Alpaki – nowy gatunek hodowlany w Polsce. Część II. Hodowla i żywienie.

Abstract

The article presents the next part of the series "Alpacas - a new breeding species in Poland". This time, the authors focused on the husbandry, breeding and feeding of alpacas. Alpacas must be fed, watered and protected from rain, cold and high air temperature. When choosing this type of business, you should consider how much profit you want to achieve from breeding. Will animals be treated as a source of income or a hobby? Alpacas live more than 20 years and their reproductive life is also long, making breeding very long. Alpacas are not farm animals within the meaning of Polish regulations, and thus no additional permits or registration are required. However, possession of the herd should be reported to the appropriate County Veterinary Inspectorate. Alpacas are herd animals even the males, so it is strongly discouraged to isolate a single male from other alpacas. The herd gives them a sense of security that is fundamental to them. Only in a herd with other alpacas can they live relaxed, graze peacefully on the grass, rest, sleep and build harmonious relationships. Lonely alpacas live under constant stress, which can lead to a serious illness or even death. Alpacas are pasture animals. 80-90% of alpacas food is roughage, i.e. hay, grass. It is quite difficult to create one perfect recipe for a good feeding program because a lot depends on the conditions on a given farm, on the quality of the soil, pasture and the hay quality. The health status of alpacas and the quality of their fleece largely depend on the diet. It is worth seeking advice from a veterinarian or other breeders to develop a proper feeding program.