<P> Llamas have an unusual reproductive cycle for a large animal . Female llamas are induced ovulators . Through the act of mating, the female releases an egg and is often fertilized on the first attempt . Female llamas do not go into estrus ("heat"). </P> <P> Like humans, llama males and females mature sexually at different rates . Females reach puberty at about 12 months old; males do not become sexually mature until around three years of age . </P> <P> Llamas mate with the female in a kush (lying down) position, which is fairly unusual in a large animal . They mate for an extended time (20--45 minutes), also unusual in a large animal . </P> <P> The gestation period of a llama is 11.5 months (350 days). Dams (female llamas) do not lick off their babies, as they have an attached tongue that does not reach outside of the mouth more than half an inch (1.3 cm). Rather, they will nuzzle and hum to their newborns . </P>

What is the mating position called for alpacas