Minerals – Essential for Healthy Alpacas
New World camelids are adapted to the environmental conditions of their native habitats. These natural conditions differ significantly from the environments in which alpacas are kept in our region.
Natural Mineral Supply in the Native Habitat
New World camelids are adapted to the conditions of their native regions, including their diet, digestive system, and metabolism. In the Altiplano, these animals feed on fiber-rich, protein-poor forage growing on mineral-rich soils. Volcanic rocks provide a wide range of minerals, which accumulate in the plants and, in turn, in the animals’ diet.
Feeding Situation in Our Region
This natural forage base is not found in our region. Pasture in our area tends to be protein-rich but lacks sufficient minerals. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the animal keeper to provide an appropriate mineral supplementation for the herd.
Mineral Deficiency – A Gradual Process
Mineral deficiencies do not appear overnight, which makes them particularly insidious. Animals with insufficient mineral intake do not immediately show clinical signs of deficiency.
Gradually, the levels of individual minerals in the blood decrease over weeks without obvious signs. Only when critical thresholds are reached do visible deficiencies appear.
Signs can include changes in skin and fiber quality, digestive disturbances, reproductive issues, and skeletal problems. These conditions are often difficult to reverse and may require veterinary intervention.
Mineral Mixtures for New World Camelids
Specialized, vitamin-enriched mineral mixtures have been developed in collaboration with experts such as Prof. Gauly and Dr. Trah specifically for New World camelids.
As mentioned, pastures in our region are extremely protein-rich for alpacas. Therefore, these mineral supplements should not be tied to high-protein concentrates.
Using Concentrates Wisely
Overfeeding concentrates can lead to obesity, which in turn causes health problems: cardiovascular strain, metabolic overload, gastric ulcers, and, in some cases, reduced fertility in females.
It is therefore important to carefully consider what you feed your animals. Provide minerals consistently, but use concentrates only when necessary.
Mineral and Supplementary Feeds
In addition to the feeding recommendations described, we have offered mineral and supplementary feeds for New World camelids for many years.
Mineral Mixtures (Protein-Free)
- Kamelin Mineral Mixture Pure – 3 kg bag
- Kamelin Mineral Mixture Pure – 25 kg bag
Feed Mixtures for New World Camelids
- Alpaca & Lama Herbal Structural Muesli, for longer chewing, 12.5% crude protein
- Alpaca & Lama Energy Structural Muesli, for longer chewing, 17% crude protein
- Alpaca & Lama Muesli (Lama E), 12% crude protein
- Alpaca & Lama Energy Muesli (Alpaca 17), 17% crude protein
Orders can be placed through our online shop. We are happy to answer any questions.