The birth of the cria single-handedly announces itself at the most exciting part of Alpaca Breeding.
At the start of this process, ensure accurate records are kept. The date of conception is important to note as the gestation period can predict a probable birth date. The gestation generally lasts 11.5 months, but some females can give birth two weeks prior to their expected delivery date.
To keep a watchful eye on the pregnant females, a maternity paddock is useful. If one female pregnant alpaca is present, a more relaxed and elder animal may be placed with her. Alpacas tend to require company rather than being in their lonesome state. If no extra space is available, keep an eye out for the female.
It is now time to prepare a birthing kit for the arrival of the cria. The kit should be located in a place that is easily assessable. The following items should be a priority within the kit:
- Paper towels and towels - This can be used if there is a need to dry off a cria, clean your hands or any other cleaning up that needs to be done.
- Rubber gloves - It is important to keep the surrounding area clean during the birth, and gloves can help protect against harm during the cria's birth.
- Betadine or Iodine - Iodine and betadine ensure a clean and safe birth upon lubrication to the navel.
- Sling-type scale - This is the best type of scale to weigh the birth weight of a cria. In a breeding program, keeping a record of the birth weight is a must.
- Milk refills and bottles for feeding - Upon the birth of the cria, milk is needed for nourishment. Sometimes, additional milk is needed in the event the mother cannot produce an ample amount of milk.
Before birth, call your local veterinarian to stay on standby. Alpacas are known to have fairly safe births, however, the occasional complication is common. At the start of the birth, clear signs of labor will become obvious. The dam will appear clenched, and may begin to kick around the paddock. A drop of a jelly-type liquid may be seen clear on the female's vulva. The mammary glands will also feel and look swollen. Signs can be seen up to two weeks before birth.
Evolutionally, alpacas have been known to give birth between the hours of 10 o'clock and 3 o'clock. Due to the temperatures of mountains where the alpaca's ancestors descended from, the alpaca was more prone to give birth in cold areas. As the birth becomes more evident, the fluid near the vulva will build up. Other alpacas may loiter around the female, sniffing her rear area. The female will feel an uncomfortable sensation, unable to clean herself. Her appetite will decrease in size to little to no food as she begins to get anxious for her cria's birth.
The female alpaca is now in the active labor state, which lasts anywhere from 1 to 6 hours. On average, this state takes 2 hours. It is essential you are keeping notes during this process as traits seen in this particular birth may repeat during her next dam and birthing. The female's offspring may demonstrate the same traits.
Typically, the nose and front toes will deliver first. The dam will begin to seep and break. This period lasts from about 30 minutes to an hour. The cria needs time to extract fluids from its airway, so your assistance in delivering the cria is not yet needed. If the cria happens to be delivered in the wrong position, troubles with breathing and the umbilical can occur. When the female enters her final pushes, it is now time to assist her. Pull in a downward motion (NOT straight out) and steady the cria. Keep note of the female's contractions. The cria should now successful be out of the dam. The placenta is now visible and will naturally remove itself from the cria within an hour. The entire placenta should be separate from the female at this time.
The dam does not and will not need cleaning through licking, unlike other animals. If applicable, you may lightly dry the cria using the towels provided in your birthing kit, but be weary of the naval area as this can be easily damaged. To avoid infections, apply betadine to the navel area. Note: make sure to record the cria's birth weight. At this time, allow for bonding time between the mother and the newborn.
The waxy plugs found below the dam's teats can be slowly removed if allowed by the mother. The vital first drink of the newborn is significant to the immune system of the newborn and should begin promptly an hour after birth. The first feeding is rich in colostrum, adding healthy benefits to the immune system.
More fun and exciting things are on the way. This is just the beginning of reaping the rewards of Alpaca Breeding.
At the start of this process, ensure accurate records are kept. The date of conception is important to note as the gestation period can predict a probable birth date. The gestation generally lasts 11.5 months, but some females can give birth two weeks prior to their expected delivery date.
To keep a watchful eye on the pregnant females, a maternity paddock is useful. If one female pregnant alpaca is present, a more relaxed and elder animal may be placed with her. Alpacas tend to require company rather than being in their lonesome state. If no extra space is available, keep an eye out for the female.
It is now time to prepare a birthing kit for the arrival of the cria. The kit should be located in a place that is easily assessable. The following items should be a priority within the kit:
- Paper towels and towels - This can be used if there is a need to dry off a cria, clean your hands or any other cleaning up that needs to be done.
- Rubber gloves - It is important to keep the surrounding area clean during the birth, and gloves can help protect against harm during the cria's birth.
- Betadine or Iodine - Iodine and betadine ensure a clean and safe birth upon lubrication to the navel.
- Sling-type scale - This is the best type of scale to weigh the birth weight of a cria. In a breeding program, keeping a record of the birth weight is a must.
- Milk refills and bottles for feeding - Upon the birth of the cria, milk is needed for nourishment. Sometimes, additional milk is needed in the event the mother cannot produce an ample amount of milk.
Before birth, call your local veterinarian to stay on standby. Alpacas are known to have fairly safe births, however, the occasional complication is common. At the start of the birth, clear signs of labor will become obvious. The dam will appear clenched, and may begin to kick around the paddock. A drop of a jelly-type liquid may be seen clear on the female's vulva. The mammary glands will also feel and look swollen. Signs can be seen up to two weeks before birth.
Evolutionally, alpacas have been known to give birth between the hours of 10 o'clock and 3 o'clock. Due to the temperatures of mountains where the alpaca's ancestors descended from, the alpaca was more prone to give birth in cold areas. As the birth becomes more evident, the fluid near the vulva will build up. Other alpacas may loiter around the female, sniffing her rear area. The female will feel an uncomfortable sensation, unable to clean herself. Her appetite will decrease in size to little to no food as she begins to get anxious for her cria's birth.
The female alpaca is now in the active labor state, which lasts anywhere from 1 to 6 hours. On average, this state takes 2 hours. It is essential you are keeping notes during this process as traits seen in this particular birth may repeat during her next dam and birthing. The female's offspring may demonstrate the same traits.
Typically, the nose and front toes will deliver first. The dam will begin to seep and break. This period lasts from about 30 minutes to an hour. The cria needs time to extract fluids from its airway, so your assistance in delivering the cria is not yet needed. If the cria happens to be delivered in the wrong position, troubles with breathing and the umbilical can occur. When the female enters her final pushes, it is now time to assist her. Pull in a downward motion (NOT straight out) and steady the cria. Keep note of the female's contractions. The cria should now successful be out of the dam. The placenta is now visible and will naturally remove itself from the cria within an hour. The entire placenta should be separate from the female at this time.
The dam does not and will not need cleaning through licking, unlike other animals. If applicable, you may lightly dry the cria using the towels provided in your birthing kit, but be weary of the naval area as this can be easily damaged. To avoid infections, apply betadine to the navel area. Note: make sure to record the cria's birth weight. At this time, allow for bonding time between the mother and the newborn.
The waxy plugs found below the dam's teats can be slowly removed if allowed by the mother. The vital first drink of the newborn is significant to the immune system of the newborn and should begin promptly an hour after birth. The first feeding is rich in colostrum, adding healthy benefits to the immune system.
More fun and exciting things are on the way. This is just the beginning of reaping the rewards of Alpaca Breeding.
About the Author:
Alpaca farming and other alternative farming livestocks such as deer farming and rabbit farming are excellent ways for existing farmers to expand and spread their risk, as well as obtaining additional income.
No comments:
Post a Comment