Recommended Product
Milligans MMR — A proven multi-species formula suitable for cria rearing.
Colostrum — Especially Critical for Cria
Cria are particularly vulnerable to failure of passive transfer — the consequences of inadequate colostrum in the first hours are serious and long-lasting. Dam colostrum must be the absolute first priority.
If there is any doubt about colostrum intake in the first hours, speak to your vet about checking immunoglobulin levels. Early identification of passive transfer failure allows prompt intervention.
Feeding
Introduce bottle feeding gently and patiently — cria can be slow to accept initially. Once established on the bottle, feeding generally becomes routine.
Mix at 38–40°C. Feed at consistent times with consistent volumes.
[Mixing rates and feeding schedule for cria — from nutritionist team, or direct farmers to contact our team]
Top Tips
- Monitor passive transfer carefully. This is the single most important health factor in cria rearing. If in doubt, get it checked by your vet early.
- Cria are herd animals — social contact matters. Isolation causes stress and affects development. Where possible, house bottle-fed cria with other alpacas for visual and social contact even if physical contact is limited.
- Encourage fibre intake from a few weeks of age. Cria have a functional forestomach from birth. Good quality pasture and hay alongside milk feeding supports normal digestive development.
- Keep detailed records. Record birth weight, daily weight gains and feed intake. Cria grow quickly and any slowdown is easier to address when caught early.
- Work with a vet experienced in camelids. Cria rearing presents unique challenges. A vet with camelid experience is a genuinely valuable resource — particularly for orphan rearing situations or any health concerns.
Contact Our Team
For advice on cria rearing with Milligans products, call us on 0800 STOCKFEED or email feedsales@milligans.co.nz