Camelid reproduction Flashcards
T/F south american camelids are classed as seasonal breeders
False
However, they breed seasonally if the environment or climate requires it (as in their harsh natural habitat)
How long is the camelid gestation
11-12 months
when do camelids breed and give birth in the UK
in the summer
Describe the key facts about the oestrus cycle in camelids
induced ovulators, so don’t have regular oestrus cycle, but repeated and overlapping follicular waves this could mean that they have prolonged periods of receptivity to the male
what is cushing in alpacas
If the female alpaca is interested in breeding, she’ll lay down and allow the male to mount her
what is spitting off in alpacas
Non receptive behaviour (where the female spits at the male and does not sit) indicates that ovulation occurred at mating 7 days ago and could be indicative of pregnancy.
why should male alpacas and females be separated in last trimester
placental oestrogen production may lead to inappropriate mating attempts.
List 6 infectious causes of abortion in camelids
Bacterial= leptospira, chlamydia, listeria, campylobacter
Viral= BVDV
Protozoal= Neospora
List 3 non-infectious causes of abortion in camelids
twinning
foetal abnormalities
environmental stressors
In abortion cases in camelids what samples would be taken
ideally whole fetus with placenta
If this not possible:
samples of placenta
fetal fluid
fetal stomach contents
fetal liver or spleen
Describe how to diagnose a uterine torsion in a camelid
rectal palpation or expolatory laparotomy
List 3 risk factors of uterine torsion in camelids
large foetal size
right horn pregnancies
excessive rolling in late gestation
Describe how to treat uterine torsion in camelids
Non-surgical= rolling dam or transvaginal correction (if cervix sufficiently dilated)
Surgical= left flank lapatotomy
If there is a clockwise uterine torsion which way is it twisted
torsion of the left horn to the right side - this is the one that occurs most often
