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Summer 2006 Newsletter
 
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ALPACA Works
Valuing the Past...Breeding for the Future
July 2006 - Vol 1, Issue 4
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Greetings from Heritage Farm!

Welcome to the summer issue of ALPACA Works, the quarterly newsletter for alpaca breeders and enthusiasts who want to learn more about these facinating creatures. This issue focuses on protecting your alpacas from heat stress.

During these long hot days of summer we often do amost anything to keep ourselves cool. I grew up on a farm in northern Indiana during a decade when air conditioning was not even an option. As kids, we often cooled off in the lawn sprinkler or sat in front of a fan. But my favorite place to cool off was down by the creek where a field tile poured out cold, refreshing water several feet above the stream. There, I would sit under that delightful shower until I was shivering cold and then go dry off in the sun until I was ready for my next adventure.

Our alpacas are smart animals that will also do what ever it takes to keep cool. The difference is that they can only apply the resources that we as their caretakers provide for them. So, we need to be aware of the most effective methods of providing relief from the heat of summer and implement the appropriate ones. This issue will help you do just that. We invite you to read on and learn!

Summer Heat Stress
Cool Suris
From Dr. David Anderson, here are the TOP TEN things to do to prevent heat stress in your alpacas this summer. The list is not all inclusive, but these are some of the most important things you need to do to protect your alpacas from serious overheating!

1. SHEAR - Dr. Anderson recommends that all llamas and alpacas be sheared before June 1 every year. Barrel cuts seem to work OK, but not shearing is not an option.

Alpaca Cooling Options
A guideline to determine whether alpacas are at risk for heat stress is to add together the ambient humidity(%) and temperature(F). If the number is less than 120 there is minimal risk of heat stress. If the number is 150 or more it is wise to employ all precautions to prevent heat stress. When the number is 180 or above alpacas are at high risk for developing heat stress. At times like these employ ALL preventative measures, take caution, and observe your alpacas several times a day. Checking on them while changing their water buckets can be invaluable. If they are showing signs of increased respiration use a hose to water the underside of their bellies. Do NOT get their backs and sides too wet. A soaked fleece prevents air from circulating next to their skin and cooling them by evaporation. Here are some practical ways to cool your alpacas:
  1. Natural Ventilation- often the least expensive but most effective cooling mechanism is just plenty of naturally moving air. Keep barn doors and windows open in the summer and, if possible, position open doors such the the prevailing winds can blow through the barn.
  2. Fans- Fans are inexpensive to buy and to operate. They can move a fair amount of air when natural ventilation is not an option such as in enclosed builings. Fans are often used at shows to keep alpacas comfortable.
  3. Sprinklers- Alpacas really enjoy water! Sprinklers are an effective way to keep the alpacas thermal window (their belly) cool. Control the sprinkler to come on a few times during hot days for 10-15 minutes. Regulate the flow so that the sprinkler only sprays their bellies.
  4. Kiddie Pools- These provide an extremely quick and effective method of cooling an overheated alpaca. Fill it with just enough water to cool their bellies and change every day.
  5. Evaporative Coolers- One of the more elaborate and expesive methods of cooling is with evaporative coolers. These devices can acually cool the inside of a barn by up to 15 degrees! Don't get these confused with misters. Relatively dry air is emitted so your alpacas stay dry, but cool.
Detection & Treatment of Heat Stress
Even if you have done your best to keep your alpacas cool during the dog days of summer, extraordinary cirucumstances may increase the possibility of your alpacas experiecing heat stress. What signs should you be looking for and what should you do if you suspect an alpaca has gotton dangerously overheated?

The initial signs of heat stress may be quite subtle and apparent to only the most astute observer. The most common signs of heat stress may include panting, depression or dullness, anorexia or off feed, a rectal temperature of >104° F, a respiratory rate >40 breaths per minute, and a heart rate >90 beats per minute. More obvious signs include drooping of the lower lip, excessive salivation, facial or partial facial paralysis, scrotal swelling or edema in the intact male, trembling, weakness, difficulty breathing, and abnormal behavior. Some depressed alpacas will lay near water troughs or may defecate while in the cushed position. As heat stress progresses, body systems begin to fail due to fatigue and loss of body fluids and electrolytes. The alpaca becomes very depressed and unable to stand.

Introducing HFS Firecracker
As we celebrate of our nation's independence this month, we would like to introduce our newest herdsire with a name to go with the holiday, HFS Firecracker. Firecracker is a full Peruvian, medium fawn male out of the outstanding stud, Sweet Foxfire Jax. He is a fantastic young herdsire prospect. His conformation is flawless. Incredible penciled locks and remarkable luster "explode" from this high energy male.

Firecracker had a good show career. As a yearling in the fall of 2005, he placed 2nd at OABA AlpacaFest under judge Jude Anderson who commented on his "outstanding luster" and "great definition of lock". He placed 3rd at the 2006 Kentucky Classic where Judge Tim Lavan commented on his nice density and independent lock. Follow the link to see more pictures of Firecracker and to find out how you can add great fiber and genetics to your breeding program this fall!

Well, that's all for this issue. Hopefully you have taken away some useful information that will help you make your alpacas more comfortable and healthier this summer. If you would like to learn more about alpacas or to see what we have for sale, we invite you to visit our website or better yet, schedule a visit to Heritage Farm sometime soon. When you come, we'll find a place to sit in the shade where we can sip an ice-cold glass of lemonade and enjoy watching the alpacas cool off in the sprinkler!

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Sincerely,


Tim & Beth Sheets
Heritage Farm Suri Alpacas

phone: 765-566-3077

 
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