Over coming months I plan to draft a virtual book entitled A Guide to Llamas and Llama Husbandry. This book does not attempt to duplicate or compete with some of the excellent works already out there, penned by experts in breeding, specialists in veterinary medicine, etc. with far more knowledge and experience than I. However, by bridging what exists on the World Wide Web it aims to provide a comprehensive one-stop shop on llamas and llama husbandry. Originally, my plan had been to encourage collaborative involvement of fellow members of the British Llama Society but given the lack of responses to my invite on their Facebook site, welcome any individual to comment, contribute, etc. The Contents list below outlines the structure and content. Some of these headings are hyperlinked to current drafts.
Contents
Introduction – need for good practical guide, position within published literature
Llama Basics
Basic Anatomy & Physiology
Uses and Activities – Meat, Guarding, Fleece, Manure, etc.
Types – Argentine, Classic, Tampuli, Silkies, Suri, Minis
Conformation
Acquiring Stock
Husbandry
Housing
Feeding and Nutrition Requirements inc. Supplements
Soil preparation – Drainage, Harrowing, Rolling, Slitting, Sub Soiling
Herbage - Seed Selection, Seeding, Fertilizing, Cutting/Topping/Hay Making
Health Care
General
Body Scoring
Hoof Trimming, Shearing, etc.
Castration
Illness and Diseases
Parasites and their control
Llama Standards, Showing and Judging
Some initial thoughts on the UK scene
Llama Breeding and Reproduction
Embryo Transfer (part of a presentation file)
Further Information
Bibliography (in chronological order) For a subject bibliographies click here
Reflections on a Llama Mission to the US
Appendices
