The Alpaca Library Catalogue

Alpaca birthing is generally an uneventful process, yet it is one of the more stressful events for new owners. Problem births (dystocias) are unusual in sound breeding animals, but when they do occur it is important to intervene as quickly as possible for the health of both the dam and cria. This pictorial journey is meant to help those that are new to the process. more »

Alpacas are a hardy breed of animal, and possibly the easiest livestock to care for. Very little is needed to care for alpacas beyond the basics of shelter and good pasture. We have found it to cost less to care for our alpacas than our family pets, on a per head basis. Listed below are a few of the things necessary for the day to day care of alpacas. more »

Alpaca feet are unlike hooves like horses, cattle, sheep or goats. Their feet have unique structure which enables them to be very sure-footed and cause minimal damage to the environment. more »

Alpacas evolved in the higher altitudes of the Andes Mountains where the temperature rarely gets above 75 to 80 degrees. They are not equipped to handle high heat and humidity. This creates management problems in many parts of the United States during the summer months. more »

Choanal atresia is the lack of a connection between the nose and the mouth. Normally, the nasal passages lead back into the pharynx which connects to the opening of the trachea which then leads into the lungs. The area where the nasal passages meet the pharynx at the end of the hard palate is called the choanae. Atresia is the absence of a normal opening. Therefore, choanal atresia is the lack of a normal opening at the choanae. The normal opening is absent because the bone or membrane present during embryonic development fails to break down . A study conducted at Oregon State University concluded that this defect is heritable, but it has not been definitively proven yet, and there remains a great deal of debate within the alpaca community. Some advocate the most conservative strategy of removing both parents of a cria with choanal atresia and not just breeding to different animals. Continuing to breed alpacas who are suspected carriers of choanal atresia may only serve to increase the incidence of the choanal atresia genes (if it is heritable) in the population. more »