The DIY (Do It Yourself) Alpaca Feeding System

94 | Alpacas Magazine he recession has been hard and still reap economic and health rewards. 1 to 5 or 1 to 10, with either 2.5 or 5 being on everyone, including alpaca However, when all the above steps are taken ideal. An animal’s condition will directly producers. Decreased sales and together, they work synergistically. impact both its health and its productivity. Trising feed prices have forced producers to Those that are either under- or overweight look for ways to cut expenses. Feed costs DIY Alpaca feeding basics will have reduced fertility, and perhaps are one area where producers can make Alpacas must have the following: reduced fetal and cria survival as well. savvy changes to save money and improve n Free-choice clean water There is a list of health problems associ- herd health and productivity. The DIY n A roughage source (may be either ated with obesity, including foot and leg (do it yourself) alpaca feeding program pasture or hay), provided free-choice problems and fatty udders. Body scoring includes: for animals at or below ideal weight. on a regular basis can help keep animals n Regular body scoring, two to four times (Grazing and manger time should be close to their ideal weights. a year restricted for obese alpacas.) Body scoring should always be done: n Weaning most males off of pelleted n Free-choice mineral mix appropriate n Prior to parturition—this alerts the supplements (including crumbles) for the location producer to animals with subpar or n Use of simple, pre-formulated one- borderline weight going into a very to-three ingredient protein/energy Note: A protein/energy supplement is not critical time. Lactation is the most supplements listed. The only time one should be fed is energy-demanding period in a female’s n Substitution of locally purchased during lactation, or for any animals that are life. It is difficult, if not impossible, to mineral mix for pricier specialty mixes underweight. The trick is to separate protein/ gain weight during early lactation. n Daily and preventive use of probiotics energy sources from vitamins and minerals. n Prior to weaning—animals that were to keep animals healthy and reduce That is the only way a producer can gain real flagged prior to delivery can be double- vet bills control of their animals’ intake. checked and even have the cria weaned early if the weight loss is severe enough. Moving away from pelleted feed may seem Body scoring There is a window of three to four scary because there is a serious lack of It is difficult to over-emphasize the im- months immediately following weaning information about alternatives available to portance of body condition scoring (BCS) when energy demand for milk produc- producers. In fact, this program, taken as or “body scoring.” Body scoring requires tion is zero and energy required for a whole, may sound daunting. Please be the producer to feel the area immediately growth of the next fetus (fetal hypertro- aware that each of the individual steps list- adjacent to the spinal processes. The phy or enlargement) is minimal. This is ed above can also be taken without the rest two most popular systems use a scale of the most efficient time for female weight gain. Fetal hypertrophy and lactation have priority over maternal needs; they have first dibs on any groceries that come in the front door. If feed energy is inadequate, then the dam’s body is uti- lized instead. Fat deposits are exhausted, followed by conversion of muscle protein to energy via gluconeogenesis (literally meaning, “glucose from a new source”). Survival of the offspring is a biological imperative.

Body scoring is particularly important for pregnant and nursing females, because lactation creates a high

HerdSire 2012 | 95 Mineral Interrelationships SULFUR PHOSPHORUS Figure 1. Mineral interactions (Mulder chart) FLUORINE COBALT ARSENIC TUNGSTEN IRON ZINC

MAGNESIUM SELENIUM

Body scoring at these ad- SODIUM well have been done outside ditional times is strongly IODINE the academic arena. However, recommended: results are considered “anecdo- CALCIUM n Between weaning and MOLYBDENIUM tal” unless they have gone the next successive through rigorous review and SILVER lactation—how well is the POTASSIUM statistical analysis. Anecdotal feeding program working? CADMIUM results have their own value, MANGANESE Are the underweight girls COPPER BERYLLIUM especially since they can lead gaining sufficiently quickly ALUMINUM to university trials and even- to be ready for the next tual publication. lactation? their daily treat all at once—that would Mineral mixes “formulated n Between parturition and weaning— induce stress and resentment. Wean them for alpacas” are either based on require- diet manipulation can limit weight loss off of pellets slowly. Reward their good ments for cattle, sheep, or goats, or worse, during the most demanding phase. behavior with the occasional small amount by guess and by golly. Do you really want of oats or cracked corn. to pay extra for such a product? Body scoring should be used with any Gestation/lactation supplements, fiber feeding program. It should guide the Local mineral mixes nutrients, and free-choice minerals are producer on the effectiveness of what, and One way that any producer can save money often fed in combination and can lead to how much, to feed. Bag labels routinely is to buy local mineral mixes. Although lo- over-mineralization. Minerals are inter- recommend over-feeding; the idea is to sell cal mineral mixes are suggested for anyone related—when one is fed in excess, one or feed. Be aware that scale weights are not considering the DIY system, they may be more other minerals may become deficient the same thing as body scoring. The latter used with any feeding system. (see figure 1). More is not better where requires a hands-on approach. Both can For any producers who are convinced they minerals are concerned. Over-minerali- be done in the same session. Record both should only use a mineral mix “formulated zation can lead to reduced productivity body scores and weights. for alpacas,” here is some food for thought: (including fertility issues, cria birth rate Precious little alpaca nutrition research and survival, and fiber quality). Adult males and protein/ has been published in peer-reviewed jour- An alternative is to feed a protein/ energy supplements nals (e.g., the Journal of Animal Science energy supplement that does not contain Most adult males do not need protein and or the Journal of Nutrition). In fact, as of minerals, along with a mineral mix that energy supplements. The main exceptions January, 2012, there is only one peer-re- contains only vitamins and minerals. are those that are underweight. Let’s face viewed paper that has anything to do with Tune out the hype and check out your it, males spend most of their time fight- nutrition (Reiner et al., 1987), and that one local feed mill or feed store. There is a ing, playing, and breeding. None of these has nothing to do with minerals. range of products that may be available activities even comes close to the energy A glance at the chapter on mineral in your area. First, look for an all-purpose required to nurse a cria. When pelleted nutrition in the National Research Council’s mix designed for most livestock (pigs, supplements are fed in order to meet min- Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants (a chickens, cattle, sheep, and goats). eral needs, over-feeding can result. Males compendium of peer-reviewed nutritional re- These usually contain both fat- and can become obese and expensive feed is search on sheep, goats, New World camelids, water-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, wasted. Males’ mineral requirements can and cervids), and one is likely to notice that E, and K, and B-vitamins, respectively), be met by a good local mineral mix, as there are no sections that describe the min- as well as minerals. described below. eral requirements of camelids. This is not be- While most B-vitamins are generated Some producers feel that weaning males cause they don’t need minerals, it is because by microorganisms in the healthy adult off of pellets is cruel and unjustified. Too there is no research to cite. NRC publications rumen, most fat-soluble vitamins are not. many males have been raised on pellets are used by nutritionists to formulate diets. Make sure these are in any mineral mix since weaning. Do not deprive them of Nutritional studies involving alpacas may you are considering. An all-purpose mix

96 | Alpacas Magazine Energy sources Protein sources Other (added at approx. 65%) (added at approx. 25%) (added at 10%) Ingredient CP(%) Ingredient CP(%) Ingredient CP(%) Cracked corn 9.0 Soybean meal 41.1 Beet pulp 11.0 Rolled or crimped oats 13.0 Alfalfa meal 19.0 Flax seed 33.6

Table 1. Ingredients and crude protein levels used in simple two- or three-ingredient protein/energy supplements (NRC)

is preferred because most mineral mixes Simple pre-formulated protein/ metabolic scenario occurs in pseudo- formulated specifically for cattle or sheep energy supplements ruminants, such as alpacas, as in other usually lack most B-vitamins. Many B-vita- Above is a table of common ingredients livestock. The rapid release of VFAs from mins are involved in energy metabolism. used in protein/energy supplements. These the fermentation of large amounts of either Animals that do not have a functioning supplements primarily supply energy soluble carbohydrates (grain) or protein rumen, or are stressed, unhealthy or not (approximately 85 percent). Most dietary can overwhelm the usual route for VFA eating normally may not have an adequate protein is broken down by microbes in the absorption and assimilation. Primary supply. Such animals must be supple- rumen and used for either of two things: symptoms involve the feet. mented via a mineral mix, vitamin paste or building microbial bodies (microbial At first glance, one might feel that there concentrated probiotic paste or drench. Not protein); or conversion to energy, which is is no financial benefit to feeding oats, all probiotic products contain vitamins— then absorbed as volatile fatty acids (VFAs). since a 50-pound bag may cost almost as read the label. Microbes are digested by alpaca enzymes much as some pellets. However, there is If you live in an area with high soil once they pass into the small intestine. actually more energy in a cup of oats than copper levels, consider a mineral mix Microbial protein usually supplies all the there is in the same quantity of many pel- formulated for sheep. Sheep mineral is protein alpacas require. Additional protein leted feeds. This is because pellets contain formulated without copper. If copper is not may be needed if the animal is on poor more than protein and energy, including an issue, look at the cattle mixes. Some quality roughage. Poor quality pasture vitamins, minerals and fillers that dilute stores or mills offer different mineral mixes or hay may lack sufficient nitrogen for the energy value. for different seasons of the year. This is to microbial protein synthesis. We feed the Regular body scoring is critical when coordinate with pasture quality or the feed- microbes, in turn, they feed the alpacas. feeding oats. Producers are likely to be ing of hay. If your animals are on dry lot, The VFAs produced by microbial digestion surprised that they may have to decrease then choose the mineral mix intended for are easily absorbed by the finger-like oat intake to maintain animal condition. winter feeding. projections (papillae) that line the rumen. Although alpacas may hesitate to eat oats If you have a large farm, or grow your Protein/energy supplements are form- at first, they will be downing them with own forages, then consider getting your ulated to 15 percent crude protein (CP). gusto within a day. soil tested and having a mineral mix for- However, to simplify formulation for the IMPORTANT: Never switch from pellets to mulated specifically for you. DIY system, the actual CP of the pre-form- any of the supplements listed here “cold Many producers complain that their ulated supplement may be less. Increase or turkey.” Always gradually introduce the animals will not eat mineral mixes. First, decrease the amount of the supplements new feed. For example, feed 75 percent keep the mix fresh and out of the weather. listed below depending on changes in body pellets with 25 percent oats for several Second, mix it with a small amount of score, either up or down. days. Then increase it to 50/50 for several grain (i.e., cracked corn) to encourage IMPORTANT: Always base any adjustment more days. The process should take a interest. Control the amount of grain to of intake on body score. minimum of two weeks to accommodate keep the mineral mix disappearing at the shifts in rumen microbial populations. expected rate. On the other hand, if the A simple solution mineral mix is disappearing too quickly, Consider the simplest solution: start with Here are some other options. even without the addition of grain, then one ingredient, either rolled or crimped oats. n Two-ingredient supplements add salt. Start by adding a small amount; Why oats? Because they contain both more n Cracked corn OR rolled/crimped oats adjust up or down to get the desired CP and more total fiber (a combination of (75% or 0.75) and disappearance. Note: animals in dry lot soluble and insoluble complex carbo- Soybean meal (25% or 0.25) get bored and may eat more than they hydrates) than other grains. Energy from actually need. Do not expect alpacas to fiber is released more slowly compared n Cracked corn OR rolled/crimped oats instinctively know what minerals they to corn and does not provoke founder. (50% or 0.50) and need, and to regulate their intake based Although controversy exists regarding the Alfalfa meal (50% or 0.50) on that requirement. threat of founder in alpacas, the same

HerdSire 2012 | 97 n Three-ingredient supplements contain high concentrations of beneficial n Cracked corn OR rolled/crimped oats microbes (probiotics or direct-fed micro- (65% or 0.65) and bials) are sold in some feed stores and Soybean meal (25% or 0.25) and online. They usually come in two distinct Whole flax seedOR beet pulp (10% or 0.1) concentrations: a lower concentration for daily feeding, and a much higher dose for prevention or treatment of illness. n Cracked corn OR rolled/crimped oats The probiotics meant for daily feeding (45% or 0.45) and usually come in a dry form that can be easily Alfalfa meal (45% or 0.45) and mixed with any of the protein/energy supple- Whole flax seedOR beet pulp (10% or 0.1) ments listed above. The dry form is the easiest How to use these formulas to use and has the best palatability. Say you want to mix the supplement in a Concentrated forms used for treatment large (clean) garbage can. Buy 50-pound and prevention usually come in either a bags of the ingredients you want to use. paste or drench. Either form can be used for Call local mills and feed stores to save leg sick animals and should be given orally to work—not all mills stock all of the above those that are not eating. Look for guaran- ingredients. In some cases, mills can order teed total microbial content of around 109, what you need. Ingredient availability may or 1 billion CFU (colony forming units). limit which formula you ultimately use. Prevention is always cheaper than treat- Guess-timate how much that garbage ment, especially when a vet is involved. can will hold (in round numbers to make Use concentrated probiotics for several Photo © 2012 Chris Leonard © 2012 Chris Photo it simpler). Then multiply the decimal days before and after major stresses such number listed after the percent in the as weaning, transportation, and showing. formulas above to get the amount that insect-proof structure. Mills usually require Although the DIY system is more effec- has to be weighed out for each ingredient. minimum batches or 500 or 1,000 pounds. tive when all the above steps are followed, A 33-gallon trash can might be able to individual steps can be included in con- hold 100 pounds if all the ingredients are Probiotics ventional feeding systems. Body scoring, dense (such as corn, soybean meal, and You have probably noticed a recurring switching from pellets to a home-made pro- flax seed). Some experimentation may theme regarding microorganisms. We feed tein/energy mix, locally-purchased mineral be necessary. them so they can feed the alpacas. To put mixes, and probiotics are powerful tools to Most alpaca producers have access to a it bluntly, alpacas would not be able to reinvigorate herd health and productivity. flat-bed scale to weigh their animals. These survive, let alone multiply, without them. can also be used to weigh out each ingredi- These vital players also happen to be Literature cited ent. Use separate containers to hold each vulnerable to stress: whether emotional Mulder chart. http://www.montmorillonite.org/ ingredient, especially if you are not sure the (weaning, change in location, herd- or Mulders%20chart.htm finished product will fit in the garbage can. pen-mates, or owners), nutritional (both NRC. Nutrient requirements of small ruminants. 2007. Layer ingredients into the garbage can, changes in quantity and quality of feed), or The National Academies Press, Washington, D.C. Reiner, R. J., but only in an amount you can easily mix environmental (extremes and fluctuations F. C. Bryant, R. D. Farfan, and B. F. Craddock. 1987. by hand (with a hand tool of some kind). in temperature or unseasonable tempera- Some muscle will be required here. Do not tures, either hot or cold). Reiner, R.J., F.C. Bryant, R.D. Farfan, and B.F. Craddock. expect your final product to be perfectly Rumen microorganisms are also killed by 1987. Forage intake of alpacas grazing Andean rangeland mixed. Not every mouthful has to be per- antibiotics. Most antibiotics available for in Peru. J. Anim. Sci. 64:868-871. fectly formulated. It all gets mixed again use in alpacas are broad-spectrum. They once it is in the alpaca anyway. kill with all the finesse of a nuclear bomb. The final product can be stored in the gar- Use antibiotics (including products sold Lark Burnham received a doctorate in ruminant bage can as long as it is kept tightly sealed. by veterinarians to treat or prevent ulcers) nutrition from Texas Tech University in 2004. She now with great caution. If hand mixing isn’t your bag, find a local lives in northeastern Kansas where she works as a Although it can be minimized, stress can mill that will mix a larger batch of your free-lance nutritionist. She welcomes all comments chosen formulation. They can also bag the never be totally avoided. Fortunately there and questions at: [email protected]. finished product. Store it in a rodent- and is a safe, natural solution. Products that

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