What causes staggers in alpacas?

Based on grass presence and the timing when staggers was observed, it was concluded that perennial ryegrass toxicosis was the main cause of staggers in alpaca. About 12% and 9% of alpaca grazing pasture containing perennial ryegrass exhibited staggers in the two full seasons for which data were collected.

Can alpacas eat ryegrass?

Annual ryegrass that is endophyte free is an acceptable fall planting. Keep an eye out for the staggers in your herd when you let them graze it as every bag of annual seed can contain seeds that share the endophytes found in perennial rye grass.

Can alpacas get staggers?

Ryegrass Staggers is a neurological impairment of cattle – particularly of weaned calves and heifers – as well as sheep, deer, horses and alpacas.

How do you stop ryegrass staggers?

Prevention of Perennial Rye Grass Staggers Inspect sheep twice weekly during summer on pastures where cases have occurred previously and move sheep to low risk paddocks as soon as you detect the first signs of staggers. Move sheep gently without dogs.

What grass is best for alpacas?

While, most native grasses are fine for raising alpacas, there are some that will suit your needs better than others. Bermuda, Bahia, and orchard grasses seem to be the pick of most alpaca ranchers. These are some of the endophyte free grasses.

What grasses can alpacas eat?

Alpacas Need Good Grazing Pasture should consist mostly of good grass, such as Bermuda or Timothy. Small stands of Yarrow, dandelions, clover and other wild, native plants are also desirable but should not make up the most part of alpacas grazing.

Can alpacas get foot rot?

Alpacas are not prone to foot rot. However, foot problems can occur, especially in wet, boggy conditions. Fly strike during the summer months is not common but can occur. Check your alpacas for presence of lots of flies, dirty fleece from loose stools, wet areas on the fleece, surface wounds and lameness.

What causes phalaris staggers?

In its early stages of growth (usually the first six weeks) phalaris grass contains toxic alkaloids, which if grazed, can lead to animals developing phalaris staggers.

What does grass staggers look like?

The initial symptoms of Mg deficiency are nervousness, ears pricked, nostrils flaring, eyes alert and head held high. Movement is stiff, like a cow is walking on stilts, and she will stagger when forced to move quickly. Cows suffer loss of appetite and reduced milk production.

What can you not feed alpacas?

Alpacas can’t eat all fruits and vegetables. They generally don’t do well with nitrogen-rich fruits or veggies – nor should they eat anything from the mustard or nightshade plant families.

What can alpacas not eat?

Nightshade produce includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, horse nettle, and peppers. Fruits and vegetables from this category contain alkaloids that can be potentially lethal to alpacas and may lead to vomiting, lethargy, and respiratory distress. Fruits and vegetables in this family are most dangerous when over-ripe.

What is poisonous to alpacas?

Several toxic compounds are found in black locust sprouts, leaves, bark, flowers, and seed pods, including a glycoside (robitin) and phytotoxins (robin and phasin).