[Alpacasite] Re: Question Regarding Eataholic Cria- - 'stripping' teats

Hi Tim and Rachelle,
Here is an interesting quote from Llamapedia about colostrum
production and absorption. Although this was apparently written
about llamas, another reference said that there is very little
difference between llamas and alpacas in regard to colostrum. I
hope this if of interest to you:
"Colostrum is only produced during the last few weeks prior to
parturition (birth). Once the cria is born, colostrum is no longer
produced. This is important because colostrum has the highest
concentration of antibodies at the first milking. The colostrum
remaining in the udder is subsequently diluted by the production of
normal milk after each nursing. Failure to wean last year's crias
could result in a lack of colostrum for the new cria. The yearling
may continue to nurse and will consume all of the colostrum before
the new cria is born. This could lead to Failure of Passive Transfer
because the new cria receives no colostrum even though it is nursing
normally and gaining weight. Teats which leak milk prior to birth
will also contribute to the loss of colostrum for the cria.

The cria absorbs the colostral immunoglobulins through the wall of
the small intestine without digesting them. The small intestine is
only capable of absorbing immunoglobulins in this manner for about
24 hours. The capability of the small intestine to absorb
immunoglobulins rapidly decreases from the time of birth until it
reaches a negligible ability to absorb by 24 hours after birth. This
makes it essential for crias to receive colostrum as early as
possible for maximum absorption and maximum passive immunity. Crias
should receive approximately 10% of their body weight in colostrum
within the first 24 hours. At least half of this amount should be
consumed in the first 6 to 12 hours after birth. It is normal for
the cria to take 1 to 2 hours before learning how to nurse so there
is no need to panic if they do not get a big meal of colostrum in
that time."

Jenny Brundage DVM
Kailua,HI

--- In Alpacasite@yahoogroups.com, Tim Wilson <tpwilson2@a...> wrote:
>
> Rachelle,
>
> I do not have any concrete evidence but I suspect that the most
> colostrum rich milk is likely to be the very first few ounces that
the
> dam produces. This I would guess is best to get inside the cria
right
> away (stomach lining closing in 24 hours and all). Would seem to
me the
> most logical thing would be to have the cria nurse naturally and
get as
> much of this rich milk as soon as possible.
>
> Always learning. I will ask my vet and see what he thinks. Maybe
we
> should be doing things differently. We've only has to supplement
one
> cria and it was nearly 3 months old. And this only lasted for 2
weeks.
>
> As always, thanks for your input.
>
> Tim Wilson
> Sterling Forrest Alpacas
> Chagrin Falls, OH
>
> Wyatt Black wrote:
>
> >Hi Tim,
> >I can think of a reason. We try and routinely milk a few ounces
at least out of mom with the birth of every new cria. The reason
is, in case there is a need for supplementation, we have the best
thing right on hand. If it is a first time mom, we might even go
for more, just in case.
> >Doesn't take anything away from the cria, and it is readily
available for the little one should the need arise.
> >Ciao~
> >Rachelle
> >
> >
> >Wyatt & Rachelle Black
> >Black Magic Alpaca Ranch
> >Honesty, Integrity, Quality
> >6500 Digier Road
> >P.O. Box 457
> >Lebec, CA
> >93243
> >http://www.blackmagicalpacaranch.com
> >wyattblack@e...
> >661-248-6568
> >

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