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 “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 the cria through

was all over in another minute.”

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”

“Hard work ge�ng the The third stage of labour that the a�erbirth has been expelled and is then disposed of (the mothers don’t eat it).

8.

A proud moment

2.

The vulva appears at burs�ng point prior to the nose appearing

3.

The head appears and should be

“Is this a hunger pain?”

6.

Labour recommences with strong contrac�ons to push shoulders of

“Nose first, head and…..

shoulders out”

9.

is a vital part of the birthing process and it is important to be aware quickly followed by –

“More contrac�ons? Glad that part of the job is done”

Body language can give signs of birthing imminence – ears back, restlessness, rolling, murmuring and si�ng on one hip may be evident “...toes”

From then on gravity assists. Many cria alarm their owners by almost commencing to suckle then popping out under the Mum. Don’t interfere, no ma�er how temp�ng this may seem.

4. Two front feet which arrive above the head “Something’s about to happen”

5.

Fluid can be seen draining from the cria’s mouth and cria are usually shaking their heads at this �me. When head and legs are presented, mother may be into a rest phase, some�mes

“Phew! Worst bit is over” “Nearly there” “Just one more push”

“Happy si�ng or grazing. This phase averages 10 minutes. “……now legs just like the book said”

NOTE :At this stage it’s a good idea to perform a quick check of the cria. See that there is no membrane over the nose or mouth, no umbilical haemorrhage, teeth are gums) and of course see what sex, then MOVE AWAY!

10.

erupted (run thumb over lower landing”

“Li� your head you’re almost there!”

11. A beau�ful miracle! 5 days old and looking great”

Average birth weight is 7-7.5 kg and gain should average 1- 1.5kg per week for the first four months. Some cria may lose weight on day 2/3 just as some human babies do, but if they are ac�ve be happy!