Llama & Alpaca Testimonials

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  Glen Ridge Farm

  Ann Fiore and Kevin Tarsagian

  Portsmouth, RI

  Ann and Kevin, owners/managers of Glen Ridge Farm, complimented several aspects of the Dr. Evans formulation Alpaca feeds manufactured by Blue Seal. Glen Ridge Farm is a leader in Alpaca genetic improvement. Every adult animal on the farm is a champion for confirmation or fiber quality, but Ann is most proud of the animals’ excellent health. She attributes the health to good nutrition and management. Blue Seal’s Evans formulas are a part of that good nutrition.

  Glen Ridge utilizes Blue Seal for a plethora of reasons – freshness, quality, ingredient profile, feed form, and availability. Freshness is an integral part of quality and vitamin integrity. She is impressed that each bag is date stamped. The quality of the feed is seen in the texture, both the ingredients and consistency of each bag. Extruded nuggets add value to the feed for easy digestion, increased chewing, and greater nutrient digestibility. For many alpaca breeders choke is constant concern, Glen Ridge has had no cases of choke while utilizing the Blue Seal products. Ann attributes this both feed form and management. Also, steam flaked corn is wonderful feed form for alpacas. Many alpaca breeders are avoiding cracked corn in diets due to its suspected propensity to cause ulcers and digestive upset. Vitamins and minerals in the feed supplement form are essential to these animals since the largest portion of their diet is hay or forage. In conjunction with Dr. Evans, the Blue Seal formulations have included the highest levels of these ingredients in very digestible forms. All these factors contribute to the feed’s quality, but the availability is the culminating reason Glen Ridge chooses to feed Blue Seal. The local dealer, Domina’s Agway, works closely with customers to keep a fresh supply of feed and minerals readily available to the Alpaca farms in the Portsmouth area.

  The results of this excellent nutritional profile are seen in the animals’ over all health and appearance of well being. She says that “judges consistently comment on the overall health of the animals they present in the show ring.” This health is not only seen in show animals, but also in the young and their mothers. Ann was impressed the increase in milk production of the dams during lactation. This leads to increased growth rates, improved vitality of the young and balanced growth to reach their genetic potential. That vitality is seen from birth. Glen Ridge has noticed an ease to births since implementing the current feeding program. Not only are the births easier on the dam, but include a decreased dystocia rate. At birth the colostrums counts of most mothers is above the 1,600 IGg range when tested.

  To comment on the feeding program of Glen Ridge farm is to speak of management in partnership with nutrition. The basis of the ration is hay or forage and feed with supplementation is a smaller portion. Evan’s Alpaca Maintenance and SGL feeds are combined with the Evan’s Fiber Nutrients and Evans Minerals. Glen Ridge feels the high vitamin and mineral of the supplements in conjunction with the feed allow for a good energy and nutrient balance for each animal. The Selenium, Vitamin E and Zinc levels are specific interest to Glen Ridge for good immune system, muscle and fiber health.

  Again, the health of the animals is the focus of Glen Ridge Farm. Blue Seal Evan’s alpaca feeds and minerals are an essential in Glen Ridge’s greatest success story – healthy animals.