- published: 14 Aug 2008
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A cria (pronounced /kriː.ə/) is the name for a baby camelid such as a llama, alpaca, vicuña, or guanaco. It comes from the Spanish word cría, meaning "baby". Its false cognate in English, crya (pronounced /kraɪ.ə/), was coined by British sailors who explored Chile in the 18th century and were quick to describe the camelids onomatopoeically according to the mwa sound they made, which was not unlike that of a human crying baby.
In alpacas, pregnancies last 11 to 12 months, and usually result in a single cria. Twins are rare, approximately 1⁄1000, slightly rarer than the proportion of twins in human births. Twin cria births are not only rare, but dangerous. A twin birth can kill both the mother and crias. Crias may be weaned through human intervention at approximately 6 months and 60 pounds (27 kg). However, many breeders prefer to allow the female to decide when to wean her offspring. Offspring can be weaned earlier or later depending on their size and emotional maturity.
Llama crias are typically born with the whole herd gathering around (just the females are present, as the males are considered a threat) in an attempt to protect against potential predators. Llamas give birth standing, and the process is usually relatively quick and problem-free, over in less than 30 minutes. Most births take place between 8 am and noon, during the relatively warmer daylight hours. This may increase cria survival by reducing fatalities due to hypothermia during cold Andean nights. While unproven, it is speculated that this birthing pattern is a continuation of the birthing patterns observed in the wild. Crias are up and standing, walking and attempting to nurse within the first hour after birth. Llama milk is lower in fat and salt and higher in phosphorus and calcium than cow or goat milk. A female llama will only produce about 60 ml (2 US fl oz) of milk at a time when she gives milk. For this reason, the cria must suckle frequently to receive the nutrients it requires.
I almost gave up
I almost got lost
I had too much sadness
And then I felt you
I could almost hear that
You had come to stay
Eeeehhhhh iaia
My litter is mixed race
It’s the face of the future when he
Dances with joy
I’m going to dance
And give thanks to life
And all the knocks I took
To get such a dear thing
I decided to polish everything
In my life
For you to come home
Today I discovered
That for my whole life
I was waiting for you
If you want
I’ll protect you, yes, yes
You don’t even have to let me
I’m going to, I’m going to take care of you
When you need me to
I’ll let you go, my darling
I just won’t ever manage