Alpha-lactalbumin was isolated and purified from llama (Lama glama L.) lactoserum. It induces the synthesis of lactose by galactosyltranferase, and has a molecular weight of 14 000 daltons according to SDS-PAGE. This alpha-lactalbumin displays antigenic cross reaction with bovine and caprine but not with human alpha-lactalbumin. Chemical characterization showed that it is a metalloprotein carrying one calcium atom per mol. The calcium induces conformational changes revealed in the UV absorption spectrum and in passage through the DEAE-Sephadex column. Studies carried out on 42 samples of 18 animals showed no significant variation in the concentration of alpha-lactalbumin; this was independent of the age of the animal, or the stage of lactation.