Concentration of vitamins of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) colostrum and milk at different stages of lactation

As one of the two domesticated South American Camelid species, alpacas (Vicugna pacos) gain more and more attention around the world for their wool and as pet animals. Although using remastication, alpacas are not considered true ruminants and nutrient requirements are different. Raising orphaned alpaca offspring (crias) therefore has been a challenge for breeders and keepers. Attempts of investigation of colostrum and milk composition have been made to enable composition of a milk replacer on the long term. Gross composition of alpaca colostrum and milk considering contents of fat, protein, lactose and minerals have already been investigated by authors of different countries. Vitamin content in alpaca mammary secretion, however, have not yet been investigated. Vitamin A and Vitamin E show great importance in growth and development of neonatal and young animals. Neonates show very low serum levels of both vitamins, due to limited transplacental transfer. This makes rapid colostrum intake crucial for new-borns. The main subject of this study was to quantify Vitamin A, β-carotene and Vitamin E values in alpaca colostrum and milk. Differences over time in colostrum and milk, respectively, could be shown with higher vitamin content earlier in the lactation period. Significant differences were found between colostrum and milk. Colostrum contained 0.43 ± 0.21 μg/mL total Vitamin A, 0.003 ± 0.002 μg/mL β-carotene and 4.62 ± 2.39 μg/mL Vitamin E while in mature milk 0.41 ± 0.28 μg/mL total Vitamin A, 0.004 ± 0.003 μg/mL β-carotene and 1.27 ± 1.41 μg/mL Vitamin E were observed. Compared to other species, vitamin content of alpaca milk is similar to goat and sheep milk. Vitamin A level in colostrum is higher than in camel colostrum, but lower than in other species while Vitamin E level is higher than in other species except pig and human.