LANA News Llama Association of North America! Fall Edition 2016!
! LANA Board of Directors !
Chene Mogler President moglersmadness@yahoo.com
Michelle Kutzler Vice President michelle.kutzler@oregonstate.edu Sue Rich Secretary susan.rich9631@gmail.com Joy Pedroni Treasurer joy@blackcatllamas.com DeeAnn Forrester Director performancellama@yahoo.com Kathy Nichols Director KathySVA@aol.com Dolly Peters Director ranchodollyllama@gmail.com Cathy Spalding Advisory Chair cathy@gentlespiritllamas.com
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LANA 35 YEARS OF SERVING THE CAMELID COMMUNITY TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Message LANA Milestones LANA Calendar of Events Reprint from ’98 LANA News - In the Beginning Reprint from the first LANA News - Vol. 1 ’81 Reprint from ‘’82 LANA News Reprint from ’98 LANA News - LANA Lama Lifeline Reprint from ’99 LANA News - Next of Kin cards LANA Youth Citizenship Award LANA & Morris Animal Foundation LANA National Versatility Awards Ag Days - Sue Rich Preparing for the Aged Llama Upcoming Show Flyers Senior Llama Spotlight - Dusty Reprint from ’98 LANA News - Keeping Safe
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE from CHENE MOGLER
Wow! Congratulations LANA You have made it to thirty five years as an association. In the life of a company or organization this is a huge milestone. It’s all due to the members that have made this feat possible. From the LANA experience we have had the pleasure of good times and better friends. The true test of LANA is now While other organizations are finding themselves having to close for good, we are aiming to adapt to the waves of change brought on by many factors. As most have noticed, we have dwindled in friends we see at events and shows. As your current president of LANA, I am asking the questions that I hope will broaden our membership and increase participation. Without new energy, I fear this wonderful association will fail too. To make sure this doesn’t occur we should examine why we, as members, can’t let this happen. What is it that LANA does? LANA not only provides a show experience that allows us to be “bums” for two days, there is much more to LANA that most people don’t get to see. LANA is responsible for Lifeline’s funds. The Lifeline committee decides the actions to be taken and LANA sends the requested amount. LANA collects any Lifeline donations and deposits them into the Lifeline account. LANA has been entrusted with selecting and funding camelid research and has been doing so for some time now with the Morris Animal Foundation. LANA provides educational opportunities for owners of all ages, as well as “newbies” to those with more experienced. LANA organized a memorial bench in the honor of the late Dr. Murray Fowler at the Sacramento Zoo. LANA is the sole body that sponsors and organizes the Versatility Awards at the ALSA Nationals. These are the many things LANA has done and we are setting our sights for to continue to do this and more. We now embark into the future and will build for the next thirty five years. With your support LANA will continue to progress forward for the llama family of friends. As your current president, I say “stay tuned for what’s to come.”
In celebration of LANA’s 35th Anniversary, LANA’s 2017 membership fee will be $35. 2
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“The specific purpose of the corporation is to promote the welfare of llamas in North America, accumulate and disseminate information about llamas to members, potential purchasers of llamas and the general public, and provide to its members certain goods and services at a beneficial rate or cost” (Articles of Incorporation of Llama Association of North America, Inc 1981)
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LANA Milestones
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May 30, 1981: LANA formed Acting officers elected, goals formulated, and committees formed. About 30 members present.
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1st issue of LANA News published (continuing)
June 24-27, 1982: 1st LANA EXPO “The Great Llama Exposition” held at Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo, California.
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Spring 1983: LANA Tattoo Registry (LANA Listing Service) begins to issue registration certificates. This llama registry was later combined with other registries and lists to provide the initial database for the ILR.
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March 1984: LANA Veterinarian Directory Published in the LANA News, the first edition included listings for Alaska, California, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington State. Updates and new listings were printed in subsequent newsletters.
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Spring 1984: LANA Binder available This ‘Basic Llama Care Manual’ was a collection of information on llama care, reproduction, birthing, training, and reference material. Supplements were provided periodically.
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July 12-14, 1984: Promotion of youth and llamas through 4-H at LANA EXPO `84, Grants Pass, Oregon.
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October 1985: Youth Across America Program founded First award winners recognized at 1986 LANA EXPO. Youth Committee developed manual for youth and added additional awards over the years.
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October 12, 1985: 1st LANA Llama Show final day of EXPO `85, Grants Pass, Oregon. The longest continuous llama show in North America held in association with LANA EXPO until recently.
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April 24, 1988: LANA Camelid Research Foundation funded (continuing) Also know as the Camelid Research Trust Fund. This endowment fund was the result of a two year effort to raise money to support research. Twenty thousand dollars was initially
invested; hopes were to increase the principal through growth and additional donations to $100.000. Interest earned was earmarked to support camelid research. Management of this fund was transferred to the Morris Animal Foundation November 24, 1999. At that time the funds value was $69,800. Despite the market downturn, the balance, as of 6/30/10 was $145,500.
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June 2 & 3, 1990: LANA Hosts 1st ALSA Sanctioned Alpaca Show First Alpaca show using AOBA/ALSA show format held at LANA EXPO, Grass Valley, California.
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Spring 1993: LANA Medical Research Group established (continuing) LMRG created a unified point of contact between llama community and Morris Animal Foundation (five person group composed of one representative of Llama Association of North America, International Llama Association, Canadian Llama Association, Rocky Mountain Llama Association, and Ohio River Valley Llama Association).
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June 1995: “Members Library” established A lending library of books, articles, videos for exclusive use of LANA members began as “Youth Library” and later expanded to all members.
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Winter 1996: LANA Lama Lifeline program developed (continuing) LANA program, focused on lama welfare, established to recognize and rectify poor or deteriorating living conditions through education and as a last resort intervention. Policy and protocols, a 44 page working document, approved March 1998.
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Fall 1999: NOK/LAA card available Recognizing that human crisis can generate significant chaos and create animal emergencies LANA made available an information card (Next of Kin/Live Animal Alert) to safeguard animals in the event their human caretaker is incapacitated.
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June 2001: LANA Youth Sportsmanship Award created (continuing) LANA offered a bronze medallion to llama show management to be awarded to a youth that exhibited exemplary sportsmanship and volunteerism during the event.
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2002: LANA “Hand in Hand Program Provides deserving veterinarians with literature on camelids.
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Fall 2003: Youth Show Jacket Program LANA partners with local or regional llama organizations to reward participating youth.
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2004: LANA develops a website To connect to more people and to share up-to-date information, LANA launches their website.
! June 2006: The last year of the Youth Across America (YAA) contest. ! June 2008: Last Expo
The 28th Annual LANA Expo was held in Fallon, NV. The BOD discontinued Expo until the economy improves and attendance at other events indicates an appropriate time to schedule another Expo
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Fall 2008: National Versatility Awards (continuing) LANA sponsored the Llama Versatility Awards at the ALSA Grand National Lincoln, Nebraska.
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2009: Hobo Show (continuing) LANA was given the opportunity to continue the popular Hobo Show. Obstacles, Hobo village, and décor were moved from Medford, OR, to Turlock, CA.
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2010: LANA Youth Show Performance show, showmanship clinic, fun games and prizes.
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2011: LANA’s 28th Annual Show. First dual ILR/ALSA in California. Last annual show.
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2011: LANA Lifeline assists in the Montana Large Animal Sanctuary llama evacuation.
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August 2011 – LANA Office Moves The LANA business office moves from Eagle Point, OR to Vacaville, CA.
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January 2012: LANA honors UC Davis VMTH Dr. Julie Dechant, SAVMA and the Camelid Medicine Club were presented with plaques for their work with the thirty three llamas brought to the UCD veterinary hospital from MLAS closure. UC Davis was the only university that took llamas in directly.
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March 2015: Kids & Camelids Show (continuing) LANA created and offered a one-day performance and showmanship “show-nic” for youth. This event featured the judge conferring with each handler immediately after that handler’s run, a consultation regarding conformation and shearing suggestions, fiber and management issues.
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February 2015: LANA starts a Facebook Page LANA starts its own Facebook page to reach more lama owners and enthusiasts.
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May 2015: LANA enters Fiesta Days Parade in Vacaville (continuing) Owners, family and friends participated in the parade their llamas and alpacas. Animals were in costumer wore packs, or in harness pulling their cart. A fun social event for camelid enthusiasts to get together.
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LANA’s first logo 6
UPCOMING LANA EVENTS
Please check LANA’s website for updated information
! December 2016: LANA Elections Two positions are open. If you are interested in running for the Board of Directors please email lanaquestions@gmail.com or contact any of the current board members.
January 21-22, 2017: Hobo Classic Gold and Silver Llama Shows Gold Show - Barb Harris, judge Silver Show - Terese Evensen, judge Location - Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, Turlock, CA. Superintendents - Chene and Andrea Mogler contact: moglersmadness@yahoo.com
March 25, 2017: Kids & Camelids Youth Show and Clinic Judge TBA Location - Stanislaus Fairgrounds, Turlock, CA. Superintendent - Sue Rich contact: susan.rich9631@gmail.com
May 5-6, 2017: LANA’s 35th Anniversary Party LAMA Show Judge TBA Location - San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, Stockton, CA Superintendent - DeeAnn Forrester contact: performancellama@yahoo.com
May 27, 2017 : Fiesta Days Parade Location - Vacaville, CA Coordinator - Joy Pedroni contact: joy@blackcatllamas.com
Clinic Ideas LANA provides programs and services to its members and continuously looks for new ways to help members and their animals. Educating the llama community, whether new or experienced owners, is important to the organization. LANA is looking for clinic ideas. Is there something you want to learn about? Packing, llama wellness and veterinary care, fiber arts, driving, fleece, business and marketing? Let LANA know. Contact: lanaquestions@gmail.com 7
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! MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD LANA NEWS, No. 63, MARCH 1998 by VIRGINIA CHRISTENSEN, Editor
! IN THE BEGINNING For many of our members, LANA’s beginning is unknown. So, for those of you who are newcomers, or even some of you “old-timers” who need some refreshing, a short history on the happening that is LANA. A backyard gathering of a few llama owners at a private home in Northern California brought out a handful of enthusiastic people looking to share a common goal: information to share to ensure the well-being of their llamas. The date was May 30, 1981. At that meeting, acting officers were selected, goals were written, committees were formed, a name chosen, and the Llama Association of North America was off and running in high gear. The original idea of LANA remains the same: an association run democratically has always been of the utmost importance. Every member should have equal voting rights, and any member in good standing [is] entitled to run for the Board of Directors if he or she chooses to do so. LANA does not “screen out” individuals who have a desire to serve; the selection of our Board is by popular vote of the entire membership.
! The first LANA President was Bill La Valley, and under his direction, the first Great LANA Expo was held in Vallejo, California, during the summer of 1982. Dick and I attended that Expo; we were new llama owners that year and needed all the
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! ! help and information we could get. Several things stand out in our minds, things we still remember clearly. A horse trainer from Alaska showing the “proper training” of a young llama (our llama trainers today have certainly come a long way in their thinking, but some of the basics that horse trainer showed us are still valuable tools today); a llama driving a cart around the Vallejo Fairgrounds; and a veterinarian teaching us basic care while also being honestly interested in our experiences with the llamas we had in our care … his name was Murray Fowler. We’ve come a long way since those thirty or so people met in the backyard to share a common goal, but our mission remains the same: the well-being of our llama friends. We started a wonderful Youth Project in the summer of 1986, which is still an integral part of our Expo today; and now, when high llama prices have come down to reality, and those people who only wanted them for the profit they could make have lost interest, we have another new goal in Lama Lifeline: helping as many llamas we can who have been “discarded.” We would like to applaud those few who were instrumental in forming this organization and helping a lot of us grow in an infant industry so many years ago. We appreciate their effort and foresight. May your spring crias be healthy and strong. VIRGINIA CHRISTENSEN, Editor 8
LANA News Vol. 1, No. 1, AUGUST 1981
Editor’s Welcome Welcome to the first issue of LANA News! You have probably already received some communications about the formation of the Llama Association of North America (LANA). Now, in order to keep everyone informed about the rapid and exciting growth of LANA, we have undertaken to public LANA News at regular intervals. It will be mailed to everyone on our mailing list free of charge, as a service in the llama community. While LANA News may occasionally include some general llama information as well as specific news about LANA, LANA News is not intended in any way to supplant the two exciting general purpose llama newsletters, the 3L Llama and the Llama Newsletter.* These two provide invaluable information and communication to all people interested in llamas, we are indeed proud to know them. *
3L Llama Llama Newsletter Mama’s Llamas Andy Tillman El Dorado, CA 95623 Athens, OR 97813 _________________________________________________________________________________
President’s Column (Note: This column normally will be written by the president of LANA. However, due to current work pressures on the actin \\g president, the acting vice -president has written he column for this issue.) From the first suggestions and discussions over a year ago at the First Annual Llama Convention, through numbers meeting,s countless hours on the telephone, and a great deal of work by a great many people, the Llama Association of North America (LANA) has evolved into a vital and growing organization. Only after this ground work was laid, did we feel comfortable in asking everyone in the llama community to join LANA. The specific benefits of LANA are mentioned elsewhere in the issue. But there are is another more general, and perhaps more important, benefit to be gained by supporting LANA: the opportunity to partite in an active association in which your voice will be heard. You may ask, “If LANA is so democratic, why was it started by a relatively small group of Northern Californians?” The simple, and very correct, answer to that question is that we did it because the job needed doing and nobody else was doing it. The real question, however, is not who started LANA, but who will continue it. We want the participation of everyone in the llama community; we need the help of all of you in building a nationwide association what will be responsive to the needs of every local region. We’re working on a constitution that will provide for regional chapters with a great deal of autonomy, and a national board of directors elected in a representative manner to provide overall unity. We feel that thesis the best way to balance the need for unity with possibly conflicting local concerns. However, we warmly welcome all suggestions and opinions on how to proceed. The answer to the question, “Who will continue LANA?” is YOU. Fred Bauer 9
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! PRESIDENT’S LETTER Vol. 1, No. 2 April 1982
LANA is celebrating its first anniversary as an organization. During this first year, LANA be-came a California corporation, has established many committees to meet association object-ives, and is ready for the first formal election to fill all even Board of Directors seats. Nominations are currently being presented to the nominations committee. A board member is in office for two years. It is this new Board of Directors, elected in total by the member-ship that will set the course for LANA’s future. Much of the original structure of LANA came from the Northern California area largely due to the great concentration of llama owners there. As our membership is becoming more national, we are asking that our regional groups be formed. The association runs on the energy of its members; everyone has something to con-tribute, regardless of geographics or knowledge of the llama industry (we’re all learning).
The Great Llama Exposition
This totally participating Exposition will be held in the early part of Summer 1982 at the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo just north of San Francisco, CA. The initial objectives are: Demonstrations (backpacking, wool spinning, shearing, training, etc.) • Guest speakers • Films • Questions and Answers seminars • Entertainment • Llamas for sale • Llama wares for sale
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Please, if you haven’t joined, consider joint LANA, and even more importantly, become an active member of your association. Bill LaValley Acting President
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MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD LANA NEWS No. 64, JUNE 1998 by NELSON LEONARD, President
The Board of Directors approved the LANA Lama Lifeline (LLL) policy and protocols at their April 1998 meeting. This 44-page document includes mission statement, goals and policies, procedures, sample forms and letters. The test in rough form was first presented to the Board in September 1997; it was wellreceived, and LLL was encouraged to proceed under these working guidelines, LLL policy and protocols propose a safety net for lamas at risk, or soon to be at risk; the primary focus of the program is educational. Ideally, LLL would try to improve poor or deteriorating conditions through education If the lama owner can no longer care for the animals and wishes to find new homes, then LLL will consult with local llama owners and encourage them to solve the problem. Should there be no local owners, or local owners cannot help, then LLL will formally begin the process to evaluate the stock and determine the best course of action. In the event that the animals are living under intolerable conditions, and the owner wants to keep the animals and doesn’t wish to improve circumstances, then LLL would notify the appropriate law enforcement agency. Recurring themes within the protocols are that the LLL volunteers are to act in a non-confrontational and nonjudgmental manner, and that it is not the intent or purpose of LLL to compete in or negatively affect the lama market. “Rescue” was consciously excluded from the name of this program because of its judgmental tone and because rescue or relocation is the last resort and, hopefully, the least frequently employed element of LLL. LLL doesn’t affect, supply and demand; we assist in placing lamas where they will be well cared for and appreciated for years. Two issues not included in the guidelines are sterilization and fees. The Lifeline committee is currently developing a protocol for sterilization. In my opinion, sterilization should be limited to animals brought into LLL, and then only for management/placement reasons (few foster and adoptive homes want intact males, unless they perceive them to be stud quality), or the rare instance where the animal exhibits or is clearly carrying deleterious genetic traits. In my opinion, LANA as an organization has no more business making sterilization decisions for the animals that go through Lifeline than we do for the rest of the lama populations. The quality of stock that comes through LLL is often as good as stock offered for sale by breeders. We have no business eliminating these animals from the gene pool, based on the fortunes of their previous owners. We educate, we influence, but ultimately the decision to sterilize should be up to the new owner whenever possible. In my view, fees are a problem, LLL lamas come with strings attached; LLL screens adoptive homes, and owners can expect follow-up. Why would prospective owners pay a placement fee of several hundred dollars when they can go to an auction or open the paper and find lamas offered for comparable amounts with not strings attached? A gift is a gift (albeit with strings attached): it doesn’t raise or lower the value of a lama. A charge, be it fee or sale price, establishes a new value for the animal—a value that would, in this context, negatively affect industry-wide sale prices. There is the argument that owners will place little value on an animal that they receive for free; this may be credible in the case of a new owner with little or new knowledge of lamas. LLL selects for homes where lamas are already present; homes where there is an appreciation for and knowledge of lamas and the commitments necessary to provide a good home. LANA Lama Lifeline is not competing with breeders, our actions don’t affect supply, and we don’t cheapen lama values by offering animals at low prices. LLL is educating lama owners and prospective lama owners, and decreasing the likelihood of “ugly” events involving lamas that the media could seize on and which would produce irreparable damage to the lama industry. The first of three goals in the simple one-sentence Statement of Purpose in LANA’s Articles of Incorporation is”…to promote the welfare of llamas…” I know of no other LANA program that more addresses this goal [than LANA Lama Lifeline]. 11
! Lifeline and LANA Create the Next of Kin (NOK)/Live Animal Alert Card LANA NEWS No. 69, FALL 1999 by CRIS JENNINGS When the Llama Association of North America started building Lama Lifeline three years ago, it became readily apparent that rescue was but one role Lifeline needed to include in this new program. Lifeline defined three other major roles as consultation, networking and education, all in the hopes of preventing or minimizing the need for rescue. Although Lifeline consciously structured itself to respond to the “one L” lama needs, Lifeline volunteers encountered llama rescue situations where other animals (e.g., goats, sheep, cats, pigs and geese) came into play. To the owner needing Lifeline’s assistance, these animals’ welfare was every bit as important as the llamas’. Lifeline learned early on, when one type of animal on a ranch is jeopardized by a ranch emergency, all the animals may be at risk. Many of the llama rescue situations Lifeline has been involved with began with some sort of human emergency. Having a plan in place for llama/other animal care in case of emergency allowed owner input and control during the chaos of crisis. Real life crises, health emergencies and death do happen to people all of the time. Individuals prepare for these events by making wills/living trusts, medical powers of attorney, and dutifully paying insurance premiums; some even insure their llamas. Lifeline realized there was generally nothing in place to ensure basic everyday food/water and animal care needs were met if the owners were suddenly out of the picture and unable to provide/direct ranch coverage during an emergency situation. In response to this need in the llama community, LANA has developed an emergency notification card that links Next of Kin (NOK) contacts with the animal care contacts. Linking NOK and animal needs is essential, as emergency personnel stop looking through personal effects once NOK information is located. This card identifies the bearer/address/phone and offers two NOK contacts as soother emergency cards. However, the card has a Live Animal Alert title well as a bold message on the front, requesting a contact be made to attend to the immediate food/water needs of animals. The back of the card indicates types of animals that would need care, as well as two entries for animal contact individuals. The animal contact persons listed should be local individuals that have previously agreed to be a resource, know the animal population needs of a ranch, and would attend to simple food/water/care needs temporarily until other family/friends were available. If neither of the listed animal contracts could be reached, the LANA office number [and email] has been provided for networking assistance. LANA could notify local members and request they coordinate emergency community support on the required interim basis. LANA will collect emergency contact information for the cards in a designated space on yearly LANA membership application forms. Each spouse/ranch partner should fill out separate NOK/Live Animal Alert card data, as each spouse/partner will be issued a card. The information will be transferred to NOK/Live Animal Alert cards, suitable for wallets, and issued yearly with membership renewal. The cards will be initially available with a LANA membership renewal beginning in November 1999, Because LANA feels this program is extremely vital to the well-being of all of our animals, and is a proactive tool to decrease emergency rescue situations, these cards will be made available to non-LANA members upon request. The hard facts of life are that no one can predict when a tragedy may strike, and human crises can generate significant chaos to create animal emergencies. Thoughtful preplanning can prevent putting animals at risk and avoid compounding an already difficult situation. The NOK/Live Animal Alert card is but one practical application of LANA’s commitment to the community, the well-being of llamas, and Lifeline’s consulting, networking, and education philosophy. 12
LANA Youth Citizenship Medal
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This award recognizes the youth who best excels in the following areas in and out of the show ring: Sportsmanship demonstrated by a positive attitude regardless of placement. Encouragement to peers and adults. Professional behavior during the show that exemplifies the goals and ideals of LANA and the lama industry. Appearance of themselves and their animals during the show and free time. Demeanor as youth representatives of the lama community to the show, the public, and others within the lama community.. The judge, show superintendent, or any board member can determine who receives the award. The recipient should be observed willingly helping out in the areas mentioned above. Examples of such actions would be: Show superintendents who wish to include the LANA Youth Citizenship Medal program in their shows should contact the LANA Business Office. A picture and brief bio of the recipient should be sent to the Business Office for publication in the LANA News and on the LANA website
Alyssa Sabol El Dorado County 4-H ALSA Western Regionals
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At the 2016 ALSA Western Regionals, a silent auction was held on behalf of LANA Lifeline. $340 was raised. Thank you to everyone who donated items and thank you to the winning bidders.
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LANA and Morris Animal Foundation
by Michelle KutzlerDVM, PhD, DACT Associate Professor of Companion Animal Industries, Oregon State University Since 1993, Morris Animal Foundation has received 329 total llama/alpaca proposals (Figure 1, bar graph). Seventy-four studies for a total of $2,073,271 have been funded in the areas of pharmacology, infectious disease, genetics, reproduction, gastroenterology, nutrition, endocrine/metabolic, immunology, hematology, and urinary tract (Figure 2, pie chart). For over three decades, LANA has enjoyed a partnership with Morris Animal Foundation. LANA provided Morris Animal Foundation with $200,000, for which the principle was to remain untouched but the interest, dividend income, and gains could be used to fund llama/alpaca medical research. Each year, LANA’s board reviews proposal brought from the Lama Medical Research Group and Morris Animal Foundation to make decisions to fund. Over the past 12 years, LANA has supported eight of these research projects totally over $200,000 (Table 1).
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Year funded: 2004 Institution:
North Carolina State University
Research Project Title: Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics of Oral Omeprazole in Llamas Summary of Results: Although oral omeprazole (GastroGardÂŽ) is used effectively in horses, investigators found that oral omeprazole isn't effective in treating or preventing third-compartment stomach ulcers in camelids. Because llamas have a multi-chambered stomach, omeprazole would have to pass through the rumen (the first division of the stomach) to be absorbed before it could be effective. The study showed that oral forms of the drug are not significantly absorbed into the blood stream, even with high doses. Therefore, the use of oral omeprazole in llamas isn't recommended, and owners and veterinarians should continue to use intravenous omeprazole until a better treatment option is found.
! Year funded: 2006 Institution:
Oregon State University
Research Project Title: Development of a Quantitative Method of Assessing Insulin Sensitivity in Camelids Summary of Results: Hospitalized llamas and alpacas (camelids) often develop a condition known as fatty liver, which, regardless of the severity of the initial problem, often causes death. Their susceptibility to this condition may be due in part to their unique way of handling blood sugar. Previous studies have shown that camelids have reduced glucose tolerance and sensitivity to insulin compared with other species. Researchers successfully evaluated insulin secretion and sensitivity in these animals using special techniques, called hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamping, that are known to provide the most accurate indicators of glucose metabolism and insulin secretion in other animals and humans. The researchers found that the camelid pancreas has a reduced capacity to excrete insulin, and this insufficiency is likely responsible for the hyperglycemia often seen in camelids. They also found that once insulin stimulates a camelid’s body tissues fully, the tissues can take up glucose at a similar rate as other species. These findings provide insight into why camelids are susceptible to disorders of negative energy balance, such as fatty liver, and will help scientists develop effective treatment strategies.
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Year funded: 2007 Institution:
University of Minnesota
Research Project Title: Arginine Stimulation Testing in Healthy and Sick Camelids Summary of Results: Scientists developed a rapid, noninvasive test to measure pancreatic function in llamas and alpacas. The test is based on the arginine stimulation test used to measure pancreatic function in humans with diabetes. Testing showed that sick camelids appear to have a lower beta cell response and a higher alpha cell response than healthy camelids do. These cells are critical to managing glucose levels. Scientists also discovered differences between llamas and alpacas in pancreatic response to arginine. Llamas and alpacas appear to have similar beta cell response; however, llamas appear to have a weaker alpha cell response than alpacas. This study has provided valuable insight into why sick camelids appear prone to developing problems associated with insulin resistance, such as fatty liver, and the findings will help scientists develop effective treatment strategies for this disease.
Year funded: 2008 Institution:
University of Tennessee
Research Project Title: Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous and Intramuscular Tramadol in Llamas Summary of Results: Scientists evaluated how intravenous tramadol, a pain reliever used in humans and other species, is metabolized in llamas. Though one animal experienced brief staggering after an intravenous dose, none of the other animals experienced any adverse side effects. The minimal side effects indicate that llamas tolerate the drug well. The data provided from this study could lead to the next step of developing a dosing regimen that would alleviate pain in llamas.
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Year funded: 2008 Institution:
Oregon State University
Research Project Title: Comparative Effects of Plasma and Hetastarch on the Colloid Osmotic Pressure of Alpacas Summary of Results: Sick alpacas frequently develop low blood-protein concentrations that complicate treatment and recovery. This condition is usually treated by giving a transfusion of llama plasma to the sick animal, but the effects are often short-lived. Previous studies in llamas indicate that hetastarch, a synthetic product, may have a stronger effect and longer duration of action. In addition, it is considerably less expensive than plasma. Researchers compared equivalent doses of hetastarch with llama plasma and determined that hetastarch provides a safe, effective, convenient and more economical treatment for low blood-protein concentrations in alpacas. Hetastarch increases blood pressure in alpacas more rapidly than does llama plasma, and it has a similar duration of effect. In addition, hetastarch was not associated with any clinically apparent adverse reactions, whereas some of the animals treated with an equivalent volume of plasma displayed mild to severe adverse reactions. Hetastarch can, therefore, provide considerable cost savings for owners whose camelids exhibit low blood-protein concentrations during treatment for significant medical illnesses.
Year funded: 2009 Institution:
Iowa State University
Research Project Title: Investigation of Eimeria Macusaniensis-Salmonella Co-Infections in Alpacas Summary of Results: The results of this study demonstrated that Eimeria parasites recovered from alpacas are capable of engulfing and harboring Salmonella. It is likely that other pathogens also seek refuge within these protozoa. These findings warrant further investigation into the relationship of parasites in companion animals and bacterial pathogens. Most companion animals harbor gastrointestinal protozoan parasites as neonates. These parasites are typically considered non-pathogens and disappear as an animal’s 17
immune system matures. However, we propose that they may harbor dangerous bacterial pathogens which could pose a considerable threat to public health. The objective of this project was to demonstrate a relationship between Salmonella and Eimeria macusaniensis, a parasitic protozoan that commonly infects camelids. We co-incubated Klebsiella containing an antibiotic resistance plasmid, antibiotic susceptible Salmonella, and E. macusaniensis which was isolated from alpacas. During the incubation, E. macusaniensis engulfed both bacteria. Antibiotic resistant Salmonella were then recovered from within the E. macusaniensis parasites. Our results demonstrate that Eimeria parasites recovered from alpacas are capable of engulfing and harboring pathogenic Salmonella. It is likely that other pathogens also seek refuge within these protozoa. These findings warrant further investigation into the relationship of parasites of companion animals and bacterial pathogens.
Year funded: 2012 Institution:
the Ohio State University
Research Project Title: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Analgesic Efficacy of Intravenous, Transdermal, and Topical Fentanyl in Alpacas Summary of Results: Summary not available.
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Year funded: 2014 Institution:
Texas A & M University
Research Project Title: Improving the Alpaca Genome Sequence Assembly to Allow Efficient Discovery of the Underlying Genetic Causes of Diseases, Disorders and Traits Summary of Results: The progress to date includes metassembly of the alpaca genome by incorporating Sanger and short- and long-read next generation sequencing data (Illumina, Roche 454, PacBio), RNAseq data from alpaca testis and skin, and radiation hybrid and and cytogenetic mapping data into one whole reference assembly. We have completed and published one of the objectives by mapping markers to alpaca chromosome 36 and identifying likely causes of the ‘minute chromosome syndrome’ in infertile animals. Few animals have served mankind more uniquely than alpacas, llamas and other domesticated camelids. Therefore, they fully deserve to have DNA sequence based state-of-art molecular tools for diagnostics and prevention of congenital disorders and genetic diseases, and for better selection of traits of biological importance. The goal of our research is to provide these tools by essentially improving the current status of the alpaca genome sequence assembly.
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LANA sponsors Versatility awards at 2016 ALSA Grand National
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! LANA sponsored the Llama Versatility awards at the 2016 ALSA Grand Nationals in Hutchinson, Kansas, this past October. Thirteen llamas competed for the distinguished title of Versatility Champion in the male, female and non-breeder divisions.
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Vice-President Michelle Kutzler keeping track of points and answering any questions about LANA
Scores were based on the llamas’ best results in walking or shorn fleece; halter; and the best two results in performance. Grand Champion winners won a Tough-1 hanging tack bag beautifully embroidered by Nanci Sutton of Sutton Designs, a huge rosette and 60% of the jackpot in their division. Reserve Champions won a huge rosette and 40% of the jackpot in their division. Thank you to all who entered. 22
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! congratulations to the following winners:
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Grand Champion Male Versatility Tall Tail's Trapiche Rob and Jill Knuckles Tall Tail Ranch
Res. Champion Male Versatility Argentine Sugabo Eileen Distler Icehouse Llamas
Grand Champion Female Versatility HI TRL Cheyenne Doug Bearmar Black Mountain Pack Llamas
Res. Champion Female Versatility Skansen's Aloha Legend shown by Crystal Myers of Friendly Hills Llamas Skansen Llamas
Grand Champion Non-Breeder Versatility Easy Stylin Jens Rudibaugh 7 Eleven
Res. Champion Non-Breeder Versatility TVR Captain Vic Wishbone Sharon VanHooser Triple V Ranch
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JOYS OF “AG DAY” by SUE RICH! I live in Oakdale, a rural, Central Valley town. Like most of this part of the Golden State, agriculture reigns supreme. We have dairies and almond orchards, vineyards and grain silos. We “get water” when the ditch tender calls to let us know when irrigation ditches will fill to water our acreage. Biplanes fly overhead to spray, tractors slow down traffic, and bailers pack the recently mowed hay into bales. Educators here want to ensure that students understand where their food comes from and how many careers and jobs here hinge on agriculture. In an effort to provide some hands-on, real-live experiences, schools in Oakdale, California, have created “Ag Days.” On one Friday in early May, soil engineers, farmers, dairymen, 4H groups, farriers and more set up stations on the quads and playgrounds of the schools, and students in classroom groups travel from station to station to see and hear and touch. From the first invitation some ten years ago to the present, I attend and bring a handful of llamas with me to Ag Day. As I carefully pull my trailer into the outdoor basketball courts, the kids are typically on the playground getting in some tetherball, four square or jump rope before school starts. As I unload the animals, I love hearing the excited voices of students saying, “Whoa! Is that a llama?” Typically a debate between alpaca or llama follows. “How cute,” the girls often remark. “I heard they spit,” is more the interest level of the boys. For whatever reason, I am likely to be assigned the kindergarten and first grade groups, maybe because of the popularity and circulation of the Is Your Mama a Llama? children’s book. I like to get the 40 some little ones settled and then talk a little bit about llamas, field a few questions, and then if time permits, everyone gets to pet. For the general talk, I ask who has cousins? The hands go up. Then I ask, what animal is a cousin to the llama? We talk about how it’s no fun when mom cuts their toenails and how the llamas often feel the same way. We look at the sizes of the animals and I have them guess who is oldest and who is youngest (my biggest is the youngest). We talk about the different colors of fiber and their “wooledness:” heavy, medium and light; chewing cud; and humming. I show some flashy ribbons, I bring out different pack systems, and then I bravely ask for questions. The show stopper question I fielded from one little soul was, “How can you tell if it is a boy or a girl.” I paused, wondering how frank I could be. Did I have to have parent permission to answer the question? It was no comfort to look up and see the kindergarten teachers standing at the back of their seated students smirking just a tad. And I vaguely responded, “ I look between their legs.” Luckily, no press for specificity followed.
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I always wonder what it must be like for a little 5 year old kindergartener to look up only to find a full grown llama bending down for a sniff. To avoid having kids get scared, I prime them for this situation by letting them know that llamas are curious and really want to know what kind of shampoo they use. I loved the fortitude of the little tyke who stood his ground as my 400 pound Decker bent over him. He stared up into his large wooly face and whispered softly, “No More Tears shampoo.� And of course, nothing is as thrilling for children of this age as a genuine pooping or peeing moment.
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! But one of my favorite parts of Ag Day is the packet that arrives in the US Mail a few days later. The teachers take their students back to class in the afternoon, and thank you notes and drawings are created. It is amazing what the students latch on to. The drawings are as heartwarming as the notes. I am thankful to be included every year. It is true that my llamas are not the backbone of an industry the magnitude of that which the Holsteins in the pen next to me represent. I am grateful that I can lead my llamas into their pen unlike the swine handler who eventually quit trying to convince his pig to get into his pen and just lifted the pen over his reluctant and squealing animal. I do flatter myself to think that I have helped shape the scope of what agriculture can be for these young valley dwellers, that I have helped educate them about possibilities they might not have considered otherwise. But I must be honest to say, that I plain enjoy taking these engaging animals out to introduce them to some really cute and curious kids. All around, Ag Day is a win-win.
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PREPARING FOR THE AGED LLAMA
KAREN L. TIMM D.V.M., Ph.D BRADFORD B. SMITH D.V.M., Ph.D College of Veterinary Medicine Oregon State University (reprinted from the 2006 LANA Expo binder)
! Just as preparation for birthing begins before a female is bred, preparation for aging begins with proper selection of a llama and continues throughout the animal’s life. The goals of caring for an aging llama are to maintain health, comfort, and reproduction for as many years as possible. Beginning with an animal that is healthy, with no obvious problems, is an excellent start. Be selecting a llama with good conformation, you’ll have a greater chance that the animal will remain sound as it ages as compared to an animal with obvious conformational defects such as crooked legs. Crooked legs do not provide the optimal biomechanics column of support for the animal. The usual forces acting on the joint tissues of a crooked leg tend to cause constant pulling and stretching of the tendons, ligaments and joint capsules support-ing the joint. In time, the body responds with increased tissue production in the ligaments, joint capsules and bone’ these are the enlarged joints of old age. The result is arthritis, pain, and lameness. Some have questioned why importation screening criteria focused so heavily on leg conformation. Firstly, there was concern that poor leg structure might be heritable and passed on to future generations. Secondly, and of equal concern, was the likelihood that animals imported with crooked legs would be more likely to have joint problems as they aged. Fitness and optimal body condition is as important in the llama as it is in the human. Exercise is good for any species; it maintains good bone, tendon, muscle and ligament strength as well as helping with weight management. With a consistent exercise program, bones, tendons and ligaments strengthen along with muscles. Does this conjure up images of llamas on treadmills? That’s not really what we’re encouraging, but consider the llama’s natural environment, llamas move to pasture daily, move around to graze and then move back from pasture to shelter at night. Moreover, some of them go for miles to get to their pastures. And this is only the animals that are not working. Those animals that are working are packing loads, at times for many miles. If your pastures are designed so that your animals can move around, especially up and down some hills, they will at least get some exercise. This is certainly preferable to the llama that just hangs out waiting for the next serving from the pizza bar. The fat animal of any age is more likely to break down, especially at the fetlocks, than the fit animal. Besides the added stress of obesity on the joints, obesity causes the heart to work harder and can result in poor reproduction and poor milk production. Body-scoring and keeping track of your animal’s weight is very important. Every time you are working with an animal you should perform a body-score assessment and make a note in its record. Minimally, animals should be body-scored every three months and as they age they should be bodyscored more frequently. Abrupt changes in weight are always a concern. Separating the fat animals and putting them on a weight reduction plan is paramount. Methods of weight reduction for an obese animal (body score of 5/5) should be developed in consultation with your veterinarian. Rapid weight reduction can precipitate metabolic problems such as hepatic lipidosis and can be very dangerous 27
! for the animal. As the weight loss experts tell us, slow and steady weight reduction in an organized program is the way to go. Actually, more common in the geriatric population, is the tendency towards weight loss. Of 36 llamas in a geriatric study (defined as over 12 years old), 55 percent were thin, with 10 percent being emaciated (body-score of 1). Thirty-two percent were optimal weight, 6.5 percent were fat (bodyscore of 4), and 6.5 percent were obese (body score of 5). Factors that may contribute to weight loss in an older animal are bad teeth, decreasing ability to absorb nutrients, shifts in social status, and excessive milk production. It is especially important to watch for changes in the social status of aging animals. The female that was always first to the feed may get pushed out as she ages. Additionally, she may have some arthritis that causes her to be slower in grazing and moving to the feed. Assessment of the teeth should be done more frequently as the animal ages. Dental health directly influences the overall health of the llama. Good teeth throughout life will maximize the animals ability to chew its food properly and will help with proper absorption of nutrients. Some of the geriatric llamas in the previously mentioned study had level molar arcades. This is optimal. Admittedly, the teeth were worn flat so they were not grinding as efficiently as they did when they were younger, but the animal could still chew freely. A llama that has large hooks and a severe wave pattern of the cheek teeth is not going to be able to chew freely. This condition causes the animal to chew more slowly and hold balls of feed in the cheeks. Some cases of wave-mouth in older animals are so bad that no amount of corrective dentistry can come close to restoration of normal chewing. Ideally, the llama’s incisor teeth occlude with the dental pad throughout its life. The animal should not need to have its incisor teeth trimmed. However, if you do have an animal with incisor teeth protruding beyond the dental pad, it is very important to regularly trim to keep the teeth as close to the normal occlusion as possible. Do not wait until teeth are protruding over an inch or more before trimming. Proper occlusion of the incisor teeth and dental pad allows for ease of food intake and allows molar teeth to meet in a normal manner and wear normally. Unseen, uneven wear of molar teen will cause chewing problems in the long term. The molar teeth should be checked regularly, starting at above age five years of age. Looking at your llama’s molar teeth is not an easy task. Although you can easily check the incisors, fighting teeth and premolars, llamas’ mouths generally do not open far enough to see the molar teeth without the use of sedation, a small flashlight, and veterinary assistance. Tooth root abscesses are another concern. Anytime you’re working with your llama you should run your hands along the lower jaw to make certain there is no expansion of the jaw bone which might indicate a molar abscess. In addition, a sore open area on the jaw that looks like a would may actually be a drain for an abscessed tooth. If you have any questions about the possibility of a tooth root abscess, you should check with your veterinarian. If a decision is made to remove the tooth, remember that the opposing tooth from the other jaw will not wear normally and will periodically have to be filed as the other molar teeth wear. That opposing tooth can eventually bump the bare gum where the tooth was removed. The pain could prevent the llama from eating well. Animals with minimal teeth may need an entire dietary supplement of pellets or feeds developed for older animals. These feeds may include a liquid gruel that is used with animals whose teeth are essentially all gone. Again, we stress that preparation for aging begins with selection of the animal and continues with management throughout the animal’s life.
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! With aging, digestive processes change and efficient absorption of nutrients decreases. If you have an older animal that is losing weight and the teeth are okay, there are no social problems, the animal still moves well, parasitism is not a problem, and she is not nursing a cria, consider that she may not be absorbing nutrients as well as she used to. Boosting the nutrition of an aging animal can best be accomplished initially by increasing the carbohydrates (i.e. grains) in the diet. If the animal does not pick up weight, your veterinarian should evaluate the animal and create a plan for weight gain. Reproduction in the aging llama can become more problematic. Some females will continue to produce a cria each year without difficulty. For example, one geriatric produced 19 cria in her 22 years! She still had good leg conformation and good teeth, but she was no longer maintaining a healthy weight. She was retired from breeding. Some females may conceive but then lose the fetus early on, and some may be such good milkers that nursing a cria drags them too far down in body condition. Some people choose to spread out the birthing interval in older females to allow them to recover body weight before the next cria. There can be issues with lowered fertility during heavy milking, so a very long birthing interval is a possibility. Early weaning of a good strong cria is also something to consider. Remember that if you have an animal with a dystocia at any time in its life, damage to the reproductive tract can end the female’s ability to have cries. Always be aware if you are assisting a delivery that the reproductive tract of the llama is relatively susceptible to damage. Recall the adage, “Do no harm,” and get help if you need it. Some features of old age cannot be prevented but certainly must be considered when managing older animals. many older llamas develop cataracts (opacities in the lens of the eye). If the cataracts become dense, the animal can have trouble seeing. Like many elderly people, predictable patterns and familiar surrounding are more important to the older llama. Moving an elderly llama to a new pasture can cause distress that may be exacerbated if the pasture mates are unknown animals.. As animals age, fiber regrowth will slow, and therefore frequency of shearing should be decreased, or shearing should be stopped. Some older animals will have such a light coat that they’ll become extremely cold sensitive. Blanketing these animals in the winter will help. The older llama may also be less tolerant of high environmental temperatures and should be watched carefully on those hot summer days. It is also important to continue to manage for parasite control. Older animals’ immune systems don’t function as well as when they were younger. Subsequently, they may have increasing problems with para-sites as compared to their middle-aged comrades. Finally, remember to keep the toenails trimmed so the toes are in proper alignment. The toe joints will stay in better shape over time. As with any aging animal, note careful attention to the condition, attitude and overall health is important. Watch for changes in behavior, eating habits, and mobility. Check body condition, teeth, and parasite load more frequently than you did when they were younger. Above all, begin with sound, well-conformed, healthy young animals and practice good management with them throughout their lives.
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Kids & Camelids Show S a t u r d a y, M a r c h 2 5 , 2 0 1 7 Stanislaus County Fairgrounds 900 N. Broadway Turlock, CA 95380 For registration and more info: www.LANAinfo.org
Just Youth Part Show Part Clinic No Groom All Fun
ALSA Sanc oned Show Showmanship class and Performance classes Immediate feedback from the judge Consulta on about llama conforma on and sheering advice Bring a favorite or fun obstacle to include in the performance obstacle
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Dusty
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by owner Kathy Nichols
SCR Dusty Roan was born March 10, 1994, on the beautiful Spring Creek Ranch in Mount Shasta, California. The Abreaus, owner of Lion of Bolivia, had a breeding plan. Dusty and some her herd mates were not included in it. A "llama broker" came into the picture. This broker, Jodi, brought the llamas to Rancho Murrieta where she sold them off of her ranch. This is where I met Dusty. She was not quite two years old, pregnant and due in July. This would be my first llama purchase and I was looking for a male to show in performance. My Dad suggested getting a "broodmare" and I could show the baby. Females were so expensive and I had my eye on a cute gray and white three month old male. This was back in the days when ordinary pet quality llamas cost an arm and a leg. The clever broker said if I bought the female, she would include the young male. I thought about it over night, went back the next day and shook on the deal. I boarded the animals at her ranch since I had no facilities for them. And of course the male wasn't weaned yet. As often as possible, I would drive out to visit my little fella and Dusty.
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July came and Dusty had a colorful apply boy weighing 18 pounds. Though small, he seemed strong, He was up, nursing, and appeared to be healthy. I couldn't wait to get out to the ranch the next day to see Dusty and her new boy, Freedom. When I arrived I found him laying half way under the fence very still, too still. Dusty was standing over him humming softly looking at him then at me asking "please do something." I ran to get Jodi and we rushed out to the field. He was still alive, just barely. With around the clock care, little Freedom pulled through. He gained weight steadily and was up to 53 pounds at three months old. This is where Freedom’s story ends. Feeding the llamas one morning, the ranch owner found his body in the irrigation ditch. We never could figure out how he drowned as it wasn’t very deep. Losing him still hurts to this day. I went out to the ranch the next day. Dusty saw my van coming down the road and she ran to the fence. She had a shocked-look in her eye, the look of an animal that has been through a traumatic event. She was very vocal. I knew she was asking me where her baby was. I climbed the fence and hugged her. It seems from that moment Dusty and I had a special connection. It was more than a year before Dusty was bred again. She took on the first breeding.
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Now that Dusty was pregnant again, my parents suggested that the llamas move onto their ranch. I had also bought another male and both boys had been gelded. Fencing was put up and my little herd of three moved to their new home before Christmas. Dusty gave birth two months later to a 22 pound dark brown girl my Dad nicknamed Cheerio. Cheerio, who will be nineteen in February, became the first female llama to earn her ALSA Performance Championship in California.
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While Cheerio was pregnant, I wanted to take someone else to show along with my gelding Patch. Why not Dusty? While she was in the ribbons every now and then, she was so much fun to show. I got
interested in driving and needed a llama. Why not Dusty? She was patient and easy going through the whole learning process. She seemed to enjoy it too. 33
A friend convinced me to enter a costume class. I had a costume in mind. Who was going to transform into a horse, wear a saddle and blanket of roses to become Seabiscuit? Why not Dusty? She patiently tolerated my crazy ideas. From pulling a travois to wearing a portable bar, she won many costume classes at our State Fair.
While Dusty was a versatile performance llama, where she shined was in showmanship. She squared without asking, backed straight, never moved, and had a great haunch turn. Toughest part? Getting her sparkling clean — she’s white. Thank goodness she didn’t mind the bathing and grooming. My proudest Showmanship moment with her was at the 2005 ALSA Grand National We placed 5th out of 15.
As she got older, I gradually asked Dusty to do less. I retired Patch and bought another gelding, Bacchus. He became my driving llama. Dusty seemed to be little jealous of his new role. However, she was still going to the shows for performance and showmanship. Though Dusty never achieved any ALSA championships, she did earn her ROM in Advanced Pack Dusty was a month shy of her 20th birthday when she was in her last show. I entered her in Showmanship and she performed her usual, rock-solid best. It was a nice way to end her show career. 34
Two years ago Dusty developed a cataract in her left eye. There is an equine and camelid eye specialist, Dr. Lassaline, at UC Davis. We were able to get an appointment that week. During her appointment, she was given many tests. Prognosis was not good. Her cataract adhered to the certain parts of her eye and it could not be removed. There was talk of removing her eye. Yikes! We decided to see how well medication would work first. She was prescribed two different types of eye drops and tablets that she would eat in her pellets. She returned to UC Davis for a follow up and Dr. Lassaline felt the medication was working well. Dusty’s inflammation was gone and she was to continue with the eye drops, reducing the frequency she received them.
I continued to take Dusty for check ups. She was always a good girl never needing any tranquilizer, never spitting. Often there were students present for her appointment. They took turns using different devices looking into Dusty’s eyes. Dr. Lassaline feels that Dusty has regained some eye sight. Dusty doesn’t get her drops too often now. She isn’t as patient as she used to be. There has been no change to the cataract. She wears a fly mask during the summer, not just to keep the flies away, but to shade her bad eye. 35
In September, Dusty went down on her front pasterns. It hasn’t slowed her down one bit. When it’s time to go out and eat grass, she’s leading me. She has difficulty eating hay, but her weight is good. She is fed oat hay pellets mixed with llama pellets and dampened alfalfa pellets. She gets a couple of handfuls of yummy alfalfa leaves for a treat. What’s Dusty up to now? She’s doing the things she enjoys: grazing, lay in the grass, napping in the sun, and playing in water. I can tell what she’s asking me with just her look or a hum. We still have that special connection.
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KEEPING YOUR ANIMALS SAFE CHERYL MAYFIELD
(reprinted from the 1998 LANA Expo Notebook)
! Nobody likes the idea of a natural or a man-made disaster, but with a little advance planning by you and your local group, a stressful and /or dangerous situation for you and your animals can be avoided. The best way to avoid a problem in the future is by taking a look around yourself and your farm or ranch now. What type of natural disasters can occur around you? Wildfires, floods, sever winter weather, mud slides, wind storms that can topple trees? These are all things that are not predictable - they may or may not happen, that’s Mother Nature. But being award that they might happen and taking some steps to make yourself and your animals safe is a first step. In the case of wildfires: make sure that you create a safe barrier around your home and barns. Clear way brush and undergrowth that could spread fire quickly. Create a barrier of green around your home and barn. Install sprinklers an/or irrigation that could be turned on and left running in an emergency. Keep fire fighting tools in on location (shovels, rakes, ladder, and hoses). But know when to stay and maybe help stop an advance and when to leave. Fires can spread quickly and you might be overwhelmed. For floods: if you have a river or creek running through your property or near you, be aware that it could flood. Identify any available high ground on your property or other sites close by. Always position your barn and home above any flood plain that exists. Check with your county planner or extension service for the past history of your area. You want to be familiar with roads that might flood that would cut off your leaving and plan for an alternate route to safety. In the case of sever winter weather conditions: have an emergency plan ready. What if snow drifts or ice make impossible to leave your place? Do you have enough food and water on hand for both you and your animals? What if the power is cut off for an extend time? What type of backup do you have? What needs electricity to keep running - the heater? the water pump? What sources of alternate heat do you have? Do you have enough shelter to protect all your animals? Common sense plays a big part in winter safety. To protect your place and yourself during a sever windstorm: take a look up and around yourself and your barn. Any dead trees or tops that should be cut away before they crack? How about forked trees? These are generally weaker and have a tendency to break off a side during a sever windstorm. How about rotted trees? These could also blow down. If you’re concerned about some trees around you, the best advice is from a reputable tree faller. They can come in and help you determine which ones could be a potential problem. You and your local group should develop an evacuation plan. Locate potential evacuation sites in your community. Check with your local Humane Society to see if they have an emergency plan in effect and work with them. Find out in advance if they are able to accommodate animals — what kind and how many. You and your local group can work together to develop a similar plan by contacting members and keeping a record of how many animals someone can haul at once; who could accommodate how many extra animals for a day or for a week. Keep in mind, that it might not just be llamas that you’d be hauling or accommodating. What other types of animals would you be willing to take on? Break your area down into sections especially if it encompasses many square miles and develop an emergency phone tree. Find out who in that section will act as a contact. They would be responsible for contacting everyone in their section during a an emergency and making sure that they are okay, or if they need assistance. You should
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! develop this list and pass it out to everyone in your area and also a copy with the Humane Society or Red Cross. Since most llama people I know don’t keep halters o their animals at all times, during an emergency evacuation situation it’s going to be necessary to get animals haltered quickly, and it might not just be buy you. Do you have enough halters for everyone in your herd? Will they fit? Checking halters frequently for proper fit and then marking a tag either on the halter or on a peg/nail on your barn wall will make it easy to find quickly. If you can put tags on your halters, make sure to include your name and phone number at a minimum. The name of the animal is also helpful, and when all else fails and time is pressured, duct tape works wonders! Make sure you keep identification information with you to verify ownership. A photo album of your animals (with current pictures!) is useful. Besides a photo album, you need to have medical records readily available to take with you. In case of an emergency it may come in helpful to have vaccination records and medical history, especially on any special needs animals. Also have your veterinarian’s contact info. If your coming into an emergency season (winter, fire, etc.) it’s best to check your trailer and truck for any maintenance. Make sure the tires are correct pressure and lubed properly; brakes are in working order. Keep your truck’s gas level full and ready to move at all times. You might want to practice loading with some of those animals that never seem to leave the farm. The middle of an emergency situations is not the time to find out you have a stubborn male or female who refuses to load. During a disaster: Remain Calm!! and follow your plan. Listen to the Emergency Broadcast System on your portable radio for information and special instructions. If you have to evaluate, take your animals (use your phone tree), records, emergency kit, food and water with you. Call in advance to make sure that space is available at the location set aside for relocating your animals. If you have to leave your animals at him, make sure that they will be secure and have plenty of food and water. After a disaster: If an animal is lost, contact your local County Emergency Operations Center and report to the animal coordinator Listen to your radio for updates. You should keep your photo album and medical records handy for verifying ownership o four animals. If you find any lost animals, confine them separately from yours. Report them to the Operations Center. Make sure that you use caution when approaching and handling strange or frightened livestock Be aware that landmarks may have changed and sandals can become confused and lost. Check your pastures and corrals for damage and any foreign objects that might harm the animals. Be on the lookout for downed power lines. You may encounter wildlife that have been displaced or disoriented use caution. The old boy Scout motto of “Being Prepared” holds a lot of truth. By taking some preliminary steps and using common sense, you can save yourself and your animals a lot of stress and anxiety if an emergency situation were to occur. Let’s hope that you never have to put your emergency plan into action
! Editors Note: While this is an older article, there is pertinent information. The use of social media has been a big aid. During the 2015 Northern California fires, many people used Facebook to quickly relay evacuation information, post pictures of found or missing animals, and shelter information. Also, consider microchipping your animals.
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Get Your LANA T-shirt NOW!
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$16 per shirt
Contact the LANA office for shipping cost This is an ongoing fundraiser to benefit LANA programs throughout the year. You can order by email (lanaquestions@gmail.com) and send a check or you can order on LANA’s webpage, www.lanainfo.org, and pay with PayPal. Help support LANA and order your shirt today!
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Have a favorite ranch hack? Care to share any tips?
Try using an aquarium fish net to scoop out leaves and debris from your water trough.
LANA BUSINESS OFFICE
Joy Pedroni 3966 Estate Drive Vacaville CA 95688 707.447.5046 LANAquestions@gmail.com Please contact the LANA Business OfJice for Member Services, Advertisements, Event Calendar updates, and any llama-‐ , alpaca-‐, or LANA-‐related questions you may have. Visit LANA at: www.lanainfo.org _____________________________________________________________________________________________
LANA News DISCLAIMER
LANA News is published for educa0onal purposes only. The in-‐forma0on published herein is solely the opinion of the authors and does not necessarily represent the view of LANA, its Directors or Officers. LANA’s acceptance of adver0sing does not imply endorsement of any products or services whatsoever. Ar0cles, leCers, editorials and other contribu0ons are welcome and may be edited for brevity. Inclusion and placement is solely at the discre0on of the Editor. Before undertaking any herd work with your llamas, you are advised to always consult with your veterinarian. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ THANK YOU Thank you to the following for their contribution to this newsletter: Michelle Kutzler, Chene Mogler, Sue Rich, past LANA Board of Directors, past Expo presenters, past LANA news editor
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