Effects of Supplementation with Microminerals on Production Indicators and Blood, Feces, and Urine Traces of Grazing Alpaca (Lama lama)

Abstract

To analyze the effect of additional microminerals in the diet supplement on weight and diameter of alpaca fiber, the application of three doses of selenium and zinc (0.0; 1.0; and 1.5 cc) on the diet, on CRD factorial arrangement (3 x 2) + (3 x 2), was assessed. The results showed statistically significant differencences for treatments: selenium doses, ages, zinc doses, and for zinc interaction by ages (Se1E2 with 74.33 kg at 90 days, for height at the withers, Zn1E2, averaging 91.33 cm). Fiber length for treatments Se1E1 and Se1E2 averaged 3 cm. For fiber diameter, treatments 1 (Se0E1) and Se1E1, group 1, and treatments Zn0E2 and Zn1E1, group 2, showed the best fiber quality (P < 0.05), averaging 28 microns. Live weight and fiber quality from mature animals based on supplementation with Se and Zn had beneficial effects, which improved phenotypical features of production, like live weight, though residues were found in 3-5 year old animals.

Keywords

• south american camelids
• fleece characterisitics
• mineral nutrition
• grazing
• organic fluids