Evaluating Cria Alpaca Growth and Development
Open Access
- Author:
- Shanley, Jacquelyn
- Area of Honors:
- Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Robert John Vansaun, Thesis Supervisor
Robert John Vansaun, Thesis Honors Advisor
Justin D Brown, Faculty Reader - Keywords:
- Growth
alpacas
cria
nutrition
growth curves
percentile curves - Abstract:
- Information regarding growth of alpacas is not yet abundant. In order to gain more precise information of the growth of alpacas, measurements of alpacas on alpaca farms in the United States were obtained to generate percentile curves. Measurements were observed in alpacas ranging from 0 to 36 months of age. Age, gender, season of birth, age by season, as well as age and gender by season all significantly influenced body weight. After gathering this data, cria growth was plotted to create standardized curves in body weight, kg. Measurements were taken frequently over the 36 month period, and censored at 30 months to ensure no pregnancy weights were included. These body weights were recorded with the weight in kilograms and the date the measurement was taken. The percentile curves created described the growth and development of alpacas’ body weight. These show that rapid growth and body weight accretion occur in the alpacas during the first six months of life and reach a median body weight of 30-35 kg by weaning age. Post-weaning, the alpacas grew at a slower rate. As the animals reached maturity at around 25 months of age, the growth curve began to plateau with a median body weight of 65-75 kg. These growth curves allow for alpaca owners, veterinarians, breeders, and researchers to be able to understand alpaca growth in order to provide better recommendations for nutrition and management of feeds.