Taking stock of your flock in the spring-body scoring and shearing

Joy Whitehead also prepares for the Show season during this busy time of the alpaca year

- Joy Whitehead

Alpacas are induced ovulators, which means that they can breed at any time of year. A single cria weighing about seven to nine kilos is born about 343 days after a successful breeding. Crias born in Spring and early Summer gain weight right from the start, as their dams have ample nutrition from the prolific Spring grass, so that by weaning time at six months the crias are well grown. It is imperative to check the pregnant females' body condition scores regularly, especially during their last trimester of pregnancy, as it's all too easy for miscarriages to occur if the females lose weight. One reason to consider in case of weight loss might be internal parasites which are renowned for taking advantage of any mild wet weather so if in doubt consult your vet who may advise getting a faecal test done, and make sure the testing lab uses the modified Stolls test which is essential for alpacas. See www.alpacavetuk.com.

FEEDING GUIDANCE