Castration methods and welfare of Alpacas

  • 104 pages

  • Published: 6 Dec 2017

  • Author(s): Blache, D. , Maloney, S.K.

Share this content
  • twitter
  • facebook
  • email

  • Download report PDF

    Download

  • Purchase a hard copy - AUD $55.00

In the animal industry, castration is a valuable management tool, but it can be a source of concern from an animal welfare perspective. The existing standards for castration that have been developed for other livestock species, even the new standards, cannot be applied to alpacas because of the specific morphological and developmental characteristics of the alpaca. The best method to castrate alpacas is still being debated amongst animal protection groups, producers, animal scientists, and veterinarians. Each group has opinions about which method(s) could address their specific concerns, but a consensus is yet to be found.

The present project aimed to validate a standard method of castration for alpacas that could be recommended to either veterinarians or alpaca producers, and would be acceptable in welfare terms.

Related resources

Improved tenderness of alpaca carcases using combined processing techniques

Rapid growth within the Australian alpaca industry has increased interest in alpaca meat as a viable alternative to traditional fibre production. The benefits arising from...

Project Summary: Improved tenderness of alpaca carcases using combined processing techniques

Rapid growth within the Australian alpaca industry has increased interest in alpaca meat as a viable alternative to traditional fibre production. This has driven research...

ico
Emerging Industries

Project summary: Studies on gastrointestinal nematodes of alpacas

Although Australia has the largest alpaca population (>450,000) outside South America, very little is known about the epidemiology and control of gastrointestinal nematodes in alpacas....

ico
Emerging Industries

Studies on gastrointestinal nematodes (“worms”) of alpacas

Alpacas are increasingly popular as a commercial livestock species due to their soft, light and fine fibre, lean meat and hides as well as their...

Castration methods and welfare of Alpacas

In the animal industry, castration is a valuable management tool, but it can be a source of concern from an animal welfare perspective. The existing...

Project Summary: Alpaca Market Assessment 2016

A more professional Australian alpaca industry is emerging and enterprises with fleece, stud animals and meat sales have the potential to be profitable.  The domestic and...

Market Assessment – New and Emerging Animal Industries. Tranche 1: Mohair, Alpaca and Camel Milk

This research shows market opportunity for new, emerging and maturing animal industries – Mohair, Alpaca and Camel Milk. Farm gate returns from angora goats are...

Alpaca immunoglobulins: Phase 2

This project explored the production of therapeutic alpaca immunoglobulin products, as an alternative use of alpaca to fibre or meat production. A research herd of alpaca was hyperimmunised with...

Alpaca immunoglobulins

This report documents the findings on the use of alpaca for producing a therapeutic immunoglobulin product (snake antivenom), for treating snake bite envenomation. Additional research...

Factors impacting Australian alpaca meat and methods to improve quality - Project Summary

The sustainable expansion of the Australian alpaca industry, predominantly a pasture based system, requires the development of a market for meat in addition to traditional...

See all Publications & Resources