Diarrheal disease in llamas (Lama glama) in the South American Altiplano region
This study will analyze the causes of diarrhea in domestic llamas, the gut microbiota composition along first year of life, the colostrum composition of llama mother’s milk and the effectiveness of colostrum feeding system as a prevention system.
Project supported by VR (1,2 MSEK) for the period 2017-2019.
The principal participants in this project are: Edward Moore och Roger Karlsson, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sweden, Erik Kristiansson, Chalmers Technical University, Sweden and Volga Iñiguez and Julia Barreta, Universidad Mayor de San Andres and the National Service for Agricultural Health and Food Safety, Bolivia.
In marginal agricultural areas of the Bolivian Altiplano highlands, affected by dramatic levels of endemic poverty, llama livestock constitute a sustainable source of livelihood and a resource for food, clothing and extra income. Diarrheal disease is an important cause of mortality among newborn llamas. This study will analyze the causes of diarrhea in domestic llamas, the gut microbiota composition along first year of life, the colostrum composition of llama mother’s milk and the effectiveness of colostrum feeding system as a prevention system.
Information derived from using state-of-the-art microbiology, genomics, metagenomics and proteomics technologies, will be used to design new diagnostic tools addressing main pathogens of diarrheal disease in llamas which will be sequentially locally implemented by the Bolivian partners. This project will facilitate reduction of mortality rates among llama neonates, improving the management of llama livestock in the region and increasing farming and breeding sustainability. In addition, it will create a chain of value between farmers, local animal health system and researchers in the study area of Bolivia.