Camelid Reproduction & Cria Care Intensive

Experience better success

What You'll Learn

You will fully understand how to have the best success when breeding your alpacas or llamas

You will learn about the most common reproductive problems - helping you know what you should do when breeding isn’t working as it should.

You will learn what to expect at birthing, and practical tips for what you should do when a female has difficulty.

You will feel better prepared to deal with any potential problems or emergencies

Learn what’s normal for newborn crias, what isn’t, and what to do in the case of problems

I can't wait for you to join me on your alpaca or llama journey!

I guarantee this course is going to expand your knowledge about camelid health care. From basic principles to practical management tips, I'm going to give you all the tools you need to succeed. Plus, the course format makes learning convenient and fun!

- Claire E Whitehead BVM&S MS DACVIM FHEA MRCVS

Camelid Veterinary Services Ltd

What You'll Get

9 module course

Comprehensive printed course manual - sent anywhere in the world. Included.

Lifetime access to the online course materials to access at your convenience and complete at your own pace

BONUSES:

Additional live and interactive support Q&A session (bi-weekly)

Access to private Facebook group where you can also interact with other delegates

Female infertility problem solver flow-chart, based on 20 years of female infertility evaluations.

Cria problem quick reference guide

FAST ACTION BONUS: First 15 people only to sign up to this course will also get a free 30 minute 1:1 consultation with Claire

“Really excellent course, and the content was just right for me.”

- Carol Montgomery, UK

“I honestly can't think of anything that was left out about reproduction and cria care.”

- Pam Ogden, Ogden Alpacas, California

“Having the course broken down into smaller sessions made it easier for me to concentrate and not get so tired….Being able to re-watch it helps it sink in more.”

- Laura Attfield, UK

"I come from an equine background and find that many of my fellow breeders do too. Having had alpacas for 7 years now I find everyday they are giving me a new learning experience. I came across this program on Facebook in one of the groups and felt it would be a great opportunity to learn from a professional. I could watch the program during the hours I could manage. From the first part through the last I feel Dr Whitehead was articulate, encouraged participation and extremely informative. I highly recommend this program. It was well worth my investment!!"

- Leslie Rebtoy, Healing Springs Suris (Oklahoma, USA

Course Programme

Module 1

The Female

Part 1 Female Anatomy & Reproductive Physiology

In this section, we cover the normal anatomy of the female camelid reproductive tract and ovarian follicular dynamics. We cover the physiological events that occur in the female when she is bred and what we can understand from her behaviour that enables us to manage her effectively.

Part 2 Pregnancy & Pregnancy Diagnosis

In this section, we discuss the physiology of pregnancy, and the different tools we can use to diagnose pregnancy. We discuss the implications of physiology on breeding and an ideal reproductive plan for breeding females.

Module2

The Male

Part 1 Anatomy & Physiology in the Male

In this section, we cover the normal anatomy of the male camelid.

Part 2 Using Males in Breeding Programmes

An understanding of what can be expected from the male is critical to getting the most out of them and to optimise fertility rates. In addition to providing an evidence-based rationale for use of males in breeding programmes, we will also consider how to assess male fertility.

Part 3 Castration

Not all males are destined for breeding. In this section, we cover the reasons for castration as well as the methods that can be employed.

Module 3

Selection of Male and Female Camelids for Breeding

In this section, we consider how to select animals for breeding, primarily from the health and husbandry perspective. We discuss avoidance of defects and a little about some genetics research investigating defects and fibre quality in camelids.

Module 4

Best Breeding Practices & Investigation for Female Infertility

In this module we review best breeding practices and discuss the various female reproductive problems that may occur. We discuss the ideal approach to take to figure out what is going on and how to potentially address the problem. We then work through a number of clinical cases as examples of female infertility.

Part 1: Best Breeding Practices

Part 2: Causes of Female Infertility

Part 3: Approach to Problem Breeders

Part 4: Reproductive Problem Cases

Module 5

Preparation for Birthing

In this module we cover the importance and practice of pregnancy diagnosis, care of the pregnant female, routine herd health procedures for pregnant females and preparing yourself and your herd for neonatal care.

Module 6

Birthing

In this module you will learn what to expect when an alpaca gives birth normally. You will also learn about the potential signs of problems at birthing and how to recognise when it is appropriate/necessary to call for assistance from your veterinarian.

Part 1: Normal Birthing

Part 2: Abnormal Birthing

Module 7

Reproductive Emergencies

In this module, you will learn about all the different types of emergencies that can occur around the time of parturition. You will understand what causes these various issues and learn how to recognise the signs of problems so that you will know when to call your vet. These emergencies will all require veterinary intervention.

Module 8

Crias: Care of the Newborn

In this module we will discuss the types and incidence of neonatal problems in camelids. In the first section, we will cover what is normal for newborn camelids and the steps that you should take during the first few days of life. In the second section, we will discuss the sorts of congenital problems that camelids can be born with and which might require euthanasia versus be correctable. Part 3 deals with the problems that can be caused when crias fail to nurse including hypoglycaemia, failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT) and the clinical syndromes that result from FPT.

Module 9

Crias: Crooked Legs and Rickets

In this module, we cover the range of problems that can cause crooked legs in crias. This includes conformation, ligament laxity, contracted tendons and rickets.

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