We have been investigating the environmental impact of camelids for several years. These studies have included containment and shelter, feed intake, water intake, fecal output, fecal examination for important pathogens, and pasture management. These studies have allowed us to make a number of statements.

Containment and Shelter

Camelids are easily contained and rarely challenge fencing. These species do not perform activities that are destructive to fencing or wooden structures and rarely jump through, over, or under fences. Shelter must be provided for protection against adverse weather conditions. We have determined that alpacas require a minimum of 8 square feet per animal and llamas a minimum of 10 square feet per animal. Three-sided shelters with a roof are adequate for this requirement.

Feed and Water Intake & Fecal Output

Camelids consume approximately similar amounts of water as compared with goats—approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per head per day for alpacas and 2 to 3 gallons per head per day for llamas. Daily urine output of alpacas (average adult body weight 125 to 165 lbs.) and llamas (average adult body weight 250 to 350 lbs.) is similar to that of sheep (average adult body weight 150 to 300 lbs.) and goats (125 to 200 lbs.). Thus, the biological equivalency to sheep is approximately 1.0.

Camelids consume a relatively lower percentage of their body weight in dry matter daily compared to sheep and goats. While sheep and goats consume approximately 2.5% of their body weight per day (e.g., a 200-lb. sheep consumes 5 lbs. of dry matter or 16.6 lbs. of grass assuming 30% dry matter), alpacas and llamas consume approximately 1.8% (e.g., a 200-lb. camelid consumes 3.6 lbs. dry matter or 12 lbs. grass per day).

Fecal output is proportional to dry matter intake. Thus, the biological equivalency to sheep is approximately 0.72. Based on these findings, we consider camelids to be a low risk for groundwater contamination (see further comments in pasture management).

Urine Contamination

Urine is a necessary by-product of life. Water is vital for digestion and metabolic processes. Marcilese et al. (1994) determined water turnover in llamas. In winter, body water was estimated as 659 ml/kg with a daily water turnover of 116 ml/kg^0.82. In spring and summer, daily water turnover increased. Lactating llamas in summer had a turnover of approximately 396 ml/kg^0.82, while non-lactating llamas had 260 ml/kg^0.82.

Rubsamen et al. (1975) found that llamas consumed 62 ml/kg^0.82/24 hours, compared to 59 ml/kg^0.82/24 hours in goats. Therefore, a 60-kg alpaca will consume less than 1 gallon (3.7 L) of water per day. Urine production is expected to be around 10 to 15 ml/kg per 24 hours, meaning a 60-kg alpaca produces approximately 600 to 900 ml (about 1 quart) of urine daily.

Pesticide Use

Pesticides are uncommonly used in alpacas due to limited need. Thus, the potential environmental impact is negligible.

Fecal Pathogens

Compared with traditional livestock, camelids are not known to be carriers of important pathogens such as Johne’s disease, Salmonella spp., or E. coli O157:H7, and they are uncommon carriers of secondary pathogens like Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp.

Our random farm sampling studies have not found Salmonella spp. or Johne’s Disease organisms in alpacas or llamas. A study by the University of California at Davis also did not detect E. coli O157:H7 or Cryptosporidium spp. in camelid feces. Therefore, camelids are not considered a concern for transmitting potential pathogens to humans.

Pasture Management

Camelids exhibit a unique instinctual behavior in their use of communal dung piles, unlike traditional livestock. These designated toileting areas make camelids exceptionally hygienic when compared with cattle, sheep, goats, and horses.

Dung piles allow for efficient pasture cleaning. Our research shows that dung piles occupy about 10% of pasture area if cleaned regularly. If not cleaned, this increases to 20%. Thus, the pasture contamination equivalency of camelids compared to other livestock is approximately 0.1 to 0.2. Composting of collected dung further limits any risk of groundwater contamination.

Summary Statement

Based on our research to date, we consider camelids to be one of the lowest-risk species in North American agriculture concerning potential human exposure to pathogens or environmental impact from waste by-products. These animals are ideally suited to urban farm environments.

By David E. Anderson, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS
Associate Professor and Director, International Camelid Initiative