Tip#1: Drive-By Breeding Guide

1. Breeding Paddock
Breeding paddock needs to be large enough to allow for both animals and handlers to safely conduct the breeding, and sufficient space to allow the dam to run around in courtship or “escape”. A minimum size is (10 feet x 10 feet) 100 square feet.
Ground must be free of obstructions that would interfere with the Dam’s ability to cush comfortably (weeds, prickly cactus, thick cut-off plant stalks).

2. Ensure the Dam is not currently pregnant
If this is not verifiable (possible accidental breeding, miscarriage or absorption), consider having a veterinarian verify the Dam is not pregnant. A recent birth of a cria is typically sufficient verification of non-pregnancy.

3. Dam’s Fertility Schedule
Dam’s have a 7 day fertility cycle from the birth of their cria. Most breeding attempts are conducted at least 14 days after the birth of the cria.

4. Assessing Dam’s readiness to breed
Dam’s are typically “open” for breeding about 12 hours, once every 7 day cycle. Pass the Dam by an active (non-juvenile) and intact (non-gelded) alpaca male. If he orgles and she cushes, she is most likely open and breeding should take place as soon as possible (same day).

5. Verification of successful breeding
Spit-off testing –In a breeding paddock with both animals under handler control (2 handlers, sire haltered with lead, dam is free to escape), pass an active and intact sire by the dam. If she spits and attempts to escape (running away from sire and refusing to cush) for about 2 minutes, remove the sire from the paddock.
Perform a spit-off test about every 3 days after the breeding, until day 14. If she refuses to cush by day 14, the dam is most likely pregnant. An ultrasound should be completed around 30 days.

6. Documentation
Record: Dates of breeding readiness assessments and dam’s behavior, date of breeding and total time of full contact, date of spit-tests, results of spit-tests (dam’s behavior) and ultrasound date and results.