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from Wikipedia
Llama cria
A cria (pronounced /ˈkriːə/) is a juvenile llama, alpaca, vicuña, or guanaco.[1]
Etymology
[edit]The term comes from the Spanish word cría, meaning "baby". Its false cognate in English, crya (pronounced /ˈkraɪə/), 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.[2]
Alpaca crias
[edit]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.
Llama crias
[edit]
Llama crias are typically born with the whole herd gathering around (only 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 stand, walk, and attempt to nurse within the first hour after birth.[3][4][5] 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.[6]
Vicuña crias
[edit]Mating usually occurs in March through May, and after a gestation period of about 11 months the female gives birth to a single cria, which is nursed for about 10 months. The cria becomes independent at about 12 to 18 months.
Guanaco crias
[edit]Young guanacos are also known as chulengos. The guanaco has a gestation period of 11.5 months, with birth taking place in the summer months of November and December. Once a chulengo is born, it typically stands within 5 to 76 minutes.[7] After a few weeks, the chulengo begins to graze. At eight months, the chulengo is almost fully weaned.[7]
Religious uses of crias
[edit]Incans often use dried cria carcasses to make payments to Pachamama. Used in ceremony, the crias are burned and the ashes are given as payments to the earth. In the markets of Cuzco, crias are sold for such purposes.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 3 ed. © 2007 Elsevier, Inc.
- ^ History of the New World Called America: Book II, Aboriginal America. Payne, Edward John. Clarendon Press, 1899.
- ^ The Department of Veterninary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State University. Camelid Medicine, Surgery, and Reproduction for Veterinarians. Part II.
- ^ Long, Patrick O. Llama & Alpaca Neonatal Care. p. 112.
- ^ Birutta, Gale. A Guide to Raising Llamas. p. 327.
- ^ Linda March. "Llamas: A Different Kind of Pet". University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine. Archived from the original on 2012-12-11. Retrieved 2009-05-15.
- ^ a b Hoffman, Eva. "Lama guanicoe". Animal Diversity Web. Archived from the original on 9 May 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
- ^ Morveli, Brayan (May 2, 2018). "Importance of Llama Fetuses". Cuzco Eats. Archived from the original on July 15, 2019. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
from Grokipedia
A cria is the newborn and juvenile offspring of South American camelids, including llamas (Lama glama), alpacas (Vicugna pacos), vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna), and guanacos (Lama guanicoe), typically encompassing the period from birth up to around six months of age.[1][2][3] These precocial young are born after a gestation period of approximately 11 months and exhibit remarkable early independence, standing within 30 minutes of birth and attempting to nurse within 45 minutes.[1][4]
Birth typically occurs in the early morning hours during the warmer seasons in their native Andean habitats, aiding survival by minimizing exposure to cold nights.[3] Crias emerge weighing 8–20 pounds (3.6–9 kg) for alpacas and 15–30 pounds (6.8–13.6 kg) for llamas, with the dam expelling the placenta within 1–2 hours after birth to help reduce the risk of infection.[4][5] Dams are highly attentive mothers, rarely licking their young but vigilantly protecting and encouraging nursing; they can often be rebred 14–21 days postpartum to maintain herd productivity.[4]
Neonatal care focuses on ensuring passive immunity through colostrum intake, with crias needing at least 5% of their body weight in the first 6 hours and 10% within 12–24 hours to absorb essential antibodies.[1][4] Supplementation with vitamins A, D, E, and selenium is recommended in deficient regions to support growth and prevent issues like reduced weight gain or weakness.[1] Crias grow rapidly, gaining 0.25–1 pound (0.11–0.45 kg) daily in the first weeks, and are weaned around 6 months when they reach about 50–60% of adult weight, transitioning to solid forage while continuing to nurse sporadically.[4][2] Despite their resilience, neonatal mortality can reach 4–33% in the first 6 months due to factors like infections, poor nutrition, or environmental stress, underscoring the importance of vigilant monitoring.[1]
Definition and Etymology
Definition
A cria is the juvenile offspring of South American camelids, encompassing the four species in the family Camelidae native to the Andes region: the domesticated llama (Lama glama) and alpaca (Vicugna pacos), and the wild guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and vicuña (Vicugna vicugna).[6] This term applies from birth until weaning, which typically occurs at 4 to 6 months of age, marking the transition from nursing dependency to independent foraging.[7] Crias are distinguished from adult camelids by their smaller size, reliance on maternal milk, and developmental stage, as well as from juveniles of many other mammals due to their precocial nature. Unlike altricial species that require extensive parental care immediately after birth, crias are born fully alert and mobile, capable of standing within one hour and nursing shortly thereafter.[6][7] This adaptation enables rapid integration into the herd and survival in the harsh Andean environment.[4]Etymology
The term cria derives from the Spanish word cría, which refers to the rearing or breeding of animals, as well as to a baby animal or litter. This Spanish noun stems from the verb criar ("to raise" or "to rear"), ultimately tracing back to the Latin creāre, meaning "to create" or "to produce."[8][9][10] In the context of South American camelids, cría entered usage during the Spanish colonial period in the Andes, applied specifically to the young of species such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. The term's adoption reflects the integration of Spanish livestock terminology into descriptions of indigenous animal husbandry practices. Early documented references appear in 16th- and early 17th-century chronicles of Incan agriculture and society.[11][12] Post-conquest, the Spanish cría largely supplanted or coexisted alongside indigenous nomenclature in Andean Spanish, as colonial administration imposed European linguistic frameworks on native pastoral economies. While Quechua and other local languages had distinct terms for young animals—such as chulengo for guanaco offspring—the generalized Spanish usage became dominant in written and administrative records of camelid breeding.[13][14]Reproduction and Birth
Gestation Period
The gestation period in South American camelids (SACs), which include alpacas, llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas, typically lasts 11 to 11.5 months, or approximately 340 to 350 days.[15] This duration shows slight species-specific variations: alpacas average 335 days, llamas around 350 days, guanacos 345 to 360 days, and vicuñas about 11.3 months (roughly 345 days).[16][17][18][19] These periods generally result in the birth of a single offspring, the cria, with twins being rare and often non-viable.[18] Several factors influence the exact length of gestation in SACs, including maternal nutrition, environmental conditions, and physiological adaptations. Optimal maternal nutrition supports fetal development and can help maintain gestation within the normal range, while deficiencies may lead to shorter or prolonged pregnancies due to stress on the dam.[15] High-altitude environments in the Andes, where SACs originate, prompt adaptations such as enhanced oxygen transport in the dam's blood, aiding fetal oxygenation and potentially stabilizing gestation under hypoxic conditions.[20] Breeding often aligns with seasonal patterns, with mating typically occurring in the dry season and births timed for the rainy season to coincide with abundant forage, which indirectly supports gestational health through improved nutrition.[21] During pregnancy, SAC dams undergo key hormonal and physiological changes to sustain fetal growth, primarily mediated by the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone throughout most of the gestation to prevent luteolysis and support uterine quiescence.[15] The unique placental structure—a diffuse epitheliochorial type—facilitates nutrient and gas exchange without deep invasion into the uterine wall, allowing for efficient maternal-fetal interface across the entire chorionic surface while minimizing immunological risks.[18] This non-invasive placenta, characterized by apposition of fetal and maternal epithelia, reflects evolutionary adaptations suited to the prolonged gestation and high-altitude demands of SACs.[22]Parturition Process
The parturition process in South American camelids, such as alpacas and llamas, is characterized by three distinct stages, reflecting the species' adaptations for relatively efficient delivery in both wild and domestic environments.[23] Stage I, the preparatory phase, typically lasts 1-6 hours and involves cervical dilation accompanied by behavioral signs including restlessness, isolation from the herd, increased urination, humming, and occasional mild abdominal discomfort.[23][24] This stage may pass unnoticed in herd settings, as the dam often seeks seclusion.[23] Stage II marks the active expulsion of the cria, generally lasting less than 30 minutes, during which the fetus is delivered in a normal anterior longitudinal, dorsosacral presentation with the chin tucked on the carpus, front legs extended, and head first.[23][24] The amniotic sac ruptures early in this phase, and contractions intensify to propel the cria outward, with most births occurring in the morning hours.[23] Stage III follows immediately, involving the expulsion of the placenta within 4-6 hours post-delivery, though it may take longer in first-time mothers; retention beyond 12 hours warrants veterinary intervention.[23][24] Camelids exhibit precocial birth traits, with crias born fully furred, eyes open, and capable of coordinated movement shortly after delivery, weighing 5.5-8 kg for alpacas and 11-16 kg for llamas depending on the species and dam size.[23] These neonates typically stand within 15-45 minutes and begin nursing within 2 hours, facilitating rapid bonding and survival in variable environments.[25][24] Dystocia, or difficult birth, is uncommon in healthy camelid herds, occurring in fewer than 5% of cases, with lower intervention rates in wild populations compared to domestic ones due to natural selection pressures.[24] Common causes include malpresentation (e.g., posterior or lateral positioning), uterine torsion, or fetomaternal disproportion, but most resolve with minimal assistance if detected early—such as prolonged Stage I beyond 6 hours or Stage II exceeding 30 minutes without progress.[24] In domestic settings, complications affect less than 5% of healthy herds, emphasizing the process's reliability.[24]Physical Characteristics and Early Development
Traits at Birth
Newborn crias of South American camelids exhibit several key physical features that enable immediate survival in their native high-altitude Andean habitats. Birth weights typically range from 5 to 11 kg for alpaca crias and 9 to 18 kg for llama crias, reflecting their precocial nature and readiness for mobility.[1] Vicuña crias, being the smallest among these species, are born weighing approximately 4 to 6 kg, while guanaco crias fall in an intermediate range of about 7 to 15 kg.[26][27] These weights support functional limbs that allow the cria to stand within 10 to 120 minutes of birth (typically around 30 minutes) and walk unsteadily shortly thereafter.[1] Additionally, crias are born with a full coat of dense wool covering their bodies, which provides essential insulation for thermoregulation against the cold Andean temperatures that can drop below freezing even during the day. A coordinated suckling reflex is present from birth, enabling the cria to nurse effectively within 20 to 180 minutes, typically around 45 minutes, facilitating rapid intake of colostrum for passive immunity transfer.[1] Behaviorally, newborn crias demonstrate strong instincts for social integration and maternal bonding essential for herd life. Immediately after birth, the cria engages in nuzzling, nose-to-nose touching, and vocalizations such as soft humming sounds to establish a bond with the dam, a process that strengthens mutual recognition and protection.[1] Within hours, the cria can follow the dam and herd, often walking competently by 2 hours postpartum, which minimizes vulnerability to predators in open Andean landscapes.[28] These traits are underpinned by specialized adaptations that enhance survival in hypoxic, cold environments. The thick wool coat not only aids thermoregulation but also protects against wind and precipitation common in the Andes. Crias benefit from efficient oxygen uptake due to their species' high hemoglobin-oxygen affinity and small, elliptical erythrocytes, allowing effective respiration at altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters where oxygen levels are low.[29] While congenital malformations can occur, physiological adaptations contribute to high neonatal survival when environmental conditions are favorable.[29] Species-specific variations in these traits, such as finer wool in vicuñas, are detailed in dedicated sections on individual camelids.Growth and Weaning
Crias of South American camelids exhibit rapid growth in the initial months following birth, characterized by significant weight gain driven by high-nutritional milk intake. In the first three months, alpaca crias typically gain 0.2–0.4 kg per day, while llama crias gain 0.4–0.8 kg per day, often resulting in a doubling of birth weight within 1–2 months.[1] By six months, crias generally reach approximately 50% of their adult body size, with llamas similarly proportional.[7] Skeletal development progresses steadily, with major growth completing by around two years, after which physical maturity is approached by three years.[17] The weaning process typically occurs between 4 and 6 months of age, timed to coincide with the cria's increasing independence and the dam's declining milk production.[1] Dam milk is rich in fat (2.6–4.5%) and protein, supporting this quick early growth, though total yield and peak production (around 1,600–2,000 mL daily) vary with the dam's age and parity, influencing weaning readiness.[1] Signs of weaning include reduced nursing frequency and greater consumption of solid forage, as crias begin nibbling grass or hay as early as two weeks old.[30] Behaviorally, crias integrate socially into the herd shortly after birth, forming bonds through humming and nuzzling with the dam while observing group dynamics.[1] They learn foraging skills by mimicking adults and experimenting with solid foods, gradually shifting from milk dependency. Play behaviors, such as running, chasing, and leaping among peers, emerge early and aid in developing agility, coordination, and social hierarchies essential for herd life.[30] Nutritional support during this phase emphasizes high-protein feeds to sustain growth, as detailed in care management practices.[7]Crias by Species
Alpaca Crias
Alpaca crias, the offspring of the domesticated alpaca (Vicugna pacos), typically weigh between 6 and 8 kg at birth, reflecting their smaller size compared to other camelids and adaptations for high-altitude environments in the Andes.[30][31] This birth weight range supports rapid postnatal adaptation, with crias able to stand and nurse within hours following a gestation of approximately 11 months.[32] At birth, alpaca crias are covered in a fine, dense fleece that forms the foundational precursor to the distinct adult coat varieties: the crimpy, woolly Huacaya type, which constitutes about 90% of the population, or the silky, dreadlock-like Suri type.[33][34] This initial fleece provides essential insulation but may not fully reveal the mature fiber characteristics, which emerge as the cria grows.[35] Development in alpaca crias is marked by a notably faster fiber growth rate than in wild relatives like guanacos or vicuñas, driven by centuries of selective breeding for high-yield fiber production, allowing for annual shearing yields of 2-3 kg per adult.[17] Weaning occurs at 5-6 months, when crias transition to solid forage while continuing to benefit from their developing fleece for thermoregulation.[36] However, crias remain particularly vulnerable to hypothermia if their fleece becomes wet, as the dense structure traps moisture and impairs drying in cold conditions.[37][38] Selective breeding programs prioritizing fiber quality—such as finer micron counts (18-30 μm) and uniformity—can influence cria vigor, potentially impacting birth weights and early survival rates through genetic trade-offs with reproductive traits.[39][33] The average litter size is one, with twins being extremely rare and often resulting in weaker offspring due to resource competition in utero.[40][41] This reproductive pattern underscores the species' emphasis on producing robust, single crias optimized for fiber-oriented domestication.Llama Crias
Llama crias are notably larger at birth compared to those of related species, typically weighing between 9 and 14 kg. Their coat at birth is coarser and more wiry, providing durability suited to the endurance demands of their role as pack animals in rugged terrains.[42][17] Like other camelid crias, they exhibit precocial traits, standing and walking within approximately 30 minutes post-birth to facilitate immediate bonding and mobility.[43][17] Growth in llama crias emphasizes robust muscle development to support their future utility in carrying loads, with weaning generally occurring around 6 months of age to allow sufficient maternal nutrition intake. They reach physical maturity for pack-carrying between 18 and 24 months, at which point training can begin with light loads to build strength without risking injury. Due to their larger frame and higher muscle mass, llama crias require elevated energy intake during early development, often through high-quality forage and supplements to meet these demands.[17][44][1] Behaviorally, llama crias display more assertive dynamics within the herd, establishing hierarchies through subtle cues like spitting or positioning, which prepares them for cooperative pack work. However, hand-raised crias without adequate socialization to other llamas risk developing "berserk llama syndrome," a condition characterized by aggressive spitting, charging, or biting toward humans due to over-familiarity and lack of species-appropriate boundaries. Proper herd integration from an early age mitigates this risk, fostering balanced social behaviors essential for their working roles.[45][46]Guanaco Crias
Guanaco crias, known as chulengos, are born with a birth weight ranging from 7 to 15 kg, approximately 10% of the mother's body mass, enabling them to be precocial and mobile from the outset in the harsh, open terrains of South American arid and semi-arid regions.[47] Their coat is light to dark reddish-brown with white underparts, providing effective camouflage against the tawny landscapes that blend with predators' hunting grounds.[48] Births occur within the family group's territory, often during the southern hemisphere spring from November to December, aligning with favorable foraging conditions and minimizing exposure to winter stresses.[48] Twinning is extremely rare, with rates below 1%, as only isolated cases have been documented, ensuring maternal resources focus on a single offspring for higher survival odds in predator-rich environments.[48] These adaptations emphasize rapid integration into herd dynamics for protection, as crias stand and become highly mobile within 5 to 76 minutes postpartum, quickly following the mother to join the group rather than seeking isolated cover in the exposed steppes.[48] By shortly after birth, they exhibit the agility to run alongside adults, a critical trait for evading primary predators like pumas, a primary cause of juvenile mortality through opportunistic ambushes in open habitats.[47] This early fleetness, reaching speeds that support herd escapes, underscores the evolutionary pressure of arid ecosystems where concealment is limited, and collective vigilance is paramount.[48] Development progresses swiftly to foster independence; crias begin grazing within weeks and are weaned between 3 and 8 months, transitioning to exclusive foraging by around 8 months while still nursing intermittently if a sibling arrives.[48] Full independence follows by 11 to 15 months, when juveniles are expelled from family groups—females joining mixed herds and males forming bachelor groups—allowing them to navigate vast, resource-scarce landscapes with honed survival skills.[47] These milestones highlight the guanaco's strategy for thriving in dynamic, open environments, where early autonomy reduces vulnerability to environmental fluctuations and predation.[48]Vicuña Crias
Vicuña crias, the offspring of the smallest and wildest South American camelid, are born following a gestation period of approximately 11 months, typically during late summer (February to March in the Southern Hemisphere) to align with seasonal resource abundance. At birth, they weigh around 5 kg, the lightest among camelids, reflecting their adaptation to harsh, resource-scarce highland environments. Their coat is a fine, silky, fawn-to-golden fleece with underwool measuring 12-15 microns in diameter, offering exceptional thermal insulation against subzero temperatures at elevations over 4,000 meters. Births generally take place in the Andean puna ecosystem, often in secluded, rocky terrains that provide natural cover from predators, with the process occurring swiftly as the mother delivers standing and the cria able to stand and nurse within minutes.[49][50][51] Newborn vicuñas exhibit remarkable early mobility, capable of running at speeds up to 24 km/h within three hours of birth, a critical adaptation for evading threats in open, predator-prone habitats. Vocalizations are minimal during and immediately after birth to avoid detection, though adults use high-pitched alarm calls lasting about four seconds to warn of danger. Growth is relatively slow, with weaning at 6-8 months when crias weigh approximately 15-20 kg; sexual maturity follows later, with females reaching reproductive age at 2 years and males at 3 years, contributing to a prolonged dependency period of up to 12 months before dispersal from the family group. Crias inherit exceptional high-altitude adaptations, including hemoglobin with high oxygen affinity and efficient respiratory physiology, allowing immediate function in hypoxic conditions above 4,000 meters without acclimatization delays seen in lowland species.[49][51][52] Conservation challenges for vicuña crias stem from low reproductive rates, limited to one offspring per female annually, which constrains population recovery. Habitat loss, driven by livestock overgrazing, mining expansion, and climate-induced vegetation shifts in the Andean altiplano, severely affects early survival by diminishing forage quality and increasing vulnerability to starvation and exposure during the critical first months. Predation by pumas accounts for nearly 50% of cria mortality, while diseases like sarcoptic mange—often transmitted from domestic camelids—further threaten neonates; these factors have historically reduced populations, though protected areas have aided rebound to over 350,000 individuals.[50][53]Care and Health Management
Nutritional and Daily Care
Newborn crias rely on their dam's colostrum for initial nutrition and passive immunity, which must be ingested within the first 24 hours of life when the intestinal lining is permeable to antibodies.[30] Colostrum in camelids like alpacas and llamas is high in protein, typically 6-8%, providing essential nutrients and immunoglobulins that protect against early infections.[54] If the dam rejects the cria or insufficient colostrum is available, supplemental bovine or goat colostrum can be administered, ideally within the first 6-12 hours for optimal absorption.[55] As crias mature, their nutritional needs transition from milk to solid forage. Around one month of age, they can be introduced to pasture grazing alongside creep feeding, which consists of high-quality alfalfa or grass hay accessible only to young animals to encourage rumen development without competition from adults.[30] For wild species like guanacos and vicuñas, care is naturally managed by dams in native habitats with minimal human involvement to avoid stress.[56] Crias under two months require approximately 10-15% of their body weight in milk daily, divided into multiple feedings, while access to fresh, clean water becomes increasingly critical after weaning to support hydration and digestion.[55] Routine husbandry practices are essential for cria well-being in domestic settings. Providing clean, dry bedding helps prevent bacterial infections and supports thermal regulation, particularly in damp or cold environments.[30] Socialization in small groups of 5-10 crias promotes normal behavioral development, reduces stress, and fosters herd dynamics, as camelids are inherently social animals that thrive with companions.[57]Common Health Issues
Neonatal crias of South American camelids, such as alpacas and llamas, are particularly susceptible to hypothermia, especially in cold climates where incidence can reach 10-15% among newborns exposed to harsh weather or inadequate shelter.[20] This condition often arises from failure to nurse adequately, leading to hypoglycemia, and manifests as lethargy, weak reflexes, and depressed demeanor.[58] Treatment involves immediate warming in a dry environment using heat lamps or warmed blankets, cautious to avoid burns, alongside intravenous 10% dextrose (50 mL over 5-10 minutes) for associated hypoglycemia.[58] Diarrhea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal crias, frequently resulting from parasitic infections like coccidiosis (Eimeria spp.), which affects up to 23% of preweaning individuals and typically appears after 21 days of age.[58] Other common parasites include Giardia and Cryptosporidium, often contracted via contaminated water or feces, leading to dehydration and weight loss if untreated.[59] Deworming protocols emphasize fecal analysis for diagnosis, followed by targeted therapies such as oral sulfadimethoxine (50 mg/kg on day 1, then 25 mg/kg daily for 4 days) or amprolium (50 mg/kg daily for 5 days) for coccidiosis, combined with isolation of affected crias and improved hygiene to prevent herd spread.[58][59] Routine vaccinations play a critical role in preventing clostridial diseases, such as enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens types C and D, with core vaccines administered starting at 4-6 weeks of age, followed by boosters at 3-week intervals to ensure immunity.[25] Ongoing monitoring for malnutrition involves observing signs like poor coat shine, failure to gain weight, and lethargy, which indicate inadequate colostrum intake or nutritional deficits and require prompt assessment.[20] In high-altitude farms, such as those in the Andes, crias may experience vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin D, due to dietary limitations despite high UV exposure, contributing to conditions like rickets with symptoms of lameness and poor bone development.[60] Supplementation with injectable vitamin D (1000 IU/kg, 2-3 times in low-sun periods) can mitigate these issues.[20] Without proper care, mortality rates in the first month can reach 5-10%, primarily from sepsis, diarrhea, and environmental factors, though well-managed herds achieve rates below 5%.[20] Nutritional prevention strategies, as outlined in daily care protocols, further reduce these risks by ensuring adequate colostrum and balanced feeding.[20]Cultural and Religious Significance
Historical Religious Uses
In the Inca Empire, crias—young alpacas or llamas—played a central role in religious sacrifices known as capacocha, where they were offered to deities like Pachamama, the earth mother, to ensure agricultural fertility and appease natural forces. These rituals often involved burying the animals, sometimes with their hearts removed, at sacred mountain sites or huacas (shrines), symbolizing the return of life to the earth. Archaeological evidence from sites like Tambo Viejo in Peru's Acari Valley reveals bundles of sacrificed llamas, including juveniles, interred in ceremonial contexts during key agricultural cycles, such as pre-planting in October to invoke rain or post-harvest in February to celebrate abundance.[61][62] Pre-Incan cultures also incorporated cria remains into religious practices, particularly in tombs and ritual sites, indicating their use in funerary and sacrificial contexts dating back centuries. In the Moche culture (circa 100–700 CE) along Peru's northern coast, camelid remains were found buried alongside elite human interments, suggesting ritual killings to accompany the deceased into the afterlife or honor deities associated with fertility. Similarly, the Nazca culture (circa 100 BCE–800 CE) conducted llama sacrifices at ceremonial centers like Cahuachi, where animal offerings, including llamas, were part of broader rites to invoke water and agricultural renewal, as evidenced by associated artifacts and geoglyphs depicting llamas in ritual scenes. A striking example from the later pre-Incan Chimú culture (circa 900–1470 CE) at the Huanchaquito-Las Llamas site uncovered over 200 young llamas ritually killed alongside children around 1450 CE, with the animals' chests cut open and remains arranged facing the sea, likely to mitigate environmental disasters like El Niño floods.[63][64] Symbolically, crias embodied purity and vital life force in Andean cosmology, representing renewal and fertility due to their association with birth and the earth's regenerative cycles. These young animals were preferentially selected for solstice ceremonies, where their sacrifice was believed to channel cosmic energy for bountiful harvests and communal prosperity, reinforcing the reciprocal bond between humans and the natural world.[65] Such historical practices continue to influence modern Andean rituals, though adapted without live sacrifices.Contemporary Cultural Roles
In contemporary Andean culture, crias play a visible role in festivals and tourism, particularly through reenactments of traditional Inca ceremonies like Inti Raymi in Cusco, Peru, where live llamas and alpacas, including young individuals from local herds, are incorporated into processions and displays to symbolize prosperity and cultural heritage.[66][67] These events attract thousands of visitors annually, blending historical rituals with modern eco-tourism experiences that highlight the animals' symbolic importance without actual harm, as simulated sacrifices have replaced ancient practices.[68] In Peru and Bolivia, eco-tourism initiatives in the Sacred Valley and highland regions showcase alpaca and llama herds, allowing tourists to observe crias in their natural grazing environments, supporting local economies through farm visits and textile demonstrations.[69][70] Economically, alpaca crias contribute to a thriving fiber industry by growing into productive adults, with Peru's alpaca sector generating significant export revenue; the global alpaca fiber market was valued at $846.5 million in 2021 and is projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2031, driven largely by sustainable sourcing from Andean regions.[71] In traditional Andean diets, meat from older crias or young llamas remains a staple, valued for its high protein and low fat content, and is increasingly featured in contemporary cuisine at restaurants in Bolivia and Peru as a healthier alternative to beef.[72][73] Conservation efforts in the 2020s emphasize community-led programs to protect wild guanaco and vicuña crias, focusing on sustainable management to curb poaching and habitat loss in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. In Argentina's Andean communities, initiatives like the Provincial Plan for Conservation and Sustainable Management of Wild Vicuña enable locals to conduct controlled chaccu roundups for shearing, generating income from wool sales that reduces incentives for illegal hunting and benefits entire populations, including vulnerable young.[74] Similar programs in Peru's Calipuy National Reserve and Bolivia's high plateaus promote habitat restoration and anti-poaching patrols for guanacos, fostering coexistence with ranchers and aiding population recovery through rewilding and cross-border cooperation.[75][76] In 2025, Chile launched a reintroduction project translocating 16 guanacos to the central Andes near Santiago to restore ecosystems and support nature-based tourism, as of October 2025.[77]References
- https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/cria