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Winter 2007 |
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Cover: Palmdale
Syagrus being led by Keith Payne, pausing to enjoy the view from Four
Peaks at
Oxford.
Photo:
Fred Schwithal |
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NEW ZEALAND LLAMA ASSOCIATION
AGM 28-29 April 2007
What a wonderful weekend!
The New Zealand Llama Association weekend of 28-29 April 2007 in
Christchurch was an absolute roaring success with a record turn out of
people and a great deal of fun and information-sharing for the group of
llama enthusiasts who attended.
Many thanks to our most wonderful hostess, Anne Thompson of Watford Grange
who not only organised excellent speakers, but also opened her home for
the Saturday events and evening Annual General Meeting.
Also thanks to the incredibly generous Fred and Emma Schwithal of Palmdale
Llamas who hosted an enthusiastic crowd on the Sunday for a packing clinic
and strenuous walk from their magnificent Oxford property.
Welcoming Watford
The weekend started on Saturday morning with a lovely group cosied up in
Anne Thompson’s lounge around the log fire. To make a start to the day’s
action packed program we had to drag ourselves away from viewing Betty
Rae’s latest Nuno felting
creations and Craig Woodham’s entertaining antics delighting the crowd by
parading around with wearable llama art on his head, making him look like
the Rasta man!
Once we settled down on comfortable chairs, Raymond Williams from Ballance
Agri-Nutrients gave an informative talk about the importance of farm
nutrients and minerals. The difference between beef and sheep requirements
of high nutrients versus llamas’ requirements of high mineral, lower
nutrients was soon highlighted. A number of people expressed interest in
having soil fertility tests taken of their acreage as a starting point for
determining fertilizer requirements.
Throughout the day, new member Martin Bennett took photographs. As a
professional global photographer, he is clearly very clever and has an
interesting website gambarpanjang.com that is well worth a look. Martin
and Lisa Bennett of Chestnut Llamas are recent immigrants to Canterbury
(see NZLA Autumn 2007 newsletter for Lisa and Annabel’s article on their
llamas). I wonder if we shall see some llamas appearing in the future on
their website.
Local Rolleston Vet Anita then gave an informative talk about basic vet
care for llamas. Having enjoyed llamas for a decade now, it was really
nice for me to listen to an expert reinforce that perhaps what I have been
doing is ok. A discussion was had between the choice of (the old) 5 in 1
or (the new) 10 in1 vaccinations to prevent against clostridial diseases.
Anita said that 10 in 1 is recommended only for people with llamas in warm
climates where liver fluke was a problem. The main feeling in the group
was that 5 in 1 was the preferred vaccination for the Canterbury area.
Another issue covered was the need for worming of llamas with Naomi
Woodham from Cabbage Tree Camelids making the wise comment that it is
better to have a faecal egg count done on your llamas before worming to
ensure it is necessary.
Anita then took the keen and adventurous outside to demonstrate injections
on some of Anne’s llama girls. Helena Bullen also demonstrated the Lady
Muck Paddock Vacuum and I understand the crowd was suitably impressed by
how successful it was at scooping up the poop.
I remained inside during this time, enthralled by Betty Rae’s wonderful
creations and Jackie Middleton of Avalon Llamas and I oohed and aahed over
fibre dream catchers, llama jerseys, Nuno felted scarves, hats, bags,
ponchos with inlaid butterflies and all manner of wearable art made from
silk and llama fibre.
After a fabulous lunch, including Anne’s famous ‘spag bol’, Lisa and
Annette Bennett’s
sausage rolls and scones with cream and jam and Martin’s
marvellous egg sandwiches, we gathered around a table in Anne’s large
farmhouse kitchen to observe Betty Rae of Camelid Way, Nuno felt a
beautiful scarf. We were all so impressed and were thrilled to hear Betty
was to be in Christchurch for three weeks and planned on sharing more of
her knowledge with us. One workshop soon became two, with the 10 and 12
May planned to get together to learn more.
With all the girls (dams) in the kitchen doing felting we realized that
there was a small herd of sires in the dining room with Clarrie Holye,
Terry Spekreijse and the delightful John Pilbrow enjoying boy talk around
the dining table.
More people started to arrive, with Graham Murray of Karaka Grove Llamas
jet setting in, having arrived to Christchurch fresh from a business trip
to China. It was great to catch up with him before he headed off to catch
another plane home to Auckland.
After consuming a large amount of fish and chips we moved into Anne’s
lounge, stoked up the fire and topped up wine glasses to settle in for the
2007 AGM. It was a shame we could not have our dear President Julie Insley
on speaker phone, but Vice President Jan McLay chaired the meeting
excellently and Penny King gave a lot of informative news to the group.
It was an interesting meeting, with Jill Allen of Gem Alpacas showing her
knowledge of being involved in both llamas and alpacas and she informed
the group of how the NZ Alpaca Association had just completed trials with
blood testing on six different alpaca farms though out New Zealand to
determine mineral and nutrient levels and recommendations. I found this
most interesting and look forward to finding out more about the results.
As we munched on pieces snapped off a giant communal chocolate bar there
was a lively debate regarding the showing of llamas with a new suri llama
class being considered. Terry Spekreijse of The Llama Station told of his
experience in the USA with judging suri llamas, saying that he believed
the different phenotype between the two was significant enough to warrant
different classes.
Emma Schwithal came up with an excellent idea of NZLA producing our own
llama birthday calendar and with much hilarity, Clarrie Hoyle of Cairnhill
Retreat happily volunteered his lovely wife Syth, who while not at the
meeting is currently working on the 2008 NZLA calendar.
The evening concluded and one by one we sloped of into the darkness,
knowing that the next day would be different, yet just as fabulous.
Palmdale Sunday
Sunday we were in for a treat from Penny King of Karma Llamas who
travelled all the way from the Waitakere Ranges in
Auckland, to Christchurch to generously give insight into the training of
a llama to become a packer. Now having hosted 350+ people through her
llama trekking business, Penny is well qualified to be an expert on the
subject. Favouring the Flaming Star pack, imported from the USA, Penny
showed us how to desensitize a halter-trained llama (volunteer Palmdale
Joey) to easily become relaxed with loading and wearing a pack. It was
very interesting and I am sure inspiring for many of us to do more
trekking with our llamas.
The informal setting meant we could combine learning with catching up with
llama friends we may not have seen for a while. It was nice to see
Elizabeth and Dr Stuart Yuill Proctor of Kirsonara and hear about their
two baby llamas. Both jet-black, one boy and one girl… Lovely.
After mulling about with lots of chatting amongst members, a number of
people and llamas then climbed Mount Palmdale (or Four Peaks as it is
officially known). It was well worth the effort as the views from the top
were spectacular, right out over the Canterbury Plains with a 180 degree
stretch encompassing rivers and the famous patchwork landscape past
Christchurch to the Banks Peninsula. Carol Garland of Courtney Llamas went
even further with her lovely cocker spaniel to make it to the craggy rocks
up above the track.
I was most impressed with how well behaved the ten or so llamas that we
took up the hill were, including many older and entire boys in the group.
It was without doubt to me that Keith Payne’s gelding, Palmdale MacArthur
was the most outstanding boy on the trip. Now perhaps it is not PC to have
favourites, but this guy is stunning! Looking resplendent in his apricot
coat, he was the definition of a true packer as he strutted his stuff!
After coming down from the great height and back to Fred and Emma’s home,
we were treated to a sumptuous feast as we gazed out from their deck to
the wondrous view. Lunch included wild boar and venison, caught from their
property, kindly given to them from a neighbouring farm, plus many other
delicacies. It was a very memorable lunch as people relaxed and chatted.
It was a great weekend, bringing together new members and old, from near
and far. It was great to see Ann Tyler-Moore of Therapy Llamas who had
travelled all the way from Auckland for the packing clinic, and it was a
shame that she could only stay for such a short amount of time.
New member Alex Robinson had travelled over from the West Coast to stay
with friend Janette Eason of Briar Patch Llamas. Alex has a great interest
and skill in weaving and is planning on hosting a weaving workshop at her
property in the near future. We eagerly await an invitation.
Sue and Peter Wastney from Doolittle Llamas were also great fun to meet.
They had come down for the weekend from Nelson and they gave me confidence
to do more with my children in combination with llamas. Their stories of
travelling around Australia with 5 young children inspired me to start
taking my two littlies to more llama functions, as so often it seems
easier to sneak off with llamas (and not children) as a wonderful excuse
for a freedom break!
Kay Seifert was there with her son, and Lisa Bennet was with her mum Ann
Drewett. All had family fun at Palmdale, reinforcing to me that llamas can
involve all for a great time.
It was also nice to catch up with Uta Bleidistel of Crambambuli Llamas who
had travelled all the way from New Plymouth for the weekend. I met Uta
many years ago when she and husband Willem fell in love with llama Novia
at Bencarri Farm Park. I could never forget her beautiful long blond hair
and during the weekend pondered if I could ever breed a llama with fibre
that looked as lustrous.
The weekend concluded mid afternoon. Penny King and Uta Bleidistel had
planes to catch to take them home. It truly was a great gathering and has
left me inspired in many ways. For fibre, fun and friendship – llamas -
they really do provide it all!
Thank you to the photographers - Fred and Emma Schwithal, Sue and Peter
Wastney, Martin Bennett and Uta Bleidistel.
Written by Robyn Robinson |
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Johnes Disease—J.D.
By
Kasia Chapman-Labecka DVM MRCVS
What should we know about it and can we prevent it?
What
is Johnes Disease?
JD is a bacterial , infectious disease of the
intestines, leading to lost weight, terminally to diarrhoea and in many
cases in death.
It is caused by Mycobacterium
paratuberculosis, which is closely related to the same group of bacteria
that cause bovine TB.
What
animals does it affect?
It affects all farmed animals, including
cattle, sheep, goats and deer. It can also affect alpacas, llamas and
antelope species.
In New Zealand it has been isolated from
wildlife animals like hedgehogs, ferrets, hares, cats and gulls.
How
does it spread?
The organism is not easily spread and it
needs a long exposure for the animals to become affected. The bacteria
grows in intestines and is passed through the faeces to contaminate
pasture, soil,
water and skin around udder and teats of effected females.
In other farm animals it has proven to pass
uterine barrier so new born animals can be affected via placenta. It can
also spread via milk to new born crias.
What
age animals are the most susceptible?
In alpacas the reported cases range from few
months to few years, but predominantly they are young 1-2 years animals.
What
are the signs of the disease?
It is important to stress that not all
affected animals will show signs of the disease. The bacteria may live in
the lining of the intestines for long time and the animal may show no
signs at all. They
become the carriers, shedding the low number of bacteria through the life
without any signs. The stress brought on by transporting, unpacking or
sudden change of diet, etc may precipitate the clinical signs.
The typical signs would include: slow weight
loss with animal still eating but gradually getting less energetic, with
more kushing.
The disease can run for a few weeks and we
may see diarrhoea.
The diagnosis is not straight forward and the
vet needs to eliminate some more common problems before it can conclude
the JD in camelids.
The complete history with complete clinical
examination to rule out dietary, teeth or parasitic problems should be on
the list.
Are
there any tests to confirm the disease?
The blood test and faecal test is very
helpful and would give indications or the need for further testing towards
JD.
At that stage New Zealand Labs offer blood
test and faecal test that are very sensitive, but not very specific to
identify the organism. That means if the test is positive we are
definitely dealing with JD animal, but if the test is negative the animal
still may carry the disease. And further samples are needed in the future.
The faecal culture though is very specific
and sensitive, but it takes around 12 weeks for the results and is
relatively costly.
The organism Mycobacterium can survive on the
pasture up to 12 months in good moist, shaded places, but does not
multiply in soil and dies off on pasture in the first 3-4 weeks on the
sunny parts.
The advice to the owners is to have a vet
check any animal that for no apparent reason is losing weight, has
diarrhoea or is kushing more then usual.
Those signs may indicate the Johnes Disease
which unfortunately is not curable, but it may indicate other less serious
and treatable problems. |
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Show
Season 2007/8
Report by Anne Thompson
I am pleased to report
that the 07/08 show rules have been accepted by RAS. There are a number of
changes, some new classifications, and revamped old ones.
For the fibre fans
amongst us we now have two new fleece categories, Shorn and Walking. These
have been added whilst retaining the existing Craft classes.
To exhibit in the Shorn
category you do not need to attend in person, your bagged fibre can be
posted in. The llama that the fleece comes from has to be registered, and
the fleece needs to be accompanied by the registration
certificate. All fleeces entered will have to be in their natural state,
and to have been shorn within the last two years. Full details of what
this entails are in the rules which accompany this edition of the
magazine.
The other inclusion is
the Walking fleece category. This will NOT be a conformation class, it is
ONLY to judge the fleece on the llama. The Walking Fleece class is a hands
on opportunity for a llama owner to find out the characteristics and
quality of their llama fleece on the animal, and exhibitors will not be
able to use any enhancement products on their llamas prior to judging.
With regards to the
Craft category, entries under this section should be made entirely of
llama fibre, rather than combined with sheep or possum (for
example). If your product features other material, such as the silk base
on Nano felting, that IS acceptable.
We are also introducing
two new Conformation categories. One will be classes for male and female
Suri llamas. In the past Jill Allen has found herself alone with her
lovely boy Fudge, with his gorgeous single suri coat. With Robyn
Robinson and Naomi Woodham both importing Suri llamas from the States it
was felt that the time was right to expand the classes to allow for Suri
classes. The need for a separate class was highlighted by Kathy Ross when
she judged the Malvern show in 2006, but a lack of real numbers being
shown has not made this possible until now.
Perhaps the most exciting additions are the new ‘Get of Sire’ and ‘Dam’s
Progeny’ classes. Under these classes breeders are able to show the
offspring (three for the ‘Get’ and two for the ‘Progeny’) of their
breeding stock. The Sire and Dam do not actually have to be there in
‘person’, although owners are welcome to show them in the appropriate
conformation or performance classes. The offspring do not have to belong
to the same breeder although the owner of the Sire or Dam has to have the
permission of the owner of the
offspring to show them under this category. The Sire or Dam has to be a
registered llama, and entries will be made on the normal entry form. The
offspring to be shown under this category do not have to be decided until
the day of the show, and selection can be made after judging of the normal
conformation classes, allowing you to select the best animals on the day.
All offspring entered under these categories have to have been entered for
the conformation classes. This was done at the request of several members,
and we are anticipating good interest in these classes.
A full copy of the rules
accompanies this magazine. I would encourage all
members to consider showing their llamas. There are many benefits to this
– it raises your own profile as a llama breeder/owner; it allows you to
talk llama ALL DAY, how often do we get to do that; it encourages you to
work with your
animals to train them up for the show, a well socialised llama is so much
more fun than a wild one J And whilst I’m on the subject of training, why
not go that one step further and consider entering the performance
classes. The PR, packing and obstacle courses are great fun. If you have
not tried these, why not go to a show as a spectator and have a go at the
obstacle course with an experienced llama after the judging. Down here in
the South Island we allow this at the Christchurch, Malvern and Fairlie
shows, and spectators are more than welcome at any show.
Unfortunately, due to
time constraints it is not going to be possible to run every class at
every show, so it is important that members contact the show convenors at
the earliest opportunity if there are particular sections that they are
keen to support.
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