Unpacking time – developing the maternal bond

It has been found in sheep studies, that good bonding between dam and offspring leads to better lamb survival. The same is likely true for alpacas. Make sure during the 2-hour (up to 24 hours) window after birth, the dam and cria are not disturbed. Do not push them off the birth site (make sure females are in a clean, grassy paddock to unpack) and that there is adequate shelter, feed and water. Optimising the maternal-neonatal bond will ensure better colostrum uptake by the cria, thereby setting up the cria’s future.