Alpaca Nutrition News                                                                               January, 2008

Winter and alpacas

Alpacas evolved in a rather hostile environment. Adult alpacas, unless recently shorn, sport a think, warm coat that insulates them from the cold and locks in warmth generated by rumen fermentation. Microbial fermentation is considered inefficient because so much energy is lost as heat. This heat is a real life-saver in the winter, but a big disadvantage in the summer.

Diet can be manipulated to provide either a sudden burst of heat or lower sustained warmth. Soluble carbohydrates such as grain generate high heat of short duration, most of the sugars are fermented in about five hours.

Roughage, on the other hand, provides a slow, steady release of energy. Make sure hay is available free-choice during the coldest months to keep those internal furnaces blazing. Intense cold for long periods requires supplementation with high energy grain sources to prevent major weight loss.

Crias which are still nursing lack this internal furnace as well as an insulating coat. They should be protected from the cold with the use of cria coats and wind-tight shelters.

One of the dangers of fall and spring is temperature variation. See-sawing temperatures are hard on all animals, including humans. This fall has already seen several of these cycles in Kansas. Unseasonably mild weather in December may feel great to us, but we can take off our heavy winter coats. Extreme temperature variation is very stressful for alpacas. Stress opens the door to disease.

To insure both steady heat production and more efficient use of roughage, as well as prevent stress-related disease, feed MSE probiotics.

MSE Probiotics come in two different concentrations for different purposes. MSE granulated is a feed-additive intended to be top-dressed or mixed with supplement. It comes in 5- an 33-lb. containers ($30.00 and 156.75, respectively).

For prevention of disease during stressful activities, use a more concentrated form. MSE Paste and MSE Drench are highly concentrated probiotics that should be given before birth, weaning, shearing, transportation and showing. Keep in mind that stress from these activities can be exacerbated by weather. MSE Paste comes in three sizes: 30, 80, and 300 cc tubes ($5.99, 9.50, and 24.50, respectively) . The 300 cc tube requires the use of a gun for application.

MSE Drench is available in either half or full gallons ($85.00 and 136.00 respectively) and can be given with a special gun or by syringe

MSE products are available at www.naturs-way.com or by calling (800)615-0299, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, M - F. For more information, please contact nutritionist Lark Burnham, Ph.D. at: lark@naturs-way.com.