Behavioral characteristics of female alpacas and their crias during early rearing

Alpacas of the Huacaya breed were studied in a farm-based zoological garden. The behavior of alpacas and their offspring was evaluated during a period of three months (90 days) after the birth of the crias. The study demonstrated that the animals spent most of their time on feeding behaviors (77.21%), such as feed intake, rumination, and drinking water. Locomotor activity, including walking, standing, and lying down, was the second most prevalent behavior (17.12%). Grooming (2.33%) and parenting (2.19%) behaviors were also frequently observed. Parenting activities involved sniffing and nursing the offspring. Social activities were least prevalent, which could point to a high level of socialization within the herd. Aggressive behaviors towards other female members of the herd were not noted.