Breeding Alpacas

Breeding your own Alpacas can be fun and challenging. You must first select the sire and dam you wish to breed.

Male and female Alpacas should be at least 3 years old before they are ready for reproduction. A female can be as early as 2 years old but this is not recommended. We did have one female that was not interested until she was 4.

Some herd owners make a choice of sire based on pedigree or bloodline. The importance of this is more myth than fact. A pedigree or certificate does not tell you what that Alpacas' record of preformance is. Nor does it indicate his siblings and progeny or cria.

It is more important to base your choice of sire based on his preformance record. What traits are consistant with his cria ? Will these traits improve or add to your herd? What color progeny does he produce with your choice of female?

A certain amount of inbreeding or line breeding is acceptable. This may strenghten ideal traits in your herd. It may also strengthen bad traits. Be careful. Try to stay at least 3 generations out.

Once a herdsire and dam is chosen you are ready to mate your first pair. It is best to have a seperate pen if possible. Your catch pen can be used if needed.

Other male Alpacas should be kept away. Thier presence will distract your male and possibly cause a fight. Other female Alpacas should also be kept away to decrease any confusion.

Your stud male will smell the female to determine her readiness. He will attempt to mount any "open" female. Open is the term used for females that are not pregnant. If your female is open she will kush on the ground and allow the male to mount her.

You must witness all procreation attempts if you are registering your animal. Be prepared. Each attempt will take around 30 minutes.

The male Alpaca will "hum" in the females' ear while breeding. This causes the female to ovulate. A female will not ovulate until she comes in contact with a male.

You need to attempt working with your chosen pair a minimum of every other day. This should continue until the female will not kush. Instead she will run and spit at the male. This is called "spit testing" and usually indicates that she is now pregnant.

You are done with your pair after your female has run and spit on at least 2 attempts. Attempt working with your pair again in 5 to 7 days as a double check to ensure your dam is no longer open.

You can trust your spit test or take your Alpaca to the Veterinarian for an ultasound. If you bred the female for another herd owner this will be a requirement. An ultrasound can pick up a cria at 2 weeks.

It may be necessary to assist your inexperienced Alpacas with their first experience. This is especially true if they have not been present when older males have been breeding.

Halter both your male and female. Tie your female to a stationary but safe object. Then lead your male to her. When he mounts her you may need to ensure her tail is not blocking his way.

Although miscarriages are not frequent in Alpacas they can happen. Monitor your female closely. If you suspect a miscarriage or problem take her to your Veterinarian for a repeat ultrasound.

The Ideal Alpaca , Problems With Conformity , Fleece Color , Delivery of Cria , Newborn Care , Alpaca Care and Business Book ,

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