From page 37
LIVESTOCK
can share an existing infrastructure with other livestock.
You need a fenced area with
grass for them to graze, a
supply of fresh water and
shade. Your fence need only
be 1,2m high.
If you leave them in the field
you would need a shelter of
some kind for shade and
shelter from inclement
weather. If you bring them in
at night, stables should have
2m height, and about 2 m²
space per animal.
They can survive on grazing if
there is enough available, as
alpacas are quite hardy and
can survive periods of
drought and little food.
However, if you are keeping
them for their fleece, you
need to supplement their
feed with game or llama
pellets.
Generally speaking a high
protein diet will lead to
higher microns in the fibre. If
their intake of minerals and
trace elements is too low,
there might be low fertility or
they develop bad bone
structure and conformation. It Alpaca mother and baby, known as a cria
is always best to know what
your grounds and natural
feeds and water have
available, then you can
Continued on page 41
39
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