Increasing Protein to Decrease Malnutrition

Laura Jimenez came to Provo to study camelid feeding practices with BYU professor, Todd Robinson.

 

Laura Jiménez, from the National University of San Antonio Abad, located in Cuzco, Peru, visited Provo, Utah, to research protein levels in alpacas. The ultimate goal of her project is to decrease malnutrition among Peruvians. Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is one of the biggest nutritional problems within Peru as well as throughout the world. Jiménez noted that alpaca meat is often the main source of protein within the Peruvian diet. She feels that PEM could be decreased by increasing the percentage of protein ingested by alpacas.

Laura Jiménez stands with an alpaca as she is about to draw blood.

Directed by Todd Robinson, professor of animal science at Brigham Young University, Jiménez researched protein levels in male alpacas through measurement of nitrogen concentrations of ingested forages. Experimental forages included straw (6.4% crude nitrogen), grass hay (12.3% crude nitrogen), and alfalfa (22.8% crude nitrogen). Due to convenience and the well-established correlation that nitrogen has as a major constituent in the chemical composition of proteins, measured amounts of nitrogen were chosen as the method of the study. Forages were randomly assigned to four male alpacas for 14-day testing periods.

The first seven days were used to acclimate the alpacas to assigned forages. During the final seven days, blood was drawn from the jugular vein of the alpacas to determine protein content. Test results demonstrated a significant increase in plasma protein when male alpacas were fed a diet rich in protein.

Test procedures began in February 2000 and were concluded in November of that same year. These studies could provide a basis for intervention in the Peruvian diet through increasing the protein content within alpaca meat. Grateful for the support of Benson Institute, Jiménez explained, “This re-search would not have been possible in Peru; we lack the necessary technology and resources.” She went on to say, “It excites me to see all the ways that I can help those of my own country.”

Alpaca Nitrogen Levels: Average nitrogen levels found in alpacas show a significant difference between animals fed high nitrogen forage with those fed lower protein forage.
	N Intake (g/day)	N Balance (g/day)	Plasma Urea N (mg/day)	P-value
Straw	3.60	-4.50	10.80	<0.05
Grass Hay	18.50	5.75	13.60	<0.05
Alfalfa	31.40	15.21	18.20	<0.05

Jiménez returned in November of 2000 to Peru. She plans to share her research by teaching community members ways to increase levels of protein in alpacas and thus increase the protein content within their own diet.