Further question, since I can't find an answer via the almighty Google - why do modern llamas fare so poorly in tropical/humid environments?
Further question, since I can't find an answer via the almighty Google - why do modern llamas fare so poorly in tropical/humid environments?
Do you guys suppose it's possible for an endemic disease to cross from llamas to humans? I know no such diseases arose in the Andes IOTL (I think), but maybe if llamas are bred in more density in Mexico? Or maybe the somewhat different lifestyle/genetics of Hemiauchenia (the North American llama) would allow for such a thing?
Basically, in order to get diseases jumping from llamas to humans you need the llamas to be in close proximity to humans, maybe even sleeping next to them. Humans drinking llama milk (which does not happen with OTL's domestic llamas) could also facilitate disease exchange. Ultimately, though, I think you need a lot more llamas-not just more densely packed, but just a higher overall global llama population so that there's more opportunity for infectious diseases to jump the barrier. Having llamas crossing the desert to North America and becoming widespread there would help with that, though I don't know if it's beyond the scope you want.
Basically, in order to get diseases jumping from llamas to humans you need the llamas to be in close proximity to humans, maybe even sleeping next to them. Humans drinking llama milk (which does not happen with OTL's domestic llamas) could also facilitate disease exchange. Ultimately, though, I think you need a lot more llamas-not just more densely packed, but just a higher overall global llama population so that there's more opportunity for infectious diseases to jump the barrier. Having llamas crossing the desert to North America and becoming widespread there would help with that, though I don't know if it's beyond the scope you want.
Yeah, essentially it is achievable. But it didn't happen with Andean cultures. Maybe one of the Mesoamerican or Arido/Oasisamerican cultures that domesticate TTL's Northern Llama also develop a breed for drinking its milk or a small pet breed for keeping in the house.
A little googling shows a potential problem.I could see drinking llama milk arising in more arid regions.
A little googling shows a potential problem.
It can be done, but it's a lot more difficult than milking a goat or a cow. The teats are far smaller and it's very difficult to get a good enough grip to be able to strip any milk out.
llama milk that is lower in fat and salt and higher in phosphorus and calcium than cow or goat milk. A female llama will only produce about 60 ml (2.1 imp fl oz) of milk at a time when she gives milk. For this reason, the cria must suckle frequently to receive the nutrients it requires