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Many caretakers regularly supplement their llamas diet with grains, typically rolled oats and/or cracked corn. Among grains, corn is arguably the riskiest of them all, but there are many factors to consider. For starters, we need to remember that llamas have a unique digestive system and are adapted to sparse grasslands. Grains are not a normal part of their diet. Grains as a concentrated energy source do have a couple of advantages. Cost per unit of energy is usually lower with grains than hay. It takes up less space (potentially useful as an on-the-trail supplement with pack llamas). It can provide supplemental intake to allow lactating females to reach their full genetic potential for milk production. Otherwise, grains are not normally needed. Typically good grass with a vitamin + mineral supplement tailored to your area and free choice loose salt is all that is required. On the downside, grains can be fatal. Acidosis and enterotoxemia are both deadly and are due to grain intake. The incidence of enterotoxemia can be greatly reduced (but not eliminated) by vaccination against clostridium perfringins, types C and D. This common bacteria can bloom to toxic levels when grain is processed through the digestive system. Acidosis is a lowered pH of the rumen and is very difficult to monitor. Some individuals are much more susceptible than others, so judging when the line has been crossed is extremely difficult. Both are very difficult to detect. Often the first noticeable symptom of enterotoxemia is death. Acidosis can come on more gradually, but again it can easily go unnoticed until it's too late. If grain is needed in the diet, which is the exception rather than the rule, there are things that can be done to reduce the risk of acidosis. The form of the grain matters. The faster the digestibility the greater the acidosis. Consequently, whole grains are better. Cracked/rolled/ground grains are riskier. Llamas have efficient digestive systems and grinding is not usually needed for good digestion. What happens is that whole grains are digested moreso in the intestine rather than almost entirely broken down in the stomach. This places the intestines at slightly increased risk of damage, but the risk to the stomach is much higher with quickly digested grains. Mucous in the stool is indicative of intestinal damage (mucous is excreted to protect the intestinal wall), but stomach damage has no apparent signs. BTW, corn contains oleic acid (2%) and linoleic acid (0.5%), both fats go rancid quickly once ground, which reduces nutritional value and tastes bad. Of course the amount of grain matters, but more importantly, the percentage of grain to long fiber is the most important aspect. Grain should never be given on an empty stomach. This means the time of day should be considered. Don't give grain in the morning. Wait until they have foraged on pasture or hay. The more they have to chew, the better. Beet pulp and similar sources of short fiber are nowhere near as effective as grass. Chewing cud produces lots of saliva, which contains bicarbonate, which buffers the rumen to help keep pH neutral. Little chewing means little saliva, which means higher sensitivity to grain overload. As for one grain vs. another, it's helpful to compare basic nutritive content.
As you can see, there are significant differences. Corn is almost entirely carbohydrates (sugars, starches). These are digested rapidly and provide quick energy. Unless your llamas are working hard, this is generally undesirable. Pasture potatoes convert it to fat. Oat, OTOH, is much lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein and fats. This is better than corn for underweight animals to put on body mass. It is also better for parasite resistance. Studies have shown that high protein diets vs. high carbohydrate diets help somewhat in reducing parasite load. |
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