Date of Publication:
December 2015

Publication:
Dissertation, Washington State University

Excerpt:
Camelids are economically important production animals in many areas of the world. Early pregnancy loss is a major cause of reproductive inefficiency. Pregnancy maintenance depends on a timely signaling mechanism called maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP). This mechanism is not well characterized in camelids. The work presented in this thesis is part of a larger research program to study early embryo development and MRP, as well as factors involved in early pregnancy loss.

Read the rest of the article: http://www.dissertations.wsu.edu/Thesis/Fall2015/A_Campbell_113015.pdf

Date of Publication:
April 2004

Publication:
unknown

Excerpt:
In this article, you are about to see that the South American Camelids appear to be a physiological and anatomical blend between cattle, horses, pigs and cats! I will point out these similarities as the article progresses.

Read the rest of the article: http://people.upei.ca/lofstedt/public/chromosome.puzzle/images%20for%20chromosomes/private/vhm321/vhm321.Books/new.world.camelids.pdf

Date of Publication:
December 2018

Publication:
Agriculture Victoria

Excerpt:
In July 2018, four alpacas on a property north-east of Melbourne presented with ill-thrift and anaemia. Samples sent for laboratory testing confirmed infection with Mycoplasma haemolamae (previously Eperythrozoon sp.).

Read the rest of the article: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/animal-diseases/vetsource/vetwatch/vetwatch-december-2018/mycoplasma-haemolamae-in-alpacas-with-ill-thrift-and-anaemia

Date of Publication:
2012

Publication:
NAVC Conference Proceedings 2012

Excerpt:
Birthing in llamas and alpacas is a rapid process. Studies in South America documented that >80% of crias (neonatal llama or alpaca) are born between 6 AM and 1 PM.¹ Stage II labor (expulsion of the cria) occurs over a period of 10 to 15 minutes (range, 6 to 47 minutes).¹ Dystocia is an uncommon event in llamas and alpacas. Studies in South America found that dystocia in alpacas (1660 birthings observed) occurred in 1.6% of birthings and that 25% of these occurred in primiparous females. Data in a smaller number of llamas (234 birthings observed) demonstrated dystocia in only 1 female (0.4 %).¹ Interestingly, causes of dystocia differ in South America and North America. Uterine torsion is rarely found in descriptions of dystocia in South America. Causes of dystocia in these populations include fetal malpositioning with 30% of those occurring with the fetus in a posterior presentation and 70% in anterior presentation.¹ Markedly less information is available documenting causes of dystocia in North American herds.^2,3 What data is available seems to indicate that uterine torsion is a common cause for veterinary intervention of dystocia.^2,4 The author‘s opinion is that fetal malpositioning is associated with the majority of dystocia in llamas and alpacas and that uterine torsion is over represented in the literature because these cases are more likely to be presented to teaching hospitals for treatment.³

Read the rest of the article: https://www.vetfolio.com/learn/article/cesarean-section-in-small-ruminants-part-2-uterine-torsion-and-cesarean-section-in-llamas-and-alpacas

Date of Publication:
March 27, 2017

Publication:
Veterian Key

Excerpt:
Poor reproductive efficiency has been described as one of the major problems in camelids. The mean annual fertility (birthing rate) in alpacas and llamas in South America can be as low as 45%. No studies exist on the actual annual pregnancy rates in alpacas on North American ranches. Informal surveys in our area of practice (Pacific Northwestern USA) show an annual birthing rate of 78%.

Various congenital as well as acquired disorders of the reproductive tract in camelids have been described and may play an important role in reduced fertility.1 In many cases, diagnosis of the cause of infertility may require monitoring the female over at least one reproductive cycle (from follicular growth to mating and pregnancy diagnosis). The objectives would be to answer the following questions: What is the expertise of the breeder? Is the male fertile? Does the female have normal genitalia? Is the female ovulating? Judicious choice of examination techniques and interpretation allow reaching a diagnosis in an accurate and timely manner. The objective of the present chapter is to discuss the major presenting complaints with regard to camelid infertility as seen in practice, as well as the main reproductive disorders in the female camelid and the approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Read the rest of the article: https://veteriankey.com/infertility-and-subfertility-in-the-female-camelid/

Date of Publication:
September, 2018

Publication:
AgriFutures Australia

Objectives:
1.To assess the worm control practices used by alpaca farmers in Australia by conducting a questionnaire survey
2.To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodeof alpacas in various climatic zones in Australia, using traditional and the latest molecular diagnostic methods
3.To undertake field efficacy studies to determine the status of anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes of alpacas
4.To train a research higher degree (MPhil/PhD) student

Read the rest of the article: https://www.agrifutures.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/18-064.pdf

Date of Publication:
July 04, 2018

Publication:
Parasit Vectors. 2018 Jul 4;11(1):388

Abstract:
BACKGROUND:
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) can cause significant economic losses in alpacas due to lowered production of fibre and meat. Although no anthelmintics are registered for use in alpacas, various classes of anthelmintics are frequently used to control parasitic gastroenteritis in alpacas in Australia and other countries. Very little is known about the current worm control practices as well as the efficacy of anthelmintics used against common GINs of alpacas. This study aimed to assess the existing worm control practices used by Australian alpaca farmers and to quantify the efficacy of commonly used anthelmintics against GINs of alpacas.

Read the rest of the article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29973276

Date of Publication:
unknown

Publication:
Alpaca World Magazine

Excerpt:
Humid air, moist grass and mild temperatures are ‘party central’ for the enemies of alpacas – gastrointestinal worms. More alpacas die through parasitic infestation than virtually any other single cause, yet owners often find it difficult to spot the signs of infestation, and improve husbandry to reduce the effects.

Many nematode worm species occupy sections in the gastrointestinal tract of your alpacas. From mouth to rectum is a warm, moist, dark space, perfect for feeding, growing and reproducing. Consider it from the worms’ perspective, life could not be better, tucked away with constant warm temperature, food and protection at no cost to them.

Of course, as in all ecosystems, and the digestive tract of your alpacas is an ecosystem, there will be competition between worms for the best ‘pitch’. Different species of worm favour different spaces within the tract. The worm must avoid immune responses of the host but in the main the gut is a very hospitable place for worms to survive, hence their success. These insidious parasites share a common objective; to shelter, grow and reproduce within their host, bringing nothing to the party whilst taking all they can.

Read the rest of the article: https://www.alpacaworldmagazine.com/parasite-paradise/