The infertility problems discussed here range from simple management issues to complex health or genetic conditions. If your female is not getting pregnant after repeated breedings I recommend that you have a veterinarian familiar with camelid reproduction do a full reproductive workup. This process often leads to a diagnosis, and a successful pregnancy. There are a number of causes for alpaca reproduction problems. Absolute infertility is rare.

INFERTILITY AND ANATOMICAL PROBLEMS

Possible causes: Poor body condition – underweight females: those who weigh less than 85 pounds are not likely to cycle. Maiden females that are simply “not ready”. These females could be anywhere from twelve to twenty months old. Their ovaries may be late in maturing. I have had females fail to conceive for up to twenty-four months and then become pregnant.Heavily lactating females may not able be to maintain the body condition necessary to conceive, especially if they are older. Females over the age of twelve will often fail to get pregnant until they wean their cria.Persistent hymen – which makes it difficult for the male to penetrate. You may notice a blood stained discharge from the female after mating. The hymen is easily broken down by you or a veterinarian with a gloved and lubricated index finger. Hermaphrodite (Female carrying the male ‘Y’ chromosome). This is very rare. These females are usually more aggressive and have a small vulva which protrudes at its lower edge.Segmental aplasia: Sections of the reproductive tract are missing. (Rare)Hypoplastic ovaries – failure to cycle and mate. Estrogen has a role in the closure of long bone growth plates, females with hypoplastic ovaries often appear taller and have thicker facial features than normal females as they reach maturity. (Rare)

ACQUIRED REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS

These problems can result from bacteria being transported during the initial breeding or be the result of a problem at birthing. Once an infection is diagnosed, antibiotics will usually clear the condition. • Metritis (uterine infection) – usually detected as a white or reddish pussy material under the tail. • Tears and scarring from previous difficult birthing. • Tumors

HORMONAL/FUNCTIONAL PROBLEMS

Retained Corpus Luteum (C.L.) – The corpus luteum is the remnants of the follicle that are left behind after ovulation that produce progesterone to support a pregnancy. When this tissue persists even though no pregnancy exists it is referred to as a retained corpus luteum. If this condition is present the female will believe she is pregnant and refuse the male.Failure to ovulate – Sometimes follicles do not release an egg after mating. This may be the result of failure to release the hormones that trigger ovulation, or it may be that there was no follicle to ovulate.Cystic follicles – These are abnormal follicles that do not ovulate in spite of all the normal stimuli for ovulation.Insufficient progesterone can be a possible cause of repeated abortions. This condition can be treated with injections of progesterone.

PENETRATION

I realize that I am stating the obvious when I say that you must be sure that the male penetrates the female. If the male interrupts the breeding he has probably not penetrated. You can check by simply feeling under the female to see that the penis is inserted in the correct place.

STRESS

Stressed females are less likely to conceive. Let them rest a bit after a long trip to the stud’s farm and make sure they are in good body condition. Let the female become familiar with her surroundings and her new mate and she will be happy to get pregnant.