Camelid nutrition

[Ann Marie]

Scientific research on camelid nutrition is not a very big field but of course there are scientists and universities out there with interesting projects. We are looking for the latest news from the whole world, say from the last 2 perhaps 3 years. Does anybody have any suggestion where to find interesting results? And I refer to scientific papers, not breeders experience - no matter how important they of course can be!

Grateful for all ideas!

Ann Marie

[OHL]

Ann Marie,
I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for, but I do know that camelids have defined nutritional requirements in the "Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants" by the National Research Council of the National Academies. It is very dry and technical, but may be in line with the information you are looking for.

Hope that helps!

Sara

[Ann Marie]

Hi Sara!
Thank you for your answer. I will certainly check the book you recommended.

What I look for is general nutrition advice but also more specifically mineral and vitamin requirements. When you study the content of different products for camelids it is amazing how big the differences of minerals and vitamins are between products. I "simply" would like to know "what is the truth"...:) not just something which is extrapolated from what cows, sheep or horses need.

I also would like to know if cereals are OK or not – based on scientific evidence. Some people say that you should avoid cereals as it decreases the pH in the stomach which can lead to ulcer. Nevertheless there are such a lot of alpacas out there getting cereals without problem. Next question is if there is any difference in this aspect between barley and oats. And should it be crushed or wholegrains.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all from Sweden!

Ann Marie

[CindyR]

Hi Ann Marie!

The International Camelid Institute is the "place" that you are looking for. (http://www.icinfo.org/) "As an information repository, veterinarians, owners, academicians, regulatory agencies and others can access and obtain essential information for everyday situations from research." (from their mission statement). I have found it to be a great academic resource.

Hope you find it helpful,
Cindy~

[Ann Marie]

Thank you Cindy!
Ann Marie