Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Friday, June 11, 2010

RE: [AlpacaTalk] EPE

 

            Actually our vet gave her one injection of Biomycin and ran bloodwork.  I think because she was so thin and had just been shipped 3000 miles…..stress, nursing and pregnant.  I know there is a specific protocol ……injection……three days another……….three days another…….something like that.  Her records indicated she had received one or two injections already and I think the vet was just trying to cover all bases.

 

            Since then, she has done well.  I have not had her cria tested……..I’ll do that before we breed her but it is in the back of my head---if she were to start losing weight I would suspect EPE first. 

 

            We give ivermectin every four weeks here, due to the the population of  WT Deer…….I do fecals quarterly on all and we treat only those with confirmed parasites, so I am hoping our staying on top of parasites will help keep the EPE from taking over. 

 

            I am much more relaxed about the prospects of EPE, now.  Not that I don’t think it is harmful, but with treatment, it is not a death sentence I thought it could be.

 

            I have learned a lot and have so much more to learn……..some lessons have come easier than others………but we are still here and doing ok. 

 

            Our first cria born on our farm was Magnolia May on May 11th to a maiden mom and we survived it.  Had to assist, but now I know we can help mom out when needed.  We have three due in the Fall……..two proven and one more maiden.  This learning process never ends!

Laura

 

Laura Roberts

R Half Pint Farm

Spotsylvania, VA 

 

From: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Nancy Miller
Sent: Friday, June 11, 2010 11:19 PM
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] EPE

 

 

Dear Laura,

   If she was really treated for MH, her blood levels should be low and the likelyhood of showing its ugly head low.  May I ask why did you give her Biomycin????

 

It is hard to make a sale these days.  I am sorry the sellers needed the sale so badly that they were afraid of this disclosure up front.  The truth is that a very HIGH percentage of ALL of our alpacas have this disease.   We have to overcome the stigma of disclosure so that these animals are protected.   At least these people told you in the paperwork......alot of people are not telling it at all. (Sometimes they just do not know, nor have any reason to suspect.)   Dr. Lisa Williamson thinks that this disease came in importation.   She and alot of vets think that we should not treat a positive animal.....many of us think you should.  We believe it improves the quality of life of dams like yours.  It also lowers the chance of infection to other animals.   A few farms have set their standards to include MH testing with breeding practices and presence on their farms.  I think this is good.   Label these animals and treat them, then transport them.

 

I really believe AOBA should make MH testing right up there with BVDV.   ( You hear me, board members????)   Polio was not "wiped out", so to speak, until everyone was vaccinated.  MH won't be either.

 

I'll bet money your dam and her cria will just get stronger every day and you won't regret buying her one bit!!!
Take care.

Nancy Miller

Crooked Pine Hollow Alpacas

76 Van Lane

Winterville, Ga. 30683

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posted by Chaddo at 8:38 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] EPE

 

Dear Laura,
   If she was really treated for MH, her blood levels should be low and the likelyhood of showing its ugly head low.  May I ask why did you give her Biomycin????
 
It is hard to make a sale these days.  I am sorry the sellers needed the sale so badly that they were afraid of this disclosure up front.  The truth is that a very HIGH percentage of ALL of our alpacas have this disease.   We have to overcome the stigma of disclosure so that these animals are protected.   At least these people told you in the paperwork......alot of people are not telling it at all. (Sometimes they just do not know, nor have any reason to suspect.)   Dr. Lisa Williamson thinks that this disease came in importation.   She and alot of vets think that we should not treat a positive animal.....many of us think you should.  We believe it improves the quality of life of dams like yours.  It also lowers the chance of infection to other animals.   A few farms have set their standards to include MH testing with breeding practices and presence on their farms.  I think this is good.   Label these animals and treat them, then transport them.
 
I really believe AOBA should make MH testing right up there with BVDV.   ( You hear me, board members????)   Polio was not "wiped out", so to speak, until everyone was vaccinated.  MH won't be either.
 
I'll bet money your dam and her cria will just get stronger every day and you won't regret buying her one bit!!!
Take care.
Nancy Miller
Crooked Pine Hollow Alpacas
76 Van Lane
Winterville, Ga. 30683


-----Original Message-----
From: Laura A. Roberts <laura0554@hughes.net>
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, Jun 11, 2010 2:12 pm
Subject: RE: [AlpacaTalk] EPE

 
            I'm sorry-I thought you had heard her story.  I bought her sight unseen and she was shipped from CA to VA.  Yes, she was tested and treated for EPE prior to leaving CA.  We also gave her Biomycin when she arrived and had her blood drawn.  She definitely has EPE.  We just didn't know until she arrived with all her paperwork.
 
            She is doing well, now.  We are very pleased to have been able to build her weight back up, especially since it was winter and she was still nursing.  I didn't want to wean the cria immediately because I was concerned about their stress level and relocation.  We had a coat made for her so she wouldn't waste energy trying to keep warm.  Her fiber was very sparse. 
 
            Anyway, 7 months and 30 pounds later………we are pleased with her.  Her energy level is great and she looks and acts very healthy. I know we have to keep a close eye on her and that the EPE can spread it's ugly head if she gets run down or sick. 
 
Laura Roberts
R Half Pint Farm
Spotsylvania, VA 
 
From: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of jelizabethfarms1@bellsouth.net
Sent: Friday, June 11, 2010 11:38 AM
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] EPE
 
 

So you didn't treat her with Biomycin? You call her your EPE girl; did
you have her tested?

My matriarch has always had a hard time keeping her weight up. Well I
am not sure that is an accurate statement. She carries a large rounded
belly low......she always always always looks preg, and the right side
is always larger than the left so she has fooled me more than once;
these days until I see legs coming out her behind I won't believe she is
preg! But her hips and along the top of spine area are just skin and
bone.
So I am unsure as to whether to suspect EPE or not. I am leaning in
that direction, but just hate to inject anything that I don't absolutely
have to.
She gets plenty to eat - all she will eat.....with no competition as
they are all fed separately - so that is not the problem.
Janice

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posted by Chaddo at 8:19 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

[AlpacaTalk] Where Will Your Farm Show In The New Google Search Results?

 

Google is expected to roll out a new use interface this
year (referred to as “Jazz”). This will affect everyone
who currently relies on organic search results to drive
traffic to their farm because the new 3-column layout
gives priority to the 5-pack and map results at the top
of the screen, and lists them vertically.

This has the effect of reducing the number of organic
search results that can be seen above the fold.

The prominence achieved by the 5-pack (that will
supersede the existing 7-pack) makes it even more
important to make sure that your farm is listed there.
Interestingly, this can be done even if you don’t have
a website. But you need to know how to get into those
cherished listings and what factors influence your
position.

Email me for more information and a review of your
site’s readiness for the change.

 

Chris Lewis | Alpaca Advantage| Virginia | USA
Telephone: (540) 635-5308 | Fax: (540) 635-7193
AlpacaAdvantage.com
Alpaca-Business-Plan.com
HighImpactSiteDesign.com  

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Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsbilty of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
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posted by Chaddo at 6:29 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

[AlpacaTalk] Visit Aero Ranch Suri Alpacas!

 

Every day is open ranch day at Aero Ranch,
each visit is taylor made for you and your wants/needs. 
All the show kids are all  home from their Spring show tour (Futurity, Classic, IAO and Nationals) and ready to entertain guests.
The herdsires haven't yet left for their Summer in cooler climes and new crias are zooming around the green pastures. It is a great time to visit Aero Ranch and chat about suris. We taylor each visit to the visitor's wants and needs, schedule your visit today!

Email Jennifer aeroranch@yahoo.com 

Looking forward to seeing you at the ranch.

Bluest Skies
Jennifer Powers
Aero Ranch Suri Alpacas
530-741-2376 

Browns Valley California 

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posted by Chaddo at 4:12 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

RE: [AlpacaTalk] EPE

 

            I’m sorry-I thought you had heard her story.  I bought her sight unseen and she was shipped from CA to VA.  Yes, she was tested and treated for EPE prior to leaving CA.  We also gave her Biomycin when she arrived and had her blood drawn.  She definitely has EPE.  We just didn’t know until she arrived with all her paperwork.

 

            She is doing well, now.  We are very pleased to have been able to build her weight back up, especially since it was winter and she was still nursing.  I didn’t want to wean the cria immediately because I was concerned about their stress level and relocation.  We had a coat made for her so she wouldn’t waste energy trying to keep warm.  Her fiber was very sparse. 

 

            Anyway, 7 months and 30 pounds later………we are pleased with her.  Her energy level is great and she looks and acts very healthy. I know we have to keep a close eye on her and that the EPE can spread it’s ugly head if she gets run down or sick. 

 

Laura Roberts

R Half Pint Farm

Spotsylvania, VA 

 

From: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of jelizabethfarms1@bellsouth.net
Sent: Friday, June 11, 2010 11:38 AM
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] EPE

 

 


So you didn't treat her with Biomycin? You call her your EPE girl; did
you have her tested?

My matriarch has always had a hard time keeping her weight up. Well I
am not sure that is an accurate statement. She carries a large rounded
belly low......she always always always looks preg, and the right side
is always larger than the left so she has fooled me more than once;
these days until I see legs coming out her behind I won't believe she is
preg! But her hips and along the top of spine area are just skin and
bone.
So I am unsure as to whether to suspect EPE or not. I am leaning in
that direction, but just hate to inject anything that I don't absolutely
have to.
She gets plenty to eat - all she will eat.....with no competition as
they are all fed separately - so that is not the problem.
Janice

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Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsbilty of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
MARKETPLACE

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posted by Chaddo at 11:12 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] EPE

 

Janice:
I haven't followed this thread closely, so sorry if I say something that's already been said. The ONLY way to know if you have EPE is to have a blood test done. There was an article in Alpacas Magazine I think in the Fall. I think it is also on the ARF website. In any case, one of the things that occurs with EPE is not only weight loss, but anemia. Anemia can be very very serious as I'm sure you know. In any case, there are other kinds of issues that sometimes go along with EPE (Mycoplasma haemolama) like a heavy parasite burden. Giving antibiotics can be rather tricky, so I would very much hesitate to do that unless advised by a vet. I *think* there is a specific protocol for MH treatment, but I'm not aware of it. I would urge you to contact U of Georgia (Drs. Lisa Williamson and Allesandra Pellegrini) where they did a study if you suspect you may have a case of it. The other important thing is that it is very often sub-clinical and the animals show no signs of ill thrift. Again, that would be for a vet to determine.
 
If you're just dealing with an underweight girl, I'd try good old alfalfa. Have you gotten weights on this girl? I have one that also has the big belly and always looks pregnant. She's always been healthy and almost 11 years old....and I've come to think that she just carries her weight differently than the others. Her hips also look narrow and small compared to the rest of her. Another girl always looks thin to me, but I noticed today that her chest seems full...not thin at all....and all of that leads me to conclude that they are like people....some carry the weight in the bellies, others in their legs, still others in their chest area.....it's individual, so I'm not worrying anymore since they're all healthy and I never see any indication that anybody isn't healthy and happy.....
 
Good luck!
Susan
 
Susan Forman
Dewey Morning Alpacas
Washington Court House, OH 43160
740-636-1899
http://www.alpacanation.com/deweymorning.asp
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, June 11, 2010 11:38 AM
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] EPE

 

<<< Okay, we chose to supplement her with a non-alpaca supplement
and this is controversial and has been discussed before on this website. I
am not advising anyone to do what we did- only answering your question.
(ok-disclaimer done)....snip>>>>

So you didn't treat her with Biomycin? You call her your EPE girl; did
you have her tested?

My matriarch has always had a hard time keeping her weight up. Well I
am not sure that is an accurate statement. She carries a large rounded
belly low......she always always always looks preg, and the right side
is always larger than the left so she has fooled me more than once;
these days until I see legs coming out her behind I won't believe she is
preg! But her hips and along the top of spine area are just skin and
bone.
So I am unsure as to whether to suspect EPE or not. I am leaning in
that direction, but just hate to inject anything that I don't absolutely
have to.
She gets plenty to eat - all she will eat.....with no competition as
they are all fed separately - so that is not the problem.
Janice

Susan Forman
Dewey Morning Alpacas
Washington Court House, OH 43160
740-636-1899
http://www.alpacanation.com/deweymorning.asp

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsbilty of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
MARKETPLACE

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posted by Chaddo at 9:08 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

[AlpacaTalk] EPE

 

<<< Okay, we chose to supplement her with a non-alpaca supplement
and this is controversial and has been discussed before on this website. I
am not advising anyone to do what we did- only answering your question.
(ok-disclaimer done)....snip>>>>

So you didn't treat her with Biomycin? You call her your EPE girl; did
you have her tested?

My matriarch has always had a hard time keeping her weight up. Well I
am not sure that is an accurate statement. She carries a large rounded
belly low......she always always always looks preg, and the right side
is always larger than the left so she has fooled me more than once;
these days until I see legs coming out her behind I won't believe she is
preg! But her hips and along the top of spine area are just skin and
bone.
So I am unsure as to whether to suspect EPE or not. I am leaning in
that direction, but just hate to inject anything that I don't absolutely
have to.
She gets plenty to eat - all she will eat.....with no competition as
they are all fed separately - so that is not the problem.
Janice

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsbilty of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
.

__,_._,___

posted by Chaddo at 8:38 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

[AlpacaTalk] Fully a Third (or more) of Your Farm Business--is MARKETING!!!

 

Those buyers are NOT automatic, are they!!!  Epecially right now!  So if you're not selling as many animals as you want, learn more about marketing!!!
 
Making more money is not fortune telling
It's learning the skills to do much more selling
 
Make it easier!  Here's how to learn more about this part of your job--marketing!

Develop your own marketing muscles with one, two or all of these books!  The Marketing Trilogy for farmers!   http://beyondthesidewalk.com/books.shtml
Reader comments:
 
"You are having a positive influence on folks all over the country... even contemplating trying to do some marketing is a big step forward. I was pretty willing to accept that our business was done... period... but you have made a difference in how I interact with clients..."

 
In case anyone is wondering, I highly recommend her materials and to hear her speak if possible.  She's one of the few people who can both speak and write in an interesting manner.   (you know... some people write well, but when you hear them talk, it is either like fingernails on chalkboard or you lose consciousness from their droning...)    Ellie is engaging in person *and* in print!  :D

She offers easy to understand marketing advice for the small farmer or small business owner.  She offers good info about goats, etc.   Many of us are indeed trying to make a living "beyond the sidewalk" and any of us who have anything to sell (eggs, soap, goat milk, veggies, whatever) *has* to do some marketing to have sales.    She also has experience making other farm products... a very real person who has lots and lots in common with us.    She also offers a for real money back guarantee on her materials."


Marketing Workshops, Books, blog/free newsletter & consulting:
Growing Your Rural Business: From the Inside Out
Marketing Farm Products: and How to Thrive Beyond the Sidewalk
Economy Proofing Rural Business
Making Money With Goats

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posted by Chaddo at 5:01 AM 0 comments