PurelySuri Aug 2014 by Suri Network

Message from the President

It’s been an exciting and productive year for the Suri Network as we have worked to help all members protect, improve, and promote the Suri alpaca. The Suri Network has been serving its members on many fronts. From breeding and herd improvement to fiber and product development, the activities and results are numerous. This past spring brought a re-launch of the Suri Network Herd Improvement Program (SHIP). Phase I of the program allowed us to learn a great deal. In 2013 we reviewed and revised, and then we rolled out Phase II in January 2014. In the first six months, 13 farms/ranches and over 300 Suris were classified, and more farms are lining up for classification all the time. One of the greatest benefits participants are talking about after a classification is that they have an excellent tool in the form of unbiased evaluation data to help them make significant improvements to their Suri herds. Plans have been developed to expand the program through education of current and potential Suri breeders, ultimately moving towards fiber production that will benefit all. Activities planned include regional training, webinars, and development of workbooks and videos of conformation and fiber characteristics, herd classification, education, and mentoring of potential Suri breeders. Expected progeny differences will be calculated, providing farmers with data to guide both purchasing and breeding decisions. Both beginning and existing farms/ ranches will develop new tools and practices as a result of training and SHIP classification of their herds. We are actively seeking funding for this important expansion. This is yet another area where the Suri Network is providing real value to our members. The relationship between strong breeding programs and the ultimate product – fiber – is clear. While SHIP is working to help members improve their production, the Suri Network Product Development Committee is actively working to educate Suri owners about fiber. In 2013 the Product Development Committee produced a six-hour DVD, P2P: Pasture to Process, Product to Profit. This professionally produced three-disc set is a comprehensive guide for breeders to learn about getting the most out of their Suri alpaca fiber; it’s for sale to both members and non-members on the Suri Network website (www.surinetwork.org). The Suri Network website has been redesigned, allowing members to take control of their own membership information and share more about their farms and ranches with other members and the public. Education continues to be a major focus for the Suri Network. In addition to the annual Suri Summer Symposium in Estes Park, Colorado, we have implemented quarterly webinars to keep members informed of Suri Network news and to solicit input from members. The webinars have received rave reviews from members. All of these activities occur only due to our volunteers, who are committed to moving the industry forward. We believe our member benefits are unrivaled, and encourage all Suri breeders (and those who just love Suri alpacas) to join the Suri Network as we continue to preserve, promote, and improve the Suri alpaca. Warm Regards, Tim Sheets, President Suri Network

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Suri Network Board of Trustees Tim Sheets, President — My wife, Beth, and I own Heritage Farm Suri Alpacas in central Indiana. We have two adult children, Michael and Jennifer, and 3 grandchildren. We have been raising alpacas since 2003 and have been active members of the Suri Network from our beginning. Raising alpacas is a real passion of ours and has been more exciting than we would have ever anticipated. Beth and I are living out a dream of owning a small farm and raising livestock that gives back so much. I feel strongly that a bright future of the alpaca industry depends on how well we engage the youth of today. To this point, I have been involved in local 4-H and FFA groups in encouraging an interest and involvement with alpacas. I am very confident of the future of the Suri alpaca industry and look forward to what the next few years bring. As your elected member of the Suri Network Board of Trustees, I represent the membership’s interests to the best of my ability. My commitment is to use my skills and influence to help shape the future of our incredible industry.

Kristie Smoker, Vice President — Before starting Sweet Valley Suris, I held management and executive positions in private industry for more than 20 years. I spent 18 years with The Hershey Company before co-founding Turning Point Enterprises, a human resources consultancy. I own and manage more than 40 Suri alpacas and currently serve on the Suri Network Board of Trustees. I am the former President of the Mid-Atlantic Alpaca Association, a seven-state affiliate to AOBA. In 2010, I coordinated the largest alpaca show in the eastern United States. I received my A.S. from Pennsylvania State University and my B.S. from Albright College.

Patty Hasselbring, Treasurer — Along with my husband, Britt Hasselbring, I own Hasselbring’s Harmony Ranch just outside Concordia, Missouri. Since purchasing our first Suris in 2009, we have built a herd of around 115 Suri alpacas. Before starting our alpaca venture, we visited alpaca farms and, early on, fell in love with the exquisite Suri. Prior to alpaca farming, I spent my professional life as a non-profit executive, focusing primarily on juvenile justice and children’s issues. In 1994, I opened my own consulting practice, Grants and Beyond. I continue my consulting business, providing training and other services for non-profit organizations and helping them effectively meet their missions.

Cindy Harris, Secretary — I grew up in California and developed a passion for Suri alpacas that began in 2000 while I was teaching fourth grade. I had 13 acres and was deciding what to do with the rest of the property when I met my first alpacas. Suris were visual poetry to me, with their locks shining and swinging in the breeze! My husband, Doug Fieg, and I own Alpacas at Windy Hill in Somis, California. We practice intensive Californiastyle management of a herd of 350 alpacas on 25 acres of Bermuda grass for our own herd and several boarders. We emphasize education, particularly providing a “safety net” for new owners. We host a variety of classes and events during the year to introduce the public to alpacas. We breed for excellent Suri traits across colors and origins. Showing is a large part of our marketing. We shear our Suris annually, and have been extremely pleased with the results, feeling strongly that the proof of a Suri is in the regrowth. We would like to see more emphasis nationwide on the “process-ability” of Suri shorn annually. Joyce White, Trustee at Large — Joyce White has been raising Suri alpacas for 13 years along with her husband, Greg, and daughters. They own Tinkers Creek Alpacas and started with just three alpacas. They now have a herd of 57 Suris, along with a herd of 23 Suris that they board. Over the years they’ve been in business, they have delivered over 100 cria, trained them for alpaca shows, and helped new breeders learn about breeding, birthing, and showmanship. For Joyce, the alpaca industry is not just a business – it is also a lifestyle. An active member of AOBA, OABA, and the Suri Network, Joyce spent this year on the AOBA Show Rules Committee. She re-wrote the Suri Network 4-H Handbook in 2011. She believes that having the ability to actively impact this industry is essential to its evolution, and looks forward to contributing to the Suri Network to help keep it going strong. As a member of the Suri Network Board, she is ready, willing, and able to listen to members’ ideas on ways to make the Suri Network improve and grow as an organization.

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Table of Contents

Features 10 Hey, What Happened!

23 32 38

The New Paradigm in Alpaca Farm Financing by Brion R. Smoker

Sensible & Simple: Skirting and Sorting Tips for Suri by Donna M. Rudd

Alpaca Listener

by Cindy Myers

Slatted Hay Feeder

An Affordable Option for Free Choice Hay Feeder with Less Waste

by Tim Sheets

Emergency or Not?

When to call the vet and determine how urgent by Jana M. Smith, D.V.M., M.S.

46 Got Fodder?

by Randy Coleman

Mentoring: Service Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Stop at the Sale

by Kristie Smoker

60 SHIP Herd Improvement Program by Suri Network

62 Breeding Soundness Examination and Infertility

in the Male Alpaca

by Ahmed Tibary, D.M.V., Ph.D., D.S., Dip. ACT

Departments 4 Message from the President 5 Board of Directors 9 Statement of Purpose 78 Advertising Index

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Suri Network Statement of Purpose

Dedicated to the preservation of the Suri Alpaca. The purpose of the Suri Network shall include, but not be limited to, the following: To promote, through education to the alpaca community and the general public, awareness of and interest in Suri Alpacas and their fiber, and related business interest. To promote the growth of the Suri Alpaca industry. To serve as an industry and marketing group to promote and protect the collective economic and legal interests of the network’s members. To organize and conduct, from time to time, a Suri Alpaca event, which shall be open to the public and which shall further the purposes of the corporation. This event shall provide members and other participants with the opportunity to share with each other their ideas, encouragement, knowledge, and companionship.

PURELYSURI

Fall 2014 • $10 PurelySuriTM magazine is a publication of Suri Network. Statements, opinions, and points of view expressed by the writers and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily represent those of PurelySuri, members of the Suri Network, the publisher, staff, employees, or agents. Suri Network does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein. Suri Network reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter. No part of PurelySuri may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronically, mechanically, by photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior express written permission of the submitting author to which the article, photography, illustration, or material is copyrighted. PurelySuri assumes all work published here is original and is the work and property of the submitting author. All product and company names are trademarked or copyrighted by their respective owners. ©2014 by Suri Network, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Publisher: Suri Network Design & Production: Julianna Farresta Managing Editor: Cindy Harris Editor: Patricia Hess Advertising Coordinators: Margit Korsak Laura Hall Contributing Writers:. Randy Coleman Cindy Myers Donna Rudd Tim Sheets Jana Smith, D.V.M., M.S. Brion R. Smoker Kristie Smoker Ahmed Tibary, D.M.V., Ph.D., D.S., Dip.ACT

Printer: Able Publishing Cover Photo: Randy & Barbara Coleman Wings and A Prayer Alpacas

Suri Network, Inc. P.O. Box 1984 Estes Park, CO 80517-1984 Phone: (970) 586-5876 Fax: (970) 586-6685 Email: office@surinetwork.org Website: www.surinetwork.org www.surinetwork.org

Hey, What Happened!

(The new paradigm in alpaca farm financing)

By Brion R. Smoker

Alpacas are a BUSINESS, and they are no longer considered just the huggable investment...

I am not sure about you, but when we got into the alpaca business eight years ago, we were buying alpacas for $20,000-$30,000 each. We were quick to spend $5,000 or so for a stud fee, have a cria and make back our money in four years! We all knew that the alpacas all pooped in the same place, hardly required any upkeep, and you could sell the fiber to pay for all the maintenance costs of the alpacas. What could be easier? THE CRASH occurred and suddenly the alpaca industry experienced something we never thought would occur. The value of the alpacas reduced significantly, and we all wondered how we would make money in this business when some individuals placed the value of the alpacas and wholesaled them for $200. I guess we can take comfort in knowing that the alpacas still poop in one place. Alpacas are a BUSINESS, and they are no longer considered just the huggable investment (actually they were never an investment, but that is fodder for another article). Let’s look at the alpaca business as a business and try to answer some of the hard questions. First we should review the livestock model as it was explained to me by Dr. Brett Kaysen from Colorado State University and the livestock pyramid.

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Seed Stock: Back in the “good days,” everyone who purchased and bred an alpaca, was considered to be a “breeder.” The standards for breeding have continued to improve, and we can see a significant improvement in the quality of the alpacas in the United States market. What also occurred is that the existing buyers, and more importantly the newer entry level farmer, have a much higher standard of what a “quality” alpaca is and what price point they will consider entering in the alpaca farming model. Quality, not quantity, is the new guiding principal for the alpaca farmer. If the existing alpaca farmer does not recognize this shift in the market forces, and cannot give customers greater value, the competitor will. The alpaca market has always been unique in its ability to share information and be helpful and considerate to other farmers, but we are all competing for the same pool of customers unless we are truly a seed stock breeder. This is evident by the decrease in prices for alpacas at auctions where we seem to mostly sell alpacas to ourselves. However, there are always those magnificent alpacas that still secure the higher price points. Multipliers: Other parts of the world utilize embryo transfers as a way of business. It’s going to be difficult to continue on the current path of finding a quality male and female to breed and make just one cria a year. If the United States industry would allow for super ovulation of the female and create 10 embryos at once, and place the embryo in a host mother, the advancement to both the phenotype and, more importantly, the genotype would accelerate at a very substantial pace. This would aid the United States alpaca industry and its presence in the worldwide market. The existing show system (with the blue ribbons and banners) in the past has helped to define a quality alpaca. This is changing dramatically. Some “blue ribbons” do not reward the breeder with higher prices. The data related to the alpaca in the form of histograms and skin biopsies are starting to be more of a driver for pricing. Informed buyers want quantifiable information, not solely the opinion of one judge at one show on a particular day. The pros and cons of these concepts will need to be discussed. Misinformation and fear of many breeders will have to be addressed. But as history has proven in the livestock model, for the farmers to be economically successful, there must be a product to sell in the

most efficient way and with the least amount of cost. Fleece/Fiber Production: This is still a cottage industry for the most part. The majority of alpaca farmers have no real delivery system to get the raw fleece into the hands of commercial processors. Some larger farms can package up their inventory of fleece and ship it around the world to increase substantially the value of their fiber. Collectively, breeders need to work with associations, or industry associations such as Suri Network and AOA, to have a strong and collective voice to help increase the awareness of the value of the alpaca fiber, build a brand, and create customer interest and demand for our products. We need to create this inventory with increased production, and increased consistent micron and length so that commercial producers want to turn our fiber into higher selling products. Commercial Producer: We will need to foster cooperation and agreement on what the “show system” wants and, more importantly, what the commercial producer wants in fiber characteristics. The commercial producer wants 3 to 6 inches in length and 22 to 25 microns across the blanket to process. Additionally, long term the fiber industry will not want secondary colors and more likely will not place high value on multi-colored alpacas. Protein: To continue the controversy, let’s talk protein! This was not even a distant consideration or discussion point when we entered the market eight years ago. Whether you agree or disagree with this model, I would venture to say it’s here to stay. The issue is, if the farmer plans to sell the alpaca for protein, he/she should get a fair value for the animal. If you consider the protein and fleece value models, they are somewhat consistent. The farmer gets no real value currently for raw fleece or for the protein. I agree that if you do not have sufficient resources either with pasture or financing, the value you (as a farmer) get is reduced cost of maintenance. But to transport alpacas from here to there, and receive $1 per pound hanging weight for the most part does not even cover the hard cost of the transportation, let alone the value continued on next page

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of your time and the breeding/birthing/maintaining of the alpaca. The pricing model is not in my opinion the meat processor being “greedy.” It is simply a matter of fact that there is limited demand for the meat product. There are all kinds of issues and regulations to send meat products across state lines, and various regulations that differ from state to state. The protein market is even smaller in organization structure than the cottage industry of fleece production. If protein is part of your farming model, then the industry as a whole has to have a consistent delivery system to create customer awareness, and then demand. We as farmers have to find out where we fit in the livestock model. One area of the model isn’t more right or wrong, since all the areas are interconnected. Seed stock producers can never be efficient producers of fiber, and fiber currently is the “real” product. We have been discussing various business models

and the costs associated with the business models. The most critical part of the above discussion is that each alpaca farmer should decide where he/she wants to fit in the livestock model and incorporate that into a business plan. Included in the business plan should be cash flow projections, then the follow up is to compare the projections to the actual numbers. There have been many discussions and publications concerning the business plan and the nine factors that the Internal Revenue Service places on farms to determine them a business or a hobby. I am not going to repeat this information again; however, I will say that if you have a good business plan you really do not have as much concern that your farm will be considered a hobby. With a business plan you have a working tool to help you create a profit and reduce your cost of operations. For the purposes of this article I will expand more on the business model as it relates to the multipliers and the fleece production model. Both of the areas need some costs to be accounted for in order for each of us to become a more profitable farmer. Do you really know the cost of production for your alpaca? The cost goes past the acquisition cost of the initial alpaca you purchase. If you purchase a breed alpaca for $11,000 (your foundation alpaca), you know that as soon as she delivers the cria, the actual cost drops to $5,500 per alpaca. Do you want to assume that the cost of the alpaca that you acquired will produce 10 alpacas over her lifetime, so each alpaca (add the cost of breeding separately) would then be $1,000 per alpaca? The other option is to keep the cost at $11,000 and all the other alpacas are “free” with no associated costs. This isn’t really a tax issue, but it is what you want to do to make sense of your cost model. It’s the cost of operations that really determines if you are making money. The easy direct cost to identify would be hay, grain, supplements, vet bills, shearing, etc. The more indirect costs are a little bit more difficult, such as the cost of the barn, outbuildings, and pasture management. What you will find is the average cost to maintain an alpaca could be as low as $730 per year or up to a cost that exceeds $1,500 a year. What does this mean to the farmer? If the farmer has a cria and waits two years before she is bred, the investment in the alpaca is continued on page 14

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$1,460 to $3,000. The farmer can place a value on the alpaca, however, the market will really define the price. The information that is gathered forces the farmer to really define the herd goals prior to breeding. Make sure you define your breeding goals, that can be measured, and always increase either the value of the individual alpaca or create overall herd improvement. It makes you ask the hard question, “Should I breed alpacas if I can only receive back in value $1,500 per alpaca?” The answer is more obvious when the buyer places the value on your alpaca breeding decisions. The fleece producer normally has a lower price for the “foundation alpaca,” so the foundation alpaca may have an acquisition price of $2,000. The same principal applies on the amortization of the cost as compared to the expected 10 alpacas over her lifetime. Now the fun begins when you have to measure how effective your efforts are in creating the maximum amount of fiber. You need to keep records on the fiber length, the weight divided by the growth period multiplied by 365. The cumulative records will show if you are actually producing more weight each year.

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The quality of the growth needs to be documented. What is the average micron? What is the grade? (Yes, you should sort and grade the fiber to make sure you identify the maximum value of the collection.) There should be very limited “waste” when you are collecting the fiber from the animal. All fiber has some value (extreme vegetable matter, cotting, etc., are the exception) and if you throw away fiber that could be used in pillows, comforters, etc., you are just minimizing the value of your fleece production. Let’s consider something we can all relate to — Potatoes! • 5 pounds of potatoes typically sell wholesale for $3.99 (or $.80 per pound) • 1 pound, 8 oz. of washed and bagged potatoes sells for $3.49 (or $2.32 per pound) • 1 pound, 5 oz. of steamable potatoes sells for $3.99 (or $3.04 per pound) Remember all the above are potatoes, but the consumer places a different value along the supply chain and is willing to pay more for their perceived value. It would be a choice for the farmer to create additional value for the fiber by adding more income along the supply chain with yarn, roving, or finished product. I ask the farmers who are the multipliers why they do not capture the value of the fleece, and I really do not get good answers. Too many of the farmers simply put the fleece in some plastic bags, bake them in an attic or some other place, and actually decrease the value of the fiber. I ask these questions all the time: “What do you do with the fiber? Does someone make product out of it?” The question I have to the industry is: If we as producers place such a low value on the fiber, why should the consumer do anything different? l

AUTHOR Brion R. Smoker Brion Smoker is the CFO and co-owner of Sweet Valley Suris, a farm with more than 40 Suri alpacas in Annville, PA. In addition to working with alpacas, he has enjoyed a successful professional career. Brion founded Smoker, Smith & Associates, a CPA firm in Hershey, PA. He’s served on many organizations such as INPACT Americas, International Federation of Accountants, and Venture Training, Inc. Currently, he is CFO of the PA Department of Labor and Industry, and founder/president of Equis Advisory.

Sensible & Simple Skirting and Sorting Tips for Suri

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by Donna M. Rudd

Using your senses to inspect a Suri fleece will assist you in evaluating your animal’s fiber both on and off the animal. Even more importantly, it will help you during skirting and sorting of one or many fleeces for processing, show, or sale. By skirting the parameters of a fleece following shearing, you remove those portions that detract from the uniformity, cleanliness, and value of the blanket. Fleeces can be further divided into allotments of similar characteristics of uniform length, color, and grade to build lots for commercial use. A single fleece may yield a variety of grades and sorts depending on the final destination or objective. Use your eyes to scan the fleece. Read the “face of the fleece” as the Peruvians say. Lay a fleece out on a table, cut side down, the same way

it came off the animal during shearing and noodling. This will make it easier to visually detect changes in lock length and grade. You can identify the spinal area from the belly, the flanks from the blanket, and notice other obvious points such as the back of the neck where vegetation builds up. A quick visual glance over the top of a fleece will reveal faults such as burrs, protruding guard hairs, and sun-bleached tender tips at the surface. A quick flip of the fleece and visual check of the shorn side will reveal clues of matting, parasites, skin issues, and second cuts, as well as luster. Look next at color differences. Often color changes are an indication of micron change. An example of this is on those animals that have vicuna type coloring. Typically the blanket of this fleece is one color and micron, but it changes near the tail, flank, belly, and shoulder and bib areas. On all fleeces, the outer parameters need to be carefully scrutinized for coarser locks that appear thicker, stained, and matted. On solid-colored animals, remove color patches that detract from the uniformity of the blanket.

When assessing the micron count, micron variation, and micron differences between primary and secondary fibers, you can help your eyes by spreading the locks out on contrasting paper or shirt sleeve. This is a good time to make note of a fault known as crimp or crinkle — an undesirable trait in Suri fleece according to Suri Network breed standards. If a fleece has crimp or crinkle, you will notice a lofty open fleece with fluffiness to it, which is a Huacaya trait. The individual fibers will have crinkle along the fiber shaft. I spend extra time on those extra-long, first fleeces that often have hidden issues embedded within the locks. Eyes detect what hands cancontinued on page 19

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ÂŠ 2014 Donna Rudd

not when these locks are opened up. One of the many surprises is that these long locks often have a wide micron range along the length of the fiber shaft, from the tip end to the cut end. After all, the tip end is the cria tips and the cut end is maybe 18-24 months old. Furthermore, your eyes can confirm what your hands feel such as vegetable matter, burrs, matting, change in micron, and dampness. It is also important to closely check solid colored fleeces for color contamination. This means that a black fleece should not have occasional white fibers; nor should a white fleece have occasional colored fibers. This is an important consideration for those who are breeding for pure black or white Suris because contamination will show up in woven fabric and finished garments. Use your hands to confirm what the eyes do see and to feel for characteristics that your eyes may not see. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t profess to be able to discern one micron from another with my hands or eyes, but between the two of them I can tell small differences. As fiber producers who han-

dle the fleece on your animals every day or on a regular basis, it would be a good thing to be able to tell if the fleece is approximately 23/24 microns or 27/28 microns by feel and sight. Just knowing a few basic tactile facts will help you assess your animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fiber so you can think about your breeding plans as you are working or showing your Suri. Your hands can also be used to detect hidden faults embedded within the fiber mass such as: matting, oiliness and excessive protruding guard hairs. When I am sorting fleeces I will often follow the shear lines of the fleece, using my eyes to confirm what I feel as the locks change micron and length. I feel for areas of excessive oiliness, matting, and other faults such as burrs and hidden vegetation. I use my thumb nail to check for tender tips by pulling on the tips to see if they break off easily. The whole fleece is checked for tenderness by taking locks from various locations and giving them the strength test (some fleeces only have partial areas of tenderness, and others are wholly tender). Tenderness compromises a fleece during processing by breaking up and procontinued on next page

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ducing substandard yarns and a large amount of fiber loss, but these fleeces may be acceptable to hand spinners. Crimp or crinkle can be detected by feeling with your hands; one of the first giveaways will be a light, warm fluffy/fuzzy feel to the fleece. Also if you have a handful of Suri fiber and it exhibits warmth, bounce, and loft — that’s air being held within those fibers by crimp. Suri fiber should be compact, smooth and dense. One of my favorite uses for my hands when evaluating Suri fleeces is to immerse them into a bag of raw Suri fleece and feel the cool, slick hand of Suri locks. This is one of the most exceptional attributes of Suri fiber. Use your nose to detect warning signs. We all know that alpaca smells like alpaca but, sometimes I open a bag of Suri alpaca and — wham— the smell just about knocks me over. It is a smell of sweat and urine. I have found that this smell comes along with the fleece being somewhat matted in the bag — this tells me it was packed away damp. Mold and mildew are other smells that come from plastic bags where fleeces have

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been stored while damp. It is a fact that on shearing day the animals are often sweating and urinate on the fleeces so care must be taken to allow the fleeces the opportunity to completely dry before packaging for storage, show, or sale. Use your ears to listen for breakage in tender fibers. Ears are used to evaluate fibers for tenderness. Hold the fibers up to your ear and apply pressure to stretch them a bit. If fine pinging sounds are heard, this is a sign of fibers breaking. Healthy alpaca fibers are able to withstand a certain degree of force so that it can undergo the rigors of commercial processing equipment. This test should be followed up by testing the fibers by thumping them between your hands to prove their strength. Use your common sense. Learning to evaluate fiber is a skill that takes training and practice. However, by beginning to use the techniques presented here, you will start to have an understanding of what distinguishes the various levels of quality across fleeces. The more you learn and gain this understanding of fiber, the more informed your decision-making process will be in finding an outlet for your fiber and how much you can expect to receive as payment for your fleeces. For detailed and complete helpful guidelines on fiber harvesting, see the Code of Practice and Shearing Guide. Please refer to www.surinetwork. org, and click on the Product Development Committee tab to download the above two important documents. These documents have specifically been developed by Suri Network to assist Suri breeders with their fleece shearing preparation, skirting, and sorting practices. l AUTHOR Donna Rudd Donna M. Rudd is a Certified Sorter/Grader (Olds College), Certified International Wool Judge (Olds College), Mohair, Fiber Arts & Spin Off judge. She has her Masters Certificate in Hand Spinning and instructs Level 4 at Olds College, and also teaches fiber arts at retreats, guilds and festivals. Donna is a volunteer on the Suri Network Product Development Committee. Recently retired from raising purebred cattle and fiber animals, she now resides in small town Alberta where she travels to instruct, writes to share and spins to enjoy life. donna.rudd070@gmail.com

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Alpaca Listener

By Cindy Myers

I’ve been called an Alpaca Whisperer by those who have witnessed my connection to alpacas and other animals. I consider it an honor. However, the skill used isn’t so much me talking to an animal – it’s listening to them. Communication entails two elements. One is talking, but the other element – and the one we humans don’t seem to be overly great at – is listening. Listening means that I use all my senses to take in what an animal or person is experiencing. I listen with my ears, my eyes, and sometimes with my touch. And I listen with my heart and intuition. When I teach workshops, I talk about having as many tools in my toolbox as I can possibly have. I own an alpaca farm. Like most alpaca owners, I not only do my own work – when an animal needs basic medical care, that also falls to me. Owning alpacas that are easily handled is a plus. Positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training have been very beneficial in socializing and training my alpacas to be easily handled.

The Toolbox: Clicker Training

To be a good trainer, one has to be a good observer. I first learned about clicker training with my dog Wiley. He was a dickens as a puppy. He had the wonderful temperament of being extremely smart, head strong, and stubborn. I had to find a good training method that was effective or neither one of us would have survived his puppy stage! He responded extremely well to clicker training. It is a positive reinforcement technique which uses a simple clicker – the trainer clicks when the animal performs the desired behavior. The sound tells the animal that it did something correctly and is about to get a reward. The clicker marks the desired behavior. Students often ask me why not just use their voice and a verbal acknowledgement like saying “Good!” after an animal has performed the desired behavior. The click is a consistent sound, whereas, our voice can have many different intonations (so saying “good” can continued on next page

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The clicker is a great tool for those who don’t think they can do the intuitive listening with their alpaca. You still have a tool you can use to communicate with your animals and it’s very effective and easy to learn.

sound different each time to the animal). Therefore, it can take longer for the animal to figure out what was that desired behavior they did to get their treat. After several clicks, the animal will begin to think about and experiment with behaviors trying to get that click sound to happen again. When alpacas realize what they did to get the click and understand, you can see in their eyes that they get it. They then begin to repeat the behavior easily and rapidly. It is one of the few training methods where animals actually offer behaviors trying to get the reward. This simple little clicker device provides a tool that

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both animal and human can use to communicate with each other. I have a junior herdsire who loves the clicker game. I often work with him after supper and he stands by the toy that I’ve been using to train him. I have been teaching him to touch the toy that I have tied to a fence with his nose. He taps it, gets a click, and I reward him with a few more pellets. He has so much fun that he will sometimes start touching the toy as he sees me walking towards his pasture. He is offering and asking to play the game! These are fun games, but I also use it for halter training and handling. It becomes more fun for them to learn to stick their noses in their halters. How nice is it for us to hold up the halter and the alpaca just puts his/her own nose in the halter! It doesn’t take long to teach the alpaca to do this either. Yet, it saves me tremendous time in halter training. It is much less stressful on all of us when it comes to halter training. The clicker is a great tool for those who don’t think they can do the intuitive listening with their alpaca. You still have a tool you can use to communicate with your animals and it’s very effective and easy to learn. I love teaching farm kids how to clicker train. They have a ball and the alpaca loves the mental stimulation. And the best part is the farm has much easier and more cooperative animals.

The Toolbox: Conditioning through Communicating

When I work with alpacas, I like to tell them what is about to happen before I work with them. When I handle alpacas in the show ring, I whisper in their ear that they are about to be touched as the judge reaches to touch their fiber. For males, I use the phrase, “touch your parts,” to tell them their privates are about to be touched. When I have practiced this in my field and use those words, and I am consistent with letting the male know he is about to be groped, most of my boys stand nicely with barely a flinch. I have had a judge or two chuckle when they overheard me, however, it is worth it when the alpacas stand nicely. That is always the part when most males do their leap in the air and are most difficult to hold still. I have found communicating and training the male to expect the quick touch is very effective, so it turns into no big deal.

The Toolbox: Intuitive Communication

The intuitive work has been the most rewarding and beneficial on my own farm. To experience communicating with an animal, mind-to-mind, is rewarding beyond words. One of the first communications I had with an alpaca happened at shearing time. I was boarding at a large farm and many volunteers were needed to help with shearing. My job was to catch and halter an alpaca being held in the smaller pens by the barn. I led the alpaca out and stood with him until it was his turn to go into shearing. The alpaca was pretty frightened, as he heard the alpaca before him being shorn – there was screaming and the loud noise of the shears. I am certified as a Level II Reiki practitioner and I used this intuitive energy technique to “send” quiet and calm energy to the alpaca waiting its turn. As I stood outside the barn, I mentally told the alpaca what he was going to continued on page 27

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baby the day before but it had a serious defect and experience. He’d get a haircut, a few vaccine and deworming shots, have his nails trimmed, and then go had to be put down. back to pasture. As I sent the gentle energy, I noticed My heart broke for this dam as she raced, pacmany of the alpacas come closer to me. I had a sixing back and forth along the fence. I thought perfoot lead and I gave them as much space as that six haps before I went out to see my alpacas, I’d offer feet would allow. this dam some gentle calming energy. I went over I didn’t know most of the alpacas I handled and it near the corner of the fence where she was pacing. took me by surprise when they’d move closer to me. I wanted to be near but also be a respectful distance That was not normal behavior for alpacas, especially away. If she was interested in the energy, she could when they were in such a stressful state. I noticed that come to me. Otherwise, she could continue her pacas I did the energy and mental communication, many ing path without me interfering with her. if not most of the alpacas edged closer to me. Some As soon as I got to the corner, she rushed over even put their chins on my shoulder or would lean to me. When an animal communicates with me, I their bodies next to mine. Because of this unusual al- don’t hear an animal talking in a human voice. It is paca behavior, I knew I was being heard and the enmore like the words are placed in my head. That is ergy was relaxing them. the best way I can describe it. On this day, the words placed in my head were, It was towards the “Where is my baby?” I end of a long day when knew immediately that I caught one beautiful this poor dam didn’t reblack Suri for her turn I don’t hear an animal talking in a hualize her baby had died. into the barn. I was tired man voice. It is more like the words are I took a deep breath and after nearly 50 alpacas told her gently in my being shorn that day. My placed in my head. That is the best way mind that I was very communication was beI can describe it. On this day, the words sorry but her baby went coming rather rote and I to the light. She looked wasn’t sure how effective placed in my head were, “Where is my right into my eyes for a my energy-giving was brief moment, lowered anymore. However, I bebaby?” her head (nearly touchgan to go over my mantra ing the ground with her of shearing routine with nose), and then walked this beautiful girl. I had slowly along the fence barely started my mental monologue shearing list when she did this triple take. line looking back towards the barn. She wasn’t racing like she had been moments before, but instead She placed her nose right up to my face and sniffed did a slow walk. She stopped at the far end, took me. I heard in my head, “Hmm, I didn’t know twoleggers could do that!” I had never used that term for one last look at the barn before heading to a poop pile. She relieved herself and then walked to the us humans before, but it sure made sense that an alpaca would see us that way. I laughed out loud and went other side of the pasture where the hay bins were back to my mantra and offering her calming energy. and cushed near the other dams in her herd group. I could hear her hum softly. The frantic hum she had She moved closer, accepting the energy I offered. I mostly use my mental communication with al- before was quieted. This all happened within five minutes from when pacas to help calm them when handling. However, I went to stand in the corner to offer this mother enI’ve used that skill for other purposes, too. I once visited a farm where, upon arriving, I saw ergy. She had been pacing the fence line since her a dam in distress pacing the fence line. She was in the baby died the day before; once I had mentally commaternity area and I did not have a good feeling at all municated to her the baby had died, she stopped. when I saw her in such a state. I saw the office manager and asked what was up. She said this dam had a continued on next page

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The Toolbox: Energy Work: Emotion Code

I have been studying a new energy technique called Emotion Code. There are many techniques out there such as Reiki, Healing Touch, and TTouch, to name a few. I found that Emotion Code is a simple and powerful technique, and I gravitated to it immediately. This modality concentrates on trapped emotions that living beings store in their organs and tissues. These trapped emotions can lead to injuries and illnesses. Emotion Code blends well with how I already train animals using positive reinforcement techniques and intuitively communicating with them. It is improving my skills of listening with that intuitive ear. Bradley Nelson, founder of the Emotion Code, talks about how the heart has its own brain. There are very interesting studies and documentation of heart transplant patients having memories from the previous owners of the heart. Some crave certain foods 28 PURELYSURI

they never cared for before, or listen to music that was never the genre they’d liked. It shows how the heart has memory and also sends out very powerful electromagnetic energy that we can sense. Think of the saying, “having a heart to heart” with someone. There are real physics behind that statement. So what is energy work? Is it a bunch of “woo”? I come from a scientific background, with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. My left brain said, “You are nuts!” as I first began experiencing an intuitive aptitude to communicating with animals. As I practiced those intuitive communication skills and had more experiences validating that they were real, I became less worried I was crazy and more eager to continue practicing and learning more about this field. Ironically, it is my engineering background that convinced me that it isn’t a bunch of woo. If you have studied physics, it makes perfect sense. We are all energetic beings. If you break us down, we go from skin

and bones to cells, to molecules to atoms. What happens when an atom is split? Atom bomb! It releases a huge amount of energy. When a child gets sick, what is the first thing a parent does? A parent will kiss or place a hand on the child’s forehead to see if there is a fever. What is a fever? It is a release of energy as the body fights off the virus or infection. When we boil water, we can see energy happening as the water molecules move more quickly with the heat. We humans are made up of mostly water so those same theories work inside our bodies. When that parent is feeling the forehead of the child, they are doing (in essence) energy work. They are feeling the vibrational changes of the body’s molecules and atoms releasing energy. The Emotion Code technique works on the theory that we have trapped emotions in our bodies. These trapped emotions are balls of energy that distort our normal energy fields. They get stuck in our organs and tissues and attract other trapped emotions to those areas. If we get enough of them, illnesses and injuries can occur in those weakened areas. If we can release those trapped emotions, we can feel much better. It is rare that people and animals DON’T have trapped emotions. They happen when we experience a strong emotion that the chemicals don’t process all the way through our bodies as they normally should. I find that animals get them at weaning time and other major changes in their lives. The other day I was at a nearby farm. The owner had two males that were offering her a challenge in herd management. The one male was constantly picking on the other one. The younger one had a more mild temperament and was very passive. The older male decided that he could do what he wanted with the passive male. He was often trying to mount the poor guy. Although there were other males, this younger male was the one the macho male continuously picked on. She asked if perhaps I could try my energy work on them and see if I could get this behavior calmed down. I wasn’t sure, but said I’d try. I worked with the more dominant male first. I went out and found several trapped emotions in the dominant male. I released the trapped emotions using my intuitive energy. As I release these trapped emotions, if it is a behavior change that is the goal of the owner, I try and replace the negative energy with posi-

tive energy and picture the desired behavior or goal. Some animals will find it reasonable and they are willing to change the behavior, but in this case, because there wasn’t a real benefit to this male to give up going after the passive male, he wasn’t buying into it. I asked if he wouldn’t mind picking on someone else once in awhile at least. I then went over to the passive male and worked releasing his trapped emotions. Again, I found several. But this time, I mentally suggested to him that he might have to fight back. I offered that if he did that and got in a few good licks, then the other male might think twice about picking on him. I rarely want or encourage a male to fight; however, in this instance where the goal was to get bully behavior to stop, I believed that was perhaps the best way to get the outcome we wanted. I told the owner what I suggested and she said we’d wait and see what would happen. The next day she excitedly texted me to tell me that the dominant male had picked on a different male that morning; however, later that day, he went back to the passive male and started to pick on him like normal. But for the first time, the passive boy fought back.

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Since then, there has been no more mounting. And when the aggressive male attempts to pick on the passive boy, a little tussling happens and quickly ends. He is not allowing the bully to get away with it. The owner was able to keep all her males in one pasture. This resulted in easier pasture management after one communication and Emotion Code session with these two males. I recently went to another farm with a female alpaca that had poor boundary issues. She would get into her human’s space and also rear up at feeding time. This made feeding time more dangerous for all and certainly not enjoyable. She was worried about her grandchildren being around this alpaca who really wanted to be near her people and was very sweet (except for this bad behavior she learned). This alpaca had lived on multiple farms during her young life and as a result, had a number of trapped emotions. I released them and wanted to instill the appropriate behavior we wanted to see. I asked the owner to get some favorite goodies for this young alpaca. At first, she was still exhibiting the bad habit. I asked if I could try. I took some treats and I showed the alpaca where I wanted her to stand to take her treats. I held the treat against her chest, which made her take a step backwards and away from my personal space to a more appropriate and respectful distance. I repeated feeding her in this same fashion several times. By about the sixth time, she took a step backwards on her own before I placed the treat at her chest. She was quickly learning where she was to stand to get her treat. After showing the owner what to do, I suggested she be consistent in giving the alpaca food this way. This alpaca was very bright and eager to learn. She just had to be shown how we wanted her to behave. She caught on quickly and was eager to please and receive her treats. The owner emailed me later to report happily that this female is doing much better with her manners and is enjoying her treats and company of grandkids and human interaction. They are enjoying her, too, now that they can trust her and she isn’t a pesky, intrusive thing!

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The Toolbox: Using All the Tools

Animal communication and energy work go hand in hand for me. They are such invaluable tools in having my alpaca farm. In my philosophy of life, the more tools in your toolbox, the better. Invariably, if all you have is a screwdriver, the tool you are going to need to fix the problem is a wrench. These techniques haven’t only provided me additional tools, but they have provided me a connection to animals that has touched me beyond words. During difficult times and experiences, those moments have given me memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life. When I lost my first baby alpaca, I was so lost in grief. I sat in the pasture with the dam. The dam, Dulcinea, was the first alpaca I had purchased and I learned so much from her. She was the first alpaca I attempted clicker training with, and I used her to develop many of the techniques I now use on my own alpacas and teach in my workshops. Unlike the other alpaca that did not know her baby had died, Dulcie did know and she had a hum of grief that pierced my heart. I was trying to give her energy for her loss, but I was so filled with my own grief that I just sat in the pasture bawling my eyes out. Dulcie, who was cushed maybe 15 feet away, stood up and walked to me. As the tears flowed down my face, she reached down and gently placed her forehead against mine and held it there. We shared our grief together in that moment. The pain of grief has long gone, but that special moment is what I hold so dearly in my heart. That is the gift of being an Alpaca Listener. l AUTHOR Cindy Myers Cindy Myers owns and operates her own farm, Alpacas at Hum Sweet Hum. She has an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from San Diego State University. Along with a level II certification in Reiki, she is a Healing Touch for Animals practitioner. Cindy is certified in TAGTEACH and teaches workshops in Positive Reinforcement Techniques. She takes great care breeding high-quality alpacas and caring for her herd. Her passions include writing, alpacas, spinning her alpaca fiber into yarn, and training her dogs, Wiley and Moose.

Slatted Hay Feeder

An Affordable Option for Free Choice Hay with Less Waste by Tim Sheets

If you are like many alpaca owners, you’ve tried all sorts of containers and racks to use as hay feeders for your alpacas. We started with rack-style feeders designed for horses and cattle. The animals typically feed at head level. The main problem was that they would pull out too much hay and waste it on the ground, getting their heads and necks embedded with hay in the process. Then we tried feeding at ground level in poly tubs. We found this to be a more natural feeding position for the alpacas, but they would still pull out and waste too much hay while burying their heads looking for that tender morsel at the bottom of the container. What we needed was an inexpensive and light32 PURELYSURI

weight method of providing free choice hay that also prevented digging to the bottom and wouldn’t allow hay to be pulled to the ground. While there are several of these style feeders available for purchase, I decided to design and build our own feeders to meet these needs. You have probably seen designs of box-type ground-level feeders. Many are solid plywood boxes with some sort of grid or bars on top. There are even commercially available poly box feeders. These all work well and serve the purpose of providing plenty of free choice hay while reducing waste. But I chose a design with slatted (rather than solid) sides and bottom. This makes a lighter weight feeder and allows

the alpacas to feed from all sides as well as the top. It also makes the feeder easier to clean. Aesthetically, I just like the look of a slatted feeder. Plus, it’s easy to make using readily available materials. The feeder will easily hold a small rectangular bale of hay. The slatted design makes the feeder lightweight, but sturdy. The steel grid on top of the hay will allow free access, but won’t let the alpacas bury their heads or grab large amounts of hay to waste outside the feeder. The slat construction is made up of 1" x 3" furring strips easily found at lumber and home improvement stores. The cost is approximately $55. This consists of about $37 for lumber and fasteners, and $17.50 for the galvanized grid. Plan on a couple of hours to put it all together.

Material List: Description

Size

Quantity

Slat Material (furring strips)

1" x 3" x 8 ft.

Bottom Rails

1" x 2" x 8 ft.

Coarse-thread Screws

1-3/8"

Approx. 150

Coarse-thread Screws (for corners)

Galvanized Grid*

20" x 47"

*Available from www.premier1supplies.com/detail.php?prod_id=132&cat_id=178

Cutting List: Description

Dimensions

Quantity

Side Slats

1" x 3" x 18"

Bottom Slats and Legs

1" x 3" x 22"

Side Rail

1" x 3" x 48"

End Rail

1" x 3" x 25"

Long Brace

1" x 3" x 50"

Short Brace

1" x 3" x 28"

Bottom Rail

1" x 2" x 48"

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Step 2. Square up the panel.

Cutting Scheme: (cut each 1" x 3" x 8 ft. this way to reduce waste)

Step 3. Assemble the slats using a 1-3/8" wide spacer cut from scrap. When all slats are installed, assemble the other end panel.

Step 1. Assemble the two end panels by attaching 22" legs to 25" end rails.

Assembled End Panel. 25" wide x 18" tall (22" tall with legs)

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Step 5. Square up all panels and install diagonal braces. To cut the angles, position the brace as shown and mark the angles with a pencil. Then cut and screw into place.

Step 4. Assemble the side panels by attaching 22" legs to 48" side rails in the same manner as steps 1 and 2. Assemble the slats using a 1-3/4" wide spacer cut from scrap. When all the slats are installed, assemble the other side panel.

Step 6. Assemble the bottom panel by attaching the 22" bottom slats to the two 48" 1x2 bottom rails using the 1-3/4" spacer.

48" wide x 18" tall (22" tall with legs).

Assembled Bottom Panel. 22" wide x 48" long. continued on next page

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Step 8. Attach an end panel to the assembled side and bottom. Then, attach the other side and end in a similar manner.

Exploded view of all panels.

Step 9. Strengthen the corners of the assembled box by inserting 3" screws at a diagonal across all 4 corners. Alternately, you could attach an angle iron across the corners for even more strength.

Step 7. Attach the bottom panel to one of the side panels by positioning the rail of the bottom panel to the bottom edge of the side slats and attach with screws. Note that the rails of the side panel are facing outside. 36 PURELYSURI PURELYSURI 36

Finished Hay Box! Add a bale of hay and place the grid on top. The grid will float down as the hay is eaten. l AUTHOR Tim Sheets Along with my wife, Beth, we own Heritage Farm Suri Alpacas in central Indiana. We have two adult children, Michael and Jennifer, and two beautiful granddaughters. We have been raising Suri alpacas for 9 years and have been active members of the Suri Network. I have been involved in local 4-H and FFA groups and encouraging an interest and involvement with alpacas.

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EMERGENCY OR NOT?

When to call the vet and determine how urgent. by Jana M. Smith, D.V.M., M.S.

ÂŠ 2014 Cindy Harris

When is a medical condition an emergency? How urgent of an emergency is it? How soon do I need the vet, or can I handle it myself? These questions will worry some of you, at the least. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a neophyte owner with no previous livestock experience, these concerns may be more than a little worrying. This article will address some common problems occurring during hot and dry weather, giving you some information which may help reduce your anxiety.

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When hosing down an alpaca with heat stress. use a continuous flow of cool water at the skinline.

HEAT STRESS

As I write this, here in southern California, we are experiencing the hot, dry, windy conditions known as the “Santa Anas.” The temperature is 100º F with humidity at 5%. It feels like a blast furnace when you step outside. Although the low humidity is a blessing, there is still the potential for heat stress to cause clinical symptoms in our alpacas. Those in more humid climates have a correspondingly greater risk. A general rule of thumb: Add the temperature and humidity together. If the total is 150 or greater, the animals are at risk, and you need to curtail their activity. If the total is 180 or greater, heat stroke or exhaustion are possible, so observe the animals closely. I have seen cases of transient heat stroke from what appeared to be relatively little insult. Two such examples follow. A full-fleeced juvenile separated from her group began pacing the fence on a hot (85º F) afternoon. Within 30 minutes, she was staggering, uncoordinated, stuporous, and apparently blind. Rectal temperature was high and respiratory rate was greatly increased. Since she had been completely normal prior to the separation and subsequent pacing, a diagnosis of heat stroke was made and cooling methods begun immediately. Because she was a show animal, the fleece was not clipped. Instead, we simply hosed her body with cool water from a garden hose. The water was kept running continuously and was applied under the fleece directly to the body. You could feel the water heat up when it contacted her. After several minutes of this, her respiratory rate dropped dramati-

cally. Her mental awareness improved and her vision returned. She began moving and responding normally to stimuli. Cooling by hose was continued until respiratory rate was normal and no neurologic signs were present. She was then placed in a shady pen with good airflow, and no further problems occurred. The second example was a full-fleeced animal with an especially dense coat who was getting a halter-breaking lesson on a warm, mildly humid day. After 15 minutes, the alpaca was put back in his pasture. However, he appeared stiff-legged and had difficulty walking. All four limbs were uncoordinated, spastic, and had exaggerated movements. Mental alertness and responsiveness declined progressively. Rectal temperature was 104.3º F and respiratory rate was elevated. Cold hydrotherapy was begun and the alpaca improved rapidly. No further problems occurred, however, further training was restricted to cool weather only. This animal’s problems occurred because of the degree of resisting and jumping he had done in his leading lesson. Although not that violent, the increased muscle activity and heat generation, along with a very dense coat, precipitated his case of heat stroke. Had he walked quietly on lead for an equivalent length of time, I am confident symptoms would not have occurred. These two cases illustrate the importance and efficacy of immediate and rapid cooling. Normally it is not recommended to hose your animal from the top, because cooling the full-fleeced body doesn’t occur with only a light shower on the back. What water penetrates the fleece is rapidly heated by body heat continued on next page

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OCULAR EMERGENCIES

Eye problems increase in summer, with our hot dry winds, and in all climates, with the increase in fly populations. Some are serious and can result in partial to complete loss of vision. Others are irritating and uncomfortable for the alpaca, and aggravating for the owner, but less serious medically. Understanding how to differentiate between serious and mild is mainly a matter of careful observation. Use a narrow beam light in a dark room or at night, as well as sunlight, to examine each eye. Comparison to the unaffected eye or other animals will help you determine what is occurring. Simple conjunctivitis (sometimes called “pink-

underneath and the fleece acts as insulation to retain heat. However, when continual cool water is applied, the body doesn’t have time to heat the water before it is replaced by cool. The hose needs to be applied UNDER the fleece directly to the torso and hips/upper hind legs. Heat production is greatest where the largest muscles are located. Trying to cool an overheated alpaca with water on only the lower legs or belly is too inefficient in these extreme cases. Rapid intervention and cooling will prevent brain damage. Animals that have been symptomatic for very long have a poor prognosis. Survival rates of only 50% have been described for alpacas with heat exhaustion presenting to university veterinary hospitals in the SE United States. Additional note: If an alpaca is hanging by, or sitting with her chin on top of the water bucket, examine her immediately. Especially in summer, heat-stressed or dehydrated alpacas, as well as those with gastrointestinal obstructions, will often “hang over the water” without drinking much. 40 PURELYSURI

A wet area below the eye is often the telltale sign of an eye injury.

eye”) is extremely common in summer, and is evidenced by reddening, swelling, and inflammation of the conjunctival membranes, which are the pink tissues underneath the eyelids. The eyes may also appear bloodshot, due to inflammation of the thin conjunctival tissue overlying the white of the eye (sclera). Conjunctivitis waxes and wanes, and may be present in a small number of animals nearly continuously through the summer. It usually subsides in cooler weather. Conjunctivitis is not an emergency. However, if you’re unsure or unable to examine an animal’s eye thoroughly, call your veterinarian for help. Treatment includes ophthalmic antibiotic drops or ointment, ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents, rinsing and cleaning the eyes and skin, and fly control. Fly masks are useful, but need to be cleaned regularly. It is not necessary to remove the fly mask at night.

Blood vessels in the eye come to the rescue, bringing blood flow and healing to the damaged area.

Bee or insect stings and bites can occur on eyelids, and differ from simple conjunctivitis in that swelling is much more severe, and of very rapid onset. Frequently the eyelids are so swollen the eyeball is not visible. As soon as the swollen eyes are discovered, apply cool compresses several times a day – this will often speed recovery. A veterinarian exam or special treatment is often not needed; however, when the cornea of the eye cannot be seen, a more serious problem involving the cornea cannot be ruled out. Foreign bodies and corneal ulcers are common, and range from mild to very serious. Deep corneal ulceration can become perforation, and some foreign bodies penetrate deeply. It is usually wiser to call the vet for these, unless you have quite a bit of experience. However, careful observation or an exam may help you define the severity of the problem, which is useful information for the veterinarian before he or she arrives. The simplest and most common foreign bodies are pieces of hay or foxtails. Due to the alpaca’s large and protuberant (and beautiful!) eyes, feed-based foreign bodies (FBs) are frequent. Burrowing their heads to the bottom of the feeder adds to the problem. Frequently these FBs can be seen on the central surface of the cornea, or sticking out of the outside corner (lateral canthus). Sometimes they are totally hidden in the corner of the eye, but their tracks can be seen as a slightly roughened, horizontal line or brushstroke and slightly cloudy cornea. (Note: The cornea of the eye is the clear portion over the iris, in the center of the eye. When damaged or inflamed, it turns a whitish or milky blue color. The

extent and degree of opacity or whiteness is proportional to the severity of the injury.) Obvious foreign bodies may be removable with a moist tissue, or rinsed out with contact lens saline solution. A severely painful, squinted eye due to a foreign body will usually require veterinary treatment. Corneal ulcers are craters which develop in the cornea due to bacterial invasion of a minor scratch or laceration. The bacteria produce enzymes which destroy healthy cornea and cause the ulcer to enlarge. Size and depth of corneal ulceration and rapidity of worsening are the main factors determining the severity of an ulcer. These will usually require veterinary help. Fluoroscein staining of the eye is frequently necessary to totally visualize the ulcer. If there is significant cloudiness to the cornea, suspect an ulcer. Ulcers can be large and shallow, or small and deep. Depth is critical to determine, because a deep ulcer can quickly become a perforating ulcer, which often means loss of the entire eye. That said, I have been amazed at the ability of the alpaca eye to at least partially recover (without surgery) from corneal penetration. Do not be hasty to give up on an alpaca’s eye!

The cause of the injury, a foxtail, is visible in the outside corner of the eye.

A staining medium is applied in the eye to highlight the injury to the cornea. continued on next page

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REPRODUCTIVE EMERGENCIES

These emergencies are frequently obvious. However, a few comments and pointers may help you deal with the inevitable problem.

Dystocia

Dystocia is simply abnormal or difficult birth. It does not necessarily mean the cria is malpresented. A large cria, properly presented head and forefeet first, with a small dam can be a dystocia because of the size differential. Frequently, dystocias are recognized by the abnormal labor behavior of the dam. However, some conditions cause few overt signs, and can be unrecognized too long. Breech presentations and some uterine torsions are examples of these: breech presentations (butt and tail first, hind legs extended forward) because no fetal parts make it into the pelvis to initiate hard labor; and mild uterine torsions, in which discomfort is so minor that you spend all day watching and trying to decide if she’s in labor.

Dystocias are always emergencies. Better to err on the side of caution than lose a cria, much less a dam. I have seen more than a few alpacas with breech births who have been in labor for over one day. Their fetuses were all dead. The rules of thumb are if your female has been in Stage 1 labor for more than 4-6 hours, or in Stage 2 labor (“hard labor”) for 20 minutes, WITH NO PROGRESS, then she needs to be examined. If you are a neophyte, call the veterinarian sooner rather than later - the vet may not be immediately available. Have a backup veterinarian number. A cria will usually survive 1-2 hours of active labor. Much over that and they’ll likely die. This includes the time required to deliver her. Another useful rule of thumb: “Don’t let the sun go down on a female in labor.” This statement reflects the fact that the majority of alpaca births are in the morning. If the dam is having problems, by late afternoon she will usually have been at it for several hours. Waiting overnight to examine her or call for help is frequently a mistake. If you have little to no livestock experience, an invaluable lesson can be had by attending a birthing or neonatal clinic. These clinics are offered at several universities and private practices. They can give you the confidence to check your dam out vaginally, to see if it’s a simple problem like elbow lock, which you can fix. Or you can see if it’s a more major malpresentation that will require veterinary assistance.

Uterine Torsions

The late-term alpaca uterus can become twisted or “torsed” along the long axis, due to factors not completely understood. The degree of torsion (90-360 degrees) determines the severity and discomfort. An alpaca with a 360-degree torsion of the uterus will usually be in a lot of pain, similar to a moderately colicky horse. This torsion needs to be corrected as quickly as possible to minimize vascular and fetal compromise. On the other hand, a 90-degree torsion can cause minimal discomfort and be quite difficult to recognize. This is where owner experience and knowing your animals play an important part. Fortunately, a continued on page 44

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mild torsion also causes few problems, as long as it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t progress into a worse torsion. It also appears that alpacas can become torsed and self-correct. A uterine torsion will be examined by your vet similarly to a dystocia. He/she will identify the torsion by the twisting of the vagina, uterus, or broad ligaments, felt on vaginal or rectal exam. There are no external signs that a dam is torsed; however, the experienced owner may note that her behavior is different from a regular dystocia. The alpaca may or may not also be in labor. Torsions can occur as early as 8 months of gestation.

Prolapses

The two most common prolapses are uterine and vaginal. A vaginal prolapse can occur anytime in any age female, but is more common in the late pregnant female with relaxation of pelvic structures. In some species, they have a heritable component, and affected animals are culled. A vaginal prolapse is not usually a life-threatening event, although timely treatment is indicated. Simple vaginal prolapses can be pushed back in and will stay for hours to days. More extensive prolapses will require some sort of retention suture placed by your veterinarian. The more tissue prolapsed, the more serious is the situation. When you see a red or pink tissue mass protruding from the hind end, lift the tail and identify the structures you can see. The anus is on top, the vulva (vaginal opening) is below. The vaginal prolapse is usually a pink

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ball, and the uterus a meaty, heavy, red, one- or twohorned tissue mass, with or without a placenta. Some people describe a uterine torsion as a heavy thick placenta. A uterine prolapse ALWAYS occurs AFTER the cria is born. A uterine prolapse is an immediate medical emergency. Your female will go into shock and die from the exposed uterus if not treated promptly. Call the vet immediately, then proceed with protecting the uterus until the vet arrives. Try to keep the exposed uterus clean, moist, and protected from environmental extremes. Wash with warm (NOT hot or cold) tap water, then enclose it in a clean plastic bag which you attach to the alpaca with tape, baling twine, clothespins, anything. If hot and sunny, move the dam to shade. If cold, you can wrap the uterus in a towel or quilt if sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll kush quietly. Keep the uterus as close to body temperature as possible. A successfully treated uterine prolapse does not impair future fertility, and only a slightly longer post-birth recovery period is needed. l AUTHOR Jana Smith, D.V.M., M.S. Dr. Jana Smith grew up in Kansas and is a graduate of the veterinary school at Kansas State University (KSU). She taught large animal clinical medicine at KSU, UC Davis, and Tufts and Purdue University. While at Tufts and Purdue, Jana was introduced to llamas and became intrigued by camelids. She added alpacas to her repertoire, and they have remained her favorite species. In 2001, she opened her own practice in Southern California, focusing on camelids and small ruminants. She has a large clientele in the alpaca community, and enjoys teaching and offering workshops.

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Got Fodder? by Randy Coleman

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Wings and A Prayer Alpacas has been feeding fodder to a test group of our animals for approximately 10 months. We were initially looking for a way to cut down on our feed bill. With nearly 160 alpacas to feed, our annual feed bill was one of our largest outlays (next to the farm mortgage)! On a transport trip in September of 2012, one of the farms Randy delivered to in Arizona sent us an email with a link to “that fodder system I was talking to Randy about.” Barbara thought, ”Hmmmm…What the heck is “fodder?” So upon looking at the website

and reading a bit of it, I remember thinking to myself, “Growing grass in the barn to feed to our alpacas? You’ve got to be kidding – I don’t think so!” Well, guess what we were doing a few months later… And, here we are today, growing fodder in our barn to feed to our alpacas! The two Randys (Coleman and Welman) jumped into this with both feet, and then dragged me in, too. We’re in this together and all of us have spent countless hours/days/weeks working the system and figuring out what works and what doesn’t, what we need to do, and what just isn’t necessary. Through a lot of trial and error, we feel we’ve hit upon what works for us and our alpacas. Our goal in anything we do has always been to make it the most efficient we can, because we all know that time is money. If we can save just a few steps, a few buckets, a few minutes, it all adds up at the end of the day/week/year. Below are some of the benefits of feeding fodder.

Give your alpacas what nature intended!

Feeding sprouts can replace approximately 60% of your current hard feed diet. The high moisture content of sprouts benefits digestion. The recommendation throughout the fodder community is a daily feeding rate of approximately 2% of the alpaca’s body weight. Due to the high nutritional value of the spouts, using the sprouts mat as the primary nutritious feed for your alpaca removes the dependence for often

expensive prime grass hay and supplemental grain. Alternatively, you are able to offer your alpaca less palatable hay, lower in protein (and at a lesser cost) for roughage when feeding the sprouts. Other benefits observed that are associated with feeding barley sprouts are: • Properties known to reduce the incidence of ulcers • Exceptional growth rates in younger animals • Stimulates appetite, especially during conditions of heat stress • Fed daily, it helps maintain an animal’s well being by aiding the digestive process and supplying protein • Improvement in general appearance and fiber condition • High in digestible fiber, which is digested into volatile fatty acids and is readily absorbed into the bloodstream as a source of energy • Sprouts contain higher concentrations of the freely available minerals important for animal nutrition, compared to grain prior to sprouting (only about 30% of dry grain fed to alpacas is actually digested) • Helps replace essential fluids and increases hydration, especially in regions where heat causes excessive loss of fluids • Provides essential amino acids and vitamins • Higher milk production in lactating females (see insert below)* *In one study of milk production in dairy cattle, with a diet of barley fodder versus one of normal feeds such as grain, hay or silage, a group of 60 cows on a barley fodder diet increased milk production by 10.07% over the control group. In addition, the group fed barley fodder produced a butterfat content of 14.26% higher than those fed a regular diet. continued on next page

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Nutrient Crude Protein Fat Crude Fiber Starch Metabolizable Energy (Ruminants) Minerals Calcium Potassium Magnesium Phosphorus Sulphur Boron Copper Iron Manganese Zinc

Nutrition

Nutritional Breakdown Units % % % % mg/kg

Results 20.2 4.3 11.3 15.4 12.1

Units % % % % % mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg

Results 0.15 0.7 0.24 0.46 0.28 22 11 160 37 40

Barley sprouts have been tested at every stage of growth by Fodder Solutions, a worldwide fodder production company. They have found that the nutritional breakdown of the barley sprouts shows that the sprouts are very high in energy and protein and contain a sufficient amount of these to meet the needs of most livestock. Barley grass is considered the most nutritional of the green grasses – it contains an abundance of nutrients unsurpassed by any other type of grass. The benefits of fresh green feed such as barley grass have been well documented over the past 50 years. Barley grass has been shown to increase the overall health of the animal through better digestion of the hay and grain. While overall wellness is the most noted result, studies indicate improved performance results in other areas as well. Not only will animals be healthier, but also they will experience: • Greater energy and vitality • Stimulated immune response • Reduction in anti-nutritional factors • Antioxidant properties

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Independent research studies have been conducted by qualified academic institutes that prove the value of using barley grass. These studies show that barley grass is both beneficial to livestock and cost effective as a substitute for the traditional fodder supplements.

Benefits

There are many benefits to be found from using fresh barley grass that has been organically/hydroponically grown. When barley is sprouted it releases many vitamins and minerals, as well as converting hard-to-digest starches into easily digestible proteins. Benefits of using a fodder system include: • Forget about waiting for rain or soil moisture to plant. • No more moving irrigation lines, plowing fields, mowing, windrowing, baling and storing. • Save on feed prices – Instead of paying high feed prices, you can feed a “green” feed (fodder!) and supplement with lower protein, lower priced, less palatable feeds (in our local area, we can feed “valley hay” as opposed to higher priced eastern Oregon orchard grass hay) that provide the roughage and filler needed to satisfy your animals.

• Organic and affordable – Growing demand for economical “natural” animal feed, as well as concerns relating to animal feed safety and the environment, make systems an attractive means of producing affordable organic “green” feeds. Fodder can be grown in a very small area. At our farm, we grow our fodder in a 10' x 12' room and produce approximately 130–140 lbs. of fodder DAILY! This is enough to feed approximately 43 animals at an average weight of 150 lbs. each. This equates to approximately 25 tons of feed per year! This is all done with NO diesel fuel, NO tractor, NO fertilizer, and NO pesticides. It’s virtually organic. We grow 25 tons of fodder at a cost of $1,100 in raw barley seed (not including our labor which is about 30-45 minutes per day). continued on next page

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Our cost savings, both on our feed AND our vet outlay, from 2012 to 2013 is worth noting: 2012

2013

Hay

$24,310

$17,000

Grain

$ 4,714

$ 2,191

Vet

$ 7,367

$ 4,384

$ 1,100

$36,391

$24,675

Barley Seeds Total Annual Cost

Total savings between feed and vet costs from 2012 to 2013 was $11,716, or over 35%! And, that was only feeding fodder to 25% of our herd for approximately 9 months. 50 PURELYSURI

While the cost savings won’t be the same for everyone, we’re confident you’ll find your cost savings will be significant. It should certainly pencil out to at least thinking about fodder for your farm, whether you have 5 alpacas or 500. Additionally, the health benefits for your herd, the “green” approach to growing your own feed, and the impact of not using fossil fuels in the production of your fodder are all positive points when considering whether fodder could be an alternative feed on your farm. l AUTHOR Randy and Barbara Coleman Randy and Barbara Coleman own Wings and A Prayer Alpacas, a 50-acre farm in Amity, Oregon. Established in 1998, their farm is home to Captain Morgan, a patriarch Suri herdsire. They raise a herd of quality breeding Suri alpacas in all 22 natural colors. In addition to alpacas, they also raise Great Pyrenees livestock guardians, operate a retail farm store, offer cross-country alpaca transport, and built their own fodder system to feed their herd.

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by Kristie Smoker

Mentoring defined: Someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced person.

Possibly the best compliment an alpaca breeder can get from a customer is this: “One of our goals is to work toward being as good a mentor as you have been. We will probably never achieve it!” When customers need you less and less, have incredibly healthy alpacas, have a safe farm, and begin beating you in the show ring, you know you have done something right… for the customer, for the alpacas, and for the industry! Many of us may be relieved when we make the sale, especially to a new breeder. But for those who take customer mentoring seriously, they know that the sale may be just the beginning. Mentoring may actually begin the first time the mentor meets the prospect and continues until it becomes a two-way support system. It seems that’s the way it should be.

• A dissatisfied customer will tell between 9-15 people about the experience. Around 13% of dissatisfied customers tell more than 20 people. –White House Office of Consumer Affairs. • Happy customers who get their issue resolved tell about 4-6 people about their experience. –White House Office of Consumer Affairs. • 70% of buying experiences are based on how customers feel they are being treated. – McKinsey. • 55% of customers would pay extra to guarantee a better service. – Defaqto research. • Customers who rate you 5 on a scale from 1 to 5 are 6 times more likely to buy from you again, compared to only giving you a score of 4.8. – TeleFaction data research. continued on next page

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Mentoring: Service Doesn’t Stop at the Sale!

How to Create a Satisfied Customer… It May Begin With Trustworthiness

Trustworthiness may be how the mentor got the sale in the first place. You shared information honestly and completely, listened to and answered the customers’ questions, and took their interests, goals, and preferences into account when offering them alpacas to start or add to their herd. Trust occurs when the mentor and the customer have a shared vision of their future. Not all of the mentor’s customers will want to be in the top 10% of breeders, win in the show ring, or make decisions exactly like you would. Their reasons for buying alpacas may be vastly different than yours and you can’t begin to satisfy their needs unless you know what they want to accomplish. If you show interest in their needs, it’s the beginning of trust. If a prospect asks you why one alpaca is priced differently than another (especially when they both look about the same to someone new to the business), can you provide an answer? The price differences may be due to variances in micron, density, personality, etc. You should know the positives and negatives of each of your sale alpacas and feel comfortable enough to share it with prospects. If a prospect asks which of two herdsires is better, can you explain the differences, or is your standard response, “They’re both really great.” A better response might come in the form of a question, “What are you looking for in a herdsire?” If the answer is fiber luster and fineness, then you can share information about the herdsires you have that demonstrate those traits. Trustworthiness is achieved by showing interest in their needs, doing what you say you’ll do, being ethical, and never bashing the competition.

How Your Customers Learn

Part of mentoring is sharing your knowledge. If your customers are new to owning alpacas, have just purchased their first herdsire, or purchased fiber ani-

mals, each of them may have differing things to learn. New owners need enough information to assure the alpacas they purchase from you remain healthy and have a safe environment. There is a lot of information to share and they need to feel comfortable asking you questions. The first-time herdsire owner could certainly benefit from your experiences in breeding, timing/length/frequency of breeding, and confirming pregnancy. The owner of fiber animals could learn about your shearing methods, what mills you use, or could be directed to the Suri Network’s P2P DVDs, Mill Survey, or Code of Harvest for shearing. “Learning is enhanced if the mentor has created a relationship and environment where the customer continued on page 56

Trustworthiness is achieved by showing interest in their needs, doing what you say you’ll do, being ethical, and never bashing the competition. 54 PURELYSURI

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benefit from learning about good resource manuals, good seminars to attend, and good social media sites that typically have useful, reliable information. There are still other customers who will learn best by doing. These folks will need to come to your Herd Health Day, practice giving a SQ shot, complete a fecal exam, want a list of medicines commonly needed, etc. They would also benefit from a mentor recommending a Neonatal Seminar in their area. If the mentor recommends a reference book or tons of skin biopsy data to this type of learner, eyes will glaze over! As you get to know your customers, you will see how they learn best so you don’t find yourself repeating the same information to them. Good mentors help their customers learn.

Questions and Listening

feels comfortable asking questions.” This is a quote from a customer who was pleased with his mentorcustomer relationship! Customers not only may need to learn different things, but will have differing preferences in how much they feel they need to learn and how they’ll prefer learning it. Many customers will do research on their own, which is a good thing. But sometimes there is misinformation out there that may cause issues for the owner. You will probably encounter customers who have learned things about alpacas with which you disagree. If it is opinion-based, gently share your opinion. If you have facts/data to back up your opinion, share that, too. Some customers will learn best by research, reading, and talking to you and others. These folks would

It’s a good idea to find out what your customers already know about raising alpacas. You can ask them, “What have you learned about parasite control?” Notice that it’s a question versus assuming they don’t know anything. Telling them something they already know may be offensive or they may lose interest and stop listening. Once the mentor asks the question, be certain to listen to the response and praise their current knowledge and then share what else might be critical for them to know.

The Question of Balance: Accountability and Patience

Sometimes mentors provide support, give information, and are there when customers need them… and the customers still seem dissatisfied. Sometimes this takes patience on the mentor’s part. It is important to remember that their success is up to them. At some point the mentor resigns the caretaking role, but continued on page 58

“Learning is enhanced if the mentor has created a relationship and environment where the customer feels comfortable asking questions.” 56 PURELYSURI

almost never withdraws support. The outcome of the knowledge gained from you is the customer’s responsibility to put into action. Customers will become more and more confident, and the mentor can continue to encourage their independence by asking them questions to confirm their learning. Compliment their successes and efforts into uncomfortable territory.

Letting Go!

The reward comes when the mentor sees the customers’ confidence grow. They make decisions and tell the mentor about it later. The mentor may have made a slightly different choice, but that’s usually okay. The search for manuals, references, and data is endless in any business, even the alpaca business. We (as mentors and customers) can never know enough. The experience of searching outside for answers expresses our doubts about being enough, having enough, doing enough. At some point customers will take responsibility for their freedom, commit to achieving their goals, and have faith that goals are achievable with their efforts. As mentors, we are the stewards of their success but ultimately their success is up to them.l

Don’t forget that anyone who purchases Suris for the first time can be referred as a Suri Network member at no cost to you or the customer. That helps to build positive mentoring relationships! AUTHOR Kristie Smoker Kristie owns and manages Sweet Valley Suris, a farm with more than 40 Suri alpacas. She currently serves as vice president for the Suri Network. She is the former president of the Mid-Atlantic Alpaca Association, a sevenstate affiliate to Alpaca Owners Association. In 2010, she coordinated the largest alpaca show in the eastern United States. Before starting Sweet Valley Suris, Kristie held management and executive positions in private industry for more than 20 years.

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Breeding Soundness Examination and Infertility in the Male Alpaca Ahmed Tibary D.M.V., Ph.D., D.S., Dip. ACT

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The single most important investment in reproduction is in the breeding fee for a genetically superior male and ensuring delivery of a healthy cria. Selection and rearing of a top sire incurs huge expenses and can only be rewarding (financially and genetically) if the reproductive ability of the male is confirmed and maintained as long as possible. Alpacas exhibit several distinctive behavioral and physiological reproductive characteristics. Knowledge of these differences is fundamental not only for proper management of breeding, but also for understanding reproductive disorders in this species. This article presents the main components of reproductive physiology in alpacas and how they are used in veterinary practices to help determine soundness for breeding. A description of the major problems found in the authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clinic is also provided. It is important to stress that a breeding soundness evaluation is not an examination that should be contemplated only when there is a fertility or health problem, it is also a management tool to identify problems early on and to help determine the serving capacity of a particular male based on his capacity to produce semen.

1. Reproductive physiology in the male alpaca

The basis for normal reproductive function is an anatomically sound, normally developed reproductive system, and a normal endocrinological environment allowing regulation of this function.

1. 1. Anatomical characteristics

The male camelid genital organs present several characteristics. Contrarily to other common farm animals, the scrotum (scrotal sac) is tucked near the body in the perineal area. The testicles are relatively small in comparison to other domestic livestock (Figure 1). These two characteristics (small testicles and their location) predispose the male to heat injury and loss of function. The testes should be

Figure 1: Anatomy of the male genitalia: 1) urinary bladder, 2) prostate, 3) pelvic urethra, 4) bulbourethral glands, 5) testis, 6) vas deferens, 7) penis retractor muscle, 8) preputial muscosa, 9) penis

present in the scrotum at birth, but they are usually soft and difficult to palpate. They should be easily palpable by 6 months of age. The testicles are ovoid in shape. Although there are some guidelines on the appropriate size at specific ages in alpacas (Table 1), the exact criteria as they relate to fertility have not been very well established. A study in Australia has shown that the ability to complete spermatogenesis (formation of spermatozoa) starts when the length of the testicle is greater than 3 cm. The seminiferous tubules, long convoluted thin tubes, are the primary structures responsible for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;manufacturingâ&#x20AC;? of spermatozoa from the basal germinal cells. This process called spermatogenesis is a finely tuned mechanism of cell division and differentiation under the regulation continued on next page

Table 1. Mean testicular size (cm) and weight in alpacas (adapted from Tibary and Vaughan 2006). Age (months) Length x Width 6 1.0 x 0.4 12 2.3 x 1.5 18 2.8 x 1.9 24 3.3 x 2.2 30 3.6 x 2.3 36 3.6 x 2.4 Sired 3.7 x 2.4

Weight (g) 0.6 2.9 6.6 9.9 13.9 13.6 17.2

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of hormones from the brain (i.e., gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, and luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from then pituitary gland), as well as from testicular tissue (testosterone from leydig cells and inhibin from sertoli cells). Testosterone is responsible for the development of male external characters, behavior, and partly for the process of spermatogenesis. The hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis is extremely delicate and very difficult to mimic through treatments. Spermatogenesis is also regulated by the temperature of the testicles. There is a lack of information on the duration of the process of spermatogenesis (length of time it takes to manufacture spermatozoa) in alpacas, however based on observations in other species, this process could take anywhere between 45-55 days. Sperm cells that are formed and eliminated into the lumen of the seminiferous tubule are not ready to fertilize the egg. They must undergo several biochemical and structural changes before they can become motile and achieve fertilization after ejaculation into the uterus of a receptive female. Some of the processes of maturation take place during the transit into the epididymis. The epididymis is a long narrow tube (0.3-2 mm in diameter) composed of three distinct visible parts (Figure 2): the head or “caput,” the body or “corpus,” and the tail or “cauda.” In addition to moving sperm cells from the testicle to the ejaculate, each of these anatomical regions of the epididymis plays a special role in the maturation process of spermatozoa. The tail of the epididymis serves as a storage area and contains all the sperm cells that have undergone maturation and are ready to be ejaculated. Sperm cells stored in the tail of the epididymis are moved along the ductus deferens or “deferent duct,” a tube that continues the epididymis, via smooth muscle contractions. Sperm cells moved in this manner accumulate in the ampullae which are dilated in the deferent duct just before it enters the urethra through the ejaculatory duct. The

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Figure 2: Anatomy of the testis and epididymis: 1) testicle, 2) head of epididymis, 3) body of epididymis, 4) tail of epididymis, 5) deferent duct

ampullae may contain viable spermatozoa for a few days to weeks after castration. In healthy normal males, the amount of spermatozoa present in the storage area, and therefore available for ejaculation, depends on: 1) testicular size and normalcy of testicular tissue and 2) the frequency of use (rhythm of ejaculation). The penis is protected by its sheath or prepuce which is located in the inguinal region with its orifice directed towards the back, and it is often difficult to visualize in full fleeced animals. It is flattened from side to side and triangular in shape when viewed laterally. The prepuce is adherent to the glans penis until 2-3 years of age, making exteriorization of the penis impossible in young males (Figure 3). The penis is extended by relaxation of the retractor muscles and extension of the prescrotal sigmoid flexure. The glans penis ends with a cartilaginous process that has a slight clockwise curvature (Figure 4). The end of the urethra is located at the base of the cartilaginous process, not at the tip. This peculiar anatomy of the tip of the penis allows penetration through the cervical rings, through combined rotational and thrusting movements, and intrauterine deposition of semen. The main accessory sex glands are the prostate and the bulbourethral glands (Figure 1). Camelids do not have seminal vesicles. The accessory sex glands contribute fluid to the ejaculate and an important chemical (ovulation inducing factor or OIF) that is implicated in the induction of ovulation.

1.2. Physiological characteristics

Figure 3: Immature male, penis is still attached and cannot be exteriorized.

Figure 4: Tip of the penis showing the cartilaginous process

1.2.1. Puberty and sexual maturity

Puberty is generally defined as the age at which an animal is able to complete a mating (i.e., normal behavior and ability to achieve erection) and is capable of impregnating a female (i.e., there are sufficient normal spermatozoa in the ejaculate). Sexual maturity is generally defined as the continued on next page

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age when the semen output reaches a maximum and plateaus, and the male is able to perform at maximum capacity in terms of frequency of mating and normal conception rate. Age at puberty is variable and is affected by factors such as genetics, nutrition, health, climatic changes, and season of birth. Although testosterone levels increase and mounting behavior can be displayed in animals less than a year of age, complete erection and intromission is only possible when the penis is completely freed from its preputial adhesions. This process takes place in the first year of life in some animals. The majority of males will be able to breed by 2 years of age, but some may take up to 3 years. Spermatozoa are present in the ejaculate in a few males as early as 12-14 months of age. However,

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in most males, a concentration of spermatozoa in the ejaculate that would be sufficient for impregnating a female is not obtained until 18-24 months of age. Young healthy males with large body size tend to have larger testicles and reach puberty earlier. Sexual maturity is reached when the testicles have achieved their maximum growth. The age at sexual maturity is often debated and ranges from 4-5 years. This wide range may be explained by several factors including nutrition and genetics of the animal.

1.2.2. Spermatogenesis and sperm production

Sperm production is correlated with testicular

size in South American camelids. Mean testicular length may be used to estimate the likelihood of sperm production in alpacas (very few males can produce semen if their testicular length is less than 3.5 cm). Spermatogenesis occurs throughout the year with some seasonal variations in quantity and quality. Seasonal variations in sperm production are based on geographical origin (hence nutritional, climatic, and other environmental factors), herd management, extent of domestication, and social structure of the group of camelids. An effect of season on sperm production has been reported for llamas with high sperm concentration in fall (autumn) and low sperm production in summer.

1.2.3. Mating behavior and ejaculation

The sequence of behavior displayed by the male is often conditioned by the type of breeding system, number of animals in the breeding pen, and proximity to other active males. Males also tend to exhibit some sexual behavior when kept isolated (masturbation, pacing, object breeding, etc.) that may influence their mating ability and may predispose them to injuries. Most males will investigate the femaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perineal area or dung pile to detect receptive females. During this behavior males will display the characteristic flehmen behavior when investigating the dung pile or the perineal are of the female (Figure 5). This allows specialized cells within the nares and sinuses (vomero-nasal apparatus) to detect pheromones of receptive females. Aggressive males may not investigate the perineal area and will try to breed females no matter what her receptivity status. Masturbation behavior is characterized by frequent exteriorization of the penis and display or rotation of the glans penis. Males chase receptive females until they cush or they may force them down by mounting. The female is bred while in sternal recumbency. The penis is exteriorized and probes the perineal and vulvar region. Complete erection is achieved once the vulva is found and the penis

Figure 5: Flehmen reflex in a male alpaca

is extended into the vagina and through the cervix. Mating lasts an average of 16 minutes but may take anywhere from 5-65 minutes. Duration of copulation is affected by the age of male and female, season, frequency of use, and presence of other males. Duration of copulation tends to be shorter in younger males, with increased frequency of mating in presence of other males. During the lengthy mating, the male is in a squatting posture with the hocks completely flexed. This position and length of mating exert tremendous strain on the musculature and requires sound hind legs. During copulation, the male produces a sound or â&#x20AC;&#x153;orglingâ&#x20AC;? as air is excontinued on next page

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pired through the mouth while the cheeks are inflated. Frequency and pitch of the sound tends to increase when the male is challenged by other males. A few males may not display this characteristic sound during mating. Mature males can sustain a frequency of 2-4 matings a day for up to 10 days. A period of sexual rest of 5-7 days is generally required after this to replenish the sperm reserves. In paddock mating systems, males may breed several times per day and mating activity decreases after 2 weeks. In this system, males are removed and a new batch of males is introduced to the herd every 10-15 days. Males kept in the same enclosure may display mating behavior by mounting each other. Aggressive behavior towards other males has been observed and may lead to serious injuries, especially if the canine teeth are well developed. Ejaculation starts about 2 minutes after the beginning of copulation and continues throughout the entire duration of copulation. Semen is expelled in small quantities every minute or so in response to urethral pulses and muscular con-

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tractions. Semen is deposited deep in the uterine horns.

1.2.4. Semen characteristics

Semen can be collected from camelids using a variety of methods including electroejaculation, artificial vagina mounted on a dummy female, and post-mating aspiration from the female. Although the use of the artificial vagina technique provides the best samples, this technique is used mostly in specialized laboratories and requires training of the animals. Electroejaculation is usually done under heavy sedation or even general anesthesia and gives variable results. In veterinary practice, semen evaluation is generally performed on a sample aspirated from the female genital tract immediately after completion of a mating (Figure 6). Seminal characteristics are important in the evaluation of breeding potential or diagnosis of infertility problem in the male and depend greatly on the method of collection. The color of semen varies from grey to milky white depending on the amount of ac-

Figure 6: Postmating semen collection by aspiration

cessory sex gland secretion and sperm concentration. Semen collected by aspiration from the female is pinkish or red as it is often contaminated with blood from the cervix and uterus. Camelid semen is viscous due to the presence of mucopolysaccharides from secretions of the bulbourethral glands or the prostate. Sperm concentration, often referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;sperm count,â&#x20AC;? is highly variable (82-250 million sperm/mL) and is affected by age, method of collection, and ejaculate rank. This parameter is not determined in practice as the semen production capacity of the male is usually estimated by the determination of testicular size. Semen contains a substance ovulation inducting factor (OIF) that is responsible for the cascade of hormonal changes leading to ovulation. It is hypothesized that this substance is absorbed through the inflamed uterine wall following mating and acts like the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which causes release

of luteinizing hormone (LH) responsible for ovulation. This LH release appears to occur within 15-30 minutes after mating. Clinical observations suggest that some males may have a lower potency of this mechanism. Sperm motility is the most commonly talked about parameter of semen evaluation. Progressive motility (spermatozoa moving forward) is very difficult to determine on a non-liquefied sample due to the high viscosity of semen. A semen sample may show an improvement of motility after incubation. Poor motility may be due to exposure to chemicals or long contact with toxic substances or materials such as rubber. This is a difficult parameter to evaluate. Motility is generally appreciated by grading the activity of semen on scale from 0 (no activity) to 5 (vigorous activity). Mature camelid spermatozoa exhibit the same anatomical features as other domestic continued on next page

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mammals (Figure 7a). The head of camelid spermatozoa is elliptical. Evaluation of the morphology of spermatozoa is performed on stained samples in order to determine the proportion of normal spermatozoa and the relative frequency of each morphological defect (i.e., teratospermia) (Figure 7 b, c). The effects of the various abnormalities on fertility have not yet been determined. The ejaculate from normal fertile males contain anywhere from 10â&#x20AC;&#x201C;50% defective spermatozoa. For a veterinarian, both the incidence of each defect as well as the change in their relative proportions, are important for diagnostic purposes and prognosis for fertility.

2. Breeding soundness examination

Although many reproductive disorders in the male may be noticed as behavioral or anatomical changes, most are going to be suspected based on poor fertility. Therefore, a protocol for the examination of the reproductive ability of the male is important. This protocol is commonly referred to in veterinary practice as a male breeding soundness examination (MBSE). It is generally conducted by the veterinarian following guidelines recommended by specialists in veterinary reproductive medicine or theriogenologists. An important part of this evaluation is history which can only be obtained if the breeder has kept a detailed record on the animal in question to address the important factors affecting reproduction. This data should be maintained rigorously from birth throughout the life of the sire (Appendix 1). The examination starts with a general physical exam to determine the general health of the male, as well as absence or presence of defects that compromise the breeding potential. If the examination is conducted to select a young herdsire, an emphasis should be put on detection of congenital and potentially heritable conditions. For reasons of biosecurity, the male should be scrutinized for any sign of contagious or infectious diseases. Examination of the reproductive organs focuses on palpation of the scrotum, testes, and prepuce. The scrotal and preputial skin is often the site of lacerations, insect bites, or parasitic lesions (i.e.,

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Figure 7a: Anatomy of normal alpaca spermatozoon: 1) head, 2) midpiece, 3) tail, a) red blood cell from the female.

Figure 7b: Proximal cytoplasmic droplet. Common abnormality in immature males.

Figure 7c: Coiled tail and other abnormalities in a male that had a heat stress episode.

mange). Increase in scrotal skin thickness may result in loss of cooling ability and deterioration of spermatogenesis. The testes should move freely within the scrotum, be nearly equal in size and resilient to palpation, and non-painful. The preputial orifice should be checked for discharge, obstruction, and prolapse (Figure 8). Size of the testis is evaluated by measuring its length and width using precision calipers and/or ultrasound. (Figure 9). The difference in testicular length between left and right testis should be less than 15%. Errors of measurements can be made if the scrotal fat is included. An ultrasound examination of the scrotum and its contents cannot be overemphasized as many testicular abnormalities cannot be felt on palpation. Abnormalities detected using this technique include testicular or epididymal cysts, accumulation of fluid around the testicle (hydrocele), or presence of fibrous lesions (scar tissue) (Figure 10). Mating ability of the male is best evaluated in the presence of a receptive female. Physical mating ability and sexual behavior can be assessed during the courting and copulation phases of mating. The penis may be examined in the erect state at the time of intromission. Detailed examination of the prepuce and penis may require restraint, sedation, or even anesthesia of the animal. A breeding soundness evaluation should be completed by determination of at least motility and morphology of a semen sample taken after mating as described above. For some specific conditions (unexplained infertility or subfertility, testicular asymmetry, and abnormal testicular ultrasonography), it may be necessary to take a sample of testicular tissue by either biopsy or needle aspirate (Figure 11). This technique is useful for diagnosis of reason for azoospermia and testicular cancer. Endocrinological evaluation of males with poor reproductive ability is still not well developed in camelids. Chromosomal abnormalities may be involved in male infertility, however, these are not the most common disorders in the male.

Figure 8: Purulent discharge from the prepuce. This should always raise concern and the male should be examined under heavy sedation.

b Figure 9: Testicular measurements with precision calipers: a) width and b) length.

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3. Reproductive problems in the male

Causes of loss of reproductive ability in the male camelid are sometimes challenging and may take a long time to determine. In addition to loss of time and money due to lack of income from breeding fees, the prognosis is often guarded or poor and treatments are often experimental (which adds to the frustration of the breeder). In a study conducted by Dr. Julio Sumar in 1983 on alpacas, the incidence of testicular diseases was 18.1% and 30.5% in 3015 breeding males and 792 slaughtered males, respectively. The main testicular disorders were (in order): testicular hypoplasia, cryptorchidism, and ectopic testes. In our service at Washington State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, about 15% of males presented for a breeding soundness examination between 20-26 months of age were not ready to breed. Abnormalities seen in males presented for infertility at the theriogenology service, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, parallel the previous findings by Dr. Sumar with the exception of testicular cysts and testicular degeneration which we find very commonly.

3.1. Manifestations of reproductive disorders

Male reproductive disorders are generally classified in two large categories: 1) Inability to complete mating may be due to poor libido, erection or ejaculation

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Figure 10 above: Technique of testicular ultrasonography. Below: ultrasonogram of a normal (a, left panel) and cystic testicle (b, right panel).

failure, and 2) Inability to achieve fertilization due to seminal abnormalities. Poor sexual drive may be associated with endocrinological disorders, systemic diseases, or diseases of other organs (including megaesophagus) and high ambient temperature. Young males may be to shy to perform, particularly in a clinic setting. Erection failure may be due to neurological disorders, painful conditions, or preputial stenosis (small opening of the prepuce). I am aware of two cases of acquired erection failure in males after recovery from meningeal worm disease. Preputial swelling is due to local inflammation caused by contact with chemical or physical irritants, parasitic infestation, and introduction of debris into the sheath during masturbation or by rupture of the urethra. Preputial swelling can also be part of a large ventral edema in some animals suffering from heat stress. Preputial swelling may be complicated by a prolapse of the preputial tissue which is further complicated by the development of ulcers and adhesions. In some animals, the penis may be partially exteriorized and unable to be retracted within the sheath (i.e., paraphymosis) causing further damage to the tissue. Inflammation of the glans penis (balanitis), the prepuce (posthitis), or both (balanoposthitis) is very painful and reduces the maleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sexual drive or may lead to abnormal behavior during attempted mating such as savaging the female or self-mutilation. Paraphymosis and balanoposthitis may be caused by â&#x20AC;&#x153;hair ringsâ&#x20AC;? if the females are not clipped before breeding. Necrosis (sloughing) of the tip of the penis may occur if the condition is not treated. Early detection of paraphymosis and treatment will avoid these complications. Surgical treatment may be required (Figure 12). Another painful condition that may lead to poor libido is urinary stones or urolithiasis. Most of these calculi occur at the level of the distal part of the urethra or at the level of the sigmoid flexure. Relief of the condition can be attempted surgically but recurrence of obstruction is common. Fertilization failure may be due to azoo-sper-

Figure 11: Core biopsy (small sliver of tissue) is used to determine whether spermatogenesis is normal.

Figure 12: Preputial prolapse appearance.

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mia (complete lack of sperm cells in the ejaculate), oligospermia (poor sperm count), asthenospermia (absence of motility), or teratospermia (very high rate of abnormal spermatozoa). Lack of spermatozoa (azoospermia) in the ejaculate may be due to three main causes: 1) absence of spermatogenesis, 2) failure of ejaculation, or 3) blockage at the level of the epididymis or deferent duct. Low sperm production (oligospermia) is observed when spermatogenesis is compromised but not completely arrested, or when only one side is affected by lack of spermatogenesis or abnormal transfer through the epididymis and ductus deferens. Inadequate sperm number in the ejaculate may be due to incomplete ejaculation. Lack of sperm motility (asthenospermia or asthenozoospermia) may be due to defects in the spermatozoa morphology, particularly in the morphology of the neck, mid-piece, and tail differentiation. I have seen one alpaca with a specific mid-piece defect that was infertile because of lack of motility despite a very high sperm output. Abnormal sperm motility or complete paralysis of the sperm cell is often seen with some toxic factors (inflammatory byproducts, infections, or contaminants). Lack of motility may also be immune-mediate such as in the case of males mounting an immune response against their own semen. An increase in sperm abnormalities (teratospermia) is often due to abnormal spermatogenesis or abnormal sperm maturation within the epididymis. A classical example of abnormal spermatogenesis is the effect of heat stress on testicular function. A classical example of lack of maturation is the increased proximal droplets in young, immature males or overused males.

a. Congenital diseases of the testes The main congenital abnormalities of the testes are abnormal testicular descent (cryptorchidism) or abnormal development (hypoplasia). Testicular hypoplasia (very small under-developed testicle) (Figure 13) is the most common cause of poor fertility and the leading cause of elimination of males from reproduction. It is estimated that testicular hypoplasia affects 8-10% of the alpaca population. It can be unilateral resulting in asymmetric development of the testicles or bilateral with various degrees of severity. Its effect on fertility depend on the extent of inactivity of the seminefrous tubules. Males with testicular hypoplasia may show azoospermia or oligospermia with increased abnormalities. Testicular measurements are generally well below average. Testicular hypoplasia does not necessarily affect libido. Testicular biopsy may be helpful in the confirmation of the diagnosis. Males with unilateral hypoplasia may have normal fertility but should be eliminated from reproduction. The inheritance of this defect is suspected but has not been established scientifically. Cryptorchidism (Figure 14) can be unilateral or bilateral and is suspected when inspection of the perineal region shows a flat or absent scrotum or absence of one testicle. It is estimated that

3.2. Specific diseases of the reproductive system 3.2.1. Testicular diseases

Testicular diseases can be categorized as congenital, inflammatory, degenerative, or neoplastic (cancer).

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Figure 13: Testicular hypoplasia (very small testicles) in a 4-year-old alpaca.

cryptorchidism affects 3% of all males in the alpaca population. The retained testicle is usually found close to the internal inguinal opening or inside the abdomen. Cryptorchidism is a cause of infertility only if both testicles are retained. Males with one retained testicle may be fertile but they have to be discarded from reproduction because of the possible hereditary nature of this abnormality. It is important to have a veterinarian examine animals with only one testicle as some animals are in fact monorchid (have only one developed testicle), in which case they may be also lacking a kidney. Testicular cysts have been detected ultrasonographically by the author in many males (Figure 10b). The effect on fertility varies from complete sterility (azoospermia) to subfertility depending on the size and location of the cysts. Some of the intratesticular cysts do not affect fertility but need to be monitored. Testicular ectopia (ectopic testicles) is an abnormal location of the testicle that has been described in alpacas. The testicle may be located in the abdominal region and is not able to produce spermatozoa because of the lack of temperature regulation. b. Non-congenital disorders of the testes and scrotum Acquired disorders of the testes and their envelopes include lesions of the scrotal sac, accumulation of fluid between the layers of the testicular envelopes due to poor vascular function or heat stress (hydrocele), inflammation or the testicles (orchitis), traumatic lesions of the testes leading to hematoma, testicular degeneration, of testicular cancer or neoplasia. Scrotal trauma due to bites from other males is common. Prognosis for reproductive soundness of the individual male depends on the extent of the injury and the time elapsed until detection. Differential diagnoses include orchitis, heat stress, and hydrocele. Deep lacerations are frequently complicated by testicular hemorrhage and infection. These cases require urgent surgical intervention (castration). Hydrocele can develop following heat stress or inflammation. The scrotal sac becomes pendulous

Figure 14: Unilateral left cryptorchidism in llama. Although the left testicle was intrabdominal, this male has normal libido and semen quality.

and increased in size. The scrotum is not painful and the testes are usually free within the scrotal sac and fluid can be isolated in one area. Moderate hydrocele is sometimes observed in summer (hot humid conditions). The condition resolves progressively with decreasing ambient temperature. Presence of abscesses in the iguinal region can lead to development of hydrocele. I have also seen development of hydrocele in generalized cancer in a patient. Long standing hydrocele affects the thermoregulation of the testes and decreases the quality and quantity of semen. Orchitis is usually caused by hematogenous route (i.e., spread of a general infection such as in the case of alpaca fever, Streptococcus equi sub. zooepidimicus). Systemic antimicrobial therapy is indicated but is generally not efficacious. Castration of the affected testicle in valuable males may increase the chance of salvaging the non-affected testicle and the reproductive life of the animal. Testicular degeneration is probably the most common cause of infertility due to testicular pathology. The degenerated testicles become small either soft or hard and fibrous. It may result from continued on next page

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severe heat stress, trauma, chronic inflammation of the testes and/or scrotum, secondary to severe or chronic systemic disease, fever, toxins, nutritional or hormonal imbalance, or stress. Prognosis for fertility depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Testicular tumors are rare and include seminoma, leydig cell tumors, and sertoli cell tumors. These tumors are generally responsible for a gradual increase in testicular size. Their effect on behavior and fertility depends on the hormones produced. If the affection is unilateral, castration of the affected side is warranted. Metastasis to other organs, although rare, should be checked.

3.2.2. Diseases of the epididymis

The most common congenital abnormality of the epididymis is segmental aplasia (or incomplete development) which is often associated to formation of cystic dilation. These conditions may reduce sperm output if unilateral or may lead to complete infertility by lack of spermatozoa in the ejaculate if both sides are affected. Unilaterally affected males should be discarded from reproduction. Inflammation of the epididymis (i.e. epididymitis) is usually associated to orchitis and results in poor quality semen or blockage due to abscess formation.

4. Sub-fertility or infertility of unexplained origin

Many other reproductive problems are reported in alpacas but their exact etiology is not known. Substandard semen quality can be involved in male infertility, especially in overused or old animals. However, in some cases, all seminal parameters may appear normal and yet no pregnancies could be obtained after natural cover. This suggests that other factors (immunological or genetic) may be involved in male infertility in camelids. The author suspects that some males may be infertile because of their inability to reliably induce ovulation in bred females. Disorders of the accessory sex gland (prostate and bulbourethral gland) may

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be involved. DNA abnormalities may also be responsible of infertility due to lack of fertilization or generation of defective embryos.

Conclusion

This paper is only an overview of reproduction in male alpacas and conditions that may affect fertility. The take-home message is the importance of a thorough examination of the male during selection of a prospective sire and regular examination of the herdsire. Reproductive disorders are very hard to treat and therefore prevention and good management of the male is key to avoiding problems and prolonging the reproductive life of a valuable sire. Because of the high genetic impact on the breeding program of a herd, males should be selected from the top 5% of the population for a specific trait. This selection pressure is seldom achievable within a small herd, therefore outside mating of top females would be required. In addition to production attributes, the history of health, congenital malformations, as well as growth and reproduction of the sire and dam should be thoroughly documented. The mating plan (which male will breed with which female) should be reasoned based on documented successes as far as transmissibility of desirable traits and ability to correct or improve on the dam traits. The decision on when to breed (therefore when the expected birth of the cria would be) should be given consideration. Naturally, there is no guarantee that the mating plan would result in a male offspring. If the intent is to produce a future herdsire, then enough females should bred to increase the chance for a male offspring. This is a hard task for the small breeder to achieve and therefore most will continue to recourse to mating to outside males which opens the herd to many diseases if strict biosecurity measures are not adhered to. It is important that all females entering the herd for breeding be screened for the major infectious diseases and isolated from the resident herd for a quarantine period. All visiting animals should be current on vaccinations and deworming. If the female is to

leave the herd immediately after mating, I suggest that a “breeding arena” be designed as close as possible to the ranch gate to limit contact with rest of the herd. The male should be brought to the visiting female. Some breeders prefer to breed in the trailer to limit contact. However, trailers may be contaminated and need to be examined closely. Selection of the young male and his management should be carefully planned. The male cria should be almost “perfect” at birth in order to rise to the status of potential herdsire. Appendix 1 of this article gives some guidelines on the monitoring of the herdsire from birth. Breeders should make sure that each prospective herdsire is monitored through the initial growth phase from birth to introduction to breeding.