There are a number of factors to take into consideration when breeding alpacas.
While it is not a very technical process, there are some important facts to understand before diving into alpaca breeding.
There are two basic methods to breeding – pen breeding and pasture breeding.
Where as pen breeding is a more controlled environment, it relies on the male to be willing to perform on demand. This is still the most common practice in most studs.
Pasture breeding is a much more relaxed approach.
There is one integral factor in both practices which is very prudent to the ongoing breeding success for any stud.
The male must be kept in a separate paddock to the females.
If the male mixes with the females, over time one of the parties can develop a dislike of the other.
Also, the male can become lazy.
Good nutrition and healthy body score are important factors towards a females fertility as obese or under nourished animals can find it difficult.
When pasture mating, use a paddock new to both the male and females.
In pen mating, the group of females to be mated should be in an area with easy connection to the mating pen.
After the female is run into the pen, the male should be walked in.
In both practices, 12 females can be run by the one male.
Occasionally, the male will show no interest in his mate which can be down to the female warning him away or the female being heavily fleeced among other things.
- Visit: www.alpaca.asn.au.
