THE MIRACLE OF BIRTH Captured in pictures by Steve Marshall – Stansbury Alpacas SA Narra�ve by Carolyn Jinks – Co- Author – Alpaca Breeders Reproduc�on Handbook
STEVE’S COMMENTS
2.
“I have been breeding alpacas since 1997 and it wasn’t un�l 2001 that I finally saw an alpaca being born. I found it interes�ng that everything seemed to stop when the head and neck are out while the lungs drain. The dam even started ea�ng hay at one stage. If I hadn’t been told this was normal, I think my nervous wait would have turned to panic as this stage lasted 18 minutes. However, the shoulders were pushed clear and it was all over in another minute.”
The vulva appears at burs�ng point prior to the nose appearing
3.
“Is this a hunger pain?”
6.
The head appears and should be quickly followed by –
“Nose first, head and…..
Labour recommences with strong contrac�ons to push shoulders of the cria through
CAROLYN’S COMMENTS “Congratula�ons Steve, you have provided a classic sequence of photographs of a normal birthing. These pictures will enable breeders to become familiar with “normal” and to be more alert should problems arise”
8.
“Hard work ge�ng the shoulders out”
A proud moment
9.
“Wow look what I've done”
The third stage of labour is a vital part of the birthing process and it is important to be aware that the a�erbirth has been expelled and is then disposed of (the mothers don’t eat it).
“More contrac�ons? Glad that part of the job is done” 30
