ABSTRACT
A trial was carried out in alpacas (Lama pacos) and llamas (Lama glama) to determine the economic benefits of controlling both external and internal parasites by the use of ivermectin ("Ivomec," Merck Sharp & Dohme). After four months the treated male alpacas gained on average 3.1 kg more than the untreated males, and their fleece weighed 0.36 kg more. The treated female alpacas gained 1.9 kg more than the controls, but their fleece weighed 0.03 kg less. This treatment gave a net financial benefit to the farmer of U.S. $3.54 for each of his male alpacas and U.S. $1.36 for each of his female alpacas. The results for the llamas were not significant because there was great variation in the weight gains (and losses). Because the value of llama fleece is less, the economic benefits were also less.
Subject(s)
Camelids, New World/parasitology , Ectoparasitic Infestations/veterinary , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary , Ivermectin/therapeutic use , Wool/growth & development , Animals , Ectoparasitic Infestations/economics , Ectoparasitic Infestations/prevention & control , Feces/parasitology , Female , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/economics , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/prevention & control , Male , Parasite Egg Count/veterinary , Peru , Random Allocation , Weight GainABSTRACT
A trial was carried out in alpacas (Lama pacos) to determine the economic benefit of controlling both external and internal parasites using ivermectin (Ivomec, Merck, Sharpe and Dohme). After four months the treated male alpacas had gained on average 3.1 kg more than the untreated males and their fleece weighed 0.36 kg more. Treated females gained 1.9 kg more than the controls but their fleece weighed 0.03 kg less. This resulted in a net financial benefit to the farmer of US$3.54 for each male alpaca and US$1.36 for each female.
