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Using alpacas as guardian animals in Australia: a survey by sheep producers

Paige Matthews , Emma Doyle , Amanda Doughty, Wendy Brown, Jamie Barwick

Abstract

Context: This is the first survey to our knowledge that examines how sheep producers in Australia use alpacas as guardian animals. Aims: To document current management practices surrounding guardian alpacas to protect sheep and gain an understanding about producers’ opinions on their alpacas effectiveness in increasing lamb survival and provide recommendations for producers looking to invest in guardian alpacas. Methods: An online survey aimed to target sheep producers that use alpacas as guardian animals in Australia. Survey advertised through social media and mail out copies sent to known producers that own guardian alpacas. Key results: The majority of respondents (72%, n=65) co-graze 1 alpaca to every 1-50 sheep, with most of respondents (54%, n=44) introducing alpacas to their flock of sheep 10 weeks before lambing. The majority of respondents (82%, n=74) noted that the alpacas bonded with the sheep either straight away or within 1 – 4 weeks regardless of the number of alpacas placed with sheep (p<0.001 for all alpaca to sheep ratios when comparing bonding time of <4 weeks vs >4 weeks). It was common for respondents to own castrated males aged between 2-5 years (58%, n=52). Approximately half of the respondents were hobby farmers (48%, n=56). The survey findings suggested that producers believed alpacas are effective in protecting against foxes although not as effective against more aggressive predators such as wild dogs. The respondents witnessed alpacas exhibiting a range of guarding behaviours, including staying close to lambs, and chasing, vocalising or killing potential threats. Seventy two percent of respondents reported that their lamb survival increased after introducing alpacas and gave the animals an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 in relation to their effectiveness. A total of 70 respondents (83%) stated they would recommend alpacas as guardian animals to other producers and noted that they are highly cost effective. Conclusions: Surveyed producers consistently considered alpacas as an effective form of predator deterrent and associated their use with increasing lamb survival. Implications: Lamb mortality remains a major issue in the sheep industry. This survey highlights one form of predator deterrent that surveyed sheep producers have used in the effort to increase their lamb survival. Additionally, these findings provide knowledge, such as how these animals are being used by the respondents and information for producers looking to invest in guardian alpacas.

AN24093  Accepted 07 November 2024

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