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Herd Management


	Care & Feeding-Lamas thrive in the wide array of temperate environments throughout the United States and Canada, including Alaska. In areas with severe cold weather and wind chill factors in winter, a completely enclosed shed is necessary. Heat stress is also a concern if you have hot, and especially humid, summers at which time a sprinkler, wading pool, small pond or fans are helpful, as well as plenty of shade . It is also a good idea to shear your lamas in the spring, prior to the start of the hot weather. Fencing can be woven wire, cattle wire panels, wooden rails or poles. chain link or electric. Your fences should be at least four feet high and dog proof if possible. Lamas are highly adaptable feeders, being both grazers and browsers (shrubs and trees). Because of a relatively low protein requirement due to their efficient digestive systems, they can be kept on a variety of pastures or hay. All feedstuffs yield vari

able amounts of carbohydrates (energy), proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins. The lama's requirement for these is in relation to age, anticipated growth, activity, workload, state of pregnancy, lactation and environmental temperature. Providing optimum energy and protein is the basis for any feeding program. Lamas are limited to an absolute maximum daily dry matter intake of 2 % of body weight.
Pasture and hay should be the mainstay of their diet. Llamas can do extremely well on a maintenance diet of 8 to l0% crude protein. Growing weanlings, advanced pregnant and nursing mothers require a 12 to 14% protein ration. Similar to other ruminants, the lamas have an important need for adequate fiber in their diet. The total diet should be 30% or more of crude fiber. TDN for maintenance should be at least 55% and 58-62% in late gestation and lactation.
Fresh and clean water should be made available free choice at all times. Depending on activity, environmental temperature and feed (i.e. green pasture vs. dry hay), daily intake varies from 5 to 8% of body weight (i.e. 2 to 3 gallons for

a 300 Ib lama). Lamas may be reluctant to drink from unclean containers, including automatic watering bowls.
Iodized salt blocks should be available free choice.
A balanced daily intake of calcium and phosphorus is important, particularly to maximize growth of youngsters and for adult reproductive performance.
The desired dietary balance of calcium : phosphorus normally is 1.5-2.0:1, which is commonly found in many grass hay pastures.

The backbone of a good feeding programme is regular testing of feed and vitamin mineral sources. These results can be used to adjust for any exess and supplement for any deficiency. Test for the following: Moister, Crude Protein, Crude Fibre, TDN, Calcium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Sulfur, Potassium, Sodium, Copper, zinc, Iron and Selenium. (Consult with your veterinarian for local testing facilities)