What Are The Most Important Vitamins & Minerals My Alpaca Needs?

Fat Soluble Vitamins

• Vitamin A

A deficiency could result including reduced resistance to infection, slow growth, and improper tooth and bone development.

• Vitamin D

Vitamin D increases absorption of calcium and phosphorus. In the northern states, Vitamin D is restricted due to lack of sunlight. A deficiency of Vitamin D could cause rickets and other skin problems.

• Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant which stabilizes membranes and protects them from free radicals. It also protects and vitalizes the testicles for reproductivity.

 

Water Soluble Vitamins

• Vitamin B1

A deficiency in Vitamin B1 could result in gastrointestinal problems, such a consitipation and intestinal inflammation.

• Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 is improtant for energy production. A deficiency could result in dermatitis, dry skin, dry fiber, and improper growth.

• Vitamin B3

Symptons of a Vitamin B3 deficiency are dermatitis and diarrhea.

• Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is needed for protein production, especially during pregnancy for proper DNA placement.

• Biotin

Biotin aids protein in absorbing amino acids. This also helps reduce the symptons of a zinc deficiency. Biotin also plays a huge role in fiber production.

 

Minerals

• Calcium

98% of calcium in the alpacas body is in its bone tissue. Calcium is dependent on Vitamin D for absorption. Lack of either one can result in improper bone formation. The calcium and phosphorus ratio is critical in an alpacas diet. If a diet is too high in phosphorus and too low in calcium, it can result in bone loss and soft tissue calcification.

• Phosphorus

Phosphorus is the second most important mineral for alpacas. Most enzymes and B Vitamins are only absorbed with the presence of phosphorus. The ideal ration for calcium and phosphorus for an alpaca is 2:1 for their bones and teeth. Grains and alfalfa are higher in calcium than the recommended 2:1 ratio, so a supplement that is higher is phosophorus is a must.

• Potassium

Potassium helps to maintain cell growth and water balance in an alpacas body. Extreme hot weather and/or stress can cause a deficiency.

• Iron

Low iron can result in a low red blood cell count, which causes anemia. Anemia can be very serious if there is an infestation of parasites.

• Magnesium

Magnesium is important for aiding the body to get rid of excess ammonia. This helps the alpaca to handle hot weather and stress.

• Maganese

A maganese deficiency can result in too much phosphorus and calcium in the intestines. Signs of a maganese deficiency are sterility, weak cria, and poor survival rates.

• Colbalt

Colbalt aids in biotin dependency. An alpaca deficient in colbalt result in emaciation and anemia.

• Iodine

If an alpaca is deficient in iodine it could result in poorly formed bones and physical problems with the cria.

• Copper

The largest concentrations of copper occur in developing tissues. A deficiency could result in a low white blood cell count, poor quality fiber, and reduced immunity. Caution: Copper should not exceed 60mg per alpaca per day. Normal levels of copper for other livestock are not the same in alpacas. Please contact your veterinarian for questions.

• Selenium

Selenium plays a huge role in normal development of a cria during pregnancy and the health of a newborn. Alpacas require a higher level of selenium that most livestock.

• Zinc

Zinc aids in bone development and oil gland function of the skin. It also helps with wound healing, the immune system, and newborns.

**Please Contact Your Veterinarian For Proper Levels Of All Vitamins & Minerals**