Post on 30-Aug-2018
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Issue 1 ~ 2012
Llama Association Of
Southern California LASC
Welcome to the year 2012, I hope everyone has started out with a great
new year. I just wanted to let everyone know that the LASC board of directors
are going to be working hard to bring the organization some new and exciting
things this year. In order to do this we are going to need your help and support. LASC is
looking for ranches to host general membership meeting. If you would be willing
to host one please get in contact with any board member. This years November
meeting will be hosted at Nancy Varga’s ranch.
This year we have a few new board members, Diane Falconer, Nancy Varga
and Heather Ephraim. We look forward to working with them. Just a quick note
this year I will be starting to work on the directory starting in June. Since we
made the last directory for 2 years this will give everyone time to get a new ad
ready. We will be using a different printing company this year, so if you have any
question please contact Tracey Wallace ahead of time. Any ads that are at the
old printer can be forwarded over to the new printer. Remember that your ad’s
help support LASC, without your support we would not exist. So with this said,
please support the 2013 LASC directory and get started on your new ad. I look
forward to being you president for the year 2012. Let make it a good one and
get back on track. Tracey Wallace
Presidents Letter
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In this column I am taking the opportunity to respond to two questions submitted to the edi-tors. The readers are encouraged to continue to submit specific questions or suggestions for fu-ture nutrition or feeding management topics. Question 1: Zinc Supplementation and Skin Lesions The first inquiry is a very common one for many llama and Alpaca owners, skin lesions and what to do with them. First a disclaimer, I am not a board-certified dermatologist, but the ques-tion was more about feeding zinc to address this issue. As many owners are aware, llamas and alpacas have a propensity that seems to be re-sponsive to zinc supplementation. However, it must be emphasized that there are many other causes of skin disease in llamas and alpacas that are not responsive to zinc. In this particular situation, the lesions are described as hard leathery shin primarily located on the ventral abdomen, inside of the legs and on the face. This lesion distribution is consistent with a number of dermatologic conditions, includ-ing parasite disease and idiopathic hyperkeratotic dermatosis (zinc-responsive). One question to ask is if the animal seems pruritic “(itchy”). Para-sitic diseases are most typical pruritic in nature. Idiopathic hyperkeratosis is commonly seen der-matologic disease in llamas and alpacas and may comprise a number of somewhat interrelated, or different, syndromes somewhat responsive to large doses of dietary zinc. Diagnosis is best made by skin biopsy to identity the physical changes and thickening of the keratin layer. Zinc has been associated with skin health in many dif-ferent species. Classical zinc deficiency disease in pigs and other species is parakeratosis, a unique hyperkeratotic disease where the nuclei of keratin cells are retained rather than being lost. Parakeratosis in pigs and poultry has been asso-ciated with overfeeding of calcium in the diet, as calcium interferes with zinc availability in the in-
testine. A true zinc deficiency has not been de-finitively characterized with dermatologic lesions seen in llamas and alpacas, though it has been implied. A confounding issue is blood zinc con-centrations in llamas and alpacas are lower than other species and they have been interpreted to be deficient. This point emphasizes the need for good llama and alpaca reference values for the proper interpretation of diagnostic tests. How-ever, supraphysiologic doses of zinc (dietary sup-plementation in excess of requirements) could have a therapeutic effect, independent of a defi-ciency state. Role of zinc in the pathogenesis of hyperkeratotic dermatosis in llamas and alpacas remains elusive and requires further study. In the situation at hand, I would consult with your veterinarian to ensure you do not have some other dermatologic disease process. If the diagnosis is a zinc-responsive dermatosis, then consider supplementation. The easiest method of supplementation is to find a commercial prod-uct with high zinc content. Dr. Norm Evans llama/alpaca pellet is a good examlpe , though there are others. Dr LaRue Johnson has advo-cated a mineral mix containing 50 lb trace miner-alized salt, 50lbs steamed bone meal, 50 lb dry molasses and 10 lb zinc methionine (Zin-Pro 100) containing approximately 5500 parts per million (ppm) zinc. At an expected intak of 1 oz per day, this mineral mix provides 150 mg zinc. As you and many other owners have found out, zinc supplements are not very palatable and simple top dressing is not always successful. One could hide the zinc supplement in a tasty treat (applesauce) and hand feed, but this is labor in-tensive. You could mask the supplement in your grain by adding some molasses. If only one ani-mal is involved, these may be feasible solutions. How much zinc is necessary and from what source? We really do not have an answer at this time to these questions. Zinc can be sup-plemented in inorganic (zinc carbonate, zinc ox-ide or zinc sulfate) or organic (zinc methionine, zinc proteinates) forms.
Inquiries on Skin Diseases and Eating Problems Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD
Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
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Questions remain as to whether the organic forms are superior or if inorganic forms can be supplemented at slightly higher levels with equal response. Current recommendations are to pro-vide 1g zinc sulfate(364 mg zinc) or 2 (200 mg zinc) to 4 ( 400 mg Zinc) g zinc me-thionine (Zn-Pro 100, 10% zinc). As one can see, there is a wide range in recommended sup-plement amounts, but the actual amount of ele-mental zinc being delivered is between 200 and 400 mg per day. Zinc delivery from the Johnson mineral is slightly less and from the Evans pellet slightly more than this range. Across all recom-mendations, response to daily zinc supplementa-tion is slow, occurring over a 2 to 3 month pe-riod. If one is going to supplement at the higher rates, it is suggested that an organic zinc form be used as a large portion (40-60%) of the zinc sup-plement. Excessive zinc intake can interfere with other minerals (e.g., copper, iron, selenium) and may induce other disease problems. Use of or-ganic mineral forms will reduce these negative interactions. Don’t fall into the trap of: “if a little is good, a lot more is better”. Free choice mineral supplements should contain a minimum of 5500 ppm zinc. This num-ber can typically be found on the product label under the guaranteed analysis. Zinc content of pellet or grain supplements will depend upon amount expected to be fed and how its mineral content complements the mineral supplement, if any is to be fed. Assuming all trace minerals coming from a supplement and not a mineral mix, a reasonable zinc content for a pellet sup-plement to be fed at a rate of 1lb per day would be between 440 and 880 ppm to deliver 200 and 400 mg zinc per day respectively. Use these numbers as guidelines in evaluating possible products for use in correcting the condition. Remember, it may require up to 2 to 3 months for a response to be seen. Work with your veterinarian to determine the proper diag-nosis and proceed from that point.
Help the ILR Celebrate the International
Year of the Working Llama!
The year 2012 has been declared the International
Year of the Working Llama. The Australian and
New Zealand llama associations have decided to
promote the working llamas and have invited the
ILR to join their efforts, making this a truly inter-
national event! The Australian and New Zealanders
are renaming their show categories to honor working
llamas and promote the diverse uses that llamas
have.
“Working Llamas” is a large category that in-
cludes everything from commercial pack llamas to
livestock guardians, driving llamas to pet therapy
animals, and recreational hiking companions to
show ring performance animals. Some of these
working llamas are experts in their career and others
are all-around animals that are employed in a vari-
ety of categories. Don’t forget, all working llama
activities can be entered in the ILR UAP log on the
ILR website www.lamaregistry.com!
The ILR plans to develop and distribute materi-
als about working llamas and feature events that
celebrate the working llama.
Gathering Dedication-the 2012 International Gath-
ering of Friends and Champions is dedicated to Bo-
bra Goldsmith, Bobra had a love of Working Llamas
and a appreciation of the diversity of llamas, and
was a lifetime supporter of the llama industry.
Photo Contest-send in your photos of working llama
(s) with a very brief description of the animal and its
“job.” Photos will be voted on at the 2012 Gather-
ing of Friends and Champions. Submitted photos
may also be used on the ILR website to promote
Working Llamas. SPECS: Photo printed on photo paper (no mat or frame, size:
from 5”x7”up to 8 1/2”x10”. Brief description of animal and
its job on a 3 1/3 x 5 note card. Mail to ILR office to be re-
ceived by June 1 (PO Box 8,Kalispell, MT 59901)
By Submitting the photos you agree they are the property of
the ILR and can be used for ILR promotion .
Working Llama Calendar-to celebrate working lla-
mas all year long!
Midwest Llama Packing Festival
Other ideas to be announced. We appreciate your
input for ideas to celebrate Working Llamas!
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Camelid Community 2012: Working Animals, Working Owners
Join Us July 27-29 in Kansas City, Missouri
Camelid Community brings together concerned alpaca and llama enthusiasts to discuss
ideas, suggest solutions and work toward common goals that are critical to the existence of our
industry. Our overall focus has been to concentrate on areas where the alpaca and llama com-
munities can cooperate and collaborate. Even before the Australian and New Zealand llama as-
sociations declared 2012 the International Year of the Working Llama, those at Camelid Com-
munity 2011 decided that our 2012 gathering would focus on producing brochures on therapy
llamas and alpacas and on packing—both great examples of how we use our versatile animals.
Unlike most conferences, Camelid Community’s agenda is set by participants. It is a
“move forward and get things accomplished” group and not simply a weekend gathering to
wring hands and rehash old problems. Participants attend because they care about their animals
and about the future of our industry.
Past Camelid Community gatherings have produced simple, easy to reproduce brochures
that allow organizations and individual farms and businesses to add their contact information
before distribution. The series includes The Basics of Alpaca & Llama Care, The Basics of Al-
paca & Llama Fiber and Alpacas, Llamas and Youth. All three brochures are being widely used
by organizations and individuals and are being downloaded on a regular basis from the Camelid
Community section on the website for the International Camelid Institute at www.icinfo.org.
The brochures on therapy camelids and packing that will be produced at the 2012 gathering will
follow the same format, and we would love to have your input.
The main purpose of Camelid Community is to discuss “the state of the union” within
our camelid world, and we would like to continue to have representatives from all geographic
regions, national groups and local regional breeder/owner groups. Past Camelid Community
gatherings have provided significant contributions to the community at large and proved that
our various alpaca and llama groups can work together; we’d like to expand that cooperative
effort even further.
Details are being finalized and will be available soon. If you would like a registration
packet for you or your organization, please contact Sheila Fugina (bsfugina@pressenter.com or
715-246-5837) or Barb Baker (bebaker@earthlink.net or 740-397-1736).
Marlys Green Greenview
789 Dufranc Ave.
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-829-6438
Marlysgreen@sbcglobal.net
A big thank you to our March Magic Sponsors
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Fur and Feather Llama Ranch
Harvest Fair
Southwestern Regional
Grand Champion 2010
Suri Female
Suri Herdsire
Reserve Champion Suri Fleece
2009 Grand Nationals
Recognition of Merit 2011
Charter’s Sapada
Best of Show Suri Fleece
Grand Nationals 2008
Caramel Macchiatto
ALSA Champion
Recognition of Merit
My Bolero
Recognition of Merit
ALSA Champion 2011
Bolero’s Sarafin
Tracey Wallace
29110 San Timoteo Cyn Rd Redlands, CA 92373
909-792-3711 or 909-800-2585
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The Llama Association of Southern California, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of California. It is designated as a 501 c 3 Agricultural Organization by the Internal Revenue Service. Contributions to LASC are not deductible by donors. Please consult with your ac-countant regarding donations.
The opinions expressed in articles, letter, editorial, and ads in the LASC Footprints Newsletter are solely the opinions of the respective authors and do not necessarily express the views of LASC. Medical arti-cles are not meant to take the place of regular care by your veterinarian. Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement of products or services. Llama Association of Southern California is an active participant in the Newsletter Network. Articles published in the LASC Newsletter maybe used in other llama publications, and we may reprint articles from their newsletters. If you write an article that you do not want used elsewhere, please indicate that when you submit your work and we will identify it as proprietary.
LASC Footprints will be publishing 4 issues for 2010, winter, spring, summer and fall. LASC Flash will be emailed out on an as needed basis. The deadline to submit ads or articles is the 1st of the
month of publication. Send all art work and ads to the LASC P.O. Box 876 Norco, Ca 92860, Attn: Newsletter Editor. Please send articles/ads unfolded in a flat envelope and enclose payment for ads with the ad materials. Please make check out to LASC. You may also email you articles to
Tracey Wallace @ DandT22@aol.com
Judy Doorbetakis Wildlife Waystation 3222 Main Way Dr.
Los Alamitos, Ca 90720 562-493-1025
jcdoorbetakis@hotmail.com
Linda Gonzales Wildlife Waystation
1285 Bury Ave. #206 LA, Calif 90025 310-477-8284
Gonzales1.101@gmail.com
Aida Lough 92791 Templeton Rd Cheshire, OR 97419
541-998-8038
Joel & Carol Edwards 13000 16th St.
Redlands, Ca 92373 Joel’s Cell 909-894-9129
Carol’s Cell 909-894-9130 edwards6310@roadrunner.com
Heather Ephraim
6365 Almond Valley Way Encino, Ca 91316 661-406-4226
heat1pea@hotmail.com
New Members / Address Changes