Compared to other animals, alpacas have smaller livers, making them more susceptible to liver damage and poisoning if exposed to toxic plants for prolonged periods.
Alpacas seldom suffer from acute poisoning caused by the consumption of toxic plants. As grazers, they tend to steer clear of poisonous vegetation when alternative feed is available. However, it's crucial to control the growth of harmful weeds in paddocks. Additionally, many ornamental plants are toxic, so it's best to prevent alpacas from grazing in garden areas where these species may be present.
Various types of plants, including exotic trees, shrubs, and pasture species, can contain toxins. However, most of these plants have bitter alkaloids that make them less appealing to consume. Feeding mouldy hay or drinking water that supports algal blooms can also lead to poisoning.
The toxicity level of plants can change depending on the season and the stage of their growth.
• Wilting in dry conditions and rapid growth after rain can increase the toxicity of some plants.
• Applying fertiliser to promote lush growth may increase toxicity.
• Some plants may only be toxic when growing in particular soil types.
• Stressful growth conditions, such as drought or insect attack may cause toxins to concentrate in a
plant.
• Plant parts can vary in their relative toxicity.
• Herbicide treatments can increase the palatability of plants.
• When livestock are hungry, they may gorge themselves on things they would not normally
eat. Therefore, do not introduce hungry livestock to areas where toxic plants are known to be growing.
• Livestock grazing in an area for extended periods may become accustomed to eating small amounts of toxic plant material. New mobs introduced to the same area will not have the same tolerance.
Poisonous plants can vary in toxicity according to parts of the plant and stages of plant growth. Typical indicators of plant poisoning can include:
• loss of appetite
• abdominal pain (alpacas will sit on one hip with a leg extended and roll). They may not be able to stand.
• restlessness
• diarrhoea
If you think your alpaca has been poisoned, it's important to bring samples of the plants they may have ingested to the veterinarian for identification. This will help in getting the appropriate treatment for your alpaca.
Other Things to Do
Besides calling your vet.
Move your alpaca to a secure small pen with a companion. Have drinking water and hay available.
Take the temperature of your alpaca and record it and the time. Just use a standard chemist rectum thermometer. Check and record several times throughout the day or night.
Pick and bag suspected plants as well as faecal sample of the animal.
Check eyelids and gums to see if they are pink or turning white. Record and or take a photo as it will help record the time.
Take a video of your alpaca, which can be handy when explaining to your breeder or vet.
Plants that are toxic/poisonous to alpacas.
As a general guideline, it's essential to be aware that certain flowers, flower buds, seeds, and berries may be toxic. We take great care to maintain our paddocks and regularly inspect and remove any fireweed. Although plants like bracken fern and Privett are located on the other side of the fence in the bush, they may encroach on the paddock if left unchecked. As responsible animal caretakers, we make it a point to mow our paddocks to keep them well-maintained regularly. Our alpaca herd undergoes a weekly paddock rotation as well. Additionally, we incorporate cross-grazing with our donkeys, which also benefits. We also leave a large bucket of hay and or chaff so alpacas can help themself, especially during the Wintertime when the grass is not so great.
If you're interested in learning more about alpacas and are new to the subject, we invite you to attend our upcoming weekend workshop. Daniela