We have been gelding our non-breeding pack males since 1980 when we were first determining our herd management protocols. Based on the results we’ve had over the years, we have continued castrating the males we deem as not breeding quality to use on our lease string. We are surprised that we seem to be in the minority in this practice.
We have always waited until the males are three years old to allow them to grow to their full frame size and become sexually mature. We have seen no decrease in size, strength, or longevity compared to packing our breeding studs. These geldings pack at full capacity until +/- 20 years of age, same as our studs. The elimination of the territorial chaos that studs create when in proximity to females drives this discipline.
Our pack llamas are noted for their size and strength and people are often surprised to find most of our llamas are gelded. Seems the story is, “geldings break down and don’t have the same capacity as studs”. We think this mindset is the result of people gelding random male llamas prior to them reaching sexual maturity. Testosterone is essential to close the bone epiphyses (growth plates) on the long bones. Castration precludes the necessary testosterone level and long bones grow abnormally long, placing stress on joints. Blown out stifles, dropped fetlocks, luxation, etc. are noted in llamas gelded too early.
If we follow the axiom to not castrate until 3 years old, we find we have no structural problems in our geldings. The injuries we witness due territorial battles is minimal, but still exceeds any negative effects resulting from gelding. Typically we find the emergence of the canine teeth is coincident with sexual maturity so we cut canine teeth and castrate at the same time. We castrate males while standing in the chute with light anesthesia. We are able to cut teeth and castrate with the animal staying on its feet and needing only a short recovery.
We definitely see reduced stress and tension in the ranch atmosphere and have much greater leeway in moving breeding and packing classes of llamas through our headquarters for changing seasonal emphasis. Overlap of training, packing, birthing, and breeding seasons are much less dramatic with gelding.
