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* Failure of passive transfer of colostral [[Immunoglobulin_G_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|immunoglobulin]] is the major factor in neonatal mortality in alpacas and probably also in other camelidae.  
 
* Failure of passive transfer of colostral [[Immunoglobulin_G_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|immunoglobulin]] is the major factor in neonatal mortality in alpacas and probably also in other camelidae.  
 
* Newborn cria should receive 10% of their body weight in colostrum, preferably within the first 12 hours after birth, with half of this amount given in the first 6 hours after birth.  
 
* Newborn cria should receive 10% of their body weight in colostrum, preferably within the first 12 hours after birth, with half of this amount given in the first 6 hours after birth.  
* Many factors such as cold weather or heat stress, lack of mothering, delivery by caesarean section and metabolic disturbances can can negatively affect the absorption of immunoglobulin.  
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* Many factors such as cold weather or heat stress, lack of mothering, delivery by caesarean section and metabolic disturbances can can negatively affect the absorption of [[Immunoglobulin_G_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|immunoglobulin]].  
* If the dam does not have enough colostrum, and no other camel colostrum is available, then cow or goat colostrum may be used as a substitute.
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* If the dam does not have enough colostrum, and no other camelid colostrum is available, then cow or goat colostrum may be used as a substitute.
 
* In normal circumstances, the calf is left with the dam once it has been determined that the dam is producing colostrum.  
 
* In normal circumstances, the calf is left with the dam once it has been determined that the dam is producing colostrum.  
 
** This is important because maternal bonding enhances absorption of colostrum.  
 
** This is important because maternal bonding enhances absorption of colostrum.  
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