Where Are Llamas Used As Pack Animals?
Are llamas and alpacas the same? What'southward the difference? Where did they come from? What do I do with one afterward I buy it? And will information technology spit at me? These are unremarkably asked about llamas and alpacas. This mail service volition attempt to reply these questions and more past referencing the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet (FS917) titled Llamas and Alpacas.
It is a common misconception that llamas and alpacas are one and the same. They are in fact 2 completely different species. Both belong to the Camelid family unit and are natives of S America. Their feature traits of being hornless, cud-chewing ruminants as well as having an even number of toes and padded feet are responsible for their inclusion in this family (FS917). The vicuna and guanaco are also relatives of the llama and alpaca. Alpacas and llamas are known for their gentle temperaments, easy intendance, pack abilities, also as fiber. Some of the differences betwixt the ii animals include:
| Alpaca | Llama | |
| Descended from: | Vicuna | Guanaco |
| Size: | 36" at withers | 45" at withers |
| Weight: | 100-175 lbs | 280-450 lbs |
| Life expectancy: | 15-25 years | fifteen-30 years |
| Gestation: | 335 days | 350 days |
| Ears: | Pear-shaped | Banana-shaped |
| Dorsum (spine) structure: | Slight bend upwardly | Straight |
| Teeth: | No enamel on the tongue side of their incisors | Fully enameled |
Both alpacas and llamas are native to S America, specifically the Andes Mount regions of Peru, Bolivia, and Republic of chile. It is believed that the ancestors of both the alpaca and llama originated on the North America plains over 40 million year ago and migrated south. Approximately 10-12 thousand years ago, Camelids died out in N America leaving the ancestors of alpacas and llamas thriving in South America.
Historically, llamas and alpacas take been used for packing, guarding, and fiber production. However, llamas brand the better pack animal as they have a straight back and can comport a heavier load than an alpaca. They can typically carry seventy to 120 pounds. Alpaca fiber is sought after over that of a llama considering it is effectively, oil gratuitous, lightweight, and yields approximately 93% of its original weight subsequently processing (FS917). Llamas accept been reported to be good guard animals against coyotes and dogs.
Another mutual misconception is that llamas and alpacas are ambitious and spit regularly at their handlers. Just like people, alpacas and llamas have unique personalities. Some are quiet and very laid back while others are noisy and inquisitive. Mainly they are mild tempered creatures who thrive in a herd environment. With alpacas, spitting is generally observed between herd-mates to assert dominance and is rarely done towards humans unless they are provoked. Llamas have a slightly more than aggressive nature and have been known to spit at the coincidental passer-by.
Alpacas and Llamas are generally easy to proceed. They require less country and less food than other farm animals. For example, i acre of land tin sustain 5-ten alpacas or 4 llamas depending on the quality of pasture. They tend be gentle grazers – pregnant they trim the grass instead of destroying it entirely and because of their pads and toenails; they tend to be like shooting fish in a barrel "walkers" on the pasture itself. Routine health checks include annual vaccinations, worming, toenail trimming, and shearing.
Featured Resource: Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet (FS917): Llamas and Alpacas written by Bonnie A. Altizio and Michael Westendorf, Ph.D. Published July 1998
Past Michelle Teitsma, iv-H Programme Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Source: https://4hanimalscience.rutgers.edu/2018/01/31/llamas-and-alpacas-getting-to-know-your-animal/
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