Behavior testing should be viewed as part of the stud's job on the farm. Every introduction should not result in a breeding. This would not occur in the natural environment for any species of herd animals, including the alpaca. Dr. Walter Bravo, an experienced breeder and researcher from South America, has said that appointment breedings should not be allowed to occur more frequently than once per week to minimize the trauma to the female reproductive tract. The author believes that animals that have been treated for a uterine infection should not be bred more frequently than once every two weeks to prevent causing another infection.
Uterine infections are a very important cause of infertility in alpacas.
The author believes that in most cases they can be prevented by careful breeding practices that are as close to the natural herd situation as possible. The ongoing study at New England Camelid Services is designed to evaluate the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for future breeding soundness for fifty alpacas with uterine infections. The data collected in this study will be analyzed to provide valuable information to alpaca breeders and their veterinarians. The causes of uterine infections will be researched to formulate prevention strategies for alpaca breeding. Both study animals and funding are needed to complete this work.