What is an alpacas lifespan and reproductive cycle?
A. An alpaca’s lifespan is 15 – 20 years. Females are induced ovulaters and therefore are ready to breed at most any time of the year. She will ovulate in response to mating and will normally spit off an advancing male if she is pregnant. Gestation is approximately 11 ½ months. They give birth to a single cria, weighing between 12 to 20 pounds. You can usually begin to breed females 16 to 18 months of age, and their pregnancy can be confirmed with an ultrasound test. Knowing about the animals in general…
