The llama is a very unusual animal. The height of a full grown llama is between 5.5 feet to 6 feet tall at the top of the head. They can weigh between 280 lbs. and 450 lbs. At birth, a baby llama can weigh between 20 and 30 lbs. Llamas come in all in different colors. Those colors are tan, white, grey, black, and brown. They have very thick fur like a sheep’s wool. The diameter of their fibers for their fur is 30-40 micrometers. They have a few characteristics here are some of them. Their skull resembles that of a camel. Also, their ears are long and curve inward. And lastly, all the family’s in that genus share the same characteristics.

 

The llama is a native of the Andes Mountains. They can be found in South America most of the time. They can also be found in Asia. Llamas originated from the central plains of North America about forty million years ago. They migrated to South America and Asia about three million years ago.

 

They are usually hunted or killed for their fur and meat. In South America, they are beasts of burden. Their fur is produced into a fiber which is then made into yarn. In 2007, there were over seven million llamas in South America. There are over 100,000 species of llamas in the U.S. and Canada because of the importation of llamas from South America. The fiber produced by a llama is very soft and lanolin free.

 

Llamas are quite hardy, which means they hold up well. They are susceptible to diseases though. These diseases are carried by parasites. These parasites than are found on cattle and sheep. The most notable disease found on llamas is enterotoxaemia. Enterotoxaemia is an “overrating disease” this disease comes in two types, C and D. This disease could decrease their population. It possibly could contribute to their change in habitat. The disease often affects the young. They are shrinking in population in certain areas because they are being imported to other places.

 

Llamas are virtually unlimited in what they eat. They mostly eat roughages, concentrates, and commercial supplements. Nutrient balance and energy density are required in their food. They usually eat bromegrass, alfalfa, and corn silage. Young llamas need more nutrients. They need more nutrients because they are still growing. Dietary requirements will be based on the animal’s performance. A 300-pound llama will need about four pounds of alfalfa a day to maintain condition. Llamas adjust well to free choice of feeding, or they can be fed once a day. Most llama owners set up a feeding schedule based on convenience.

 

2Llama’s main predators are mountain lions and wild dogs. Llamas are naturally cautious of dog-like animals. Llamas are naturally used for guards for sheep. Most guard llamas are males. Llamas work best among their flock of sheep. A guard llama can be used for up to 10-20 years. Llamas are members of the camel family. Llamas are smart and easy to train. Llamas live to be about 20 years old. Llamas don’t bite when they get mad. They spit at you when they get agitated.

 

Author: Carter V

Published: 02/2009

 

Sources: http://www.gonewengland.com http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/alt-ag/llama.htm http://www.wikipedia.org