Reproductive Losses and Their Causes in Alpacas-A Survey-Based Study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Reproduction
• Livestock Management

Background:

• Alpaca breeding profitability is directly linked to successful reproduction.
• Reproductive inefficiencies, including fetal loss and cria mortality, pose significant economic challenges.
• Understanding the prevalence and causes of reproductive issues is crucial for herd management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the frequency and identify potential causes of reproductive problems in alpacas.
• To analyze the occurrence of miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm births, twin pregnancies, and early cria mortality.
• To determine factors influencing cria survival rates, such as birth weight and dam nutrition.

Main Methods:

• A voluntary questionnaire-based survey was distributed to 109 alpaca owners across the British Isles, Continental Europe, and North America.
• Data collected included reported incidences of reproductive failures and cria deaths within a 12-month period.
• Statistical analysis was intended to correlate reproductive outcomes with herd health factors.

Main Results:

• Miscarriages and stillbirths were reported on 44% and 36% of farms, respectively.
• Cria mortality within the first year and preterm births occurred on nearly half of the surveyed farms.
• Higher cria birth weight was associated with lower perinatal complications and reduced need for supplemental feeding; mineral supplementation in dams improved birth weight.

Conclusions:

• Infectious diseases and scabies infestation are potential, often unrecognized, causes of reproductive failure in alpacas.
• Improving cria birth weight through dam nutrition, specifically mineral supplementation, can enhance survival rates.
• Proactive herd health management, including early detection of diseases, is essential for mitigating reproductive losses in alpaca breeding operations.