Is artificial insemination (AI) used?
AI can be performed, although at present, the U.S. Alpaca Registry does not recognize a birth resulting from AI. The alpaca male penis must penetrate the female’s cervix and deposit semen in both horns of the uterus for the female to become pregnant. This is different from most other animals where vaginal insemination is the norm. Because of the need for semen to be introduced into the uterus, AI in alpacas is more difficult and more prone to result in uterine infection. Additionally, semen collection is difficult as a male alpaca is reluctant to use an artifical vagina.
