Forage for Llamas: Hay and Pasture
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Basic feeding
Llamas evolved to consume poor-quality forage. For much of the year in South America, llamas survive (though not thrive) on foodstuffs with an average protein content of 2-4%. In North America, pasture quality ranges from somewhat to significantly better, and thus llamas tend to get fat. Because llamas are not naturally selected for maximum metabolic efficiency in this country, the less-efficient members of the llama population have survived, and in fact are better suited to the available pasture. Still, it is often necessary to restrict llamas' access to pasture for weight control for part or even all of the year, particularly in the spring when forage is lush or when only a few animals will be grazing a large area.
Some areas of the country cannot support adequate pasture year-round. Others may have continual pasture, but during some seasons, the quality of forage is extremely poor -- winter pasture in the Pacific Northwest is largely devoid of nutrients, for example. In these situations, llamas require additional feed. Winter snows may cover pasture for days to months at a time. At such times, llamas must have all of their feed provided. Both situations are best addressed by feeding hay. A high-quality grass hay is the best choice. Oat hay has excellent qualities on paper, but some llamas don't care for it, and there is some suspicion that the mature oat seeds, with their pointed ends and size that matches llamas' third compartment sacules perfectly, contribute to mechanical ulcers. Alfalfa (including alfalfa-grass mix) is too rich for a llama's digestive system and should only be fed to llamas that require more intense supplemental feeding for medical reasons (see below).
A normal, nonworking adult llama needs to consume about 1.2% in dry matter of his or her bodyweight for maintenance. This figure will vary considerably when weather, quality of foodstuffs, water content of the feed, and other factors enter the equation. Whether you weigh the hay you feed or not, provide only what will be cleaned up. If your llamas are leaving hay, you are feeding too much. If they clean it up, try feeding a bit more until you find right amount. Remember that "the right amount" will change dramatically with the seasons.
* * * Important * * *
Whenever you purchase a llama, be sure to find out what kind of hay s/he has been eating, and buy a bale if possible so that you can make the feed transition a gradual one. Changing abruptly from alfalfa to grass or vice-versa (or even two different grass hays) can actually kill a llama -- no kidding.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa and high-protein feeds are not a good choice in hot weather, or for those llamas who are at risk for kidney problems. A primarily-alfalfa diet does not have the proper balance of major minerals, and many problems can result. However, there is a place for a small amount of alfalfa in some llamas' diets.
The addition of a small amount of alfalfa may be warranted for certain llamas, particularly if additional protein is required (ie, pregnant, lactating,and growing llamas -- none of which are "beginner llamas" for many reasons). If you are stuck with a poorer-quality grass hay some winter, a small amount of alfalfa per llama ups the total protein adequately (in the case of poor-quality grass hay, other missing and deficient nutrients should be supplied through supplemental feeding, above).
We have found that some llamas (primarily those who have an easy time maintaining a healthy, trim weight as young adults) require a bit of extra protein to compensate for their less-efficient (though better-suited to domestic life in North America) metabolism. Again, small amount of alfalfa is all that's required.
We bet you are muttering, "So what's a small amount?" Grab as much alfalfa as you can possibly fit in your closed fist. Shake it so all the "kling-ons" fall off the edges. What's left is a one-day serving for one adult llama. (And now you know how much to grab in the first place.) Safety check: If you are continually finding leftover alfalfa stems, you are feeding 'way too much (unless the llama in question is the only one with access to the alfalfa -- first check his or her molars to see if the llama has more tender gum than tough grinding surface left).
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