Newsletter of the AAA South Queensland and Northern NSW Region—Region of Many Colours
Is it Shearing Day! Can we come out now!
2015 WINTER / SPRING Edition ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
Alpaca Advocate ~ SPRING Edition
2015~
South Queensland & Northern NSW AAA Ltd Region Regional Calendar of Events 2016 14th February 2016
REGIONAL MEETING—WAHGUNGURRY ALPACAS - Contact: Pauline 02 66476454
6th March 2016
The Wonderful World of Alpacas Workshop Nattameri Alpacas Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
17th - 31st March 2016
Royal Sydney Show (Judging Animal/Fleece Show & Display) Contact: Paul Haslin 02 48789429
7th –9th April 2016
Toowoomba Royal Show
13th April 2016
Maclean Agricultural Show (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
15th—16th April 2016
Grafton Colourbration Show (Judging Animal/Fleece Show & Display) Contact: Colin Glasser (02) 66476454
22nd - 24th April 2016
Coffs Harbour Show (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
30th April – 8h May 2016 13th – 15th May 2016
Contact: Convenor Marg Hassall
AUSTRALIAN ALPACA WEEK
Fleece: Pauline Glasser (02) 66476454
Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
Ipswich Show (Regional Display) Contact: Lynn Kincade Ph 0421093574 REGIONAL MEETING – TBA QLD AREA
29th May 2016 16th - 19th June 2016
Primex Agricultural Industries Expo Casino Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
25th June 2016
Murwillumbah Alpaca Show Contact: Rosemary Eva 02 6677 7500
24th - 26th June 2016
Mudgeeraba Agricultural Show (Display) Contact: TBA The Wonderful World of Alpacas (MCLAREN VALE ALPACAS QLD) Leanne Tunny Ph 07 5543 8988
17th July 2016
ANNUAL REGIONAL MEETING - LONGUEVILLE PARK Contact: Liz 02 6677 7500
14th August 2016
The Wonderful World of Alpacas (NATTAMERI ALPACAS) Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
5th - 14th August 2016
Royal Queensland Show ~ Ekka Judging Animal Contact: TBA Fleece: Pauline Glasser (02) 66476454 Gold Coast Show (Regional Display) Contact: Leanne Tunny Ph 0755438988 NATIONAL SHOW -
4/7Aug / 28/31 July 2016 3rd & 4th September 2016
Beaudesert Show?
24th—25th September 2016
Nimbin Show (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
23rd—25th October 2016
North Coast National Lismore Show - (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 026645 9092
18th –19th November 2016
Bangalow Show (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092
22nd November 2015
XMAS REGIONAL MEETING - McLaren Vale Alpaca Stud - Contact: Leanne Tunny Ph 0755438988
The Editor and South Queensland & Northern NSW Region Committee of the AAA accept no responsibility for the opinions expressed, information supplied or advertisements published. All submissions are subject to editing. Copyright : The material published in this magazine is subject to copyright and may not be published in part or whole without written permission of the author.
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Contents Articles
page
Presidents Report
4
Show Time
6
Spreading the word
8
Your stud.com
10
Thiamine Deficiency
18
Gardening SPRING Tips
24
Nationals
28
Ticks
30
Dispelling myths Suri
32
Advertisers: Grandeverge Alpaca Supplies Julie Hockings McLaren Vale Alpaca Stud Melleah Jane Hewitt Photography Creekside Alpaca Stud Sunline Alpaca Stud Wahgungurry Alpaca Stud
Cover Photo Courtesy Value add to your business by
Dear Members, Another magazine and plenty of pictorial pages reflecting plenty alpacaring that has been going on in the past months. Many members of our region have been busy representing the Alpaca Association and competing at the Nationals and at home we have had the Murwillumbah Show, Primex, Nimbin Show, numerous introduction to alpaca workshops as well as many studs opening their homes to the local community to “Spread the word about the successful farming of alpacas. Your committee have been meeting on a regular basis via Skype to maintain the work needed to support members. We are pleased to welcome our new members this edition and trust they feel supported by their alpaca friends in their neighbourhood. Value add your to your Alpaca Business by subtle marketing and in this edition information about having a website. Do consider advertising your stud in this your magazine. Shearing has been a busy event in the past month with still some breeders to complete this task. Fleece collection information will be forwarded to members shortly. Several nutrition articles have been added to this edition especially one on PEM a must read for all breeders. At this time of the year with a need for rain and moving into spring it is an important time to be vigilant towards ticks and our alpacas. A check list for breeders to use in the event of an alpaca feeling poorly is a handy document. Due to unforeseen circumstances this is a Winter /Spring Edition.
advertising in The Alpaca Advocate The Advocate is sent to all Regional Members, All AAA Directors, AAA Regional Presidents and Regional Newsletter Editors. We often have subscriptions
from
people
interested in our industry from Intro to alpaca workshops. Our reasonable rates: Full Page $ 85.00 Half Page $ 40.00 Quarter Page $ 25.00 Classified—Business Card size $ 10.00 (4 for $36) Special Offer: 10% discount for 4 Adverts discount applied on the 4th Advert. Subscription— 4 copies $22.00 per year.
NEXT REGIONAL MEETING 22nd November 2015 McLaren Vale Alpaca Stud 10.30AM for 11AM Start Please bring Lunch to share
Consider advertising in our Newsletter contact Pauline cpg4764@bigpond.net.au
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From our President Leanne.. Hello members, If you want something done, ask a busy person - Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790). The above quote certainly rings true in our region. Often the busiest of people are also our most generous hard working volunteers. Thank you to all of those members that have tirelessly offered their time, knowledge and experience in roles on the Committee, at Displays, Open Days, Halter & Fleece Shows, Agricultural Shows/Displays, Workshops and Educational Events – without the dedication of our volunteers, the region would not function. Volunteering at regional events is not only ‘assisting the region’, it is also a great way to get to know your fellow members, it is educational and good fun! Spending time with people that have the same interest as you is also a fabulous way to share knowledge and experiences. If you haven’t volunteered at an event before, you may be pleasantly surprised at the wonderful times you have been missing out on. I encourage all members to join in the fun! Thank you for having me as your President for the last twelve months! The roles of President, Secretary, Treasurer, Newsletter Editor, Marketing/Merchandise Manager, Website Manager and Fleece Liaison Officer all involve quite a lot of ‘behind the scenes’ work. Our committee members meet via Skype every 4 – 6 weeks to discuss forthcoming events, shows, workshops and financial issues. The people in these roles are dedicated to the Australian Alpaca Industry and to our region, please remember to thank them for their time next time you speak to them! Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave and impossible to forget! Leanne Tunny SQNNSW President info@mclarenvalealpacas.com.au Mobile: 0407 748 477
PRESIDENT:
Leanne Tunny
M: 0407 748 477
info@mclarenvalealpacas.com.au SECRETARY:
Jan Krzewina
M: 0435760815
jask@aanet.com.au TREASURER:
Ann Bright
M: 0428303821
ann_jeff82@bigpond.com COMMITTEE MEMBER
Donna Crone
M: 0419685334
doona_c@hotmail.com FLEECE LIAISON OFFICER
Julie Hockings
P: 0428661114
alpacagear@activ8.net.au MARKETING & MERCHANDISE
Bob Coxon
P: 02 6645 9092
nattameri@bigpond.com NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Pauline Glasser
P: 02 6647 6454
cpg4764@bigpond.net.au WEBMASTER
Steve Rowley
P: 07 5546 3971
steve@erragolia.com.au
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Why alpacas perform better than sheep when on poor quality forage: • Slower particulate passage time (microbes have longer
Paddock Feed Alpacas are primarily grazers and eat small amounts of a wide variety of plants. They will eat approximately 2% of
to attack structural carbohydrates in C-1 – 63 hours in
their body weight in feed per day and prefer shorter pastures.
alpacas, compared with 41 hours in sheep).
Ideally they should have a diet consisting of 20% fibre.
• Faster liquid passage time (constant removal of microbial protein, vitamins and soluble minerals from C-1 and
They are very effective at extracting nutrients (protein and energy) from the available feed. Alpacas are efficient recyclers
C-2 maintains a rapidly dividing population of microbes
of urea and protein levels of 10-12% only are required.
which is more efficient. Liquid flow is 10.4% per hour in
Although they can survive harsh conditions they do best on
alpacas, compared with 7.7% per hour in sheep). • Greater volume of saliva production (in relation to foregut volume).
good quality pasture. The growth of a variety of grasses and forbs in quality soils will provide your alpacas with good
• Efficient output of energy and protein on limited quality
nutrition.
feed.
Care should be taken to avoid poisonous plants in your
• Efficient nitrogen balance (by reduction of urea excretion through kidneys, thereby enabling recycling of urea
pasture or hanging over fences into alpaca paddocks, such as highly toxic oleander, lantana etc.
through their saliva and directly through the wall of C-1).
Peruvian studies have shown that alpacas consume tall grasses in the wet season and short grasses in the dry season. Alpacas are highly adaptable grazers that will eat grass when it is available but they will adapt to sedges during dry periods of low grass availability. The sedge family (Cyperaceae) comprises annual and perennial grass-like or rush-like plants which usually show a preference for marshy or wet places but a few also occur on dry sandy soils with unimproved pasture. On improved pasture, sheep will eat at least 2.5 times more legumes such as clovers than alpacas, so alpacas still prefer grasses even in this situation.
Supplementary Feeding
In seasons where pasture becomes limited, alpacas may be supplemented with good quality pasture hay and/or
various grains according to their physiological state (e.g. pregnancy, lactation, growth, maintenance) and body condition score. Roughage in the form of hay should be available at all times, especially in spring or on lush pasture. Depending on your location, paddock feed may not be adequate throughout the year for alpacas, particularly those requiring extra nutrition. Pregnant and lactating females need a higher daily intake Donna Crone first exhibit of the year.
AUSTRALIAN ALPACA ASSOCIATION LTD. ABN: 30 067 146 481 ACN: 067 146 481 W: http://alpaca.asn.au E: alpacas@alpaca.asn.au P: +61 3 9873 7700 F: +61 3 9873 7711 ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
Unit 2, 613 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham, Victoria 3132 Australia PO Box 1076 Mitcham North, Victoria 3132 Australia Extracts from AAA Alpaca Facts #5
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PRIMEX DISPLAY - CASINO Our Primex Display, as it does each year, generated lots of discussion, merchandise sales and many promotional items were handed out as well. Fifteen requests for additional information were completed and forwarded to the AAA for processing. The event is now run by Rural Press Events (RPE) – a division of Fairfax Agriculture Media. RPE also own and operate a number of similar events including Australia’s largest, Commonwealth Bank AgQuip in Gunnedah NSW and Queensland’s largest, CRT FarmFest in Toowoomba. So far our relationship with RPE has been good. Our theme for 2015 was in line with the national marketing campaign, “Australian Alpaca – Our Smart Future”. A big thank you to members who gave up their valuable time to assist man our display over the three days and for contributing greatly to the success of this valuable promotion for the region. David andlooking Margotvery Vincent, Michelle Malt, Jackie Colin Glasser, Lehanne and Bruce Robinson, Di Smart, Leanne It was wet on Friday afternoon afterCoxon, the Fleece Judging had finished! Tunny and Roland Schwertner. Alpacas were supplied by Jackie and Bob, Col and also Roland – again thank you. Many patrons visited our display. However, to have a guess I would say numbers were down on previous years, which probably reflects the decrease in merchandise sales JACKIE AND LEHANNE ie $1566.00 compared to $2184.00 last year. But on a positive note raffle ticket sales totalled $747.00 against $663.00 in 2014. A top effort.
NIMBIN SHOW NIMBIN SHOW 2015 The weather gods weren’t kind for most of the day which kept some patrons away. As such interest in our display was a little slow. No requests for further information were received but a few were handed out, with other promotional material, for completion by the enquirer. Merchandise sales totalled $262.00 which is a reasonable result given the weather conditions.
Barbara & Bruce (Mangowood) Colin & Pauline (Wahgungurry) Jackie (Nattameri)
Many thanks to Barbara and Bruce of Mangowood Farm, Pauline and Col Glasser of Wahgungurry and Jackie Coxon of Nattameri for their valuable assistance on the day. ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
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MURWILLUMBAH SHOW MURWILLUMBAH SHOW Congratulations to the Convenor, Rosemary Eva and her hardworking team for putting on a great event even though poor weather conditions prevailed during the days leading up to the show. Judge Angela Preuss and Apprentice Judge Sophie Jackson were very busy with excellent show entry numbers this year. The Show finished with celebration dinner. A great time to relax with the guest judges and members who had travelled some distance to attend the show. THANK YOU to all who attended. Congratulations to all who placed in their classes. All results available on the Regional website. Supreme winners: Green Gully The Joker & Ambleside Merlin Noel Reid, Angela Preuss, Sophie Jackson, Pauline Glasser
THE EKKA The Fleece Team travelled to Brisbane Royal (EKKA) in August to support Di Baker the QLD Region Convenor with convening the Fleece Section. Andrew Munn judged the fleece and commented on the high standard of Huacaya ans Suri fleeces. Skirting was much better this year however some fleeces were under weight which was a disadvantage when results were tallied. The judging is always completed before the show opens and on the final Saturday the Team return to take the display apart and distribute fleeces back to their owners. The number of entries were down on previous years.
Di Smart, Pauline Glasser, Lehanne Robinson
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Congratulations to all winners - results available on Regional website.
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WORKSHOP: INTRODUCTION TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF ALPACAS Your Region’s third introduction workshop for 2015 was held at Nattameri on Sunday 2 nd August. Nineteen participants registered which is the most we have ever had and took total numbers for the year to 45 which is most pleasing and rewarding. Feedback from participants was excellent and certainly highlights the value and need for such workshops. Five of the ten individuals/groups stated that they would definitely join the AAA, four are likely to join and one is already a member. A real positive. Some suggested more time be allocated or a separate workshop held for the practical/husbandry session. Your committee will consider this for future workshops. Many thanks to our chef Jackie, David & Margot Vincent – Spinx Rock and Geoff and Sheryl Simper – Blu Haven Lodge for your extremely valuable assistance on the day. Our next workshop is planned for early March 2016 at Nattameri Alpacas, Goodwood Island NSW. Bob Coxon Regional Marketing Representative
Wahgungurry alpaca stud have visitors on a regular basis from the local community Bus outings from respite and local aged homes who come for a cuppa check out the view and find out how alpacas are farmed in the Clarence Valley. Visits are also from the TAFE VET nursing groups.
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Roland from Erwin Alpaca Stud - “Spreads the word” about the wonderful world of alpacas, Rolands Power Point was very informative and the visitors enjoyed alpaca product, alpaca hands on and a lovely morning tea. Thanks Roland.
Roland Schwertner
Work Experience at Erwin Alpaca Stud
Jordan Dwyer came to Alstonville for one week of her school holidays to do work experience at Erwin Alpaca Stud in Alstonville. 18th September to 26th September 2015. During this time she was involved with and helped out with the following activities: ·
Alpaca Shearing, administration of 5 in 1 vaccination injection and toe nail clipping of the herd of 19 Alpacas · Driving a tractor · Lawn-mowing using a John Deere ride-on mower · Fencing assistance for the creation of a run for shearing and drenching · Halter training and leading of young Crias · Drenching · Feeding and herding of the animals · Chicken feeding, lock-up and egg collection It was a pleasure to have Jordan work at Erwin Alpaca Stud, she was a tremendous help especially with the shearing where she was praised by the shearer for her assistance.
How do you promote your stud in your community? Send information and photos for the next Advocate Edition by November 30th 2015 ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
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yourstud.com Some tips for the beginner on websites
site for you for a fee. Once you have the domain name you can also set up email addresses that attach to the
and Internet Marketing
domain name eg info@yourstud.com.au.
Internet marketing is about establishing a web presence. What does that mean? Just as you have your number in the phone book for friends and or clients to contact you, a website is your business directory on the internet. Some 30 million people have access to the internet worldwide so whether you want to reach people internationally or just in your own state or community, your web presence is your business card for people to see - 24 hours a day.
Contrary to popular belief websites do not need to be expensive to be effective. Nor do they need to be elaborate with bells and whistles. The KISS principle applies with websites – keep them simple and tidy and relevant. The key is to ensure that they will load fast on a slow internet connection. Most people will simply click off a slow loading website. So this is always a priority when designing the site. You might need to edit your photos and save them into a compressed
The internet is a fabulous source of information.
format for websites to help speed up the page loading.
These days, if people want to know something about
If you haven’t got a logo or a design that you want to
alpacas they will most likely go the internet and ‘google’
use on business cards or letterheads then this is the
alpaca – and up come the list of resources and
time to think of one. You don’t want to have to be
websites. If you have your own website, you can add to
changing your website because you have decided on a
this library of information – especially if you have
new logo or font or colour – you need to try and keep
something unique that you want to share with others.
these things uniform in your advertising. Your website
If you have something to sell, something to give away
has to look professional – this doesn’t mean expensive,
or something to show your web site is a great place to
it just means it needs to be neat and consistent with
advertise it. There are a number of alpaca websites
the image that you want to portray – with clear crisp
that I have bookmarked on my computer because they
relevant photos, no spelling mistakes, consistent font
have terrific information about husbandry or weeds
and font sizes and colours.
etc..
If you have some level of understanding of your
As a marketing tool for your alpaca business your own
computer and software you can make simple websites
website
your
using basic Microsoft application software – such as
offerings, know where you are and what you’re about.
Publisher. If you have a business version of MS
It is never too early to start marketing your business.
Office you will have these tools. They come equipped
enables
potential
clients
to
view
You need people to recognise you and your stud name –
with templates that enable to you to set up simple
follow this up with quality produce and you are in
sites without too much fuss or knowledge of web
business!
design. There is also a number of other off the shelf
If you are in a position to start selling animals your website is the ideal location to start advertising. Ironically, you’ll find it cheaper to place small ads in magazines, newsletters and papers advertising the link to your website than it would be to run a spread with a list of animals to sell.
web design software packages available to use. Additionally there are countless websites offering free or cheap template designs. An example of this is weebly.com. that lets you basically add your own wording and photos to their template designs using really easy step by step instructions.
So... costs?
Where do you start? First thing is to get yourself a domain name (yourstud.com.au). You will need domain name hosting and then web site hosting. In most cases the site that sells you a domain name will also host the name and web ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
To put a money value on it, if you were to get someone to set up a site for you, you would be looking at around $450 for a basic site, and upwards from there depending on your content and how professional you want to site to become. You can spend thousands ++ if
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your business requires specific functionality. You can keep the costs down by providing your web designer, upfront, good photos and logo design and written content – blurbs on your stud and animals, mission statements etc etc. If you ‘google’ ‘domain names’ you will get plenty of sites that are authorised to sell you a .com address. I like to use the Australian sites so I have everything hosted locally. Also check with your Internet Provider. Depending on your provider you may be entitled to free website hosting. Most of the telcos offer this service eg Bigpond, Optus, Westnet etc.
Relatively low cost Link to other web sites and selling portals Shows professionalism and pro-activity Cons –
Initial cost with possible low results Have to maintain them constantly Bad sites = bad impressions Unwanted soliciting
My website took me a couple of evenings to make using MS Publisher. I tweak it occasionally and update it as often as I can with current information. Website hosting, DNS hosting and domain name – costs around $70 per year. I have
Other costs* include:
had a number of emailed enquiries from the site
Domain name registration- $20+ biannually Website hosting - $100 upwards (depends on volume of content and functionality of the website) *prices vary dramatically so it pays to shop around. These ones are indicative only.
looking at the site. I advertise my web address on
and get a large number of ‘hits’ from people every email that goes out, on my alpaca float, on business cards and on my bagged paca poo that I sell copious amounts of.
E-Commerce – selling online
(Reprint from Spring 2010—NNSW - Alpaca
It is possible to sell items online without having ‘product
Breeder) The editor asked Steve to update this
cart’ and credit card payment access. The first step would be to show your products and have an email contact displayed for placing orders etc. The beauty of selling alpacas is that in general people will want to come and see you animals at some stage – so any payment happens then or on delivery. If you are selling product items, people can
article.
Comment from our Webmaster Steve Rowley A good reason to have your own domain name is that you can move webhosters/email providers without having to change your email address.
send their order via email and you can supply your Direct Deposit details etc. Some of our regional members have terrific e-commerce sites operating where they have product displayed for sale using product cart systems linked to payment system. It is really worth looking at these websites and see how they operate and how easy they are to navigate. You’ll find
CHECK OUT VIDEOS ON OUR WEBSITE 30 second videos promoting alpacas.
many of them in the ‘breeders’ section of our regional website and advertised in this magazine.
Is it worth it? I think these days it has become a necessity to have some level of web presence if you are operating as a business. People will want to find you on the internet, and if you are not there they will quickly find someone else.
Some pros and cons. Pros –
Great exposure for your business if marketed well. A place to sell your animals and products ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
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Skirting Workshop BONUS Skirting and Fleece Collection Day Workshop Date: Saturday, 14th November 2015 Duration: 9:30am to 4pm Bonus Skirting & Fleece Collection Day: Sunday 15th November, 2015: 8:30am to 3:30pm (See Flyer for more details) ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
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SHEARING
Shearers Bob Dunn
(02) 4930 3446
Chris Powers
Mob: 0438653782
Drew Shearman
(02) 49201607
Ted Winnell (Casino)
(02) 66625379
Bernie McInerney
Mob: 0429 668240
Dusty the Aussie Shearer
Mob: 0422 946697
Mob: 0427 343991
Mike Snow via Kelli Pfeiffer pfeiffer@austarnet.com.au Contacting fellow breeders in your Region for a recommendation is probably the best way to locate a shearer. Arrange well ahead of time as the shearers are booked out quickly. The AAA Website also has a list of shearers on the home page. qldnsw.alpaca.asn.au
Fibre Testing Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA) Geelong office 03 5277 9842 Melbourne office 03 9371 2100 Australian Alpaca Fleece Testing (AAFT) (AWEX accredited) Paul Vallely, PO Box 246, Crookwell, NSW 2583 Phone/Fax: 02 4834 2132 International Fibre Centre, Gordon Institute of TAFE, Geelong Geelong 03 5227 2358 Howe, Watts & Co Mudgee 02 6373 3403 Micron Man Pty Ltd Email for more information microman@iinet.net.au New England Fibre Testing Service Walcha 02 6777 2122 Riverina Wool Testers Pty Ltd Wagga Wagga 02 6925 1407 Riverina Fleece Testing Services (RFTS) Wodonga 02 6026 0551 Southern Tablelands Fibre Testing (STFT) (AWEX Accredited) Kim Cartwright, Thalaba Downs, Laggan 2583 Phone/Fax: 02 4837 3210 Mobile: 0427 373 211 ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
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HERD SIRES
Sire Name
Colour
IAR
Stud
Stud Fee
Alpha Centauri Tahvo
Huacaya,
134917
Cobaki Creek Alpacas
$450.00
118157
Cobaki Creek Alpacas
$500.00
Photo
Solid White
Encantador Alonzo (ET)
Huacaya, Light Fawn
Grand Flowerdale Traviator
Huacaya Medium Fawn
130107
Creekside Alpacas
$600.00
Erragolia Double Ice
Huacaya,
129715
Erragolia Alpacas
$ 400
72710
Erragolia Alpacas
$ 200.00
114843
Erragolia Alpacas
$ 300 .00
50527
Erragolia Alpacas Co Owned with Misty Mountain
$ 300 .00
Longueville Park
$660.00
Solid White
Wilari Park Ballantyne
Huacaya, Solid White
Erragolia Collaroy
Huacaya, Dark Fawn
Longueville Park Black Opal
Huacaya Black
Wyona
Huacaya Solid Black
115482
CENOTAPH Longueville Park
Huacaya Solid Black
86100
Longueville Park
$770.00
Huacaya Solid Black
140623
Longueville Park
$880.00
Huacaya Solid Black
149919
Longueville Park
$880.00
Huacaya Solid Black
159784
Longueville Park
$770.00
RHYLEY Longueville Park PEGASUS
Longueville Park PHOENIX
Longueville Park BRIGANTINE
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HERD SIRES Pacofino
Suri Solid Dark Fawn
125158
Silcron
$880.00
Alpacas
RITZVILLE
Balfour Haven NOBLE MONACH
Mangowood
Huacaya Dark Fawn producing greys
125054
Huacaya
74257
Misty Mountain Stud
McLaren Vale
$300
Send in your favourite Alpaca photos
$300
MARS
Dark Fawn
Alpacas
Arcady Auberon KALLAROO
Huacaya Grey
Kallaroo Alpacas
POA
Barkala
Solid White
91399
Nattameri Alpacas
$400.00
Huacaya
131214
Nattameri Alpacas
$400.00
GARCIA Anawol JACKAROO
Ninbella MATT
Dark Brown/ Black
Huacaya Medium Fawn
Discount for multiples
74124
Wahgungurry Alpacas
$400.00
Deadline for next advocate - NOVEMBER 3OTH ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
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Hey! I think he missed a bit!
Shearing around the region has almost finished in some places the rain was a nuisance. At Kallaroo Alpaca Stud Judy, Greg and Shane were most creative, What a wonderful idea - all animals under marquees.
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Bracken Fern or Brake Fern (Pteridium aquilinum) DESCRIPTION Bracken fern is a typical fern. Its large triangular fronds are divided into three main parts with each part bipinnately subdivided. These fronds are 2 to 4 feet long by 1 to 3 feet wide. They are borne at the tips of erect, rigid, straw-colored, smooth stalks 1 to 3 feet tall. The stalks rise at intervals from stout black underground rootstocks sometimes a yard or more long. Spores are borne in late summer at the edges on the lower sides of mature fronds, and the edges fold under to form the spore cover. The rootstocks also spread the fern. DISTRIBUTION Deadly Nightshade Many varieties of bracken fern are found throughout the U.S., particularly in dry pastures and meadows, abandoned fields, and open woods on sandy and gravelly soil. In Illinois it may be a pest throughout the northern third of the state.
Even when there is no bracken fern in the open pastures, it may be growing in the fencerows and along roadsides, where animals may browse it when other forage is scarce. CONDITIONS OF POISONING In dry, hot seasons or in late summer to early fall, when succulent herbage is scarce, animals more often eat bracken, although they generally avoid it at other times. Also, if hay is cut from bracken fern-infested meadows and fed, poisoning may result. Both cattle and horses are susceptible to bracken fern poisoning. Sheep and swine rarely eat bracken fern, but exposed swine (at least) may sometimes experience a thiaminase-mediated syndrome. CONTROL Especially during dry periods, animals should be kept out of bracken fern-infested pastures. Hay from infested meadows should not be used for feed or bedding. Generally bracken fern should be eliminated from pastures and hayfields. Large infestations of bracken fern may be reduced gradually by pulling or mowing the fronds twice a year (in June and August) or by fertilizing and liming infested areas. TOXIC PRINCIPLE Thiaminase from bracken fern especially affects horses and pigs but not cattle. Ptaquiloside affects cattle and sheep and causes bone marrow damage. Other toxic principles that affect cattle are: aplastic anemia factor, and hematuria causing factor.
Welcome to our New Members Since our last Edition the following new members have joined our region. WELCOME.
Sarah& Andrew Hemming Deebing Heights QLD Rhonda Taylor Cedar Vale QLD
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Thiamine deficiency/ Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) Having had experience with these symptoms , felt it was important to share with members this information from the web (editor) WHAT EVERY ALPACA OWNER NEEDS TO KNOW written by Jill McElderry-Maxwell, September, 2011 OVERVIEW The vitamin thiamine plays a critical role in alpaca health. Thiamine depletion can happen rapidly from a large number of causes and will lead to death unless promptly remedied by the immediate administration of injectable thiamine. Thiamine is inexpensive, but only available by prescription – and every camelid owner should have a bottle from their vet on hand at all times. Any time an alpaca shows signs of lethargy, low appetite or neurological impairment, a shot of thiamine is a worthwhile precaution: “Thiamine is a safe and useful therapy any time we suspect neurological insult” (Evans, p. 39). It can never hurt, and it may help save your animal’s life. RUMEN FUNCTION AND THIAMINE PRODUCTION A ruminant’s digestive tract is an amazing system. Breakdown of a ruminant’s diet begins in the mouth, where it is mixed with saliva and given a preliminary, brief chewing before being swallowed down to the reticulum, the first of a series of stomachs. After being later brought back up and chewed leisurely as cud, masticated food finally ends up in the rumen, or second stomach. The rumen is a large organ that serves essentially as a fermentation vat. Much of the plant material eaten by ruminants consists of cellulose. Surprisingly, mammals are not capable of breaking down cellulose – at least, not on their own. Instead, a ruminant gets a little help from a diverse collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, protozoa and even viruses and fungi, that lives in their gut. These microorganisms break down cellulose and other plant fibers and make their energy available to their host ruminant. The microorganisms also produce a number of substances critical to their host’s survival and well-being, including the vitamin thiamine. Under normal conditions, a ruminant is able to synthesize all of the thiamine it needs for daily function without supplemental sources. Thiamine is a B vitamin (B1). It is water-soluble and is ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
manufactured constantly in the ruminant gut, as it is being continually depleted in turn. Thiamine plays an important role in energy metabolism for all body cells, but it especially critical in brain and heart cells. Without an adequate supply of thiamine, the brain ceases to function properly and actually begins to physically deteriorate. Thiamine migrates from the gastrointestinal tract into the circulatory system via cellular mechanisms that are not fully understood. However, it is known that the half life of thiamine in sheep’s blood is very short, typically under ten minutes (Harmeyer, 1989). Turnover in brain tissues is less rapid, but it is clear that a continuous supply of thiamine is necessary if the body’s cells are to function properly. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THIAMINE LEVELS ARE LOW In ruminants, the collection of symptoms brought on by low thiamine is called polioencephalomalacia (PEM). Symptoms are largely neurological in nature, as PEM results first in brain tissue swelling, and then in softening of brain tissue and the growth of brain lesions (it is also called cerebrocortical necrosis [CCN] in cattle and sheep). An animal with an advanced case of PEM will actually have holes in their brain visible upon necropsy. Thiamine can be depleted in a myriad number of ways, and alpacas are much more sensitive to low levels than are cattle or other ruminants. They can also deplete their body’s supply of thiamine much more rapidly than cattle, sheep or goats. While cattle may take weeks to show symptoms of PEM after a sudden feed change, alpacas can develop symptoms in as few as two (Evans, 2005). Why this is true is not known, but it is critical to be aware of this peculiarity. Veterinarians only familiar with PEM in cattle or other livestock may fail to appreciate just how quickly PEM can bring about the death of an alpaca without prompt and appropriate intervention. Although many cases of PEM in alpacas happen quite rapidly, prolonged periods of low thiamine availability can also lead to PEM, with animals exhibiting subtle signs of deficiency over an extended period of time. There are many, many potential causes of thiamine deficiency. Some of the microorganisms in the ruminant gut make enzymes that break thiamine down, called thiaminases. An imbalance in gut flora may lead to a proliferation of these organisms beyond normal levels, with a resulting drop in thiamine availability to the alpaca host. Antibiotics
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and some wormers (levamisole, thiabendazole [Evans, 2005]) can cause rumen imbalances, as can the ingestion of feeds rich in carbohydrates. Animals experiencing lactic acidosis from eating too much grain or pelleted feeds frequently also suffer from PEM. Thiaminases may also be ingested by an alpaca. Here in the United States, bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), prostrate pigweed (Amaranthus blitoides) and horsetails (Equisetum spp.) are common in many pastures and contain high levels of thiaminases (Merck Veterinary Manual). Thankfully, these plants generally taste bad and have low palatability. Alpacas will seldom graze them unless there are few alternative food sources available, as may happen when pastures are overgrazed or in early spring when perennials emerge before grasses. In Australia and New Zealand, the Nardoo and rock ferns are of similar concern.
The acute stage of PEM is typically characterized by • increased severity of symptoms seen in subacute PEM; • blindness; • grinding teeth; • opisthotonos (spasming or arching of the back and neck – the “death arch”); • seizures and muscle spasms; • recumbency and failure to rise. Untreated acute PEM will lead to coma and death. Untreated subacute PEM will result in animals that fail to grow and thrive, and may also ultimately progress to death.
Thiamine may also be depleted by excess sulfates or sulfides in the diet. Possible sources of excess sulfur compounds may be well or untreated water (especially in times of drought), concentrated feeds (particularly grain by-products such as distillers grains) and some plants under particular growing conditions.
There are a number of other conditions with symptoms similar to PEM. While PEM should always be suspected and thiamine administered if any of the above symptoms are seen, breeders should also consult with their veterinarians in order to rule out additional potential diagnoses. Conditions that may produce symptoms similar to PEM include, but are not limited to:
Another common cause of PEM in alpacas is coccidiosis, as coccidia rely on thiamine to reproduce and in doing so, reduce the amount available to the infected animal. Amprolium (Corid), frequently used to treat coccidiosis, is a thiaminase and its use may precipitate PEM unless supplemental thiamine is provided via injection into the blood stream. The alpaca has access to the injected thiamine but the coccidia in the gut do not. Clostridium and Streptococcus bacteria are also known producers of thiaminases (Harmeyer, 1989).
• listeriosis • grain poisoning • rabies • tetanus • lead or heavy metal poisoning • vitamin A deficiency • ryegrass staggers • meningeal worm parasitism • heat stress
Finally, PEM may be caused by a change in an animal’s ability to absorb thiamine from the gut, or by the too rapid removal of thiamine from the body. Possible causes for metabolic disruption along these lines may include changes in the weather, forages and stress levels. In short, it sometimes seems like almost anything can cause polioencephalomalacia in an alpaca.
Reviewing an animal’s recent history and environment may be helpful in ruling the above conditions in or out. In all cases where neurological symptoms are seen, aggressively treating with thiamine while pursuing a definitive diagnosis is recommended.
SYMPTOMS OF POLIOENCEPHALOMALACIA Animals with PEM may have diarrhea, are typically at least somewhat listless or lethargic and exhibit unusual neurological symptoms. Signs of subacute PEM may be subtle, but often include • decreased appetite; • failure to remain with herdmates; • staggering or unsteady gait; • elevated head or stargazing; • head or ear twitching; • excess salivation and drooling.
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TREATMENT OF POLIOENCEPHALOMALACIA Any alpaca breeder suspecting that one of their alpacas may be suffering from PEM should immediately reach for the bottle of thiamine that absolutely should be in their medicine cabinet at all times. Thiamine is unfortunately a prescription item that must be sourced through a veterinarian – it cannot be obtained at the feed store when an emergency arises. The standard B complex vitamins available over the counter are not an adequate substitute for pure thiamine, preferably the 500mg concentration if possible. Since thiamine is a water soluble vitamin, it is
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essentially impossible to overdose when given by injection, as the alpaca will simply excrete anything it does not need. For this reason, there is no need to be precise in dosing as long as the required minimum dose is met – “too much” is as good as “just enough”. Dr. Evans recommends 6-11mg/kg (3-5mg/lb) every 8 hours for 24 hours in his Field Manual. Other veterinarians have recommended a wide variety of treatments ranging from 10mg/kg (4.5mg/lb) every three hours until symptoms are gone to 5mg/kg (2.25mg/lb) every six hours for 24 hours (Jensen, 2006). Many experienced breeders feel that these amounts are all too low, particularly if given SQ. If at all possible, the first dose of thiamine should be administered IV, but since this is beyond the reach of many breeders, increasing both the amount of thiamine and frequency of dosing may be enough to compensate. Note that the Merck Veterinary Manual recommends for cattle: Therapy must be started early in the disease course for benefits to be achieved. If brain lesions are particularly severe or treatment is delayed, full clinical recovery may not be possible. The dosage of thiamine is 10-20, mg/kg, IM or SC, tid. Initial treatment may be administered IV. If we double Dr. Evans’ dose recommendation to 20mg/ kg (9mg/lb) to match the higher end of the Merck recommendation, and give the thiamine twice as often (every four hours for 24), the dosages for a 100 pound alpaca are: 4.5 ml of 200mg concentration thiamine or 1.8 ml of 500mg concentration thiamine to deliver 900mg of thiamine Contrast this with the amount of B complex that would be required, using Agri-Labs products from Valley Vet for an example. The same 100 pound alpaca would need: 72 ml of B complex or 9 ml of fortified B complex to deliver 900mg of thiamine Fortified B complex is seldom sold at farm stores and generally must be ordered. Clearly, given the volume of B complex required to administer the necessary thiamine dose, it makes sense to obtain a bottle of pure thiamine from your vet before an emergency arises. Oftentimes, if an animal just seems slightly “off,” one or two SQ injections of thiamine over the course of a day will be enough to bring the animal back into balance. Some animals seem more prone to thiamine depletion due to stress, and an injection of thiamine prior to or just following a stressful event such as shearing may prevent greater problems later. ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
In summary, alpacas are extremely sensitive to changes in thiamine availability and can deplete their body’s resources rapidly. The potential causes of PEM are almost infinite, and any time an alpaca exhibits neurological symptoms, the possibility of PEM should be considered. Immediate administration of thiamine is easy, inexpensive and appropriate any time an alpaca seems “off,” and while a more definitive diagnosis is sought. REFERENCES CITED “Plants Poisonous to Livestock,” Cornell University, Department of Animal Science, http:// www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/thiaminase.html “Polioencephalomalacia,” 2011,Merck Veterinary Manual, Merck, Sharpe and Dohne: Whitehouse Station, NJ Burgess, B., 2008, “Polioencephalomalacia,” Large Animal Veterinary Rounds, 8(3) Evans, C. Norman, 2005, ALPACA Field Manual, 2nd edition, Able Publishing and Ag Press, Inc. Harmeyer, J. and U. Kollenkirchen, 1989, “Thiamin and Niacin in Ruminant Nutrition,” Nutrition Research Reviews (2), pp. 201-225 Himsworth, C., 2008, “Polioencephalomalacia in a llama,” Canadian Veterinary Journal, 49(6), pp. 598-600 Jensen, James, 2006, Camelid Drug Formulary, Game Ranch Health: San Antonio, TX Parish, J., J. Rivera and H. Boland, 2009, “Understanding the Ruminant Digestive System,” Mississippi State University Extension Service, publication 2503 Rachid, M, E. Filho, A. Carvalho, A. Vasconcelos, P. Ferreira, 2011, “Polioencephalomalacia in cattle,” Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 6, pp. 126131
Have you considered giving Alpaca Product for your special gift giving? It is easy to buy from our Regional Products online. GO TO : Our Regional Website ENTER Your Password follow instructions OR
Contact Bob Coxon on 02 66459092 nattameri@bigpond.com
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Forestomach acido in 6 New World camelids Researched from website researchgate.net ABSTRACT Forestomach acidosis was diagnosed in 2 llamas and 4 alpacas. All were young, group-housed, sexually intact males. Clinical signs included forestomach atony, lethargy, ataxia, diarrhea, and tachycardia. Forestomach distention was observed in only 1 llama. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included low forestomach fluid pH, hyperchloremia, hypokalemia, and metabolic acidosis. Although camelids differ from domestic ruminants in typical management practices and behavioral, anatomic, and physiologic characteristics, they are, nonetheless, susceptible to forestomach acidosis. Gastric fluid analysis was essential for an accurate diagnosis. Four of 6 camelids recovered after PO and IV treatment with alkalinizing agents and fluids, antibiotics, and thiamine. "Two llamas (7 and 2 months of age) from this group were diagnosed with acidosis, although the amount of grain consumed was not determined (Cebra et al., 1996a). In a group of eight alpacas fed free choice grass hay and approximately 150 g/(head d) of a cracked corn, rolled oats and rolled barley mixture, four alpacas were diagnosed with forestomach acidosis (Cebra et al., 1996a). One of these alpacas, which died from forestomach acidosis, was found to have approximately 500 g of the grain mixture in it's forestomach. "
Another research project, Unfortunately Harry who was on Better home and Gardens recently, was born a month early and babysat by many and attended many promotions of AAA, a character including swimming the length of the pool for the Community Bus Morning Tea visitors! is suspected of dying to this condition. Editor.
Value add to your business by advertising in The Alpaca Advocate The advocate is another way to advertise yourstud Don’t miss out be quick and advertise in the next edition. Rates are very reasonable! The Advocate is sent to all Regional Members, All AAA Directors, AAA Regional Presidents and Regional Newsletter Editors. We often have subscriptions from people interested in our industry from Intro to Alpaca workshops.
Our Facebook Page Our likes continue to grow; up from 95 in February to 117 now. Our Alpaca Week Promotion has certainly assisted with the growth in the likes. https://www.facebook.com/qldnsw.alpaca ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
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Tex– Paca— All to do with Alpaca Fibre
leaves leaves leaves
Colourful Lace Scarf Knitting Pattern Knit with a bulky yarn that changes colours and knits up fast. The lace open work pattern is extremely simple and easy to remember! Knit from side to side so the colour changes occur vertically. Size: 5½" wide x 64" long Materials: 2 balls Alpaca Size 9 mm circular needles Instructions. Seed Stitch Row 1: k1, * p1, k1; rep from * Row 2: sl 1, *p1, k1; rep from * Rep Row 2.
Pattern Stitch Rows 1 & 3 (WS): Purl Row 2: k1, *yo, k2tog; rep from * Row 4: *SSK, yo; rep from * across, end k1 Rep these 4 rows.
CO 151 sts. Work 2 rows Seed Stitch. Work Pattern Stitch 24 rows, then rep Row 1, maintaining first and last 3 sts in seed st. Work 2 rows Seed Stitch. BO loosely in pat. Weave in ends. ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
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It’s pruning time! Trimming a plant encourages new growth and enhances the beauty of the space with the fresh new blooms. By incorporating proper pruning techniques you are ensuring a successful and long-lived plant. Pruning can also reduce the risk of contaminating the plant with diseases like fungus. Think of your spring trimming like spring-cleaning, a yearly maintenance plant to keep the plant looking tidy.
Shrubs Trim shrubs that are grown for their foliage like honeysuckle and barberry in spring, before the new growth begins. Shrubs that bloom on new growth like roses should also be pruned in the spring and cut back to live wood. Hardier shrubs like hydrangeas should be pruned to the first pair of buds.
Evergreens Evergreens like arborvitae and junipers can be trimmed anytime during the spring. Make sure to trim these hardy plants to their natural shape. Remove all dead and weak limbs from the tree. Cut back any mangles or twisted branches at the base of the tree. Remove all sucker shoots, or small shoots rising from the root structure of the evergreen, as soon as they become visible. Remember, evergreens require little pruning so prune according to their growth behaviour.
Groundcovers Prune groundcovers like blue star creeper and jasmine in early spring and after the chance of a hard frost has passed. Prune the groundcover to remove dead and unhealthy vines. This will promote new growth and vigorous spreading. Cut back 4 to 6 six inches of the groundcover for a neat and welltrimmed garden.
Vines Prune vines like wisteria and trumpet flowers back to the top of the plant to promote new growth and force out new tendrils and branches. Prune out any straggly and deformed growth to induce flowering on the vine, especially wisteria. Remember extensively pruning the vigorous growing wisteria vine can encourage a rampant growth the next growing season that can take over the garden, so be light with the pruning shears when pruning wisteria.
VALUE ADD YOUR ALPACA BUSINESS by putting notes in your alpaca bean bags for sale
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Gardening Tip:
Use alpaca beans as liquid manure. This mixture is great to promote growth of your vegetables and flowering plants. Mix 1 part alpaca beans to 3 parts water in a bucket. (It is good to have a bucket with a lid to stop mosquito larvae) Allow to stand for 3-4 days. Skim off water to fertilize your plants. Top up water in bucket after each use and add extra beans to bucket when necessary. (alpaca can be placed in a pillowcase in bucket) Add your Stud and contacts
Alpaca Pets, Guards and Packages available
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Green Bean and Pecan Salad Ingredients: Serves: 4 500g fresh green beans, trimmed and halved 30g blue cheese, crumbled or feta 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 4 T extra virgin olive oil 4 T balsamic vinegar 50g chopped pecans, toasted salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Method: Preparation:20min › Cook:10min › Extra time:1hour chilling › Ready in:1hour30min 1. Place green beans in a steamer over 2cm of boiling water and cover. Cook until tender but still firm, about 4 minutes. Allow to cool. 2. In a bowl, combine beans, onion, blue cheese and pecans. Stir in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for at least an hour before serving.
Great
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Hi everyone, A document, released in May 2014 produced by the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators, which reviews current information on ticks, tick removal, preventing tick bites and tick-related diseases. There’s plenty of good tips in this booklet It’s available at http://www.aabr.org.au/site/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/ AABR-Ticks-and-tick-borne-diseases-protectingyourself1.pdf from Steve Rowley
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FLEA HALTER MALES
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What you need to know about paralysis ticks http://www.animaloptions.com.au/paralysis-ticks/ Adult Female Paralysis Tick From the twelve tick species which have been found on dogs in Australia only the paralysis tick (Ixodes Holocyclus) is a health hazard for small animals. It has a three host life cycle; which means it needs to find a host and engorge each phase of its development (larva, nymph, adult) during the year. (Glen Coleman, 1996) The natural hosts are native wildlife such as bandicoots, possums, koalas and macropods but the tick occasionally will attach to domestic animals and even humans. Paralyses tick presents on the east coast of Australia only. Humid conditions are essential for survival of the paralysis tick. Dry conditions, relatively high (32°C) and low (7°C) temperatures will kill all stages after a few days. An ambient temperature of 27°C and high relative humidity is thought to be optimal for rapid development (Clunies-Ross, 1935). The tick population in a given year is probably governed by the rainfall in the previous year if the temperature variations have only been moderate. If there has been a cold winter in South East Queensland and also drought, the coming season won’t favour tick development. Ticks are more prevalent at certain times of the year. Observed seasonal occurrence of life cycle of Paralysis Ticks in Australia
On the side of the road in Tasmania
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Bruce Robinson, Colin Glasser, Bob Coxon, Pauline Glasser Di Smart, Jackie Coxon and Lehanne Robinson
The Regional Fleece Team represented our Region by producing a professional display at the 2015 National Show and Sale in Sydney in September. This was the second time we have attempted this task and we all feel it was much easier having had experience from the previous year. Bruce Robinson, Jackie and Bob Coxon joined the team this year which made the tasks easier knowing we had helpers from the beginning to the end of the fleece judging. A fortnight before the Nationals all 270 fleeces were checked against entries, weighed sampled and numbered according to the classes each fleece was entered. Some fleeces were in 4 different classes! The fleeces were placed in bales according to the judging order so that once in Sydney the fleeces could be displayed ready for the judging. We arrived at 1pm and by 6pm all was set up for the judging to start early the next day. The Judge Angela Preuss and Apprentice Sophie Jackson were very thorough in their judging procedures which made our task easier. The organisation takes some time from packing boxes with everything we could think we may need to judge and setup display to the fleece transport and setup. The display was 25 metres in length. For the first year prizes were given on best micron range in both Huacaya and Suri Fleece. We would like to thank Cheryl Cochrane from Nerimbera Transport for taking all fleeces and support boxes to Sydney Showground. Thank You to Paul Haslin for his support and trust of our team that the display, would be set up on time. Pauline Glasser窶認leece Convenor ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
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Time to relax at “the touch of silver “ National Dinner. smart bow ties boys!
Very Very Late night laminating results for display ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
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Tick survival in Alpacas - Pippa Smith Paralysis tick (Ixodes Holocyclus) is an insidious parasite endemic to the East coast of Australia. While research into the development of a paralysis tick vaccine continues 1. the only treatment currently available for afflicted animals is the use of a high cost Anti Toxin serum treatment which only appears to be effective in the early stages of tick engorgement and can result in significant side effects for the animal including subsequent damage to the pulmonary artery. In Queensland, the onset of the rainy season is generally recognised as the time at which most vigilance is required to ensure the safety of animals. For the first time in a number of years, we experienced several frosts during the Winter and were optimistic that this may interrupt the Tick cycle sufficiently to give us a little respite when the tick season' began with Spring rains. We have been in drought for a considerable period, with not even a hint of moisture in the air. We had previously observed a regime of vaccinations with lvomectin every month during 'the season', but had not begun these because, apart from becoming increasingly concerned about the potential for tick resistance. we were not convinced of the effectiveness of this drug for Ixodes Holocyclus. To our dismay, we started having tick problems well before any sign of rain. In recent months we have had 3 animals affected. The first. a five year old pregnant female was found to have a semi-engorged tick behind her ear. We observed her sitting a lot more than usual She would keep up with the herd but sit at every opportunity She was feeding a 4 month old cria and with the onset of the paralysis stood for only a few seconds at a time to be suckled We removed the tick and brought her in to our hospital yard where she could be observed more closely. On veterinary advice we chose not to administer the anti toxin, as the animal was still very alert,
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keen to drink and eat (although we rationed solid food very carefully as we monitored respiration and heartbeat.). As the toxin took hold, she was weaker and unable to stand even though the persistent cria insisted on nuzzling her udder while she was recumbent. At no stage did her breathing appear laboured or her appetite diminish, but it was almost 10 days before she stood again, and a further week before she was moving freely. According to our vets (yes, we consulted two of them!), the first 48 hour period is the most critical. So when a second animal, another 3 year old pregnant female succumbed with a fully engorged tick, we followed the same advice, with the same result. In both cases, subsequent ultrasounds indicate that the foetus is still developing normally. Our third case was a two week old cria. This time we observed her trembling and stumbling as she followed her mother. Close inspection revealed a small tick, only partially engorged, but equally able to kill a 9kg cria. We observed anxiously over the next two days, keeping the pair closely confined in a small yard. Amazingly, the little girl still managed to suckle - very briefly several times a day, with the assistance of her extremely experienced mother (who has had more than 10 offspring!). Again, she survived. A year ago, a 12 month old male was treated with the antiserum when found immobilized with a semi engorged tick. He responded to the treatment and appeared to have made a full recovery. Inexplicably, he was found dead a few weeks later, with no evidence of further ticks. Veterinary advice suggests that heart failure was probably the cause. Given these experiences, we are now inclined not to use the antiserum. Checking to see that all our animals are moving normally everyday is undoubtedly the most efficient method of control. If an animal sits
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frequently, even though it is keeping up with the herd, we check it carefully. In all cases, we observed differences in behaviour, were able to find the tick, and save the alpaca, without veterinary intervention. In each case, the alpaca was either paralysed or very weak for several days, but still alert and able to feed, with other bodily functions still operating. Information on the AAA website states.. " Tick control is as frustrating in llamas as in any other species. Use of parenteral ivermectin during the peak tick season should minimise chances of tick paralysis. Ectrin@ spray has been observed to be of value when repeated as a total body application on a 5 to 7 day basis. Avoiding heavily tick infested areas in the spring of the year is likely the most effective recommendation." We have also sprayed Frontline on newborn cria with no ill effects (although is is very costly). In the belief that prevention is better than cure, we are again vaccinating with lvomectin regularly through the Summer months. Distribution of paralysis Tick Ixodes Holocyclus in Australia 1 Broady, K: Towards the development of a paralysis tick vaccine. Proceedings. AAA National Conference 23 Acknowledgement: Article from AAA Queensland Regional newsletter Spring 2003 25 August, 2002.
Longueville Park Madiba—2ND Longueville Park National Team. Fleeces entered by Longueville Park Longueville Park Madiba - 2ND Longueville Park Pegasus - 2ND Longueville Park Tom Thumb - 3RD Longueville Park Madiba - 3RD WINNER Lehanne Robinson 1st place for her felted booties Lyn Kincade ( Kiwani Alpaca Stud) 2ND Art Work Ambleside Merlin 2nd & Reserve Champion
Merlin went to the Nationals
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Dispelling Myths About Suri We were inspired to write this article after continued questioning from very new or potential alpaca breeders about things they had been told about suri alpacas, sadly at times by a few huacaya alpaca breeders seemingly attempting to persuade people against suri. Some common themes have emerged over the years in the type of myths being perpetuated, so in this article we provide the facts about suri, in the hope it may assist anyone visiting our site who has also heard or been led to believe the same misconceptions. Our facts are based on 8 years experience gained through daily observation and management on our farm of suri alpacas, countless discussions with other suri breeders (some of whom also own huacaya alpacas) and extensive reading and research of works by respected and published authorities on suri alpacas and alpacas generally. Although we specialise in suri, we also have a smaller number of huacaya alpacas, so our experience is with both breeds, placing us in a position to be able to compare both breeds first hand.
Myth #1 - SURIS ARE NOT SUITED TO COLD CLIMATE AREAS IN AUSTRALIA. Given our property is on the Northern Tablelands of NSW, we are well situated to comment on suri resilience to colder areas of Australia. Our suris fly through frosty nights unperturbed by temperatures that can fall as low as -7 to -4, for the best part of several weeks at a time. We have recorded temps as low as -12. Our suris do not show any difference to our huacaya alpacas in how they cope with these kinds of temperatures, which is extremely well, indeed we believe it increases fleece quality. After all, alpacas of both types are native to the Andes in South America, an area with much more consistently severe cold and higher altitude than anywhere found in Australia. Although there is some thought that suris may have originated on the lower lands of the Andes, these areas would still be comparably colder overall than any conditions experienced in Australia. Whilst suri alpacas do just as well as huacaya in coping with the cold, they are however more vulnerable to the sometimes deadly combination of cold, wet and wind. This is due to suri fleece falling from the midline of the back, this leaves a line along the suri alpacas spine that is open to the elements, particularly so when wet, and allows body heat to escape. However, all alpacas should have access to shelter in these types of conditions, even in the summer months, especially when temperatures suddenly plummet with thunderstorms. Our huacaya alpacas just as readily retreat to their shelter houses as our suris do in these conditions. Converse to the above, we have observed on our own farm, that suris cope with our summer heat slightly better than our huacayas do, we base this on the fact that our huacayas will spend more time sitting under shade and are more likely to have a "swim" on very hot spring or summer days, whereas the suris continue with their days pretty much the same as always.
Myth #2 - SURI ALPACAS ARE HARDER TO MANAGE AND MORE FLIGHTY IN NATURE THAN HUACAYA ALPACAS. We have found absolutely no difference between the flightiness of our suris and huacayas, nor any difference in ease of management. Our experience has been that it comes down to individual personality rather than breed, the individual alpacas experience (good or bad) with humans and frequency of being handled by ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
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humans; and their dams influence on how they generally react to humans, i.e. if the dam tends to be friendly, cautious, timid etc with humans. Some alpacas have "out there" personalities, others are timid, some can be stroppy when handled and struggle to escape, others can stand beautifully; some are more easily stressed and others would seemingly not be deterred if a bomb went off next to them; just like with people, alpacas have an array of personality traits that are influenced by a variety of factors, but not by if they are huacaya or suri. A contributing factor to this myth about suri is that they are most usually shown in full fleece of up to 24 months growth, this means for many show suris their fringe locks hang down over their eyes, which can hinder their sight, making them more cautious and tentative of their surroundings, hence some suris will appear more flighty simply because they cannot see as well!! These same animals will more often than not, not display the same behaviours with their fringe trimmed. One suri breeder we know puts their animals longer fringes up into a ponytail while at home grazing so that their sight is not hindered, allowing the fringe to fall out naturally when attending shows. A simple and seemingly effective idea we plan to trial ourselves.
Myth #3 SURI FLEECE CANNOT BE PROCESSED Whilst it is true that suri fleece can be more difficult to process, both commercially and by the home spinner, it most definitely can be processed. Much work is still required to further develop this aspect of the industry, but great in roads are being made. Some Australian suri breeders have taken various initiatives to further progress suri fleece processing and others have thriving businesses in the production of exquisite suri garments and homewares from their own and others suri fleeces. Additionally, there are a number of outlets that take suri fleece and process it into yarn and fabric. Suri fleece is highly sought after in the European fashion market and is greatly valued for its silkiness and lustre, which stays lustrous after processing.
Myth # 4 SURI ALPACAS ARE SMALLER THAN HUACAYAS This is another myth we have found to be totally unfounded. Some of our suris are larger framed than our huacayas and our huacayas are by no means midgets. In fact there are some suri breeders who believe suri are generally larger framed. Essentially, a range of frames and sizes can be found in both breeds and this variability depends on genetic background and environmental influences such as quality of nutrition and health issues such as worms during the alpacas growth years. The way a huacayas fleece grows (like a sheeps) can give the appearance they are bigger than they actually are as their fleece gives them a more rounded appearance, kind of creating a halo affect around their bodies. This is not s true indication of their overall size and frame though. Of interest is anecdotal evidence made by our shearer who shears alpacas both in the higher rainfall areas of the NSW north and mid north coasts as well as the Tablelands, he consistently reports that both suri and huacaya on the Tablelands grow bigger than their coastal cousins, we think this is possibly due to the lusher grass of the coastal areas having less nutritional value at times due to heavier rainfall, in other words the grass is more likely to be full of water rather than good nutritional content. Some researchers have suggested that fleece type is not the only difference between huacaya and suri alpacas. It has certainly been our experience that good quality pure suri animals and ~ SPRING Edition 2015~
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indeed some of our best quality crosses have larger ears than huacayas, but this is the only consistent size difference we have seen between both breeds.
Myth # 5 SURI ALPACAS ARE ALWAYS MORE EXPENSIVE TO BUY This may have been the case in the early years of suri in Australia, due to suri being much rarer, however it is not the case any longer even though they remain much smaller in numbers. High prices can still be paid for elite suris but those prices are comparable to those of elite huacayas. Many suri breeders have considerably dropped their sale prices in recent years and if one does their research on what's available and the quality of the animals there are some very good bargains to be had. Most suri breeders now sell their cross bred animals at very reasonable prices, and pure suri can also be found at a reasonable price for good quality animals. We watch the market continually and cannot see any difference at all these days between average suri and huacaya prices. Variability is influenced by animal quality and individual stud owners, rather than breed type.
Myth #6 SURI WETHERS ARE NOT AS GOOD AT BEING HERD GUARDIANS We commenced our foray into alpacas with no intentions of becoming breeders (but like many
before us became addicted to them) and purchased 2 alpacas to work as guardians for our then black faced Suffolk sheep herd. This initial purchase was of one suri wether and one huacaya wether. We found both to be as equally effective in protecting our lambs. Our experience has been corroborated by many other owners who have both suri and huacaya as guardians. We have sold a good number of suri wethers as guardians now and consistently receive positive feedback on how well they do their job. We hope this article helps to dispel some of the myths about suri for anyone considering their options and we are only too happy to answer any queries about suri or alpacas generally. Š Shangrilah Alpacas 2012 Thank you to Deborah Smith for sharing her article
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Its often an experience to go to a show outside your region to test the standard of animals and meet fellow breeders. Longueville Park and Wahgungurry Alpacas travelled to Mudgee for the Central Western Regional Spring Show. This year the show was one of the biggest they have had with 225 animals and 55 exhibitors. It was a very warm welcome and friendly show however, not the weather, extremely cool for the exhibitors and especially for the campers. Longueville Park Show team was very successful Congratulations Longueville Park Iluka 1st & Reserve Champion Longueville Park Kasaka 1st Reserve Campion Longueville Park Madiba—Best Black Longueville Park Tom Thumb—2nd Longueville Park Tumi—3rd
Longueville Park Madiba - Best Black
The Two Fine Partners (Ambleside and Wahgungurry) Show Team were successful with Prizes for all 5 animals. Amberside Snowwhite - 2nd & Reserve Champion, Ambleside Sheer Silk - 1st & Champion, Ambleside Just Dream - 1st & Champion, Ambleside Silk Master - 3rd Ambleside Merlin - 1st, Champion & Supreme Champion & Ambleside Merlin Best White Suri. This made the decision to take Merlin to the Nationals considering his three Supreme wins in three Regions (New England, Murwillumbah).
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