Caring for Suri Llamas in North American Climates

But suri fibered llamas present some unique challenges that must be considered in all climates.

Suri-coated llamas are “single fleeced,” and although these fiber characteristics are specifically selected for breeding suri llamas, this fiber doesn’t trap air to form an insulation barrier for the animal. The lack of crimp in the fiber, lack of lofty undercoat, and extremely fine guard hair allow the fiber to hang tight to the animal’s body. Research in sheep has shown that less than one inch of sheep wool (high crimp) provides optimal insulation in warm climates, and increased fiber length and density increase the amount of insulation effect for cold weather.

“Good management of a llama herd relies on close observation of climate conditions, proper nutrition, and preventive care.”

Proper Ventilation is Critical

Generally, young, thin or geriatric animals are those affected by cold weather, and they are most susceptible to hypothermia. Newborn cria have minimal body fat and for the first few weeks of life may have difficulty thermo-regulating. Animals that are thin for any reason, such as lactation, dental problems, chronic illness, “hard keepers” and so forth, lack or have a minimal layer of body fat under their skin, giving them less internal insulation for the colder climates. Couple these factors with a fiber type that doesn’t provide optimal insulation, and cold stress can become a serious issue. Fortunately, many management techniques are available to optimize the health and comfort of suri llamas in cold climates.

Providing a clean, dry bedding area in a well-ventilated shelter to block the wind is very important. Be certain the area is not overcrowded, since timid animals may be forced outside to face the elements. There are many ways to retrofit an existing building to block cold winter winds: hanging clear plastic strips over doorways, using tarps or heavy felt to cover fences leading into barns or gates, and partially blocking doorways with plywood or tarps.

Even in cold weather, your barns need to “breathe.” That is, there needs to be a steady flow of fresh air into the building. An airtight building is very unhealthy for any animal. Poorly ventilated areas trap moisture causing a humid environment rich in aerosolized bacteria and viruses. A rule of thumb for building ventilation in cold weather is two air exchanges per hour. An easy way to approximate this is to squeeze a bottle of baby powder into the air. You can watch the flow of the powder cloud. In an adequately ventilated space, the cloud will move steadily toward the ventilation outlets. If the powder falls to the ground, not enough air is moving. Some farms have heated rooms in the barns to warm individual animals, or as a “creep area” for cria. In some cases, the whole barn is heated, but again, with a heated space proper ventilation is critical.

Bedding and Blankets are Keys to Good Health

Another important cold weather management tool is bedding. Cleaned oat straw is very absorbent and easy to pick out of the fiber. Some people use rubber mats, shredded paper, or shredded cardboard as a barrier between the animal and the cold ground. In extreme weather, young or compromised animals may need to be blanketed. Blankets of different thickness are handy. A thinner blanket is adequate for temperatures around freezing, but heavier blankets are advisable for extreme weather. Blankets should be made of a breathable material to wick moisture away from the animals. Be certain the blankets are not too large and have no straps hanging to tangle the animal. It is important to watch for any sores or wear marks around blanket straps. If temperatures are extreme and the blanket is left on for several days, check under the blanket daily and rotate clean blankets as needed. A damp, dirty blanket is unhealthy for an animal’s skin and will ruin its fiber.

Increase Food to Combat the Cold

Animals’ nutritional requirements increase greatly in cold weather, since much is used to maintain body temperature. Animals without adequate nutrition will begin to break down body fat and muscle for energy to warm their bodies. Work with a consultant who is qualified to advise on the proper supplementation based upon forage and temperature.

Fecal exams are important for a herd when it comes off pasture. Parasites rob precious nutrients from the animals and can lead to anemia and other health issues. A constant supply of fresh water is critical. Heated buckets, tank heaters and heated waterers are wise investments. Eating snow will not supply adequate water intake for the animals and puts them at risk for impactions, dehydration and kidney disease.

At the Upper End of the Thermometer

When the mercury rises, remember that all llamas are susceptible to heat stress, and suri llamas are no exception. High ambient temperature coupled with high humidity can lead to a dangerous heat index (ambient temperature Fahrenheit + relative humidity greater than 150). Animals with heavy fiber coverage, young cria, and overweight animals are at highest risk. Llamas do not sweat and rely heavily on convection (air moving across their bodies) to remove body heat.

Shearing is a critical management tool in most parts of the country. A minimum area to shear is the barrel, the full circle around the body between the elbow and the hips. Fat animals, pregnant females and breeding males may need more radical fiber removal.

An elevation in body temperature of the pregnant female has been linked to a number of birth defects, or may cause the fetus to be aborted. The location of the testicles and the tightness of the scrotum of male llamas do not allow the testicles to drop away from the body and be cooled. Males may experience temporary or permanent infertility with an increase in body temperature even if they show no signs of heat stress. Some breeders trim the fiber or wrap the tails on their males in hot weather to let more air flow over the scrotum and to increase visibility to detect scrotal swelling. Consider shearing down the leg below the scrotum to allow for more airflow.

“Argentine-style” shearing, which trims the entire body and two-thirds up the neck, is a common shearing style for breeding animals. The fiber left at the top of the neck is a nice “display” of the animals’ fiber, while still allowing for cooling of the great vessels of the neck. It may be desirable to shear animals again if heavy fiber grows back quickly, or in persistently warm climates.

Ventilation Again

In hot weather as in cold, ventilation is an essential management tool. Industrial or agricultural-grade fans are best, since they are designed to run long periods of time and move large volumes of air. These fans can be put on timers, on a thermostat/humidistat, or run as conditions warrant. Plug fans directly into an outlet and avoid extension cords. If an extension cord is necessary, be certain to use a heavy-gauge cord (10-to-12 gauge) preferably with an in-line breaker. Overloaded or undersized extension cords start many barn and household fires. Fresh water, free-choice salt and minerals, electrolytes, and appropriate parasite control are also important management considerations for hot weather.

Good management of a llama herd relies on close observation of climate conditions, proper nutrition, and preventive care. Established breeders, nutritionists and veterinarians in every climate are key professionals with sound advice for what works in their particular climate. The management effort will be more than rewarded in a healthy, vibrant herd.

Dr. Kristy Brown is a 1989 graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. She owns and operates the Leon Valley Veterinary Service from her farm, The Brownderosa, in Sparta, WI. Dr. Brown specializes in camelid medicine, surgery and reproduction, along with other large animal species. She has been raising llamas since 1998 and shows in both ALSA and LFA. She is a member of many llama associations, including SLA. For more information on Dr. Brown, visit her Web site, www.brownderosa.com.