Some Reproductive Parameters of Male Llamas and Alpacas
Some Reproductive Parameters of Male Llamas and Alpacas
Parameter | Guideline |
|---|---|
Time of testicular descent | At birth |
Testicular size in adults | 2 × 4 cm (alpacas) 3 × 6 cm (llamas) |
Start of puberty | Androgen production starts between 8 and 14 months of age, but penile frenulum does not break down until 18–24 months |
Normal semen characteristics | Milky to translucent, viscous |
Normal volume of single ejaculate | 0.3–0.7 mL |
Percentage of sperm motility/ejaculate | 40%–80% (alpaca) 60%–80% (llama) |
Sperm concentration in ejaculate | 30 to 170 ×103/mm3 (alpacas) 60 to 188 × 103/mm3 (llamas) |
Percentage of live sperm/ejaculate | 65%–90% (alpacas) 81%–90% (llamas) |