Academic literature on the topic 'Llama farms'

An online survey of llama and alpaca owners was used to collect data on the population, husbandry, feeding, management measures and health problems. A total of 255 questionnaires were evaluated. In total, 55.1% of the owners had started keeping South American camelids within the last six years. The majority managed small farms with fewer than 15 animals (66.4% of 250 farms). More than half of the participants stated that they kept the camelids as hobby animals (64.3%), although they used them for wool production (55.7%) and/or for breeding (51.8%). Vaccination and deworming were carried out on more than 80% of the farms. The most common diseases occurring on the farms were endo- and ectoparasites. A total of 55.3% of the owners estimated their own knowledge of South American camelids as good, 14.5% as very good. In contrast, more than half of the owners agreed little or not at all with the statement that veterinarians generally have sufficient knowledge about South American camelids. Further research is needed to include veterinarians’ perspectives and thus optimise animal husbandry.

Introduction: The enteric disorders represent a serious hazard for bovine and camelid breeding. The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of detection and molecular characteristics of enteric coronavirus (CoV) infections in cattle, alpaca, and llama herds bred in family-based farms in Brazil and Peru. Methodology: Stool samples were collected from calves from Brazil and camelids from Peru for detection and characterization of CoV by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequence analysis. Results: 46.5% (47/101) samples from calves and 26.8% (70/261) from alpaca tested positive for CoV. All strains belong to lineage A1 of the Betacoronavirus genus. Phylogenetic analysis showed high identity between CoV strains detected in calves and alpacas. Conclusions: This study characterised CoV strains from dairy cattle herds in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and indicated that this virus is spread among the state herds. The results also indicate widespread circulation of CoV among the alpacas of Cuzco, Peru.

AbstractCoronaviruses (CoVs) produce a wide spectrum of disease syndromes in different mammalian and avian host species. These viruses are well-recognized for their ability to change tissue tropism, to hurdle the interspecies barriers and to adapt ecological variations. It is predicted that the inherent genetic diversity of CoVs caused by accumulation of point mutations and high frequency of homologous recombination is the principal determinant of these competences. Several CoVs (e.g. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome-CoV) have been recorded to cross the interspecies barrier, inducing different disease conditions in variable animal hosts. Bovine CoV (BCoV) is a primary cause of gastroenteritis and respiratory disease in cattle calves, winter dysentery in lactating cows and shipping fever pneumonia in feedlot cattle. Although it has long been known as a restrictive cattle pathogen, CoVs that are closely related to BCoV have been recognized in dogs, humans and in other ruminant species. Biologic, antigenic and genetic analyses of the so-called ‘bovine-like CoVs’ proposed classification of these viruses as host-range variants rather than distinct virus species. In this review, the different bovine-like CoVs that have been identified in domesticated ruminants (water buffalo, sheep, goat, dromedary camel, llama and alpaca) and wild ruminants (deer, wild cattle, antelopes, giraffes and wild goats) are discussed in terms of epidemiology, transmission and virus characteristics. The presented data denote the importance of these viruses in the persistence of BCoV in nature, spread to new geographical zones, and continuous emergence of disease epidemics in cattle farms.

The British government is encouraging livestock diversification and the production of those animal products which are still being imported. Currently most farm animal fibres such as mohair, cashmere and alpaca are imported with the result that there is a potential for developing production in the U.K. South American camelids can all be farmed for their fibre and present few nutritional or managemental problems. The llama is the largest of the four species with the male weighing about 116 kg. It produces coarse fibre of various colours. The alpaca is smaller than the llama, has short ears, a woolly face and a rounded rump. It averages 1 m in height and the male weighs 64 kg. There are two types of alpaca with different characteristics, the Huacaya and the Suri. Yields of 2.00 kg of good quality 18-30 micron fibre are normal. In South America the vicuna and the guanaco exist only in the wild state. Guanacos have shaggy coats of fine texture, usually chestnut borwn.

Cuando Nathaniel Hawthorne noveló su experiencia Brook Farm en The Blithedale Romance, llamó a su narrador y personaje principal Miles Coverdale primer traductor de una versión completa de la Biblia en inglés

Na região do semiárido com suas peculiaridades vem-se aplicando técnicas viáveis para convivência com o meio. São variadas as maneiras de desenvolver-se e, portanto, a região conta com a implementação de tecnologias sociais; elas se disseminam por todas as partes. Uma das tecnologias que está ganhando espaço no semiárido é a implementação de biodigestores, aproveitamento da biomassa para geração de energia/gás. O modelo mais usado no semiárido é o modelo indiano, com algumas adaptações no que diz respeito ao material da construção. Esta tecnologia é chamada de biodigestão anaeróbica de resíduos dos animais (suíno, caprino, equino e bovino) e, dependendo do esterco usado, pode ocorrer variação na produção de gás. O biodigestor produz gás metano que pode ser usado no fogão; outros produtos gerados no biodigestor são o biofertilizante e o adubo orgânico. Este trabalho foi realizado na zona rural do município de Tavares, Paraíba, com a finalidade de analisar a viabilidade de uso e implementação desta tecnologia. A metodologia aplicada foi por meio de revisão bibliográfica, caracterização da área e entrevista semiestruturada com o dono da propriedade e o responsável local pela Organização Não Governamental (ONG). Como forma de aproveitar uma fonte de energia renovável, concluiu-se que se pode utilizar biodigestor em propriedades rurais, sua implementação apresenta uma solução viável e aceitável para que o agricultor familiar venha desenvolver-se dentro do universo sustentável.Palavras-chave: Biodigestor; Desenvolvimento Sustentável; Semiárido; Tecnologia Social.FEASIBILITY OF CONTINUOUS BIODIGESTER USE: A case study in Community Arara, Tavares municipality (PB)ABSTRACTIn the semi-arid region with its peculiarities are applying viable techniques for coexistence with the environment. They are various ways to develop, and therefore the region has the implementation of social technologies, they spread everywhere. One of the technologies that are gaining ground in the semiarid region is the implementation of biodigesters, use of biomass to generate energy/gas. The model widely used in semiarid is the Indian model, with some adjustments regarding the material construction, this technology is called anaerobic digestion of animal waste (porcine, caprine, equine, and bovine), and depending on which manure may variation occurs in gas production. The digester produces methane gas that can be used on the stove; other products generated in the digester are bio-fertilizer and organic fertilizer. This study was conducted in rural municipality Tavares, Paraíba, in order to analyze the feasibility of use and implementation of this technology. The methodology applied was through literature review, characterization of the area and a semi-structured interview with the owner of the property and the responsible by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). In order to take advantage of a renewable source of energy, it was concluded that digesters can be used on farms, their implementation presents a viable and acceptable solution for a farmer family to develop within the sustainable universeKeywords: Biodigester; Sustainable Development; Semiarid; Social Technology.LAS POSIBILIDADES DE EMPLEO BIODIGESTOR CONTINUO: Un estudio de caso en la Comunidad Arara, municipio de Tavares (PB)RESUMENEn la región semi-árida, con sus peculiaridades están aplicando técnicas viables para la convivencia con el medio ambiente. Son varias las maneras de desarrollar, por lo que la región tiene la implementación de tecnologías sociales, se extienden por todas partes. Una de las tecnologías que está ganando terreno en la región semiárida es la implementación de biodigestores, el uso de la biomasa para generar energía / gas. El modelo más ampliamente usado en semiárida es el modelo indio, con algunos ajustes en cuanto a la construcción de material, esta tecnología se llama la digestión anaerobia de residuos animales (porcino, caprino, equino y bovino), y dependiendo de qué estiércol puede Pueden producirse variaciones en la producción de gas. El digestor produce gas metano que se puede utilizar en la estufa, otros productos generados en el digestor son bio-fertilizante y fertilizante orgánico. Este estudio se realizó en los municipios rurales Tavares, Paraíba, con el fin de analizar la viabilidad de uso y la implementación de esta tecnología. La metodología aplicada fue a través de revisión de la literatura, la caracterización de la zona semi y la entrevista estructurada con el dueño de la propiedad y el local por la Organización No Gubernamental (ONG). Con el fin de aprovechar una fuente de energía renovable, se deduce que se puede usar digestores en granjas, su aplicación presenta una solución viable y aceptable para el agricultor familiar se desarrollará dentro del universo sostenible.Palabras clave: Biodigestor; Desarrollo Sustentable; Semiárido; Tecnología Social.

AbstractInfectious arthritides in goats is mainly caused by mycoplasmas and Caprine Arthritis- Encephalitis virus (CAEV). Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) is a member of Lancefield group C beta-hemolytic streptococcus that commonly colonizes the mucous membranes of healthy equids which is also capable to induce different pathological conditions in many animal species. In this paper we described a case of polyarthritis in four Alpine goat-kids caused by S. zooepidemicus. Goat-kids originated from a farm where sheep, llamas, shepherd dogs, cows and horses were kept with goats. During the external examination of carcasses, crusts and discrete hyperemia were seen on the earlobes beneath the ear tag, as well as swollen joints. Necropsy findings included severe fibrinous polyarthritis in all four examined kids. Shoulder, knee and hip joints were affected. From all affected joints S. zooepidemicus was isolated. Neither Mycoplasma spp. nor CAEV genome were detected from the affected joints. Most likely the goatkids were infected with S. zooepidemicus through the lesions on earlobes which were made after the tagging. As a possible source of bacteria, we recognized the horses and dogs. Due to the lack of any signs of illness in other animal species on the farm, as well as negative pathomorphological findings in other organs, we assumed that the isolated strain is highly adapted to goat-kids. Our report is the first described case of polyarthritis in goat-kids caused by S. zooepidemicus.

Abstract Background The increasing popularity of alpacas and llamas outside of South America is undeniable. The associated limited genetic diversity raises questions about health and other genetically determined traits like coat colour. Therefore, a survey studying the prevalence of congenital disorders and coat colours and patterns in South American camelids was performed in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Moreover, the motivation for keeping these animals, the herd size and breeds was assessed. Results A total of 146 questionnaires were returned corresponding to 16 farms from Austria, 69 farms from Germany, and 61 farms from Switzerland. In total, the returned surveys reported data on 2770 animals including ~ 85% alpacas and ~ 15% llamas. The most common alpaca breed was Huacaya (87.7%), the most common llama breed was Wooly (15.6%). Breeding (69.4%), wool production (63.3%) and keeping them as pets (53.7%) were the most common motivations to keep these animals, although this varied among countries. The three coat colour groups, solid white (24.8%), brown and black (64.8%) and grey (10.4%), occurred at different frequencies. About 7% of the South American camelids with solid white coat showed blue-pigmented eyes, corresponding to the known blue-eyed white phenotype, of which more than every second animal was apparently deaf. Uniform solid coloured animals occurred predominantly (81.4%), whereas pinto (8.8%), speckled (6.4%) and spotted (3.4%), also known as appaloosa, were comparably less prevalent. In total 161 observations of congenital disorders occurring during a 5-year-period were reported. The most prevalent disorders were in the group of musculoskeletal disorders such as spiral toe growth (16.4%), hyperextension of the fetlock joint (12.3%), angular limb deformities (11.0%) and axial rotation of the limbs (8.2%). Conclusions This survey revealed first insights into the occurrence of different traits and disorders in the current South American camelid population of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The identification of the most common musculoskeletal disorders might encourage the breeders to eliminate affected animals from their breeding program to decrease the incidence although traits such as spiral toe growth might also represent phenocopies.

Introduction: Members of the Camelidae family are very adaptable mammals, originating from South America. More recently, they have become popular in Europe as pets or wool production farm animals. Their dermatological problems refer mainly to mange, of which sarcoptic mange represent the most clinically relevant form. There is a wide range of molecules effective against sarcoptic mange, but the treatment is very challenging due to the lack of efficiency and absorption.Methods: Two cases from two different animal populations were described. A female alpaca from Romania with dermatological problems on the ears and two adult llamas, from Italy, both with intense pruritus. Combined treatment with amitraz and subcutaneous eprinomectin was administered for the alpaca, and 2% moxidectin was given to the llamas.Results: In both cases, the mites were morphologically identified as Sarcoptes scabiei. For the alpaca, negative scrapings were found only after 8 weeks of combined treatment. For the llamas, after four doses of subcutaneous moxidectin, no mites were detected in scrapings and lively hair regrowth of previously alopecic areas was visible.Conclusion: This paper aimed to present two clinical scenarios of sarcoptic mange in camelids, successfully treated with a combination of ectocides (topical amitraz and subcutaneous eprinomectin) and 2% subcutaneous moxidectin, respectively.

Llamas have provided, and continue to provide, fiber, meat, skins, fertilizer and transport for the Andean people. In addition, they are part of the traditional and religious culture of the Aymara and the Quechua. Both are currently unaware of the productive qualities of llamas, especially those related to meat production, which is the principle product responsible for generating greater income for farmers. For this reason, 554 llamas were evaluated from a total of 3,693 in 2005. The llamas came from T’olar and Pajonal grasslands in the Santiago de Machaca region of La Paz, Bolivia and represented males and females from four age categories (newborn, 1-2 years, juvenile, and adult). They were evaluated with the objective of determining the zoometric measurements of llamas fed on T’olar and Pajonal grasses. Evaluations were categorized according to gender and age group, while also applying descriptive statistics of zoometric measurements of llama anatomy including the head, neck, thorax, and abdomen regions, as well as height, weight, and fur thickness. The Pv measurement for T’olar fed llamas (64.4 kg) was higher than that of the Pajonal fed llamas (59.9 kg). With respect to gender, females (67.1 kg) were larger than males (53.0 kg). Adults were the largest age group (89.7 kg), followed by juveniles (85.9 kg), 1-2 years (58.7 kg) and newborns (34.1 kg). The T’olar llamas achieved better results than the Pajonal llamas. Furthermore, females were superior to males, most likely due to the large number of females as compared to males in the llamas. Zoometric measurements increased with age, generally reaching a statistically significant margin (P<0.01) between age groups. Growth was greatest between the newborn and juvenile groups but it ultimately slowed down afterwards.

This study was conducted in the Rural Academic Unit of Tiahuanaco, in the Ingavi province, in the department of La Paz. Three juvenile vicunas and three adult vicunas were used. Our objective was to observe the development of vicunas (Vicugna vicugna) fed with three types of hay (Bromus catharicus Phalaris tuberoisum and Medicago sativa) in stables. We obtained the following results: rectal temperature of 38.2ºC in juveniles and 38.6ºC in adults; heart rate of 68 beats/min in juveniles and 67 beats/min in adults; respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min in juveniles and 17 breaths/min in adults; femoral vein pulse of 70 pulses/min in juveniles and 64 pulses/min in adults; compartment movement of 7 movements/min 7 times in juveniles and 7 movements/min 7 times in adults. Measurements for apparent digestibility were: (MS) 78.8% in juveniles and 80.4% in adults; (MO) 74.2% in juveniles and 76.4% in adults; (PB) 85.2% in juveniles and 83.7% in adults; (EE) 83.2% in juveniles and 76.2% in adults; (FDN) 75.6% in juveniles and 73.8% in adults; (ELN) 81.2% in juveniles and 78.3% in adults; (NDT) 80.4% in juveniles and 77.7% in adults; (ED/Kcal) 353.8 grams in juveniles and 341.8 grams in adults. For metabolites en vicuna serum we obtained: total protein of 6.7 g/dl in juveniles and 7.7 g/dl in adults; albumin of 5.3 g/dl in juveniles and 5.7 g/dl in adults; creatinine of 1.3 mg/dl in juveniles and 1.5 mg/dl in adults; urea of 40.7 mg/dl in juveniles and 39.2 mg/dl in adults; glucose of 131.8 mg/dl in juveniles and 130.7 mg/dl in adults; cholesterol of 29 mg/dl in juveniles and 27.4 mg/dl in adults; triglycerides of 44.2 mg/dl in juveniles; GPT of 5.5 UI/I in juveniles and 5.1 UI/I in adults; GOT of 5.4 UI/I in juveniles and 5.1 UI/I in adults; calcium of 8.5 mg/dl in juveniles and 8.3 mg/dl in adults; phosphorus of 2.4 mg/dl in juveniles and 2.3 mg/dl in adults; magnesium of 19 mEq/L. Lastly, we observed a weight gain of 2.6 g/day in juveniles and 1.8 g/day in adults.

This study was carried out in the San Clemente community. The objective was to analyze the effect of using amaranth leaf flour in the creation of a diet for guinea pigs. The field work was done over a period of 12 months and was done in two phases: Development of the diet: this was done by growing the amaranth, cutting it, and dehydrating it until flour was obtained. Then, it was mixed into the diet in accordance with the pre-determined formula along with the other respective materials. Handling of guinea pigs: This was done in the shed of the San Clemente community after it had been re-conditioned and disinfected. The weaned guinea pigs were taken there for the study for a period of 2 months. A completely randomized design (CRD) with six treatments was used. Each treatment had four repetitions. There was one experimental unit, which consisted of five guinea pigs. The data were evaluated via an analysis of variance, a Tukey test, and orthogonal comparisons. The variable of interest was the % of amaranth flour in a basic diet. The treatments were as follows: T0= Control diet with 0% amaranth flour; T1= 20% amaranth flour; T2= 40% amaranth flour; T3= 60% amaranth flour; T4= 80% amaranth flour; T5= Fresh amaranth with herbs from the community. Analyzed Variables: biweekly weight gain; monthly mortality; daily dry feed intake; production costs per treatment; and tasting. From the results, we concluded that the T1 diet and grass-feeding in the community were the best options since they presented the best results in weight gain and nutrient conversion. With regard to dry feed intake, T5 was consumed in the greatest quantities and thus had the highest production cost.