The gestation biometrics of the alpaca (Vicugna pacos) are described. The abdominal diameter was determined monthly from 10 pregnant alpacas. In addition, uterus of 49 pregnant alpacas were collected from the Maranganí herd (Cusco, Peru) and classified by gestational age known as mating date (every 30 days from day 30 to 330 [± 15 days]). Gravid uteri were weighed and measured, allantoic and amniotic fluid was removed and measured, and fetal weight and length were determined. The results indicate a slight increase in abdominal diameter until the end of gestation, the fetus gradually increases its weight as gestation progresses, being greater from the sixth month onwards. The total length of the fetus increases from month nine. The amniotic fluid represents less than 18% of the volume of the allantoic fluid, both fluids have low volumes. An increase in fluids could be observed towards m...

Knowledge of embryonic and foetal development is extremely important in order to establish normal development parameters, the health of the foetus, and to identify critical periods in the growth curve. One of these processes is the pattern of ossification. The present study describes the ossification pattern in alpaca embryos and foetuses using radiology and diaphanization techniques. Seventeen pregnant female alpacas were used for the collection of embryos and foetuses of various ages (32, 45, 60, 90, 118, 150, 165, 190, 220 and 280 days). The specimens were weighed, measured and radiographed, and later fixed in 10% buffered formalin to be subjected to the diaphanization process in potassium hydroxide and finally stained with Alizarin Red. The description of the specimens indicates that in embryos of 32 and 45 days there are no mineralized structures; however, it can be seen radiopaque ...