1

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

3

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

4

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!

12

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

13

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

14

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