Grazing Behaviour and the Microbiome of Extensively Managed Australian Alpacas

Abstract

The Australian alpaca industry has continued to develop to provide an alternative natural fibre to wool, angora and mohair since their introduction in the 1990’s. The production of alpacas in Australia provides an alternative natural fibre industry along a growing eco-tourism industry as well as meat production. This developing industry has an estimated farm gate value of $13.5 million. However, little is known about the demographic structure of the Australian alpaca industry, as well as baseline veterinary, behavioural, and welfare management extending to the rumen and faecal microbiome. The aims of this thesis were to:

1. Establish the current Australian alpaca industry demographics relating to herd size and production purpose, identifying common management practices and issues;

2. Create a baseline understanding of alpaca herd paddock behaviour in an extensive production system;

3. Trial on-farm monitoring technology, including cameras and real-time tracking tags, as a tool to research and manage animal behaviour and welfare; and

4. Characterise the faecal microbiome of alpacas raised in south-eastern Australia to create baseline microbiome data.

The work presented in thesis provides new data on the paddock behaviour of Australian alpacas in an extensive environment as well as highlighting practical examples of the use of livestock monitoring technology to improve alpaca monitoring and management with further opportunities for industry development and adoption. Additionally, a baseline characterisation of the faecal microbiome of Australian alpacas establishes a valuable reference point for future alpaca-focused research and veterinary applications. Further development of alternative fibre industries, including the Australian alpaca industry, provides diversification of products for use in textiles for a wide consumer base as well as an alternative livestock production option for varying environments.