Livestock/Deadstock: The Difference Between Llamas and Labradors

A few years ago I acquired a lovely male llama for the purpose of breeding our female llamas. We named him Jasper, he was very sweet and friendly, and he got the job done. Throughout the winter Jasper was always one of the first to come for feedings, running and bucking up to the trough. One morning he didn’t show. He was lying down in the shelter and refused to budge, we took him some food and water and called the vet. By the time the vet got here, two hours later, the poor guy was no better and actually died minutes after the vet took a blood sample. The veterinarian then said something which prompted the title of this piece. “When you’ve got livestock, you’ve got deadstock.”

Owners of cats and dogs usually know if their pet is feeling ill, it shows symptoms. It might become lethargic, refuse to eat and drink, it’s behavior often changes. In the wild a sick predator does not have to hide their weakness, prey does. Predators observe animals, watching for the sick, the weak, or the old. They don’t want a tougher job taking down an animal. In response prey animals have done their best to hide any sign of weakness. A sick llama will buck and jump to show how strong it is, hoping that their fraud will not be put to the test.

Our llama, Jasper, probably had pneumonia, and had very likely been sick for a few days. We never knew, never even suspected. Maybe he came for his food a bit slower the night before? We will never know. He did, however, father two lovely cria (baby llamas).

Cattle and horses, being larger, are likely to appear sick if they are ailing. Smaller animals who are more vulnerable are the ones an owner needs to watch more closely. If you suspect anything wrong with your animal, be it big or small, take their temperature, and isolate them until you can call a veterinarian. Provide them with fresh water because dehydration is a killer. Keep them warm but not uncomfortably so, and check your other animals too.

This is Jasper’s last born son.  I took this Picture. 

This is a good reason why anyone who keeps animals should get to know their normal personalities so they can spot any changes. It is also why a person should spend lots of time with their animals, so the animal becomes less afraid of their owner. Most owners of livestock leave the animals to themselves, since feeding and watering is all that is required. However, when an animal who is not used to being handled becomes ill, it can be dangerous to work around if it is unfamiliar with people.

When a person has a sick dog, you can often easily work around it or pop it into your car to take it to the veterinarian. I can assure you that your vet will appreciate if you have friendly farm animals too.

http://www.gomestic.com/Pets/Unusual-Pets-Llamas-and-Alpacas.75688