https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h A quick overview on pre-mating, mating, and other reproductive aspects in alpacas. en-us 2018-03-06 00:13:46 UTC 2026-02-03 16:04:50 UTC hello@padlet.com scdubin https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238409706 This study determined that the relative fertility of both male and females was low. This was a result of low sperm counts in males and pseudopregnancy in females.]]> 2018-03-06 00:48:35 UTC https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238409706 scdubin https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238936376 Here's a cute video of a newborn alpaca, otherwise known as a cria, taking their first steps. As alpacas are fairly social animals, cria's are usually immediately integrated into a group.]]> 2018-03-06 23:05:55 UTC https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238936376 scdubin https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238938135 Alpacas are a polygynous species. This means they have males have multiple female partners during a breeding season (Price, 85).]]> 2018-03-06 23:14:21 UTC https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238938135 scdubin https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238944223 Here's a picture of an alpaca giving birth to a cria. The ideal position for the cria to be in is face first with the front feet out. ]]> 2018-03-06 23:46:20 UTC https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238944223 scdubin https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238947414 In New Zealand, the most common method of mating alpacas is pen mating. This is where a female is taken to a separate mating pen with her desired male. Another less commonly used method is called paddock mating. Paddock mating is when a single male is allowed to run loose with a large group of females. As we learned in class, pen mating allows for female choice, while paddock mating eliminates male competition and female choice.]]> 2018-03-07 00:04:32 UTC https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238947414 scdubin https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238949110 Unlike most species of mammal, alpacas have an irregular nonseasonal polyestrous pattern. They are induced ovulators, which means they only ovulate when exposed to a specific stimuli. The stimuli needed to trigger ovulation include sexual activity. During copulation the male "orgles". Orgling is basically a low pitched humming noise the male makes during copulation. This illustrates how mating behavior directly effects ovulation.]]> 2018-03-07 00:14:28 UTC https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238949110 scdubin https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238952284 In preparation for copulation, once the female is ready, she lays on the ground as the male mounts. ]]> 2018-03-07 00:33:23 UTC https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238952284 scdubin https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238954938 A study done at the La Raya Research Station tested 3 forms of mating using 50 alpacas and 20 llamas. 70 days after the alpacas had been mated, only 84% of pregnancies were correctly diagnosed. At 125 days, the percentage rose to 88%. However, this is significantly less than the llamas, which were exposed to the same forms of mating. The llamas had pregnancy rates from 88-95%. Perhaps this has something to do with the low sperm counts and pseudopregnancies mentioned before.]]> 2018-03-07 00:46:08 UTC https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238954938 scdubin https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238958555 The owner took this picture of a young male practicing his mating behavior and mounting skills on a mature alpaca.]]> 2018-03-07 01:00:55 UTC https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238958555 scdubin https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238962747 A pre-mating behavior female alpacas have been known to exhibit is compared similarly to flirting. Females will prance around the males at the other side of the fence with their tails lifted. Although they seem so willing, when put into a mating pen, the females tend to run around until she lays down to mate.]]> 2018-03-07 01:17:59 UTC https://padlet.com/scdubin/5uljgatnxe9h/wish/238962747