Up to this point, the dam requires 1.5 to 2.5 times maintenance . There is more variation in requirements during lactation than in the other life stages because of individual differences. The amount needed by the dam depends on the size and growth rate of the cria, the amount of milk she is producing, her current body score and the weather. This is another reason why it is important to weigh and body score your llamas. The dam's feed should be very slowly tapered back down to maintenance by the time the cria is weaned.
Protein requirements do increase to slightly more than that of maintenance.
The requirements for any other nutrient which is required above maintenance levels is met by the increased intake necessary to meet energy needs. Unless they are doing very hard work nearly every day, an increase of 1.5 to 2.5 times maintenance is enough to meet the needs of the working llama. This is another group of llamas who require regular weighing and body scoring to detect the need for any adjustments in the diet. Aging or Geriatric. With better care and more knowledgalbe owners, llamas are living to be older.