News

Cria season is approaching—and most alpaca owners think they’re ready. Until they’re not. Because the reality is this: 👉 You don’t need anything…until suddenly you need everything. And when that moment comes—there’s no time to prepare. Where things go wrong Most births are straightforward. But when they’re not, problems develop quickly: And this is where I see the same issue every year. People don’t have what they need. Not because they don’t care—but because they assumed things would be fine. The first 24 hours matter most The early hours after birth are critical. A healthy cria should: If that doesn’t happen, the…

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We are delighted to announce that the 3rd Global Online Camelid Conference for Owners returns on 2nd April 2026, bringing together camelid owners and breeders from around the world for a live, interactive, evidence-based online event focused on one of the most critical areas of herd success: reproductive efficiency. This year’s conference theme, Management to Maximise Reproductive Efficiency in Camelid Herds, is designed to bridge the gap between reproductive biology and day-to-day herd management. Delegates will gain practical insight into how everyday decisions — from biosecurity and breeding management to pregnancy monitoring and birthing — directly influence fertility, cria survival, and long-term herd sustainability. A truly global,…

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The lab will be closed over Christmas from the 24th December and will re-open on the 5th January. If you have any emergency samples to run, please call me on 07769 271506. Likewise, any animal-related concerns, if it is something that can wait until the New Year, please hang fire until then to allow us to also enjoy Christmas with our families. Any emergency issues, email [email protected] or use the number above. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas – and see you in the New Year!

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One of the most common—and frustrating—concerns for alpaca and llama owners is dealing with skin problems. Whether it’s scaly patches, hair loss, or incessant itching, skin issues can be persistent and difficult to resolve without the right approach. There are several potential causes of skin disease in camelids, including: Each condition can present differently, but some overlap in appearance means that even well-intentioned treatment can fail without a correct diagnosis. Adding to the challenge, a single post asking for advice in an online group can attract dozens of different suggestions. It’s no wonder owners find it overwhelming! ✅ Step One: Get…

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We have special offers on two of our courses at the moment.

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The moment you’ve all been waiting for is finally here! It’s time to secure your place at the 2nd Global Online Camelid Conference for Owners!!!! Treat yourself at Christmas to the gift of knowledge….!!! This year’s conference takes place at the end of January – in the evenings for the UK audience. The focus, by special request, will be on camelid genetics this year since there have been many exciting developments in our knowledge over the last 10 years. Our speakers are involved in cutting edge research in this field. There’s an introduction to genetics session too to help you…

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with Bob Van Saun – 3/5/6 October ONLINE I am excited to bring you the opportunity to transform your nutritional management for your alpaca or llama herd with the most comprehensive Camelid Nutrition Masterclass ever offered – the Advanced Camelid Nutrition Masterclass with Bob Van Saun! Just imagine this… having all your animals in tip-top shape, fed the perfect ration that optimises their immunity and gives them the best ability to fight off disease… having crias born at optimum birth weights and just thriving… their dams having the best quality colostrum so that the crias acquire sufficient passive immunity and sail…

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As you all know, I love to provide educational content. Since it’s summer, and I’ve just come back from holiday, I wanted to provide some content to you in a slightly more light-hearted way in order to encourage you to think about your parasite control strategies…  Click on the link and prepare to be entertained!!!! That’s all I’ll say! 😉 I hope you enjoy it! Please subscribe to my You Tube Channel and share, share, share!! [A big shout out goes to my student Lab Tech Izzy Brennan-Pope for being such a big sport and allowing herself to be videoed…

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🌟   You’re Invited to a FREE TRAINING: Biosecurity for the Breeding Season! 🌟 Join me for an exclusive training webinar dedicated to “Biosecurity for the Breeding Season,” tailored specifically for passionate alpaca and llama owners like you! Date: Tuesday 21st May Time: 8pm GMT Location: ONLINE In this webinar, you’ll gain valuable insights into: Secure your spot now by registering in advance for the webinar here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XS31esVfRgSYogRF3L9hRg After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Mark your calendars now for an enriching webinar experience you won’t want to miss! See you there! Claire

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Umbilical Cord Care for newborn crias is an important consideration to plan for ahead of birthing season. What, why and how? After crias are born, you should spray the umbilical cord with an antiseptic solution in order to prevent infections from tracking up the umbilicus to the bladder and liver. Fortunately umbilical infections are quite rare in camelids compare to other farm animal species. However that could be because their owners are vigilant! Always make sure that you spray the entire surface of the umbilical cord 360 degrees around the stump. Don’t just spray from one side! If you prefer…

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At shearing time, occasionally wounds may arise due to clipper injuries. Fortunately, most of these are small knicks in the skin that can be cleaned and have a little wound spray applied. However, some wounds may require a little more care in order to bring the edges together so that they heal better: tissue glue can be used for some of these wounds, once they have been cleaned and are dry. Tissue glue can be useful for small wounds, mostly those that don’t gape open and that the edges naturally want to sit opposed. The wound edges do have to…

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