International Camelid Institute

This promises to be another outstanding year for the Llama/Alpaca division of Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) with the approval for funding of four new projects. While an acceptable proposal for validation of tests to determine thyroid function in llamas and alpacas remains elusive, the following most recently approved projects cover several of the other priority areas:

1. PREVALENCE OF ANTHELMINTIC RESISTANT GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES (GIN) IN CAMELIDS by Lisa Williamson, DVM, MS, et al, from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine (DO6LA-011) - two year project with approved funding of $44,495 for year one and $21,800 for year two (total $66,295). Project Description: Worm related deaths are an increasing problem in llama & alpaca herds as increasing numbers become anthelmintic resistant. This project will further assess this resistance relative to a variety of drugs. Since GIN are frequently responsible for blood loss, such as with Haemonchus contortus, this study will additionally assess the utility of using the FAMACHA score (color of lower conjunctiva) to assess for the degrees of resultant anemia & nematode burden. Testing will be performed in 20 privately owned camelid herds in the southeastern U.S.

2. APPLICATION OF BOVINE GENOMIC TOOLS IN GENOME MAPPING IN LLAMA/ALPACA by Kent M. Reed, PhD, from the University of Minn. College of Veterinary Medicine (D06-LA-014) - one year project with approved funding of $7628. Project Description: This pilot project will test 134 genetic markers (microsatellites) developed in cattle for comparison with currently available llama & alpaca markers. This study will take advantage of the extensive cattle genomic information now available. Successful cross-species application has already been demonstrated in several other species. This study, along with other recent and ongoing studies, promises to hasten the creation of a comparative genetic map that will provide the ability to (genetically) identify both positive and negative traits of importance to camelid breeders.

3. DEVELOPMENT OF A QUANTITATIVE METHOD OF ASSESSING INSULIN SENSITIVITY IN CAMELIDS by Anna Firshaman, BVSC, PhD, from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University (DO6LA-302) - approved for two year funding of $12,342 for year one and $5165 for year two (total $17,507). This MAF first award grant investigator will be mentored by two investigators with considerable experience in the field of metabolism namely, Elizabeth R. Seaquest, MD, Dept. of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology & Diabetes at the University of Minnesota, and Chris Cebra, VMD. MS, Assoc. Professor of Large Animal Medicine at Oregon State University. Project Description: Sick camelids often develop a condition known as fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) which, regardless of the initial problem, is often the cause of their demise. This susceptibility to fatty liver may in part be due to the unique way camelids have of handling blood sugar. The study aims to evaluate insulin secretion & sensitivity in (eight llamas & eight alpacas) to establish reference ranges and to determine whether species differences exist. The goal is to develop more effective ways of treating this entity.

4. GENERATION OF A CAMELID GENOMIC LINKAGE MAP USING A LLAMA BAC LIBRARY by David L. Kooyman, Ph.D,from Brigham Young University (DO6LA-004) - approved for three year funding of $34,204 for year one, $25,402 for year two, and $37,282 for year three (total $96,888). This project will only be started if a donor or donors commit to funding the entire three year amount. Project Description: A linkage map is to be created to further identify microsatellites for identifying genetic traits in llamas & alpacas. This work will be performed with Chilean collaboration. This BYU lab is currently sequencing coat color genes in alpacas (study funded by the Alpaca Research Foundation).

We think that you will agree that MAF, with its close alliance with the llama & alpacas community, has served well to improve the health and well being of camelids since its approval for funding of the first llama project in 1990. Before any MAF project is approved, a project is thoroughly peer review by an elite MAF Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). These SAB members are carefully selected to serve. They receive no payment for their service. They are extremely receptive to the industry input which is provided during each of the annual evaluation sessions. The LMRG and ARF currently serve to provide this input with considerations of project applicability and affordability. The SAB evaluates proposed projects for scientific methodology & merit.

Now its up to us, as members of the llama and alpaca communities, to provide financial support for these projects. Contributions to MAF can be directed to a division - in this case, the Llama/Alpaca Division. Donations of $3000 or more can be directed to a specific project. Such donations qualify the donor as a project sponsor which entitles the donor to receipt of progress and final reports on that project. These reports remain confidential until either a period of one year has elapsed since project completion or until the investigator has published the project results - whichever comes first.


	For LMRG report to Camelid Community 2006 This promises to be another outstanding year for the Llama/Alpaca division of Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) with the approval for funding of four new projects. While an acceptable proposal for validation of tests to determine thyroid function in llamas and alpacas remains elusive, the following most recently approved projects cover several of the other priority areas: 1. PREVALENCE OF ANTHELMINTIC RESISTANT GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES (GIN) IN CAMELIDS by Lisa Williamson, DVM, MS, et al, from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine (DO6LA-011) - two year project with approved funding of $44,495 for year one and $21,800 for year two (total $66,295). Project Description: Worm related deaths are an increasing problem in llama & alpaca herds as increasing numbers become anthelmintic resistant. This project will further assess this resistance relative to a variety of drugs. Since GIN are frequently responsible for blood loss, such as with Haemonchus contortus, this study will additionally assess the utility of using the FAMACHA score (color of lower conjunctiva) to assess for the degrees of resultant anemia & nematode burden. Testing will be performed in 20 privately owned camelid herds in the southeastern U.S. 2. APPLICATION OF BOVINE GENOMIC TOOLS IN GENOME MAPPING IN LLAMA/ALPACA by Kent M. Reed, PhD, from the University of Minn. College of Veterinary Medicine (D06-LA-014) - one year project with approved funding of $7628. Project Description: This pilot project will test 134 genetic markers (microsatellites) developed in cattle for comparison with currently available llama & alpaca markers. This study will take advantage of the extensive cattle genomic information now available. Successful cross-species application has already been demonstrated in several other species. This study, along with other recent and ongoing studies, promises to hasten the creation of a comparative genetic map that will provide the ability to (genetically) identify both positive and negative traits of importance to camelid breeders. 3. DEVELOPMENT OF A QUANTITATIVE METHOD OF ASSESSING INSULIN SENSITIVITY IN CAMELIDS by Anna Firshaman, BVSC, PhD, from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University (DO6LA-302) - approved for two year funding of $12,342 for year one and $5165 for year two (total $17,507). This MAF first award grant investigator will be mentored by two investigators with considerable experience in the field of metabolism namely, Elizabeth R. Seaquest, MD, Dept. of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology & Diabetes at the University of Minnesota, and Chris Cebra, VMD. MS, Assoc. Professor of Large Animal Medicine at Oregon State University. Project Description: Sick camelids often develop a condition known as fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) which, regardless of the initial problem, is often the cause of their demise. This susceptibility to fatty liver may in part be due to the unique way camelids have of handling blood sugar. The study aims to evaluate insulin secretion & sensitivity in (eight llamas & eight alpacas) to establish reference ranges and to determine whether species differences exist. The goal is to develop more effective ways of treating this entity. 4. GENERATION OF A CAMELID GENOMIC LINKAGE MAP USING A LLAMA BAC LIBRARY by David L. Kooyman, Ph.D,from Brigham Young University (DO6LA-004) - approved for three year funding of $34,204 for year one, $25,402 for year two, and $37,282 for year three (total $96,888). This project will only be started if a donor or donors commit to funding the entire three year amount. Project Description: A linkage map is to be created to further identify microsatellites for identifying genetic traits in llamas & alpacas. This work will be performed with Chilean collaboration. This BYU lab is currently sequencing coat color genes in alpacas (study funded by the Alpaca Research Foundation). We think that you will agree that MAF, with its close alliance with the llama & alpacas community, has served well to improve the health and well being of camelids since its approval for funding of the first llama project in 1990. Before any MAF project is approved, a project is thoroughly peer review by an elite MAF Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). These SAB members are carefully selected to serve. They receive no payment for their service. They are extremely receptive to the industry input which is provided during each of the annual evaluation sessions. The LMRG and ARF currently serve to provide this input with considerations of project applicability and affordability. The SAB evaluates proposed projects for scientific methodology & merit. Now its up to us, as members of the llama and alpaca communities, to provide financial support for these projects. Contributions to MAF can be directed to a division - in this case, the Llama/Alpaca Division. Donations of $3000 or more can be directed to a specific project. Such donations qualify the donor as a project sponsor which entitles the donor to receipt of progress and final reports on that project. These reports remain confidential until either a period of one year has elapsed since project completion or until the investigator has published the project results - whichever comes first.