- After hunting or processing livestock for the table, it's a shame to have to toss out a nice pelt. Here is a method of tanning hides that is low cost and low labor compared to other methods of “custom tanning.” I've personally used this system to tan sheepskins, deerskins, groundhog pelts, rabbit hides and goat skins. The procedure can be used for all kinds of mammal pelts when you want the fur to remain on the skin. It results in a soft, workable hide, which can be used as is or cut up for sewing projects. more »
- Coccidiosis is a parasitic infection of alpacas that can also be found in a wide variety of other animals such as cows, poultry, and dogs. The cause of the disease is the infestation of the intestines of the alpaca by a parasitic protozoan. Symptoms of coccidiosis in alpaca include dehydration and loss appetite. There can also be diarrhoea, possibly with blood in it. Medication is available for treatment of coccidiosis in alpaca. But good management techniques should also be introduced to prevent outbreaks. more »
- A variety of parasites affect the gastrointestinal tract of New World camelids. Some of these are unique to camelids, but many also infest or infect ruminants, other domestic animals, cervids, or other wildlife as well. As a rule, parasitic infections are more associated with ill thrift than more specific and overt signs of GI disease, such as diarrhea or colic, but as such, they are among the most common causes of poor-doing in domestic camelids. Awareness of the importance of protozoal enteritis has been growing steadily. This is reflected both in the number of scientific publications, and the overall recognition that parasite control strategies must extend beyond anthelmintics. Also, once considered diseases of crias, certain protozoal enteritides are now widely recognized as important disorders of all ages of camelids. more »
- Increasingly, the focus is on accelerating genetic improvement, aiming for improved fertility, higher fleece weights, finer fleece and robust animals with higher carcase weights. Whilst the market has focussed on stud sales during the establishment phase of the industry, there is increasing emphasis on production traits as the industry moves towards commerciality. Ultimately, as in their native home of Peru, alpacas will be bred for fleece, meat and skins and Australia seeks to position itself as an international market leader in all production traits. more »
- A report on the thickness, tensile strength, elongation, softness, abrasion resistance, and stretch and set of alpaca leather. more »