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ReproductionAlpacas are non-seasonal breeders and as such are sexually active year round. For this reason females and males should be kept separately until breeding is desired. Consideration needs to be given to the desired time of breeding, and hence the time of parturition (McMillan, 1999). The average gestation of a hembra is 342 days (320-380 days) (Bourke, 1998). It is recommended that breeding occur in spring and autumn. This is because parturition will then occur in milder climatic conditions compared with that of winter and summer. During the heat of summer females sit for prolonged periods trying to keep cool, making it difficult for cria to access the mammary glands. Consequently they can rapidly dehydrate. In winter the hembra will sit in bad weather, once again obstructing access to the milk bar!Once the cria is born, it should be trying to stand within 30-60 minutes. The crias' seemed to attempt standing within 15-30 minutes. They are very uncoordinated and will struggle. Don't interfere, they will be able to stand on their own.
Reproduction of alpacas |
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