Plasma Donors for Breeding Herds
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Alpaca geldings can be an important source of plasma for a resident
breeding herd. Veterinarians can draw blood, separate it, and freeze it
for use on any cria that need transfusions when they are born. Suzanne
Baker of Cibolo Creek Alpacas
has used this process. After drawing, processing and freezing the
plasma, she found that when one of her Spring cria needed a plasma
transfusion, she already had the plasma she needed in storage.
Her vet told her that it was best to use plasma from their own herd as
it was likely to have the immunities needed in their local environment.
That would not be available if purchasing plasma from another part of the
country. Their vet said the plasma should stay good for a year or more if
stored properly in a freezer.
Check with your veterinarian and see if they recommend this process
for your herd. Although the risk is small, there
is some risk to the donor, such as infection. Therefore, it is much
better to have several geldings available to draw from rather than risk
a prized herdsire or expensive breeding female. Before you decide to
accomplish any medical procedure, always consult with your veterinarian.
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