Robert Van Saun, DVM, PhD will present a half day seminar on Alpaca Nutrition. Dr. Van Saun is the author of the chapter entitled “Feeding the Alpaca” in The Complete Alpaca Book and Extension Veterinarian /Professor of Veterinary Science at Pennsylvania State University. His special interests include:

     ~ Pregnancy nutrition and its influence on health, production and reproduction
     ~ Metabolic diseases and their prevention
     ~ Nutritional formulation and management of domestic animals
          – Dairy and Beef Cattle, Small Ruminants (sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas), and Horses
     ~ Nutritional Diagnostics
     ~ Nutrition-Disease-Reproduction Interrelationships

Recent events have underscored the importance of nutrition awareness and the need for continuing education for breeders.  Co-hosts, Chesapeake Alpacas, Millstone Manor and Prairie Lake Alpacas urge breeders to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from THE leading authority on alpaca nutrition. In addition, representatives from Poulin Grain Company will also be on hand to answer breeders questions and address any concerns.

Part One of this two-part series will be held on Friday, June 13, 2008 in two 1/2 day sessions (Session A: 8am-12pm and Session B: 1pm -5pm) , and will be an introduction to the Nutritional Needs of Alpacas, focusing on the importance of testing forages and water sources, and interpreting the results.  At the completion of Part One, you may be asked to complete homework such as testing of your forages and water.

Part Two will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, September 6, 2008.  Part Two will cover Developing a Balanced Nutrition Plan based on your farm’s individual test results, how nutrition affects reproduction and the latest research in nutrition.  For those not able to attend Part 1 on June 13th, it will be repeated the morning of September 6, just prior to Part Two.

Come and meet the representatives from Poulin Grain. They will be available to answer any questions about their alpaca feed formulas and free choice minerals. Poulin Grain supports the alpaca breeders with an educated staff that includes a veterinarian, nutritionist as well as their sales staff. Click here to visit Poulin Grain's Website.