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

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Alpaca breeding is becoming increasingly popular in regions other than South America (the place of origin of the species), e.g., in North America and Europe. It is highly important to monitor reproductive disorders and to identify the causative factors of the problem as the profitability of alpaca breeding depends on satisfactory reproductive results. The analysis of the frequency and causes of reproductive problems in alpacas was carried out with the use of questionnaires completed voluntarily by alpaca owners in three regions (British Isles, Continental Europe, and North America). Cases of miscarriage and stillbirths were reported from about 1/3 of the farms, and in half of them, the cases of crias (young up to 6 months of life) and young alpacas fell within 12 months after birth occurred. Preterm births were reported from almost half of the farms. An important element increasing the cria survival rate of is the high birth weight and dams’ mineral supplementation. This study has indicated a relationship between fetal death and the occurrence of infectious diseases and scabies infestation in the herd. They may be potential causes of reproduction-related problems that are not discerned in time. ABSTRACT: The profitability of alpaca breeding depends on satisfactory reproductive results. The study aimed to analyze the frequency and causes of reproduction-related problems in alpacas, in particular miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm births, twin pregnancies, and falls of crias within 12 months after birth. This analysis was carried out with the use of questionnaires completed voluntarily by 109 alpaca owners in three regions (British Isles, Continental Europe, and North America). Cases of miscarriage and stillbirths were reported from 44% and 36% of the farms, respectively. In half of the farms, the cases of falls of crias and young alpacas within 12 months after birth were reported. Preterm births were reported from almost half of the farms. A large number of alpaca owners did not identify the cause of fetal death. An important element increasing the cria survival rate of is the birth weight (the higher cria birth weight, the lower risk of perinatal complications and less necessity of bottle feeding). Crias from dams receiving mineral supplements had higher birth weight. This study indicated a relationship between fetal death and the occurrence of infectious diseases and scabies infestation in the herd. They may be potential causes of reproduction-related problems that are not discerned in time.