Alpaca Nutrition News                                                                  January 2007

Treating and preventing thin females

Females that are heavy milkers and/or have aggressive cria have a tendency to be underweight. This scenario becomes chronic and can jeopardize re-breedability unless steps are taken to break the cycle.

Weight loss during lactation for either of the above reasons is related to rumen limitations. In short, very productive females simply cannot eat enough to maintain their weight. MSE probiotics are key to avoiding this downward spiral into infertility and for treating thin females. MSE probiotics help prevent and treat lactation weight loss in two ways:

- Improves nutrient utilization

- Reduces nutrient loss due to stress-induced changes in the rumen

How to effectively use MSE:

1. Feed MSE granulated (1 Tablespoon) to gestating/lactating females daily

2. Feed MSE paste or drench (10 cc/d) just prior to birth and during the first month of lactation, or during the period of peak milk production.

3. Treating females that are already thin - give both MSE granulated and paste or drench until the animal reaches goal weight. Then continue MSE granulated and use MSE paste or drench as outlined in #2.

If weight is not regained after each successive lactation, the weight loss will be additive, until the female becomes infertile. Maintain a productive breeding herd with MSE!

Available at www.naturs-way.com, by calling 800-615-0299 (8:30 - 6:00PM, M - F), or by contacting ruminant nutritionist, Lark Burnham at lark@carsoncomm.com.