- Alpacas are reproductively very different than cows, sheep, goats or horses. Unlike all those other species, female alpacas do not have a regular estrous cycle where they come into heat at regular intervals. Camelids are induced ovulators. This means that the female does not ovulate any eggs (oocytes) until she has been bred by the male. The act of breeding stimulates hormonal events inside the female which result in ovulation and hopefully conception. more »
- In 2005 a serious ailment was identified in alpacas for the first time. Bovine Viral Diarrhea Viruses (BVDV) is able to compromise the immune system of an unborn fetus, resulting in an animal that is "persistantly infected" shedding huge amounts of virus and endangering entire herds. This illness has led to significant changes across the alpaca industry, including changes in show rules and an increased awareness of infection control on individual farms. The following is from notes taken during a presentation by Dr Tara Timpson DVM at the SOJAA meeting February 18th 2006. more »
- Much of the United States is an ancient sea bed. This makes those areas, and the sand floored barn prime areas for the alpaca to ingest sand. Horses, cows, alpacas and probably goats and sheep can all suffer or die from sand ingestion. Sand colic is easy to control in the alpaca once the danger is acknowledged and the symptoms are recognized. more »
- Common terminology can be very confusing for those first entering the realm of alpacas, and even more so if they do not have experience with other types of livestock or companion animals. This list of terms is intended to be of assistance to those just entering the world of alpacas. more »