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Caring for Suri Llamas in North American Climates
By Dr. Kristy Brown, DVM. Leon Valley Veterinary Services,
Sparta, WI
 All
llamas have basic husbandry requirements, regardless of fiber
type. These requirements include proper de-worming and vaccinations
based upon the geographic location of the herd, toenail maintenance,
dental care, body condition scoring, proper nutrition with
good quality forage, appropriate vitamin/mineral supplementation
and shearing.
But suri fibered llamas present some unique challenges that
must be considered in all climates.
Suri-coated llamas are “single fleeced,” and
although these fiber characteristics are specifically selected
for breeding suri llamas, this fiber doesn’t trap air
to form an insulation barrier for the animal. The lack of
crimp in the fiber, lack of lofty undercoat, and extremely
fine guard hair allow the fiber to hang tight to the animal’s
body. Research in sheep has shown that less than one inch
of sheep wool (high crimp) provides optimal insulation in
warm climates, and increased fiber length and density increase
the amount of insulation effect for cold weather.
“Good management of a llama herd relies on close observation
of climate conditions, proper nutrition, and preventive care.”
Proper Ventilation is Critical
Generally, young, thin or geriatric animals are those affected
by cold weather, and they are most susceptible to hypothermia.
Newborn cria have minimal body fat and for the first few weeks
of life may have difficulty thermo-regulating. Animals that
are thin for any reason, such as lactation, dental problems,
chronic illness, “hard keepers” and so forth,
lack or have a minimal layer of body fat under their skin,
giving them less internal insulation for the colder climates.
Couple these factors with a fiber type that doesn’t
provide optimal insulation, and cold stress can become a serious
issue. Fortunately, many management techniques are available
to optimize the health and comfort of suri llamas in cold
climates.
Providing a clean, dry bedding area in a well-ventilated
shelter to block the wind is very important. Be certain the
area is not overcrowded, since timid animals may be forced
outside to face the elements. There are many ways to retrofit
an existing building to block cold winter winds: hanging clear
plastic strips over doorways, using tarps or heavy felt to
cover fences leading into barns or gates, and partially blocking
doorways with plywood or tarps.
Even in cold weather, your barns need to “breathe.”
That is, there needs to be a steady flow of fresh air into
the building. An airtight building is very unhealthy for any
animal. Poorly ventilated areas trap moisture causing a humid
environment rich in aerosolized bacteria and viruses. A rule
of thumb for building ventilation in cold weather is two air
exchanges per hour. An easy way to approximate this is to
squeeze a bottle of baby powder into the air. You can watch
the flow of the powder cloud. In an adequately ventilated
space, the cloud will move steadily toward the ventilation
outlets. If the powder falls to the ground, not enough air
is moving. Some farms have heated rooms in the barns to warm
individual animals, or as a “creep area” for cria.
In some cases, the whole barn is heated, but again, with a
heated space proper ventilation is critical.
Bedding and Blankets are Keys to Good Health
Another important cold weather management tool is bedding.
Cleaned oat straw is very absorbent and easy to pick out of
the fiber. Some people use rubber mats, shredded paper, or
shredded cardboard as a barrier between the animal and the
cold ground. In extreme weather, young or compromised animals
may need to be blanketed. Blankets of different thickness
are handy. A thinner blanket is adequate for temperatures
around freezing, but heavier blankets are advisable for extreme
weather. Blankets should be made of a breathable material
to wick moisture away from the animals. Be certain the blankets
are not too large and have no straps hanging to tangle the
animal. It is important to watch for any sores or wear marks
around blanket straps. If temperatures are extreme and the
blanket is left on for several days, check under the blanket
daily and rotate clean blankets as needed. A damp, dirty blanket
is unhealthy for an animal’s skin and will ruin its
fiber.
Increase Food to Combat the Cold
Animals’ nutritional requirements increase greatly
in cold weather, since much is used to maintain body temperature.
Animals without adequate nutrition will begin to break down
body fat and muscle for energy to warm their bodies. Work
with a consultant who is qualified to advise on the proper
supplementation based upon forage and temperature.
Fecal exams are important for a herd when it comes off pasture.
Parasites rob precious nutrients from the animals and can
lead to anemia and other health issues. A constant supply
of fresh water is critical. Heated buckets, tank heaters and
heated waterers are wise investments. Eating snow will not
supply adequate water intake for the animals and puts them
at risk for impactions, dehydration and kidney disease.
At the Upper End of the Thermometer
When the mercury rises, remember that all llamas are susceptible
to heat stress, and suri llamas are no exception. High ambient
temperature coupled with high humidity can lead to a dangerous
heat index (ambient temperature Fahrenheit + relative humidity
greater than 150). Animals with heavy fiber coverage, young
cria, and overweight animals are at highest risk. Llamas do
not sweat and rely heavily on convection (air moving across
their bodies) to remove body heat.
Shearing is a critical management tool in most parts of the
country. A minimum area to shear is the barrel, the full circle
around the body between the elbow and the hips. Fat animals,
pregnant females and breeding males may need more radical
fiber removal.
An elevation in body temperature of the pregnant female has
been linked to a number of birth defects, or may cause the
fetus to be aborted. The location of the testicles and the
tightness of the scrotum of male llamas do not allow the testicles
to drop away from the body and be cooled. Males may experience
temporary or permanent infertility with an increase in body
temperature even if they show no signs of heat stress. Some
breeders trim the fiber or wrap the tails on their males in
hot weather to let more air flow over the scrotum and to increase
visibility to detect scrotal swelling. Consider shearing down
the leg below the scrotum to allow for more airflow.
“Argentine-style” shearing, which trims the entire
body and two-thirds up the neck, is a common shearing style
for breeding animals. The fiber left at the top of the neck
is a nice “display” of the animals’ fiber,
while still allowing for cooling of the great vessels of the
neck. It may be desirable to shear animals again if heavy
fiber grows back quickly, or in persistently warm climates.
Ventilation Again
In hot weather as in cold, ventilation is an essential management
tool. Industrial or agricultural-grade fans are best, since
they are designed to run long periods of time and move large
volumes of air. These fans can be put on timers, on a thermostat/humidistat,
or run as conditions warrant. Plug fans directly into an outlet
and avoid extension cords. If an extension cord is necessary,
be certain to use a heavy-gauge cord (10-to-12 gauge) preferably
with an in-line breaker. Overloaded or undersized extension
cords start many barn and household fires. Fresh water, free-choice
salt and minerals, electrolytes, and appropriate parasite
control are also important management considerations for hot
weather.
Good management of a llama herd relies on close observation
of climate conditions, proper nutrition, and preventive care.
Established breeders, nutritionists and veterinarians in every
climate are key professionals with sound advice for what works
in their particular climate. The management effort will be
more than rewarded in a healthy, vibrant herd.
Dr. Kristy Brown is a 1989 graduate of the University
of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. She owns and
operates the Leon Valley Veterinary Service from her farm,
The Brownderosa, in Sparta, WI. Dr. Brown specializes in
camelid medicine, surgery and reproduction, along with other
large animal species. She has been raising llamas since
1998 and shows in both ALSA and LFA. She is a member of
many llama associations, including SLA. For more information
on Dr. Brown, visit her Web site, www.brownderosa.com.
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