Breeding

Female alpacas are usually ready to breed between 18 and 24 months. If not pregnant, a mature female is almost constantly "open" or receptive to breeding. Males typically are ready to breed between 2 and 3 years of age. Open females and intact males should be separated soon after weaning, since some young females have become pregnant by precocious young males.

Sexually mature females are induced ovulators and do not exhibit estrus cycles typical of most domesticated animals. Breeding is done in the prone position and usually takes at least 15 minutes because the male dribbles, rather than ejaculates, semen into the female uterus. While breeding, the male makes a continuous "orgling" noise and occasionally moves his front legs along the sides of the female. The mating process induces the female to ovulate so she can become pregnant.

The gestation period is approximately eleven months and almost always results in the birth of a single, healthy baby called a "cria." A cria weighs between 10 and 22 pounds. A cria usually stands and begins to nurse within minutes or a few hours of birth. Cria are usually weaned between 5 and 8 months.

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