Alpacas as livestock guardians

By Roelof Bezuidenhout

Alpacas are alert, agile and territorial, and display instinctive guardian behaviour. They make excellent protectors of sheep flocks and, less commonly, goat herds.

When they perceive a threat, they will approach it confidently, spit at it and chase it. They are capable of outrunning many predators. If the threat does not retreat, they may emit a high-pitched alarm call similar to that of a donkey or zebra, and kick, stomp and bite.

They often patrol along fence lines, and have a distinct scent – an important factor, as jackals and wild cats rely on scent to sense the presence of other animals.

In addition to deterring predators, alpacas help to keep the flock they are guarding together. Predators tend to target stragglers, so this instinct to group animals is a benefit. Sheep tend to sleep together as a flock, and an alpaca will remain with the flock throughout the night.

Alpacas will form a strong bond with the sheep they are guarding and can become aggressive if one is removed from their flock. They are, however, generally not aggressive towards humans and are easy to handle during routine procedures such as shearing, vaccinations and deworming.

Neutering does not diminish their guarding instincts, and they will not attempt to mount the sheep.

Tips for using alpacas as livestock guardians

• A good guardian alpaca should be at least 18–20 months old and ideally come from a large herd accustomed to grazing in spacious camps. Animals raised in confined conditions or kept as pets are not suitable. Select alpacas for their protective instincts rather than a timid or overly docile temperament.

• They are most effective when used alone, as two alpacas will tend to stick together rather than integrate with the flock.

• Camps should not be so large that the alpaca cannot see the boundaries. Camps of 200 to 300 hectares with flat terrain are suitable –hills, rocky outcrops, tall bush or other visual obstructions will reduce their ability to monitor the flock.

• Do not place alpacas in adjoining camps. They can become distracted and may attempt to cross fences to reach a companion.

• The ideal alpaca-to-sheep ratio is between 1:100 to 1:200.

• Alpacas are most effective when the flock stays together. During lambing, when sheep tend to scatter, or with breeds that naturally graze apart, they may not be as effective.

• To bond an alpaca with a flock, kraal it with the sheep for two to three weeks before releasing it into a camp with the flock.

Advantages of alpacas over livestock guardian dogs

• Sheep and alpacas share similar parasites and prophylactic treatments, whereas dogs carry different diseases such as tick bite fever and rabies, which can be problematic.

• Dogs do not naturally bond with sheep; effective bonding requires specialised breeding and training. In contrast, alpacas are herd animals by nature, with males instinctively protective of their group. They also tend to avoid excessive human contact, which helps to maintain their focus.

• Male dogs are prone to distraction by bitches in heat and may roam, abandoning their duties. This is not an issue with neutered alpacas.

• Dogs must be fed separately, and their feed kept out of reach of sheep that may also receive supplements. Alpacas graze alongside sheep without issue.

• During shearing, dogs must be removed for safety. Alpacas, which are also shorn, remain calmly with the flock throughout the process.

• Dogs pose a risk of attacking people. In contrast, an Alpaca will confront or intimidate an intruder by standing its ground or approaching threateningly, but it does on inflict serious harm.

• Alpacas have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years.

• In addition to their guarding ability, alpacas produce valuable wool.

Sources: Jacques Pienaar of Mega Merino Stud, Klipplaatsfontein, Colesberg; and Gavin Lindhorst of African Alpacas, Wellington

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