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

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 the effectiveness of their alpacas 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 was advertised through social media and mail-out copies were 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 and 5 years (58%, n = 52). Approximately half of the respondents were hobby farmers (48%, n = 56). The survey findings suggested that producers believed that alpacas are effective in protecting against foxes, but 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. In total, 72% of respondents reported that their lamb survival increased after introducing alpacas and gave the animals an average rating of 7.5 of 10 in relation to their effectiveness. A total of 70 respondents (83%) stated that 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 highlighted one form of predator deterrent that surveyed sheep producers have used in the effort to increase their lamb survival. Additionally, these findings have provided knowledge, such as how these animals are being used by the respondents and information for producers looking to invest in guardian alpacas.