Michigan Lama Association
Lama Quiz Bowl Questions
HISTORY:
Name the Scientific Class and Order of the Llama
Mamalia, Artiodactyls
Name the Scientific Sub-Order and Family of the Llama
Tylopoda, Camelidae
Name the Scientific Genus and Species of the Llama
Llama, Glama
Llamas were domesticated by whom in the Andes Mountains around 4,000 B.C.
Incas
T/F Parts of the Llama digestive tract were used as medicine
True
During which century did Llama imports to North America start?
19th Century
Who were the first two people to import Llamas to the USA?
Randolph Hearst of California and Roland Lindermann of the Catskill Game Farm in New York
HEALTH:
T/F Llama toenails require trimming from time to time
True
T/F Llamas have baby teeth
True
Name one sign of heat stress.
Open mouth panting, uncoordinated walking, seizure
Name two ways to prevent heat stress on a hot day.
Provide fresh, clean water, add electrolytes to water, shade, fans, hose down the llamas legs and belly, shear the llama
T/F In cold weather adult llamas depend on their fiber and layer of fat under the skin to maintain the internal body temperature.
True
Subcutaneous can best be described as what?
Under the skin
Describe the physical appearance of a tape worm.
A flat, off-white segmented worm
Medically, the outer layer of skin on a llama is called what?
Epidermis
When do pregnant Dams need a booster for tetanus?
Prior to their last two months of pregnancy
When should you vaccinate crias against tetanus?
At 1 and 2 months
How does a Veterinarian diagnose Sarcoptic Mange?
He/She does a skin biopsy (scraping) to identify the mite.
What two types of Lice can infest Llamas?
Mallophaga (Chewing), Anaplura (sucking)
Name the treatments for both the sucking and chewing louse.
Sucking- Ivermectin (Ivomec), Chewing- Topical Carbaryl dust or Fenthion Pour-On
Explain the life cycle of a tapeworm.
The worm attaches to the wall of the small intestine. Segments containing eggs are passed into the feces. The eggs are then eaten by the oribatid mite. The mite, containing larvae, are eaten by the Llama. Larvae are freed during digestion, then attach to the intestinal wall to mature.
Lameness, bone deformities, poor growth rates, enlarged joints and swellings at the lower end of the ribs are symptoms most associated with which disease?
Rickets
Name 3 Methods of Fly control
Manure removal, insecticides, fly traps, electronic insect killers, parasitic insect pupae
Describe the signs of Nasal Bots.
Symptoms begin with a clear nasal discharge, which will then turn to a yellow-white discharge, possibly containing blood. Sneezing, congested breathing and rubbing of the nose may be apparent.
What is the treatment for Nasal Bots?
Ivermectin (Ivomec) injection at twice the normal dose.
The Bacterium that causes enterotoxaemia is found naturally in the llamas’ intestine. What change in conditions may allow the bacteria to grow to a dangerous level?
Rich diet, sudden change in diet, over-eating
T/F Enterotoxemia is not considered dangerous as long as treatment is given promptly when the symptoms first appear.
False, Enterotoxemia is a rapidly progressing disease, death often occurs before any symptoms become apparent.
How often should Llamas be vaccinated against Enterotoxaemia?
Yearly, Pregnant Dams should be given boosters prior to their last Tri-mester of pregnancy and crias should be vaccinated at 1 and 2 Months of age.
Clostridium Perfringens, causes what deadly disease in Llamas?
Enterotoxemia
Name 3 symptoms of Enterotoxemia
Depressed, diarrhea, uncoordinated, weak, in pain, convulsions, coma, death
How many molars and pre-molars do Llamas have?
Molars: 12 (3 pair/side) Pre-Molars: 4-8 (1-2 Pair/side)
Explain why Tetanus is more likely to occur with a deep puncture wound than a shallow abrasion.
The Tetanus bacterium thrives in oxygen poor environments.
Name 4 of the 8 parts of the Camelid eye (the three eyelids considered as one part).
3 Eyelids, Cornea, Sclera (the white part), Iris, Pupil, Lens, Optic Disk, Retina
Name two signs of corneal disease.
Excessive tearing, excessive blinking, eye held partly closed, white/gray areas on the eye, conjunctivitis, pain/discomfort, purulent discharge (pus)
Name 5 diseases Llamas should be vaccinated against.
Clostridium Perfringens types C&D, Clostridium Tetani, Clostridium Chauvoei, Clostridium Septicum, Leptospira Interrogens, Equine Herpes Virus 1, Infectious Bovine Rhinotrachitis (IBR), Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), Ovine Enzootic Abortion (Chlamydia), Ovine Ecthyma (Soremouth), Rabies, E. Coli
How can a Llama be infected with Chauvoei Septicum?
Snake Bite
When is a Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) vaccination recommended?
When Llamas are housed near Cattle
What should be done about a Sore mouth Outbreak in your herd?
Soremouth is a zoonotic disease (can be transmitted to Humans), so always contact your veterinarian if you see any of the symptoms.
What are the symptoms of Sore mouth?
Crusty lesions on the face, lips, mouth of your Llama(s)
T/F Health papers are required for most Llama Shows
True
How long are Health Papers valid for (2 parts)
90 days for all in state shows, 30 days for all out of state shows
Parelaphostrongylus Tenius is more commonly known as what?
Meningeal Worm
What type of deer is the natural host for Meningeal Worm?
White Tail Deer
Name 2 symptoms of a Meningeal Worm infestation.
Rear leg weakness, lameness, uncoordinated gait, stiffness, paraplegia, paralysis, hypermetria (exaggerated stepping motions, circling, abnormal head position, arching of the neck, gradual weight loss
Aberrant Behaviors Syndrome (ABS) is the newly accepted name for what condition previously thought to only affect Intact Males?
Berserk Male Syndrome (BMS)
Name 3 things you should have in a Llama First Aid kit.
Flashlight, paper towels, scissor, ophthalmic ointment w/out steroids, various sized needles and syringes, rectal thermometer, stethoscope, vet-wrap, non-adhesive gauze, cotton balls, hydrogen peroxide, fly spray, betadine, banamine, bulb syringe
Name the mite that causes Sarcoptic Mange.
Sarcooptes Scabeii
What is colostrum and why is it important for a cria to get it?
Colostrum is the first milk that a female produces after giving birth. It is high in antibodies and nutrients. It is important for a cria to get colostrum within 12 hours of birth because it gives the cria immunity from diseases and provides important nutrients.
T/F Llamas carry their developing crias in the right horn of the uterus
False, they carry the fetuses in the LEFT horn
Define: Reabsorption of a fetus"
When the female's system dissolves the developing fetus
What is Meconium?
The first feces a cria passes shortly after birth
What is dystocia?
When the fetus is positioned incorrectly in the birth canal, causing a difficult birth for the female
Breeding:
How many babies does a female usually give birth to in one year?
One
T/F Llamas breed in a kushed position?
True
T/F Female llamas lick their babies after they are born to dry them off?
False
How long are llamas pregnant for?
11 1/2 months or 350 days
What is the sound called that males make when breeding?
Orgling
What does the word "gestation" mean?
The amount of time a female is pregnant
Define "parturition"
The act of giving birth
How long does one breeding generally last?
20-45 Minutes
T/F Generally baby llamas are born with their tail and hind feet coming out first?
False
Define "cryptorchid"
When one or both of the males testicles fail to descend into the scrotum
Name three symptoms that a cria may have been born immature
Low birth weight, less than four developed teeth, toe caps that do not fall off soon after birth, floppy ears, born more than two weeks before the females expected due date, weak
Define "dismature"
When a cria goes the full term length of pregnancy but shows signs of being immature.
T/F It is best to wait until your llama is at least 18 months old before you breed him/her
True
T/F Most female llamas are capable of reconceiving within 10 days after the birth of her Cria
True
T/F Some females’ show signs that they are preparing to deliver as early as 6 weeks before their "due" date
True
T/F Twinning is Llamas is very common and most breeders, breed for this trait in their herd
False - It’s uncommon but possible
T/F Llamas cannot get Mastitis
False
NUTRITION:
How often do llamas need to be watered?
Every Day
What type of hay is considered best for llamas?
Orchard grass, timothy grass, grass hay, oat hay, and other hays with about 10% protein.
T/F You can change the type of feed you give a llama quickly?
False
What is one sign of poor nutrition?
Limb deformity, obesity, fiber problems, skin problems, infertility, sickness, underweight
Name two situations that might cause a change in a llamas nutritional needs
Age, pregnancy, health, lactation, activity, heat, cold
What might cause a Llama to drink less water?
Water that is too warm or too cold, frozen, distasteful, dirty, new home, illness
T/F Some vitamins are made naturally by the Llamas body?
True
T/F Vitamin A in green forage decreases as forage is stored for long periods of time.
True
What is one essential vitamin in a Llama's diet?
A,B,C,D,E,K
What is cud?
Food that is returned from the stomach to the mouth to be chewed again
T/F A lactating Llama has decreased nutritional needs
False
Why is chewing cud important?
The llama breaks down the food more and gets the nutrition from it.
What are two problems caused by obesity?
Heart problems, circulatory problems, decreased life span, hyperthermia (overheating), decreased fertility, decreased sex drive, more problems in birthing, poor milk production, and strain on bones/joints
T/F You should check a llama several times a year for fitness.
True
What are the 4 components of a Llama's daily diet?
Water, feed, vitamins and minerals
What percentage of protein should a Llama's hay contain?
10%
What are two Vitamins that are good for bone growth?
A, C,D
Name two problems associated with a Selenium deficiency.
Infertility, sterility, paralysis, muscle stiffness, lack of coorrdination, difficulty standing, difficulty nursing, white muscle disease.
What is body scoring?
A way to check for obesity by checking aparts of the body like the thighs, ribs, backbone, or chest
T/F With all other considerations being equal, llamas on a lush pasture need more water than llamas being fed hay
False
Name 2 situations that might affect a llama's water needs.
Type of forage, type of feed, weather, health of the animal, age of the animal, pregnancy, mineral content of feed, lactation, activity
What is a good source of Calcium?
Legumes/clover and alfalfa, fresh green grass
What 3 Vitamins are made by the body?
B,C,K
At what point in the pregnancy of a Llama do the nutritional needs increase?
The last trimester
What are three minerals that are major concerns for Llamas?
Salt, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, copper, zinc
Regarding an animal's diet, what does TDN stand for?
Total Digestible Nutrients
What percentage of fiber is recommended in a llama's diet?
25%
Why is too high of a protein content or over consumption of protein bad for Llamas?
During digestion, stomach enzymes break down excess protein into fat.
Name 3 places to body score a llama.
Backbone, ribs, thighs, chest
Anemia is caused by what?
Iron Deficiency
Name 4 Vitamins considered important for Camelids.
A,B,C,D,E,K.
What are 2 symptoms of Selenium deficiency?
White Muscle disease, degeneration of muscles, muscle stiffness, leg weakness, uncoordination, difficulty in rising, infertility problems
What causes Rickets?
Vitamin D and/or Phosphorus deficiency
What are 2 symptoms of Zinc deficiency?
Prolonged skin problems, poor appetite, decreased growth rates, reproduction problems.
What are the protein requirements of pregnant Dams?
10%-14%
T/F Llamas have an above average digestive system
True
T/F Mature Llamas, on a maintenance diet require less than 8% protein in their feed
False, they require 8-10% protein
Crias who are still growing need between 10% and ________% protein in their diet.
16%
T/F Excess Selenium can be fatal to Llamas
True
T/F Cottonseed is an excellent source of Fiber for Llamas
True
Name 5 poisonous plants to Llamas.
Black cherry, black locust, black mustard, black nightshade, deadly nightshade, boxwood, bracken fern, butter cup, rhododendron, ragwort, henbane, horse nettle, milkweed, mountain laurel, hemlock, rattle box, sheep laurel, skunk cabbage, stagger brush, st.john's wart, water hemlock, wild lupine.
BEHAVIOR/TEMPERMENT
Do Llamas really spit?
Yes
T/F Llamas generally urinate and defecate in communal dung piles
True
T/F Most Llamas naturally love to be kissed and cuddled
False
Name two sounds a Llama can make
Cluck, hum, scream, orgle
A llama acting aggressive to an unknown animal in its pasture is showing what?
A Natural Guarding Instinct
What is the sound called that some Llamas make when they are frightened or threatened?
Alarm call
Explain why many Llamas are reluctant to have their legs and feet handled.
It makes them feel defenseless
Name 3 reasons Llamas may spit
Out of fear, from mistreatment, from misdirected aggression, rejecting a stud, food, to assert hierarchy in the herd
T/F Llamas that live in petting zoos and Llamas that live by themselves are at a higher risk of Aberrant Behavior Syndrome
True
In the first hour of life, a newborn cria will learn ______% of everything they will ever know
50% in the first hour, 80% in the first 24 hours
SAFETY
T/F The lead rope should be looped around your hand so you can keep a good grip on it
False
Name one way a Llama may be spooked.
Loud noises, unusual objects in pasture, people running up behind them, long grass brushing their legs etc...
Name 2 of Llamas natural defenses
Kicking, running, stomping, alarm call, spitting etc...
Which of the follow are LEAST likely to cause an injury to your Llama in the pasture?
A. Baling Twine
B. Broken glass
C. Rocks
C. Rocks, however they still could be a hazard so large rocks should be removed
Explain what you should do if your Llama's begin fighting.
DO NOT go in and try and break them up, go and get an adult to handle the problem at hand.
T/F When hiking a mountain trail with Llamas, you have the right of way over people and horses
False
T/F It is fine to feed any Christmas tree to your Llamas
False, used trees may have metal hangers left in them; trees my also be sprayed with dangerous chemicals
T/F Llamas are smart enough to stay away from all poisonous plants
False, though they are very smart, they are still grazers and any poisonous or questionable plant should be removed from your pasture immediately
Which of the following is NOT an ideal show animal for a beginner?
A. Female B. Gelding C. An Intact Male
C. An Intact Male
T/F Staking your llama on a long lead could cause injury to the animal
True
T/F Electrolytes (Gatorade) are good for Llamas during the hot summer months, or times of extreme stress
True
Where is the safest place to stand when handling a Llama?
Near his/her front shoulder
T/F All electric water tanks or buckets should be plugged into a ground fault interruption (GFI) circuit
True
Which of the following type of fences is NOT recommended for Llamas
G. Woven Wire
H. Barbed Wire
I. Split Rail
B. Barbed Wire
T/F Although poisonous to other animals, llamas can eat Rhododendrons and Azaleas because their unique digestive system neutralizes the toxins in these plants
False
Explain why Ponderosa Pine trees are dangerous for Llamas
It has been known to cause abortions in Llamas
CONFORMATION:
An increased convexity of upward curvature of the top line of the back best describes what?
Hump Back
What is Scoliosis?
A lateral curvature of the spine and/or tail
Where is the Cannon bone located?
Between the knee or hock and the foot
What part of the Llama's mouth does not have teeth?
The top jaw, in the front.
Define Angular Limb Deformity.
Excessive and abnormal curvature of the bones and joints of the front and rear legs.
Define: Gonadal Hyperplasia
Smallness of one or both testicles
The following statement best describes what? "When viewed from the side, the foreleg is behind the 'vertical' or 'perpendicular'; forward balance is impaired"
Camped Under/Camped Back
Define Choanal Atresia.
A malformation in the nasal passage making it hard for the newborn to breath and impossible to nurse.
"When viewed from behind, the hocks turn in almost to the point of touching" describes what?
Cow Hocked
The following statement best describes what? "The llama's front legs seem to bed forward when they are actually standing straight"
Buck Knee
"When one or both testicles are not found in their usual location, below the rectum between the legs" describes what?
Ectopic Testicles
Describe Vaginal Shelving
When the vulvar lips approach a horizontal plane instead of a normal, vertical plane.
The following statement best describes what? "Forelegs are angled in towards the perpendicular, with feet placed closer together than the top of the limb"
Base Narrow
Describe Sickle Hocks
A marked fluctuation causing an angular rather than a vertical hind cannon bone when viewed from the side
SHOWING
T/F Llamas are shown in classes organized by the amount/type of wool they have
True
T/F It is acceptable in a halter class to have tassels, pom-poms or other removable decorations attached to your llama
False
T/F During a halter class it is acceptable to be wearing a shirt displaying your farm/ranch name
False
What is the ALSA suggested attire for a halter/showmanship class?
Dark pants or skirt, white shirt/blouse, black shoes
Define: Soundness
Free from flaw, defect, disease or injury
What is balance?
Proper Proportion of the animal
T/F Your llama should be symmetrical, well-balanced and proportioned for its age
True
In Showmanship the handler's attire should be __________
Neat, clean, conservative and appropriate.
T/F Your llama must be groomed for showmanship
False, but it is highly recommended
T/F The judge may use a pattern in showmanship classes
True
T/F The handler is being judged in halter class
False, Halter Classes judge the conformation of the Llama
T/F A llama may be entered in more than one performance class
False (ALSA Handbook Part M, Section 3A)
Define: Tight Lead
The lead rope is persistently stretched tight from the hander's hand to the Llama's head
Define: Refusal
The Llama will not respond to pressure on the lead rope to move from a particular location
Define: Off Course
Forgetting an obstacle, taking an additional obstacle, taking an obstacle out of sequence, skipping an obstacle
Missing a cone in a weaving obstacle is an example of what?
Course Deviation
When showing the handler should be ______
Prompt, alert, confident, poised and courteous
FIBER
What are the 4 Llama Fiber Classifications?
Light Wool (Classic), Medium Wool, Heavy Wool and Suri
Fiber harvested from the_____, is usually coarser
Belly
Define: Consistency
Uniformity throughout a fleece of fineness, staple length, configuration, softness and luster.
Fiber naturally felted on the animal is the definition of ________
Cotted
Define: Luster
The sheen, gloss or shine of the fleece and fiber
What is the unit of measurement used to measure the fibers quality?
Micron
A micron is equal to ______ of a millimeter
one one-thousandth of a millimeter
A single lock of fiber is a _________
Staple
The amount of fiber (when cleaned) obtained from a particular animal is the __________
Yield
T/F A Cria's fiber will have a micron count of over 20
False, the average micron count for a cria is 20 microns or less
T/F The average llama will have a micron count between 25 and 30 microns
True
T/F Llamas have a very high amount of lanolin in their fleece
False, Llamas have very little lanolin in their fleece, which contributes to their Hypoallergenic qualities
There are 5 parts of the total fleece, name 3
Blanket, Neck, Legs, Belly and Apron
"The fleece hangs straight from a natural midline part on the neck through to the tail. The straight, narrow locks form close to the skin, and maintain a uniform profile to the tips" best describes what type of Llama?
Suri
T/F a lofty appearance is desirable in Suri Llamas
False
SECTION 2
Alpacas
Name the two variety's of the Alpaca
Huacaya and Suri
T/F Alpacas are ruminants
True
Name the Scientific Class and Order of the Alpaca
Mammalia, Artiodactyls
Name the Scientific Sub-Order and Family of the Alpaca
Tylopoda, Camelidae
Name the Scientific Genus and Species of the Alpaca
Lama, Pacos
What is the more common name for Mandible?
Jaw
What is the more common name for the Carpus?
Knee
What is the more common name for the Sternum?
Breastbone
T/F Alpacas do not have a scent gland
False
T/F Alpacas were originally bred as pack animals
False, Alpacas were bred as fiber animals
The average alpaca should be 32 and _____ inches tall at the withers and have an average weight of 105_____ pounds.
38, 180
What is a histogram?
A histogram is a test that measures several components of a fiber sample.