Alpaca growth curves

Authors

  • J. L. Brown Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
  • R. J. Van Saun Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20143760

Keywords:

growth characteristic, nutrition, post-weaning, growth curves, alpaca, small ruminents

Abstract

Evaluating animal growth characteristics is an effective monitoring tool to assess adequacy of the nutritional program. Growth will be directly influenced post-weaning by the amount and quality of the diet consumed. Early growth is indirectly affected by nutrition through the effect of nutrient supply on maternal milk production. Growth curves have been generated for various species, including llamas, but none exist yet for the alpaca. The objective of this project was to develop standardized growth curves for the alpaca from birth through maturity.

Cover image of the 47th Conference Proceedings: An image of a herd of cattle in a field at dusk. Three cows are standing in the foreground, looking adorable. Yellow background.

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Published

2014-09-18

Issue

2014

Section

AASRP Posters and Research Summaries