Lovely llamas
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
The other main domesticated breed of South American camelid is the llama.
Widely used as a pack animal by the Incas, llamas descended from the wild guanaco. In South America llamas are still used as beasts of burden, for fibre and meat. In New Zealand however they are kept primarily as pets. A full-grown, full-size llama can reach between 5.5 feet (1.6 meters) and 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall at the top of the head and weigh between 280 pounds (127 kilograms) and 450 pounds (204 kilograms). At birth, a cria (baby) can weigh between 20 pounds (9 kilograms) to 30 pounds (14 kilograms). Very social animals, llamas like to live with other llamas as a herd. They are also very intelligent, learning simple tasks after a few repetitions. When using a pack, llamas can carry about 25% - 30% of their body weight for several kilometres. Llamas have banana shaped ears on the top of their head and a short tail. Their fleece is shorter than that of an alpaca and unlike sheep, does not contain lanolin. Llamas that are well-socialised and trained to halter and lead after weaning are very friendly and pleasant to be around. They are extremely curious and most will approach people easily. Like alpacas llamas can be prone to both facial eczema and Johnes Disease.
|
