Behavioural biology of South American domestic camelids: An overview from a welfare perspective

Embryo transfer in domestic South American camelids.

Intraspecific and interspecific embryo transfer in domestic South American camelids is developing into a well-established technique. Reports reveal many benefits of using reproductive biotechnologies to allow rapid propagation of alpacas and llamas of high genetic merit (e.g., high fiber quality, preserve color variation). The objective of this review is to provide up-to-date information about ...

Reproduction in South American Camelids

Reproduction in South American Camelids

All camelids (including the Bactrian [2 humps] and Dromedary [1 hump] old world camels) have a diploid number of 74 chromosomes. Interbreeding can occur between any of these species, producing fertile offspring. In llama and alpaca are occasionally interbred, producing an animal with longer but coarser fibre length than Alpaca. These are known as Huarizo. Using artificial insemination between o...

Induction of superovulation in South American camelids.

The development of assisted reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer (ET), artificial insemination (AI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in South American camelids is considerably behind that of other livestock species. Poor success of the embryo transfer technique has been related to a lack of an effective superstimulatory treatment, low embryo recovery rate, and the recovery of hatch...

Skin Diseases of South American Camelids

Introduction The South American camelids (SACs): Lama glama (llama), L. quanicoe (guanaco), Vicugna pacos (alpaca), and V. vicugna (vicuña) have been growing in popularity as sources of hair (fibre) in North America and Europe. Dermatological problems can be a major challenge for veterinary clinicians dealing with alpaca herds. The aim of this article is to review some of the ectoparasitic skin...