feed/supplements

Alpacas are very low maintenance when it comes to feeding. They are ruminants, meaning they chew cud like a cow, deer or goat, and require much less feed than most animals their size (150-170 lbs.) There are many opinions on proper alpaca feeding, but most experts agree that alpacas should get about 85% or more of their nutrition from roughage such as hay and grazing. Work with your veterinarian and farm extension bureau to develop a feeding program that will work for your area. Below, we outline what we do at HaSu Ranch, here in Central New York.

Hay Bales

Alpacas survive well on different kinds of low protein hay or pasture grass, providing it has a balanced mineral content. It is generally accepted that hay that is 10-12 % protein is adequate for maintaining a healthy herd, with the caveat that their mineral and vitamin requirements are met.

Supplemental Alpaca Feed

In most cases, the nutritional makeup of your hay will be lacking the recommended levels of vitamins and minerals needed to maintain a healthy herd. It is also possible that your hay does not have the requisite minimum level of protein. To remedy this, you can give your herd a supplemental feeding of grain.