The aim of this study was to know the levels of phosphorus and its effects on feed intake and body weight in female alpacas during the breeding season (January-February) and weaning (August-September). In the first phase, serum phosphorus levels were determined in 200 11-13-month-old alpacas, located in four alpaca regions of Peru. P levels were 8.25 ± 1.63, 5.25 ± 1.46, 6.42 ± 1.84 and 4.8 ± 1.61 mg/dl for the regions of Pasco, Junín, Cuzco and Puno, respectively, with significant differences (p<0.05) between regions. P values in one region were below the reference limit (5-11.5 mg/dl) and the another near the lower limit, which could be considered as deficient in P. In the second phase, a controlled experiment was carried out with three concentrations of P in the diet: 0.16% (T1), 0.25% (T2) and 0.34% (T3), using 16 weaned female alpacas per group (7-8 months, 25.25 ± 1.62 kg)...

The aim of this study was to know the levels of phosphorus and its effects on feed intake and body weight in female alpacas during the breeding season (January-February) and weaning (August-September). In the first phase, serum phosphorus levels were determined in 200 11-13-month-old alpacas, located in four alpaca regions of Peru. P levels were 8.25 ± 1.63, 5.25 ± 1.46, 6.42 ± 1.84 and 4.8 ± 1.61 mg/dl for the regions of Pasco, Junín, Cuzco and Puno, respectively, with significant differences (p<0.05) between regions. P values in one region were below the reference limit (5-11.5 mg/dl) and the another near the lower limit, which could be considered as deficient in P. In the second phase, a controlled experiment was carried out with three concentrations of P in the diet: 0.16% (T1), 0.25% (T2) and 0.34% (T3), using 16 weaned female alpacas per group (7-8 months, 25.25 ± 1.62 kg)...