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Maps and Directions
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Ferrante
Pastures and Hayfields
by: Dr. John Ferrante
The Setting
You took a field and removed all the vegetation that was not good for alpacas, lots of Kentucky 31 Tall fescue out there in Virginia, you tested the soil and added the right mix of fertilizer and lime (too acidic) and then planted a mix of Orchard grass, Max Q and oats, the latter to stabilize the soil to avoid erosion. You then waited until things turned green - occasional rain helped but that action is not in your tool bag. With Orchard grass the wait will probably be two years to get good sod but you can introduce the herd before that. Everything looks great. Now fence off half of the field and introduce alpacas to one side let’s say a dozen or more animals per acre that is your pasture, and the other half your hay field. Now sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. One year later in early summer, let’s say year 2010 you looked at both sides of the fence and what did you see? Aside from shorter vegetation on the pasture side, can you tell a difference?
To read the complete article view in the June Issue of Alpacas Afield Online Magazine. |
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Environmental Factors Affecting Alpaca Fiber |
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by Dr. John Ferrante
Background Information
Alpacas are biological systems living in their environment. What determines the environment of an alpaca? The environment of an alpaca is what the alpaca is exposed to and that which affects the animal, while the environment is not affected by the alpaca. For example, solar radiation or sunlight - is part of an alpacas’ environment because it is needed by plants to grow and alpacas are herbivores and eat plants to live. Solar radiation also stimulates the production of Vitamin D in the alpaca’s skin that is needed by the alpaca but the animal does not affect the action of the sunlight.
To read this article in its entirety "click here" to view in the current issue of Alpacas Afield Online Magazine. |
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Alpacas: The Green Species |
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 IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN OR IS IT?
By: Dr. John G. Ferrante
A green mentality is sweeping the country and we are becoming more aware of the increasing scope and magnitude of damage to the environment from our activities.
So what does it mean to be green and to live in an environmentally friendly way?
To conserve natural resources and energy through activities that use less non-renewable materials like oil and natural gas. To make decisions and choose alternatives that minimize the need for chemicals and fertilizers that are harmful to the environment. To use resources wisely remembering the needs of generations that will follow.
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Read more...
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 Dr. Ferrante is an Environmental Scientist specializing in aquatic ecosystem assessment and systems analysis.
He received his Ph.D. from the University of New Hampshire and completed a Post Doctorate at Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago, Illinois where he worked with a team of scientists on a joint program with Canada studying nutrient dynamics in the Great Lakes.
He has over 35 years experience working on a wide range of ecoregions in the U.S. from the arid South West to temperate climates in the North East on water-related programs.
His primary areas of expertise include systems analysis, impact assessments, nutrient cycling, strategic planning for pollution abatement, and non-point source loading from land-use activities throughout watersheds.
He is currently the Sr. Science Advisor and Environmental Program Monitor (consultant) to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on an lake and watershed rehabilitation program in Central New York State.
John and his wife Cindy Ferrante are the Owners and Operators of Otter Peaks Alpacas, LLC. located in Thaxton, VA. Their farm is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where they raise their alpacas and enjoy the country life. Dr. Ferrante has authored many scientific articles on the environment and is a contributing author to the American Livestock magazine. |
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Our Column Writers
Ian Watt
Ian Watt is a noted author, lecturer and icon of the alpaca industry.
Read Ian's Biography
Dr John Ferrante
Dr. Ferrante is an Environmental Scientist who has authored many articles on the environment and is a contributing author to the American Livestock magazine.
Read his Bio
Candace Wingo
Candace Wingo LMT/CAT
"Medicine Woman"
Is a reknowned Certified Animal Therapist, holistic animal practitioner and lecturer on Herd Health Using Natural Therapies.
Read Her Bio.
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