Alpaca offspring, known as “Cria,” are born after a gestation period of about 365 days. They are highly valued for the quality of their fiber, which is sought after for its luster and unique color shades. At birth, cria typically weigh around 8 kg and are able to stand and walk within 3 to 4 hours, ready for their first feeding of milk.
Birth of cria
Cria usually are born during the warmer hours of the day, which helps them cope with the challenging early moments of life in a warmer temperature. At birth, they weigh between 7 to 10 kg and are able to stand on their legs within about 2 to 3 hours. Approximately 3 to 4 hours after birth, they are ready to nurse and receive their first milk from their mother.
Nusrsing cria
It is crucial for cria to consume their mother’s milk within the first 20 hours after birth to ingest colostrum, which provides essential antibodies (gammaglobulins) needed to fight infections. Alpaca cria feed exclusively on maternal milk for the first three months of life, after which they gradually begin to eat solid food and are weaned by the sixth month.
Weaning of alpaca calves
Weaning in alpaca calves typically occurs between 6 to 8 months of age. During the period from 6 to 12 months, when the calf is referred to as a “Tui,” it is advisable to administer vitamins A, D, E, and selenium to support healthy growth.
Orphaned or motherless calves require careful rearing to avoid overly close human contact. Feeding should be done using a mechanical bottle that allows the calf to stretch its neck to prevent swallowing difficulties. Special attention is needed to ensure that growing up in close contact with humans does not lead alpacas to become competitive or aggressive towards people.