– when is my baby due?????


Again I have based the estimates on a scientific publication and the results are derived from the data collected on a considerable number of animals. Lest we defy nature though to predict with any defined accuracy!

In our experience;

Our own arithmetic mean comes out at around 337 days.

The following paper indicates that the time of conception has a bearing on the gestation period. The study is conducted in the high country of the South Island of New Zealand. The comparison was made between Spring (mid-Oct. to mid-Dec.) and Autumn (mid-Feb. to late-April.) A Spring mating gave 12.5 (349 days ± 1) days longer gestation period than an Autumn mating (336 ± 1) on average. 162 animals were used in this study.

A further study looked at the gestation period in 367 animals and they concluded the following:

The shortest period was: 316 days
The mean period was:     343 days
The longest period was:  367 days

We are aware of an animal going 369 days and some data exists to confirm pregnancies going on even longer. So don’t despair!

I have spent HOURS looking at our girls trying to detect movement, in some it is obvious, others not so. Ultrasound scanning can be a little hit and miss, this may be down to an inexperienced operator or the animal does a very good job of hiding her cria!!!



Reference:

Davis, G.H., Dodds, K.G., Moore G.H. and Bruce, G.D. (1997). Seasonal effects on gestation length and birth weight in alpacas. Animal Reproduction Science. 46, 3-4, 297-303.