Welcome to the ILRe-port!
Important announcements for the ILR member and llama owner.
2005 ILR Membership
To vote in 2005, you need to have submitted a membership form and submitted payment by March 15th. However, there are more advantages to membership than just voting. The most common registrations and transfers are offered to members for a slightly lower fee. Under other circumstances we would appreciate your sending us registrations/transfers with the higher fee, but this is a non-profit organization and we cannot use the extra funds for a group outing to one of the local ski resorts. If you plan being a member for 2005, do it now!
Also, on Feb. 15th we will be removing member database search privileges from anyone who was a member in 2004, but has not yet signed up for 2005. If you plan on being a member for 2005, do it now! Don't lose your member privileges.
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Events Calendar
Check it out, and add your event! It is only as good as member input. If you don't like to enter an event through the web site, just give us a call and provide your information to an operator. They will gladly put it up for you. 406-755-3438 Mon. - Fri. 8am to 4pm MST. Or fax your event information to 406-755-3439.
I Want A Llama.com
iwantallama.com
by ILR Board of Directors
It is with great pleasure that the ILR Board of Directors announces its plan to develop a new web site for the promotion of llamas. With the exciting possibility of reaching people world-wide to tell them about our wonderful animals, we hope to generate excitement and enthusiasm for llamas of all shapes, sizes and colors.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
In the next few months the ILR plans to launch this new web site. With the help of the ILR members, we hope to provide the world with a fresh view of llamas and their wonderful talents.
It is our concept to design a web site with many pages of pictures and dialog about what llamas are and what they can do. At this time we plan to divide the pages into categories showing photos of what our animals can do.
If you have pictures that you feel capture the essence of llamas in any of the following categories, we would like to use them.
- PACKING
- GUARD LLAMAS
- BABIES
- THERAPY
- WORKING
- COLOR / PATTERNS
|
- HIKING
- SHOWING
- WOOL AND FIBER
- COMPANION
- HUMAN RELATIONS
|
- CARTING / DRIVING
- BREEDING
- PRODUCTS
- 4H / FFA
- TYPES
- FUN & FOLLY
|
Any ideas or pictures should be sent to ILR Director Kathi McKinney who is coordinating this effort.
Kathi McKinney
71 Shafer Meadows Lane North
Montesano, WA 98563
360-249-5627
bobkat@techline.com
Send as many photos as you wish but please send good, clear photos, either digital or printed. Photos will be returned upon request.
Thanks for your participation. Let’s see what we can put together for a great website to promote our llamas.
2005 ILR Board Candidates!
The 2005 ILR Board of Directors Candidates are listed below in alphabetic order by last name. You can click on the name to review the candidates statement to the following questions.
Karen Baum
Little Doc's, Huddleston, VA
lildoc@mindspring.com
• What is your background in llamas?
I have worked with llamas for over 20 years. I am a large animal veterinarian and raise camelids, having 45 llamas. We show in youth, performance and halter classes. I am a lifetime member of ALSA. The llamas we sell are used as companions, as guards of alpacas, sheep, goats or cattle, for showing, for youth, for therapy, for performance, for packing and hiking as well as for plain enjoyment.
I work with owners and breeders of a wide range of sizes of herds; those showing and those just enjoying them at home. We take our animals to nursing homes and work with special needs children.
• What skills and experience would you bring to your position as a director and how would you use this to benefit the membership?
I have been on the Alpaca Research Foundation (ARF) Board of Directors since its inception holding offices of secretary, vice president and president. I am on the Bedford County Agricultural Council. I was president of Lama Association of MidAtlantic States (LAMAS). I am currently fulfilling a five-year term on the ILR BOD having served as treasurer, vice president and currently president. I have knowledge of the ins and outs of the Registry.
I represent a diverse array of owners including small and large breeders, new and established owners including nonbreeders and PR animals. Having overall knowledge and experience of the industry I am able to relate to a variety of owners. I have diversified skills and knowledge, am a team player and am always willing to work to improve difficult situations.
• What issues of the llama community would you like to see the directors address in the next five years? Include ideas you have to insure stable funding for the registry.
I would like to be able to:
- continue to increase membership
- continue to expand services offered
- continue to diversify our clientele
- continue to support membership in USAHA
- review and develop policies on reproductive technologies
- assist organization and distribution of information to the Camelid community
- continue to offer excellent service to the industry
- involve more owners, especially those not breeding because everyone is important to the registry and the industry
- try to unify the industry to strengthen each interest
• What position should the registry develop regarding future importation of llamas and what criteria should be used in approving animals for importation?
There needs to be further discussion of the pros and cons of importation. We need to finalize staunch guidelines for evaluation to insure quality animals only are approved if/when the moratorium is lifted. The screening guidelines need to be better delineated for any animals admitted to the registry.
Lynda Carothers
Carothers Country Farm, Minnesota City, MN
lcarothe@hbci.com
• What is your background in llamas?
I first saw llamas in 1987 and purchased my first 3 llamas in 1989, they have been a part of my life ever since. My farm is located in SE Minnesota about a mile from the Mississippi River on approximately 70 acres. The llama herd has slowly grown and I keep it at about 30 llamas.
I am actively involved with our county 4-H program as the llama project leader for the last five years. Ninety percent of the children in my project are from the city, therefore most borrow llamas from me and work with them for 6 months. They learn to care, train, show and love their llamas. As a group they participate in several shows, parades, educational displays and take llamas to nursing homes and schools. We even used llamas to pick up food for a local food drive.
I co-chair a Midwest marketing event called Llama Magic. This is a private treaty sale with free seminars on all aspects of llamas. We have over 3000 people attend each year. Our “fun llama show” focuses on youth with classes such as llama limbo, leaping llama and more the more traditional classes of obstacle and showmanship.
This spring my dream of a full service fiber mill will reach fruition. My plan is to concentrate on llama and alpaca fiber to enhance the market for these fibers. My daughter and I have been felting for years and we do a little spinning and triangular weaving. I look forward to promoting both llamas and their fiber through this new venture.
My farm provides many services. Not only do I offer llamas for sale and at stud, but also offer boarding, training, and birthing of crias. I feel it is very important to share any knowledge I have of these grand animals. I do most of our medical care and I work closely with our wonderful veterinarian, Dr. Kristy Brown.
My family has been actively involved with showing, both in halter, performance and fleece. As a member of Llamas of Minnesota, Iowa Llama Association, Wisconsin Organization of Llama Enthusiasts, Iowa Fiber Guild, Minnesota Spinners and Weavers Guild, LANA, ALSA, ALA and ILR. I have interaction with many different aspects of the llama community.
• What skills and experience would you bring to your position as a director and how would you use this to benefit the membership?
My professional background is in retail, having 20 years experience as a Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising for a small retail chain of women's specialty apparel. Prior to that I was a computer programmer and have a Biology degree from St. Mary's University. In my retail position, I focused on natural fiber products, including llama and alpaca apparel and was responsible for 20 retail location across the Midwest and a retail catalog. Always known as an honest and hardworking individual, I love a challenge and have open arms to ideas and changes that benefit the organization.
I hope my experience can help the ILR become more financially stable and uphold the integrity of the registry. My vast experience with working with all types of people and getting things accomplished will serve the membership well…. and servicing the needs of the member is of the utmost importance. I know that the ILR membership has diverse needs and each member has it's own unique business. I respect those differences and would commit myself to help reach the needs of the members.
• What issues of the llama community would you like to see the directors address in the next five years? Include ideas you have to insure stable funding for the registry.
First of all, I would like to say that I believe the registry is doing a great job. It is so wonderful to have the llama database at our fingertips… and the service the registry gives is outstanding.
Communication with the membership of the ILR is something that can always be improved. I see great strides being taken in that direction with the on-line newsletter that is now published monthly. I believe there are even more ways to make that communication even better. I would like to see an easy way for members to communicate to the ILR BOD with concerns regarding the llama industry.
The integrity of the llama database is so very important; I would like to see new screening procedures put in place. At the very least…having FTA cards on file would be a good step. If only one llama in the registry has a forged ancestry, is one too many for me. I also am in favor of printing a photo on the registration papers.
The data collection and accuracy of the ILR has set an industry standard and we should all be very proud of what we have. I think that offering this service to other registries could help provide income. I also think the promoting youth and their involvement is very important to the whole industry. I would like to see a youth program put in place as I feel the youth are our future.
I know I do not have all the answers to funding, this takes time and experience within the registry. I do know that I can be very creative when needing funding of my own and that same creativity can help the registry “find” money. Finding money is not just looking at ways to increase the income, but to also look at how money is now being spent.
• What position should the registry develop regarding future importation of llamas and what criteria should be used in approving animals for importation?
I think the ILR position should reflect what the membership wants. I think it is then up to the BOD to uphold that policy and make sure that it is being followed. I personally am not opposed to importation of llamas as long as they can pass strict screening criteria that are agreed upon. I would like to see imported llamas be the offspring of screened llamas. The screeners must be well trained and above reproach. There needs to be serious consequences in place for those that do not follow their guidelines, both in letter and intent.
In closing, I would like to thank the nomination committee for all their time and effort into putting this great slate of candidate together. I would be very honored to serve the llama community in this position. I feel it is my chance to give back for the twenty wonderful years I have had with llamas. Here is to twenty more!
Gayle Dumas
The Fuzzy Farm, Saluda, VA
pupmom@oasisonline.com
• What is your background in llamas?
It was love at first sight…I was at the Virginia Classic to see the Alpaca Show the day I met my first llama face to face. Struck dumb by the regal beauty that glided past me…all I could do is stammer…What is THAT? I was told by the alpaca people…”Oh, that's just a llama.” JUST A LLAMA!!! It is a walking breathing piece of art! From that moment on I was hooked. As a child my big impossible dream was to have a horse. After becoming acquainted with llamas, I am convinced that the dream was of llamas…dreamt by a child that had never met one and could only equate the animal of her dreams to a horse.
The beauty, intelligence and graciousness of this lovely animal has turned me into a “Llama Cheerleader” every where I go. Anyone who expresses the slightest interest is regaled with the awesome traits of the llamas…not the least of which is their Fabulous Fiber. I promote their fiber at every opportunity and have had more than one alpaca farmer admit that my llamas have finer more beautiful fiber than their alpacas.
Our herd primarily is made up of Argentines and Miniature Llamas. We also have full size llamas and alpacas…so anyone who comes to our farm gets the full camelid experience. The Fuzzy Farm (my obsession) prides itself in raising adorable well behaved healthy llamas which I find are in high demand. We do all the work for our herd of about 40 ourselves including worming, immunizations, shearing and training.
• What skills and experience would you bring to your position as a director and how would you use this to benefit the membership?
One of my best (and worst) qualities is my inability to accept “that's the way it is”. Something is either right or it's not…I am not able to settle. The total “llama experience” is something that I teach to everyone who comes to our farm, whether they buy from us or not. Daily care, checking for possible health problems, cleaning up after them…and just loving them; new owners are given the lowdown on “the good, the bad and the ugly”. From trimming teeth to behavior problems…no topic is taboo. Promotion of the llamas' beautiful fiber, logo and website design and participation in shows and community events…all tiny steps that I believe help promote a healthy understanding of our glorious creatures.
• What issues of the llama community would you like to see the directors address in the next five years? Include ideas you have to insure stable funding for the registry.
I am a firm believer that in order to establish the credibility necessary to insure the future success of our industry and registry…DNA testing is necessary. We cannot fend off the slurs and innuendos cast at our integrity without it. I would hesitate to make DNA testing mandatory at the moment, but would look for a way to encourage owners to validate their beloved animals and be able to guarantee that “A llama is indeed a llama!”
I am very proud of the quality of service that is received from the ILR staff and wish to do every thing possible to guarantee this level of service and the excellent lines of communication available to us continue.
I am willing to admit upfront, that I have a bunch to learn…and funding opportunities is one area that I must study before I can make any recommendations.
• What position should the registry develop regarding future importation of llamas and what criteria should be used in approving animals for importation?
Importation cannot be indiscriminate. Set goals….We need to establish what is needed to improve our current bloodlines. Only the best will do…the best blood and the best health. Find those and import in limited numbers.
Helen Feick
CTERS Llamas, Geronimo, TX
cters@the-cia.net
• What is your background in llamas?
I fell in love with these great animals in the late 80's but we didn't buy our first animals until 1991. At that time, I told my husband that those two were all I would ever need. Well, a few years ago we had over 50 animals but have reduced that number to between 30 to 40 animals, which is a manageable number for us.
• What skills and experience would you bring to your position as a director and how would you use this to benefit the membership?
I was raised on a ranch and always have had some kind of animal. I know the ups and downs of ranching...cattle, goats, horses or llamas..the challenges are the same.
I have over 30 years of banking experience and for the last 10 years have worked as a Stockbroker's assistant. And, I believe that my financial experience and ranching background would help to bring a "common sense" background to the industry, where we are facing financial and husbandry concerns.
• What issues of the llama community would you like to see the directors address in the next five years? Include ideas you have to insure stable funding for the registry.
Include ideas you have to insure stable funding for the registry. The board and the industry has been faced with embryo transplants (which the board has handled very well) and now, we have crossbred animals and could have "cloned" animals in the future. The board needs to have a plan in place to handle these concerns now and in the future.
With the membership dues in place and the fees for services, we need to carefully invest some of these funds for the future. We may need to set up a foundation for tax free donations, to help offset the expenses of the future.
• What position should the registry develop regarding future importation of llamas and what criteria should be used in approving animals for importation?
I don't think we should close the registry to importation, but we do need to be more selective and limit the number of animals being imported. The board should set time limits between importations (i.e. 5 years, 7 years or 10 years).
The ILR should have representatives (not necessarily llama owners) that will screen the llamas for importation. The animals should be DNA'd before they leave their country of origin to ensure that the animal is pure llama, vicuna or guanaco.
Mark Smith
Mark Smith Farms, Crawfordsville, IN
msfllama@tctc.com
• What is your background in llamas?
I bought my first 2 llamas in 1994 as guards for our purebred sheep flock. That first year those two geldings intrigued me so much that the following year the first females were purchased. Our herd has now grown to approximately 60 and is now a viable part of our diversified farming operation.
I am an ALSA llama & alpaca judge, judging around 14 shows a year. I have served as Secretary and Vice President on ALSA's BOD.
• What skills and experience would you bring to your position as a director and how would you use this to benefit the membership?
For 18 years I served on the Board of the American Southdown Sheep Breeders Assn. and served as its President. This is one of the oldest livestock registries in North America . Being in the purebred livestock business for 35 years has given me a good perspective on what is happening in the other species and how it could benefit the ILR.I believe my leadership skills and ability to listen would benefit this association.
• What issues of the llama community would you like to see the directors address in the next five years? Include ideas you have to insure stable funding for the registry.
Over the next few years I would like to see the ILR:
- Utilize our staff to do contract registrations for smaller breeds of other species. We have the programs and staff to generate additional cash flow.
- Have a membership campaign to promote the benefits of being a paid member. More memberships equal more revenue.
- Cooperate with other Llama organizations to better promote llama ownership.
- We currently have one of the best registry websites of any species. It is one the most useful and user friendly sites available. The ILR must continue to give the members value for dues that they pay.
• What position should the registry develop regarding future importation of llamas and what criteria should be used in approving animals for importation?
I don't believe that the ILR has the right to tell breeders how to run their breeding programs – to import or not. I do believe that the ILR has the right to expect the llamas that are imported to show the phenotype of what many of us expect a llama to look like.
Llamas are the only species I know of that do not have a “Breed Standard of Excellence”. I realize that many of us own llamas for many different reasons but there should still be some basic standards that should be set, i.e.… head shape, ear length, top line and rump structure just to name a few.
I know other species use a 3 person classifier system where the majority rules when deciding if an animal looks like it's breed or not. Others use a “3 strikes and your out” system. Many times we need not reinvent the wheel when we can adopt something that is already proven in other breeds.
Please take the time to vote and help determine the future direction of the ILR.
Gayle Woodsum
Double J Llamas, Laramie , WY 82073
dbljllamas@aol.com - www.llamasatdblj.com
• What is your background in llamas?
In 1990, I hiked the Grand Canyon alone with 60 pounds on my back. That great adventure was a wonderful turning point and motivator for my discovery of llamas as companions and agreeable helpers in making the wilderness quests of my middle years less physically painful than those of my youth. A friend who had turned in her backpack for a llama string got me started, but little did I know how varied a route my lama journey would eventually take.
Today I live with a mixed herd of 50 domestic and imported llamas and two alpacas. It is the many physical types and personalities available in the camelid world that keeps me excited by and committed to these extraordinary animals. The breeding program at my ranch is carefully considered and reconsidered each year to match the multiple uses being asked of the lamas, which for me include commercial fiber use, working/companion animals, sales, and national halter/performance showing competition.
I believe that my love for lamas brings with it a responsibility for their long term value, health and welfare. To this end, I have been active in various organizational efforts for many years including founding and continuing to lead our local 4-H llama project, creating and superintending the Laramie Llama Festival, superintending the Estes Park Wool Market llama show, working as the current editor of the RMLA Journal . I participate in fundraising efforts that support the promotion and welfare of lamas and write regularly for camelid publications. To increase my knowledge base and contribute to the ongoing conformational health of llamas I trained to be an ALSA certified judge, now working as a level III llama judge at shows throughout the country. Last year, I served the ILR as a member of one of its focus groups, developing recommendations for youth programs, participation and education.
• What skills and experience would you bring to your position as a director and how would you use this to benefit the membership?
Professionally, I am a writer who has spent much of the past 25 years in the nonprofit sector from local grassroots work to national foundation service, with extensive experience as both a board member and employed executive director. I have given board training, fundraising and lobbying instruction to groups throughout the United States and Canada.
• What issues of the llama community would you like to see the directors address in the next five years? Include ideas you have to insure stable funding for the registry.
The ILR fills a crucial role as a setter of standards and practices for the viability of camelids and the goals of their human caretakers. The enormity of this responsibility is increasingly daunting in an age of get-rich-quick schemes and faltering ethics. I would love to have the opportunity to serve this amazing organization with a view toward long term planning in an open, transparent system of governance, backed by an increase in public outreach, education and coordination.
The abilities of an organization are limited without a solid blueprint for ongoing, diverse funding sources that extend beyond fees and dues. Such financial planning must be diligent in serving principled guidelines springing from a clear mission statement.
• What position should the registry develop regarding future importation of llamas and what criteria should be used in approving animals for importation?
On the matter of revisiting ILR's support of camelid importation, my stand is that this entire issue must be meticulously studied from every possible perspective. At the forefront of any decision making or action must be absolute dedication to the health of all North American lama herds, backed by the strongest possible sense of ethics.
ILR is uniquely positioned to help increase vibrancy in this industry by offering, in part, a safety net for the animals that are the substance of its very core, and by serving as a bridge-building meeting place for the immensely diverse groups and interests connected to those animals. It would be an honor to serve in the next phase of growth and change for ILR.
Ready . . . Set . . . Register!
With the holiday season passed and spring just ahead most of us have the time to get our paperwork caught up for our llamas. Are your 2004 babies registered? If not, this is a great time to get them registered before new babies are born. Members of ILR will enjoy a reduced fee for llamas registered before they are one year of age.
The new on-line services offered by ILR make registration easier than ever before. Now a member can go on-line, complete the easy to follow registration form and submit digital photos for new registrations. You can also update photos of any registered llama online. Just go to “update photos” check the photos of your previously registered llama and if necessary, update any poor shots or baby photos that need to be upgraded.
The time of new registration is a great opportunity to make a good evaluation of your llama. Does the little male have stud potential? If you plan to promote your youngster as a male with stud potential consider sending a FTA card with your registration. You do not have to have a DNA analysis done at the time of registration but having the FTA card on file with ILR could be a valuable sales tool. Your potential buyer will know that you valued your youngster enough to take that extra step. DNA parent verification is another important sales point. A llama that has been parent verified is more valuable as a breeding animal than one with unverified parentage. DNA analysis is mandatory in many horse registries. It is optional in most cases for registration with ILR but that does not make it any less valuable to serious llama breeders. Mistakes can happen and knowing you are 100% correct in the genealogy you provide a buyer gives them the confidence that the animal they are buying is indeed the same animal you are selling.
ILR also is proud to offer the enhanced registration certificate for parent verified llamas. It features a photo of your llama on the certificate and also reflects the DNA verified genealogy. Click here to see an example of the enhanced certificate.
The ILR depends on registrations and memberships from llama owners for its support. In return ILR provides the most detailed database on camelids in existence, contact information for owners and other llama organizations, liaison to government agencies for education health issues and much more.
ILR is about llamas and their owners. Register your llamas today and help ILR continue to serve the entire llama community.
So You Want To Be A Llama Mama
Notes on Reproduction, Birthing and Care of the Newborn Llama
International Lama Registry Educational Brochure #8
LLAMAS ARE FUN!
These unique animals are rewarding spiritually and financially. Whether raising llamas as a business or a hobby, many people have had their lives and lifestyles totally changed by these lovable, easy-to-care-for creatures. One can quickly become a member of the growing ranks of “llamaholics”. No matter how long you own llamas you can learn something from or about them every day. They are kind, clean, quiet, peaceful, stoic, cute, uncomplaining and beautiful.
This brochure covers basic information on breeding, birthing and common problems and procedures for care of mother and baby. Welcome to the wonderful world of camelids!
Breeding
(Shearing both males and females before breeding makes the whole procedure cleaner and healthier.) When is your llama old enough to breed? Males become fertile between 10 and 36 months of age, with the average being 24 months. In fact, from several months of age on, young males will mimic adult breeding males. These youngsters are often seen playing by piling on top of each other, a female in prone position or a male in the act of copulation. We firmly believe that pasture breeding (allowing the female and male to live together for a period of 14 to 21 days) produces a higher conception rate and is more natural than hand breeding (putting male and female together for as long as it takes for them to copulate and then separating them.)
The female is normally ready to be placed in the breeding herd between 15 and 20 months of age, or when she has reached approximately 60% of her adult weight. A female may conceive as young as four months, but this is extremely rare. Pregnancy at an early age can endanger not only your llama’s life, but her health and physical development as well. If a mature breeding male is living in the same field as females with babies, the young females should be weaned and removed at 4-6 months of age (depending on their size and condition), or they and their mothers should be separated from the breeding male.
Female llamas are induced ovulators, which means that the act of copulation will set into gear the mechanism initiating ovulation. They do not exhibit common outward signs of estrus or heat (as cattle or horses do), thus it is difficult to ascertain the day a female might be receptive to a male unless you actually see them breeding, or can “hand-tease” the female by presenting the breeding male to an isolated female to detect receptivity. You will not always see your female being bred, unless she is being hand bred, because copulation often occurs at night as well as during the day. During copulation, both the female and male are in sternal position for 5-50 minutes. A non-stop array of sounds from humming to grunt-chortling and orgling may be heard.
Females probably begin a follicular wave pattern about three days post partum. Normally the female remains receptive to the male until she has been bred and ovulated, although spontaneous ovulation can occur. Because it takes about 21 days for the uterus to totally involute and clean up, we recommend waiting this period of time until breeding. Your female should be checked for any outwards signs of discharge before being put in for breeding. Having your veterinarian do a vaginal check with a speculum 14-21 days post partum is highly recommended.
Because ovulation is induced, llamas may breed and conceive any month of the year and produce healthy babies. As a result, you may want to regulate the length of the breeding season according to your climate and conditions by introducing and removing the breeding male at specific times of the year. Where winters are severe, hypothermia, frostbite and exposure to cold rain or snow are factors to consider, just as extreme heat, humidity or dryness are in summer.
Gestation and Signs of Pre-Parturition
Gestation is normally between 335-365 days, with 350 days as a mean. Our ranch has yet to induce labor in a llama, preferring to let Mother Nature take her course. As the time of birth, or parturition approaches, you may notice some, all or rarely none of the following signs which are seen when kneeling or on your hands and knees beside or behind your female. (Shearing your female helps immensely in observation.)
1. The posterior portion of the abdomen becomes gradually more distended.
2. The udder begins to swell close to the body. Swelling then continues into all four quarters, which normally have one nipple per quarter.
3. 1-72 hours before parturition the nipples may swell and become tight and warm with globules of sticky or crystalline colostrum (the first milk) on the nipple tips.
4. The lips of the vulva may elongate and swell, relaxing for the imminent birth. When the female is resting in basic (sternal) position or goes on her side, the vulva may part, showing some of the inner vaginal lining. Do not become alarmed. This is normal.
Delivery
Llamas give birth in daylight hours unless a problem with presentation occurs. Any difficult birth is called dystocia. There is no special English term for the process of the llama giving birth (like foaling, calving, lambing). Birthing or parturition are most commonly used.
The mother-to-be may stay off by herself for several hours to several days before giving birth. She may also seem more subdued and quiet than usual, lay down and stretch out sideways and emit louder, more frequent distressed humming sounds, or “llama talk”, than normal. If she lives with a male, this is a good time to separate her, as breeding males will occasionally try to mount a birthing female - not a good situation for the mother or unborn baby!
Your llama will give birth in a standing-squatting or prone position. If all is well, the water will break, lubricating the birth canal, and a small shiny bag will be pushed out (it may appear and disappear several times before remaining out). The front feet, nose and head should follow, and may sometimes be seen inside the bag. With the next strong push, the sack is usually ruptured by the extension of the legs to the outside as the elbows are pushed over the pelvic rim. Sometimes there is a short delay at this time while the shoulders slip through the birth canal. When the rest of the body slides out, the umbilicus is automatically disconnected. Usually all of the placenta remains inside with nothing hanging out or showing until the entire placenta is expelled later.
Since most babies are delivered while the female is standing, fluids in the lungs, trachea and nasal passages have a chance to drain out due to gravity before the baby is dropped on the ground head first. If the baby is having trouble breathing, do not be afraid to give mouth to mouth resuscitation or hold it by the hocks and swing it around to expel fluid from the lungs.
The baby will be delivered with a unique thin membrane (the epidermal membrane) covering its entire body and attached to the lips and toes. Make sure the nasal passages and mouth are clear of mucus and other debris, including the membrane which is sometimes tightly adhered to the edges of the lips and nostrils. After toweling off the baby (called a “cria” in Spanish) carefully follow the standard operating procedures outlined below. In the case of first-time mothers, it is helpful to move the mother and baby to a quiet stall or paddock, in sight of and in close proximity to llama friends so bonding can develop uninterrupted. Simply pick up the baby and the mother will follow. In hot weather, a shady spot with fresh water and hay or grass should be provided.
Llamas are good mothers and love their babies, but they are passive and do not lick their newborns or eat the afterbirth. They do commonly smell and touch the baby with their nose.
Neonatal Care
The following procedures are both recommended and commonly used, but may not be applicable in every situation.
- 1. Treat the navel with Betadine (tamed iodine) Chlorohexadine (Nolvasan) or use any antibiotic ointment if the above are not available. If the umbilical cord is dripping or pumping blood it should be clamped or tied off 1 to 1-1/2" from the body. Special ties and clamps can be obtained from your veterinarian or, in case of emergency, short pieces of dental floss or suture material work well. Use care in tying these materials to avoid amputating the stump. If the umbilicus is already dry or has been contaminated with dirt, treatment is not recommended.
- Give a warm enema - squeezing gently. If the baby later appears to be straining even though it has previously passed a quantity of meconium (the first fecal material), it may be necessary to give another enema. A drop of liquid Ivory soap in 4-8 ounces of warm water is fine. A human Fleet enema, warmed in a bucket of hot water, also works well. Your veterinarian may recommend injectable Vitamin A and D at birth.
- Only in a selenium deficient area, administer injectable selenium (Mu-se) sub-cutaneously or intramuscularly in the hind leg.
- Weigh each baby at birth and monitor its weight carefully for the first week, or longer if necessary. Normal birth weight is 22-35 pounds. Most crias either lose or maintain weight for the first day or two, but should gain a minimum of 1/2 pound per day thereafter. This gain may be irregular but should average out.
- Other vaccines or anti-toxins may be indicated in your area. Your veterinarian will best advise you in the matter.
- The baby should ideally have colostrum within the first 2-4 hours of life because of the natural laxative effect of this milk, the energy provided by the nutrients and the high antibody content. It is known that colostrum is produced only during the first 24 hours of lactation and that the cria dramatically loses the ability to absorb the antibodies after 24 hours of age. The newborn llama is born without any antibodies. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to be sure that all neonates receive adequate colostrum as soon as possible after birth. An IgG test may be done 24-48 hours after birth. If the IgG (immunoglobulin) level is not adequate, a plasma transfusion may be necessary. We recommend milking the dam at birth and bottle feeding the cria 2-6 ounces of colostrum. The sucking response is normally excellent when the baby is first born. If baby will not drink from the bottle, it should be tubed.
- We also recommend "Mallonizing" or desensitising crias at birth, this involves laying the cria on a towel and touching, rubbing and flexing all parts of the head, ears, mouth, body and tail. 15 - 20 minutes twice a day for the first few days works wonders for later training. We want baby to bond with mom, not with us - so no huggy kissy.
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First day of life priorities are: A) Make sure baby is breathing without trouble. B) Check the eyes, bite, and umbilicus carefully. C) Be positive the baby is actually nursing. D) Be positive the baby has passed fecal material. E) Be positive the baby has urinated and that no urine is leaking from the umbilical area.
If you have any reason to think your baby has a problem, call your veterinarian and have a physical exam and a complete blood count (CBC), and Routine Llama Panel (RLP) done.
When the Baby Won't Nurse
The author's personal tips:
- It will be much easier for baby to find the "right place" if mom is shorn. Crias can and do die from ingesting fiber.
- Prime the pump by milking the mother and putting the milk in a stubby bottle with a sheep nipple (hole slightly enlarged) or other apparatus of similar nature. Two to four ounces every 4-6 hours is a normal amount to expect. After the baby has sucked down 1-2 ounces, place it at the mother's side and coax it to nurse. It helps to gently rub and blow warm air on the baby's hind quarters, especially on top in front of the tail in imitation of the mother. This and "humming" help initiate the search and nurse response. (Macho guys don't laugh - you can do this too!) Babies should be up and nursing within two hours.
- Each neonate needs to receive 10% of its body weight in milk or milk replacer each day in order to grow and gain normally. If the baby will not suck from the bottle or nurse, it should be stomach tubed. Using a Lady Clairol type bottle and a 16" cat/puppy tube, place the llama in a sternal position between your knees. Bending over and holding the head in your left hand, insert tube (unattached and lightly lubricated) through the baby's mouth and into the esophagus which you should normally see or feel on the left side of the neck. To make sure you are not in the trachea, listen at the end of the tube to be sure there are no breathing sounds or suck gently back on the tube. You should be able to feel the resistence. Attach bottle to tube when tube is about 12" down. Squeeze gently, giving 4-8 ounces. Repeat every 4 hours if the baby is not nursing on its own. Then, stand the baby at the mother's side and coax to nurse.
- Do not be afraid to perform all of the above with baby males, even if it takes several days. They do not turn instantly into "berserk males" - just treat them like llamas, taking are not to cuddle or talk to them.
Post-Partum Care of the Mother
Milk a squirt from each teat to dislodge the small plug of colostrum in the opening. If the udder is small and there is little or no milk, hot pack and massage it with warm water. Your veterinarian may suggest giving an injection of Oxytocin sub-cutaneously or intramuscularly. If, on the other hand, the udder is tight, distended, hot or swollen, milk out as much as possible and feed it to the baby from a bottle. Keep milking, extra milk should be frozen and put into a colostrum bank for future use. Rarely, it may be necessary for your veterinarian to administer an injection of Lasix to reduce udder edema and make the milk come more easily. If Lasix is given, make certain free choice fresh water is available for mother. Should blood be noticed in the milk (causing a pink tinge), the mother may have mastitis and should be checked by your veterinarian.
The mother should be watched carefully for the first week. If any discharge or pus is noted coming from the vulva after the first few days, ask your veterinarian to check her to determine whether or not she needs to be cultured and/or infused intra-uterinely. This will be an easy matter for the veterinarian to decide.
The placenta (afterbirth) should be passed within 4 hours and often comes shortly after birth. Call your veterinarian if after this length of time you cannot find evidence of the afterbirth or if membranes are still hanging out. Do not pull on the membranes since this can easily cause hemorrhage and/or retention of pieces of the placenta in the uterus and predispose the llama to uterine prolapse. Treatment should definitely be decided by your veterinarian and often includes the use of Oxytocin and systemic antibiotics along with intrauterine treatment.
Weaning
Babies are most commonly weaned by the age of 6 months. We halter train our crias before weaning. Except in extremely rare instances, male and female weanlings may be safely placed together until the age of 1 year. This is also an excellent time to further train and work with your new llama.
Finally, the most important thing to remember when your llama begins to give birth is DON'T PANIC! Most of the time there will be no problem. If you suspect a problem and delivery seems prolonged, call your veterinarian immediately. If help is not available, pray and use your good common sense. If a neonatal care clinic is being held in your area, do attend it.
Author: Kay Patterson Sharpnack
Cover Design: Patricia Waters
Kay has been closely involved in the breeding and daily health care of over 7,000 llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and camels since 1965 and has handled over 600 dystocial births.
Kay grew up on an Ohio farm with an M.D. father and a brother who is an exotic animal veterinarian. She was a pre-med graduate of the University of Colorado and received a teaching degree from John Carroll University, after which she spent two years at Case Western Reserve Medical School doing canine surgery for a pulmonary physiologist.
Since 1973, she has lived in Sisters, Oregon breeding camelids and Polish Arabian horses. Kay organized the first Llama Medical Conference for veterinarians on the Patterson Ranch in 1981. She was a founder not only of the North American llama industry, but of the ILA and the International Lama Registry on whose board she served from inception in 1985 until stepping down as president in 1991. Kay is a charter member of ALSA and a steering committee member of the Heifer Project International "Bolivian Llama Improvement Project."
Love for animals, medicine, and the education of llama lovers on all aspects of management, breeding, obstetrics, and neonatal care remain priorities as she and her husband, Eric Sharpnack, DVM continue caring for a herd of over 200 llamas on Hinterland Ranch.
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Alpaca fur stuffed llamas, floppy, 3 sizes, $25-50 Llylacllyz@aol.com
Llama design tees & sweats on sale. $5.95 & up. Linda Hayes hayestees@sopris.com 800 815 0488
Everybody’s doing it! Are you? Plan for your comfort and your pets’. Llama fiber filled comforters, mattress pads, pillows, dog and cat beds. Soft and lofty, luxurious as can possibly be! Buy now for a full winter’s comfort. West Mountain Farm, Inc., llamawmf@sover.net 802-694-1417
Llamas for Sale
Championship herd of beautiful Llamas from silkies to suri's. Also raising Miniature Australian Shepherds, Miniature Donkeys, and Fainting Goats. www.LashsUniqueAnimals.com
Llama Sale hayestees@sopris.net
Aureano-Peruvian-Appaloosa-Fine Fiber-in Southern California! whyllama.com or 760-751-2603
Tillman Llamas are selling show quality females bred to HCLA Bolivian Over Exposed. Prices start at 1,500. www.tillmansranch.com 541-389-1065
Moonshadow Farm - eye catching, well formed, nicely fibered llamas for sale, show, breeding and wool. Visit us at www.moonshadowllamas.com or contact us for sales list, hh@moonshadowllamas.com
We raise llamas for fiber and as guard animals. J’n’S Ranch 254-605-0299 jnsranch@hotmail.com.
LLAMAS FOR SALE abbott@charlo.net
Reasonably priced males and females, friendly and lovable - windstarfarm@yahoo.com
Services
SHEARING-Michigan, Duane Reeves 734-428-0033 PMFllamas@Aol.com
FIBER MILL Have your llama fiber processed into quality roving, batts or yarn. www.CarothersCountryFarm.com 507-689-0800
STUD SERVICE Aureano-Full Peruvian-colorful appy - fine fiber standing at stud now in San Diego County. whyllama.com or 760-751-2603
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Farewell from Joyce and Alan
Back in 1995 I was working as the marketing coordinator for a small semi-conductor industry company. My wife, Joyce, had a strange job working for 'The Lama Link' newsletter/magazine. I had visited the offices a few times, but really did not know much about the industry when Jan Wassink approached me concerning a bid to operate the International Lama Registry.
That was almost 10 years ago. Since the first day of 1996 Joyce and I have had the privilege of working with Jan Wassink and the ILR Board. We have enjoyed the office staff and those we come into contact with in our duties. Joyce has become our 'customer service agent of difficult problems' while I try to keep the computer systems running efficiently and concentrate on publications (electronic and print).
Joyce and I have also enjoyed you, the members, a great deal. You have become friends as well as clients. With few exceptions, you have been patient, understanding and knowledgeable in your business dealings with the Registry. In turn, we have tried to respond to your needs as we would members of our own families.
The Registry has been a challenge, especially for me. It has been satisfying to work with other professionals in establishing a 'first-class' registry. With excellent input of the ILR Board of Directors and sage advice of individuals in the computer sales and programming business, the ILR has developed a robust data system, a completely digitized photographic library of registered llamas, improved DNA analysis, web site registrations and photographic upload, web site llama data searches, a cost-effective means of communication (ILRe-port), enhanced certificates, and now we are in the early stages of incorporating other llama industry registries on a contract basis. It has been exciting and rewarding.
But now we have a different challenge. We have been teachers and administrators for another non-profit corporation, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF - Joyce for 20 years and Alan for 17 years). In fact, from 1990 to 1992 we lived in central Nigeria teaching classes and assisting the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA). Now we have the opportunity, and have heard the call, to return to Nigeria. For the past 10 years men and women have been praying for BSF classes in the new capitol city of Abuja. Our plans are to leave the USA on March 21, 2005. We will be stationed there for the next few years as we establish classes for men and women, and then identify local leadership to take our places.
Abuja is an exciting place. It is not only the capitol city of Nigeria, but has become a hub of politics for the African continent. We are excited that God has seen fit to provide this oppotunity and even though we will miss all of you, but we know that you will be in good hands with Jan and the capable staff.
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Web Site Access Problems?
In the last couple of weeks many of your have called due to problems accessing the ILR On-line Database. The problem is almost always the same: "I had access to the entire database the last time I was on-line, and now my access is extremely limited. Are you having a problem?"
No. The problem is not with the database search or the log in. It is with your membership. In almost every case the person on the telephone had a membership for 2004 and has not yet paid membership dues for 2005. On Feb. 15th we updated access to the paid membership section and some of you were affected.
If you are one of these llama owners, we encourage you to sign up for your 2005 membership prior to March 15 so that you can also vote in the upcoming election. You can do so online on the Membership Page, or call the ILR during office hours at 406-755-3438 and talk to an operator.
Email Address Disappear?
On February 26th the ILR removed just over 800 email addresses that we have determined to be no good. We have had email messages bounced back from these addresses with the informaiton that there is no such address in existence any more. If your email address mysteriously disappeared, and you are no longer receiving notices from the ILR, please either send us an email with a request to restore your address, call the registry, or go to the ILR database (http://www.lamaregistry.com/rsearch.php), log in and use the 'Change Contact Information' link to add your email address again. If we have deleted your address in error please accept our sincerest apologies.
