Nutrition and Feeding
Nutrition and Feeding
Information to assist in managing camelid nutrition for llamas and alpacas, including copper nutrition, salt feeding, effects of forage quality on feeding program and research opportunities. Tips on body condition scoring and hepatic lipidosis.
Articles Multiflora Rose Control in Pastures
David Hartman
The spread of multiflora rose in PA caused it to be designated as a noxious weed. Multiflora rose can be controlled but it takes considerable effort. More
Articles Toxic Weed: Milkweed
Donna Foulk
Primary toxin, galitoxin, is found in all vegetative parts of the plant. Toxins known as cardenolides may be responsible for digitalis-like signs that cause or contribute to death. More
Articles Problems Following Grain Consumption
Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD
A response to a question about a llama that frequently regurgitates his food after eating; possible explanations and details issues related to grain consumption. More
Articles Feed Analysis: It's All About Energy
Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD
Learn what grains are, what they contain, and how they can be used to meet the nutritional requirements of llamas and alpacas. More
Articles Copper Nutrition in Camelids
Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD
Llamas and alpacas require dietary copper (Cu) to help maintain normal body functions but in excess this trace mineral can be toxic. More
Articles Body Condition Scoring of Llamas and Alpacas
Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD
Body condition scoring (BCS) using a 5-point scoring system is an easy and effective way to determining an animal’s fat stores and long-term energy balance. More
Articles Hepatic Lipidosis in Camelids
Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD
A brief look into the pathogenicity and prevalence of hepatic lipidosis among camelids. More
Articles Effects of Forage Quality on a Camelid Feeding Program
Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD
A discussion of forage type, quality and amounts needed for feeding llamas and alpacas More
Articles Determining Forage Quality: Understanding Feed Analysis
Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD
Learn how to use feed analysis to determine forage quality, and exactly what feeding a high quality forage means. More
Articles Which One, Loose or Block Salt Feeding?
Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD
This article discusses salt sources and intake and offers recommendations for salt feeding for alpacas and llamas More
Articles Llama and Alpaca Research Opportunities
Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD
Research opportunities regarding cria growth for both llamas and alpacas. More