle of alpacas and llamas begins with breeding and birthing. Female alpacas and llamas, called dams, are typically bred during the spring and summer, with a gestation period of about 11.5 months. During pregnancy, dams should have a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and sufficient energy to support fetal development. This often includes high-quality forage and Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5% Pelleted Feed to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients.
Cria Stage: 0-6 MoS
Cria are newborn alpacas and llamas that rely primarily on their mother’s milk for nutrition. The first milk, colostrum, is essential because it provides crucial antibodies for immune protection. By about 2-3 weeks, cria begin to nibble on feed and hay. Clean water should always be available, and the cria may be introduced to grazing on pasture.
Before weaning, cria should eat forage or hay and at least 1 pound of Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15% feed daily. This point should dry off the dam, and the cria consume plenty of water.
Weaning: 6-8 MoS
Around six months, cria are weaned from their mother and transition to the weaning stage. During this time, their diet consists of high-quality forage and Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5%, which is highly digestible and rich in protein to support continued growth and development. The environment should be managed to reduce stress during weaning and promote healthy socialization with other young alpacas and llamas.
Growing: 8-18 MoS
During the growing stage, they continue to be fed increasing amounts of Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5% and high-quality forage to support muscle development and overall growth. Growing alpacas and llamas need ample space and enrichment to encourage natural behaviors and maintain health.
Adult: 18 MoS +
Once alpacas and llamas reach adulthood, their nutritional needs stabilize and differ based on their role:
- Breeding Adults: Adult males (studs) and females (dams) used for breeding require a balanced diet to maintain their health and support reproductive performance. Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5% and high-quality forage are recommended to meet their energy and protein requirements.
- Non-Breeding Adults: Non-breeding adults also benefit from Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5% and high-quality forage to maintain overall health and body condition.
Clean water is always available throughout each stage, and feed formulations are adjusted based on the birds’ specific needs, environmental conditions, and overall management practices. The focus is on optimal growth, health, and welfare tailored to the birds’ particular purposes, whether for meat production, egg production, or display.
Importance of Minerals, Salt, & Copper Toxicity
Ensure that Kawmix Alpaca/Llama 15.5% is provided along with loose minerals and a salt block throughout all stages of an alpaca or llama’s life. It contains essential nutrients to support growth and fiber production. They manage copper levels carefully in their diets to prevent toxicity, as they are sensitive to excess copper, which can be fatal.
