Cria

As Crias is called the juveniles of llamas, alpacas, vicuna and guanaco. The word comes from Spanish and means " baby".

Alpaca cria

An alpaca pregnancy lasts about 11 to 12 months and it is usually born only one cub. A twin birth is very rare, the chances of a twin birth are about 1 in 1000th However, twin births are not only rare, but also very dangerous. Both the mother and the cria can die there. Crias can be weaned off 60 pounds by human intervention after about 6 months and weighing. However, many growers prefer to leave it to the female, as long as it satisfies her foal. Crias may be discontinued sooner or later, depending on their size and emotional maturity.

Llama cria

At birth, the Llama foal, the entire herd to the birthing Lama ( only female lamas, as males are seen as a threat ), apparently to protect it from predators. Llamas give birth standing up. The birth takes place fairly quickly and easily, as a rule, it rarely lasts more than 30 minutes. Usually they will take place from 8 clock and lunch and not in the young animals dangerous cold Andean nights. It is believed that this is a continuation of the birth behavior that was also observed in the wild. Llama foal standing, running and trying to suck within the first hour after birth. The Lama 's milk contains less fat and salt, but more phosphorus and calcium than cow or goat milk. A female llama are suckling only about 60 ml ( 0.0021 oz ) milk. For this reason, the foal must often suck to get the nutrients they need.

Guanaco Foal

The juveniles of guanacos are called Chulengos. The reproductive behavior of the guanaco is nearly the same as that of the Lamas.

Vicuna Crias

Mating takes place usually from March to April, after a gestation period of about 11 months the female gives birth to a single foal vicuna, which is nursed for about 10 months. The foal is independently after about 12 to 18 months.

Religious use of Crias

Often, the descendants of the Inca use dried Crias as an offering to the earth. In ceremonies they are burned and the ashes sacrificed. The Indians often underpin the construction of houses with dried Crias into the wall, this ritual to bring good luck. In markets in Cuzco they are sold for such purposes.

• Zoology