Article

Comparative productivity and grazing behaviour of Huacaya alpacas and Peppin Merino sheep grazed on annual pastures

June 2002
Small Ruminant Research 44(3):219-232

Authors:

Deakin University

Adult Huacaya alpaca (mixed sex, mean±S.D., age 5.2±2.7 years, live weight 72.0±9.5kg) were grazed with Peppin Merino sheep (castrated male, age 3±0.1 years, live weight 54.0±3.9kg) for 2 years on improved annual pasture at commercial grazing pressures (10–17 dry sheep equivalents/ha) near Melbourne, Australia. Alpacas and sheep gained weight during the first year and then lost weight (proportional loss: alpacas 22%, sheep 20%, NS) before commencing weight gain. Twice the alpacas gained when the sheep lost weight (P

Bases para un programa de mejora de alpacas en la region altoandina de Huancavelica-Perú

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2008

Properties, processing and performance of rare and natural fibres : a review and interpretation of existing research results

Book

Full-text available

Jan 2012

Bruce A. McGregor

A substantial up-to-date reference manual has been prepared which documents important issues for the supply chain of rare natural animal fibres. New developments in textiles have been included. Cashmere, mohair and camelid fibres have special properties of softness, smoothness and lustre, when compared with sheep wool. They also have other attributes which affect market prices and consumer perceptions, such as being rare and exotic luxuries, and are associated with expensive, comfortable and exclusive garments. These fibres add to the range of wool processing, and add value to wool textiles. Generally, knowledge about these animal fibres is limited, and research effort small compared with research into wool and other natural and man-made fibres. Compared with wool, rare natural animal fibres are more difficult and costly to process. Knowledge about processing these fibres is kept guarded as industrial knowledge. There are problems with clearly identifying rare natural animal fibres when goods are traded or fibres are blended, and fraud is a major concern for textile manufacturers and industry groups. Prickle discomfort in mohair and alpaca next-to-skin wear is a major concern for consumers and textile manufacturers. Natural colours, whiteness and yellowness of rare natural animal fibres are important fibre attributes for dyers and consumers, and the current products have both positive and negative colour attributes for processors. Past investments by RIRDC have made substantial gains in knowledge about fundamental and applied areas of knowledge on the properties, testing and processing performance of rare natural animal fibres.

Bases to an improvement program of the alpacas in highland region at Huancavelica-Peru

Article

Dec 2009

The research was developed in 544 Huacaya alpacas of white color located in 19 centers of production of the Region of Huancavelica, located a rank of altitude between 4000 and 4800 meters above sea level. Before the shearing, approximately 20 g sample were taken from fleece of the mid side and after the shearing the grease fleece weight (PVG), sex, age and productive unit was registered of each animal. Fibre diameter (DF), coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (CVDF) and the prickle factor (FP) was determined using the Sirolan-Laserscan. In function to the collected data the exposition of an improvement scheme was made and on it we considered the answer to the selection under two scenarios. The means± S.E. of PVG, DF, CVDF and FP were of 2300±39g, 21.56±0.12 μm, 22.82±0.12% and 6.33±0.30% respectively. Variation of PVG and DF show significance (p<0.01) for sex, age and productive unit, whereas variations of PF has significance (p<0.01) for age and unit of production and variations of CVFD was only for productive unit (p<0.01). When the relations between the four variables of the fibre were analyzed, only was significance between DF and FP, DF and PVG, CVDF and FP, and CVDF and DF. About these considerations the scheme of improvement leads to a formation of a nucleus elite of reproducers formed by 50 males who could mating to best the 1100 females of the animals with records. The annual genetic gain prediction, in an individual selection is between 57 and 78 g for GFW and -0.17 and -0.23 μm for FD; whereas, in economic values the annual genetic gain prediccion in a selection by index is between

0.83 and

1.14 depending if a pessimist or optimist scenario is considered.

Effect of genotype and sex on fiber growth rate of alpacas for their first year of fleece production

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2014
ARCH MED VET

The sale of alpaca fiber is the main income for thousands of families in the Central Andes of Peru. Little information exists on the fiber length growth rate of alpaca (FLG), especially throughout their first year of life when the fiber is most valuable. We aimed to determine the monthly FLG of 22 alpaca offspring of two genotypes (9 Suri, 13 Huacaya) and considering sex differences (10 females, 12 males) in the High Andes of Peru. FLG growth was determined using dye-bands. An additive lineal model with three factors (genotype, sex, month) was used for statistic analysis. To evaluate the effect of genotype and sex on the profile of the FLG throughout the year a two factor repeated-measures model was used. The results showed that FLG was affected by genotype and month but not sex. The Suri genotype had 20% higher FLG than Huacaya genotype alpacas (1.34 vs 1.10 cm/month, P < 0.001). FLG increased over each of the first three months (P < 0.05) and then maintained a near constant rate for the remainder of the first year. The resulting staple length indicates that shearing at ages from 8 to 12 months of age will provide fleeces of sufficient length for textile processing.

Actualidades sobre adaptación, producción, reproducción y mejora genética en camélidos

Book

Full-text available

Oct 2008

Actualidades sobre camélidos sudamericanos

Effect of genotype and sex on fiber growth rate of alpacas for their first year of fleece production

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2014
ARCH MED VET

Edgar Carlos Quispe Peña

The sale of alpaca fiber is the main income for thousands of families in the Central Andes of Peru. Little information exists on the fiber length growth rate of alpaca (FLG), especially throughout their first year of life when the fiber is most valuable. We aimed to determine the monthly FLG of 22 baby alpaca of two genotypes (9 Suri, 13 Huacaya) and two sexes (10 females, 12 males) in the High Andes of Peru. FLG growth was determined using dye-bands. An additive lineal model with three factors (genotype, sex, month) was used for statistic analysis. To evaluate the effect of genotype and sex on the profile of the FLG throughout the year a two factor repeated-measures model was used. The results showed that FLG was affected by genotype and month but not sex. The Suri genotype had 20% higher FLG than Huacaya genotype alpacas (1.34 vs 1.10 cm/month, P < 0.001). FLG increased over each of the first three months (P < 0.05) and then maintained a near constant rate for the remainder of the first year. The resulting staple length indicates that shearing at ages from 8 to 12 months of age will provide fleeces of sufficient length for textile processing.

How environment and grazing influence floristic composition of dry Puna in the southern Peruvian Andes

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2014
PHYTOCOENOLOGIA

High mountain environments located in the tropics account for as much as 10 % of the total surface area of high mountain ecosystems worldwide, yet their ecology has been studied much less thoroughly than outside the tropics. The dry Puna is the largest ecosystem of the high tropical Andes and one of the leading biodiversity hotspots worldwide. In this high mountain environment, the main stress factors are the long period of water shortage, high degree of potential evapotranspiration, wind erosion, low soil nutrient content, and extreme thermal variation. The aim of this study was to deepen our understanding of the relation between the dry Puna species composition and diversity, and environmental/anthropogenic variables. Species cover was determined and soil samples were analysed from 121 plots, along altitudinal transects located between 3,900 and 4,900 m a.s.l. in South Peru. The data were statistically analysed by means of Multivariate regression tree analysis, Indicator Species analysis and Redundancy analysis. The hypothesis that in the dry Puna, altitudinal gradient, aspect and rockiness are key factors that mainly determine the floristic composition of the vegetation was confirmed. The local soil features emerged as a secondary driver in the plant community composition. Moreover, disturbance intensity appeared to be a main factor in determining changes in the plant community diversity, also modifying the site ecology (nutrient content, pH) and the structure of ecosystems (from grass dominated systems to dwarf shrub-dominated communities). High grazing intensities caused the spread of species with avoidance strategies such as thorny dwarf shrubs (Tetraglochin cristatum), annual and prostrate plants. Harsh conditions (thin and coarse soil, severe solar radiation, low temperatures and thermal fluctuations) promoted the spread of cushion plants (Pycnophyllum sp. pl.), while aspect and soil features (pH, silt % and potassium content) shaped the species composition of Festuca orthophylla tall grassland, the dominant plant community in the dry Puna.

Blood mineral, trace-element and vitamin concentrations in Huacaya alpacas and Merino sheep grazing the same pasture

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2011

We aimed to determine whether the concentration of minerals and trace constituents in blood of Merino sheep and Huacaya alpacas grazing the same pasture differed with species and time of sampling. Blood samples and pasture samples were collected at frequent intervals over a period of 2 years for mineral and trace-nutrient assay. The concentration of the minerals and trace nutrients in the grazed pasture usually met the dietary needs of sheep at maintenance, apart from potassium, sulfur, cobalt and Vitamin E in occasional samples. Restricted maximum likelihood mixed model analysis indicated a significant (P < 0.001) species by month by year interaction for all blood constituents assayed, a significant (P < 0.05) species by coat shade interaction for plasma Vitamin D, E and B12 and a significant (P < 0.001) species by month by Vitamin D interaction for plasma phosphorus concentrations. In general, plasma calcium concentrations were greater in sheep than in alpacas but plasma magnesium concentrations were greater in alpacas than in sheep. There was no consistent difference between the two species in plasma phosphorus concentrations although low values were recorded in individual sheep and alpacas. Plasma Vitamin D concentrations were more responsive to increasing hours of sunlight in alpacas than they were in sheep. Sheep had consistently higher concentrations of plasma copper, zinc and Vitamin B12 and higher concentrations of blood selenium but lower concentrations of plasma selenium and Vitamin A, than did alpacas. No consistent difference was observed between the two species in plasma Vitamin E concentrations.

Bases para un programa de mejora de alpacas en la region altoandina de Huancavelica-Perú

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2009

El estudio se desarrolló en 544 alpacas Huacaya de color blanco localizadas en 19 centros de producción de la Región de Huancavelica, ubicadas un rango de altitud entre 4000 y 4800 msnm. Antes de la esquila se tomaron muestras del vellón de aproximadamente 20 g de la zona del costillar y posterior a ella se registró el peso de vellón grasiento (PVG), sexo, edad y unidad productiva de cada animal. El diámetro de fibra (DF), coeficiente de variación del diámetro de fibra (CVDF) y el factor de picazón (FP) fue determinado utilizando el Sirolan-Laserscan. En función a los datos obtenidos se realizó el planteamiento de un esquema de mejora y sobre ello se estimó la respuesta a la selección bajo distintos escenarios. Los promedios ±E.E. del PVG, DF, CVDF y FP fueron de 2300±39 g, 21,56±0,12 μm, 22,82±0,12% y 6,33 ± 0,30% respectivamente. El PVG y el DF muestran variaciones significativas (p<0,01) para sexo, edad y unidad productiva, mientras que el FP tiene variaciones significativas (p<0,01) para edad y unidad de producción y el CVDF sólo muestra variaciones para unidad productiva (p<0,01). Cuando fueron analizadas las relaciones entre las cuatro variables de la fibra, sólo se encontró significancia entre DF y FP, DF y PVG, CVDF y FP, y CVDF y DF. Bajo estas consideraciones el esquema de mejora planteado conduce a una formación de un núcleo élite de reproductores formados por 50 machos que podrían empadrar a las mejores 1100 hembras de los animales con registros. La predicción del progreso genético anual, en una selección masal se encuentra entre 57 y 78 g para PVG y entre -0,17 y -0,23 μm para DF; mientras que, en términos económicos el progreso genético anual usando un índice combinado se sitúa entre

0,83 y

1,14.

Soil nutrient accumulation in alpaca latrine sites

Article

Nov 2010
SMALL RUMINANT RES

Alpacas establish long-lasting communal latrine sites or dunghills. To quantify the extent of nutrient transfer and accumulation associated with alpaca latrine sites and to provide a three-dimensional assessment of a pasture paddock with 11-year-old latrine sites, three comparisons were made: (a) centres of latrines were compared with non-latrine control sites 20m away; (b) surface soils (0–10cm) were compared with subsurface soils (10–30cm); and (c) across cardinal compass directions and regular distances from latrine centres were compared. Accumulation of nutrients was clearly detected, with a significant surface build-up, relative to controls, observed in phosphorus (3 times), nitrate-nitrogen (3.8 times), potassium (3.2 times), sulfur (1.9 times), organic carbon (1.3 times) and electrical conductivity (2.4 times). Soil pH was also significantly decreased in the centre of the latrine sites (pHw 0.6–0.7 units). Across the main axes of the latrines there was a clear trend of decreasing electrical conductivity, organic carbon and nutrients (NO3, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, and S) away from a peak concentration at or near the centre. Soil pH demonstrated the inverse with a decrease towards the centre. Under set stocking conditions large transfers in nutrients towards latrines could have long-term effects on pasture growth and composition. Some management options are discussed.

Australian Alpaca Demographics and Management: A National Survey

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2024

Simple Summary The Australian alpaca industry is known for fibre production. Despite the growth of alpaca numbers since their introduction in the 1980s, little is known about their distribution or on-farm management practices in Australia. This study used an online survey to gain insight into the current demographics, animal management practices and key knowledge gaps. Of the 88 respondents, the majority were located in the high-rainfall areas of the east coast of Australia, which could be due to consistent year-round pasture availability and market access opportunities. Of the two alpaca breeds, the Huacaya accounted for 93% of the animal numbers reported in this survey. Twelve key pasture species were identified, with Kikuyu the most common, followed by Subterranean Clover and Phalaris, likely due to the high concentration of respondents in suitable high-rainfall environments. Pasture species were not identified by 25% of respondents. The off-label use of veterinary chemicals for disease and parasite control resulted in a variation in dosage rates and administration frequency, raising concerns for effective management. These results highlight important knowledge gaps in nutritional and health management practices that require further research and practical industry recommendations to improve alpaca health and productivity. Abstract The Australian alpaca industry has continued to grow since the introduction of alpacas in the 1980s. Little is known about the geographical distribution of alpacas or on-farm management practices. This study aimed to address this and identify key producer knowledge through an online survey. The survey consisted of 25 questions grouped into 3 areas: demographics, farm production and alpaca nutrition. The highest concentration of alpaca producers was along the east coast of Australia, primarily in high-rainfall zones, which could be attributed to more consistent year-round pasture availability and market access opportunities. The Huacaya breed accounted for 93% of the animal numbers reported in this survey. Respondents identified 12 key pasture species being grazed, with Kikuyu being the most common, followed by Subterranean Clover and Phalaris, likely due to the majority of respondents being located in suitable high-rainfall environments. Pasture species were not identified by 25% of respondents. There are no registered anthelmintics or vaccinations for alpacas, resulting in a variation in dosage rates and administration frequency, raising concerns for effective disease and parasite management. This survey has identified key knowledge gaps in alpaca management practices in Australia that will be further investigated to provide industry recommendations to improve alpaca production.

Evaluation of controlled-release devices for providing chromium sesquioxide and zinc in Huacaya alpacas at pasture

Article

Oct 2018

Objective To assess the effectiveness of controlled‐release devices (CRDs) for providing zinc and for estimating faecal output in alpacas and sheep at pasture. Methods The study groups of 10 alpacas and 10 sheep at pasture were paired within species and allocated at random to receive by mouth either one CRD containing chromium sesquioxide designed to function for at least 21 days or two CRDs, one containing chromium sesquioxide and the other zinc oxide designed to release over a nominal 60‐day period. Faecal concentrations of chromium, zinc and ash, blood and plasma concentrations of zinc and plasma activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured over a period of 117 days after treatment. Results The mean faecal chromium excretion profiles suggested that the CRDs performed in a similar manner in both species, releasing chromium for nearly 30 days in alpacas and for slightly more than 30 days in sheep. Using a common predetermined release rate of chromium from the CRDs, the daily faecal outputs of alpacas and sheep were estimated to be 0.54 kg dry matter and 0.33 kg dry matter, respectively. The CRD containing zinc oxide provided after 1 week an estimated daily release rate of 40 mg zinc with a lifetime of between 60 and 70 days in both species. The additional zinc did not elicit a response in blood zinc concentrations or in plasma ALP activity. Conclusion The CRDs were retained in the gastrointestinal tracts of the alpacas and sheep and both types functioned as expected. The CRD delivering chromium sesquioxide at a known release rate provided an estimate of faecal dry matter output over a period of almost 3 weeks and the CRD formulated to deliver supplementary zinc did so at the nominal release rate over a period of approximately 60 days in both species. These data indicated that the standard sheep CRD is applicable for use in alpacas.

Componentes de varianza y repetibilidad de características productivas y textilesde la fibra en alpacas (Vicugna pacos) Huacaya criadas a nivel comunal

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2016

Edgar Carlos Quispe Peña

A trial was conducted with 41 alpacas (22 males and 19 females) during the years 2009 and 2010, in a rural community located in the Junín region Peru, in order to estimate some components of phenotypic variance, phenotypic correlations and repeatability of the average fibre diameter (AFD), coefficient of variation of AFD (CVAFD), dirty fleece weight (DFW), fibre curvature (FC) and staple length (SL). The animals were born in the year 2008 and were sheared annually, performing the measurements of each of the characters in study. Samples was taken at midside of each animal. The results obtained show that the alpacas of the study area produce fleeces with good weight, with fibres that exhibit good fineness, under CVAFD and the staple length reached a growth year is according with the requirements of the textile industry. The year (related to the age of the animal) has effect on the AFD, FC and SL, but not on CVAFD and DFW, while sex has no effect on the majority of these characteristics. Also achieved to obtain and decompose the phenotypic variance into two components: genotypic variance + environmental permanent and temporary environmental variance to use for future genetic evaluations. The phenotypic correlations between the 5 characteristics studied appear to be mostly around 0.28, observed in some other negative and positive correlations while in two of them (AFD with CVAFD and CVAFD with FC) are not significant relationship. The correlation between AFD and FC was the highest and negative. Finally the repeatability estimates show was the highest for the corresponding to AFD (0. 71±0. 08), resulting in the lowest of SL (0. 29±0. 15).

Effect of the gestation and lactation on fiber diameter and its variability in Peruvian alpacas

Article

Feb 2017
LIVEST SCI

Efecto de la condición corporal sobre el peso de vellón y finura de fibra en alpacas Huacaya (vicugna pacos) color blanco en Huancavelica Perú

Conference Paper

Full-text available

Jan 2009

El presente trabajo se desarrolló con 487 alpacas de raza huacaya de color blanco de 08 comunidades alpaqueras de la zona altoandina de la región Huancavelica ubicadas entre 4000 y 4800 msnm en los meses de diciembre 2007 a abril 2008, a los que se les evaluó el estado de condición corporal (CC), se obtuvo muestras (20 gr aprox.) del costillar medio (midside) y se registro el peso vellón sucio (PVS) posterior a la esquila. Las muestras de vellón fueron analizadas en el Analizador Óptico de Diámetro de Fibra OFDA 2000 para obtener el perfil de diámetro (PDF) del que se obtuvo los promedios del 10% a partir de la base para la obtención de la media de diámetro de fibra (MDF). La Media ± EE de CC, PVS y MDF fue de 2,99 ± 0,06 puntos, 2596,92 ± 84,63 g y 22,79 ± 0,38 µm Los machos obtuvieron mejor CC, mayor PVS y menor MDF que las hembras; así mismo los animales jóvenes tuvieron mejor CC, menor MDF y PVS que los viejos. De la misma manera se demostró que los animales con menor CC tuvieron menor MDF demostrando que existe una correlación positiva entre ambos. Las variaciones de CC y PVS resultaron significativas (p<0,05) por Sexo, Edad y Localidad, y también las variaciones de MDF fueron significativas (p<0,05) por edad, CC y localidad, a la prueba de Duncan. Los resultados demuestran que la CC influye de manera directa en la MDF. Se concluye que la CC es una herramienta útil para evaluar el estado nutritivo de las alpacas y es importante considerar tener en cuenta en procesos de selección genética juntamente con la MDF para así evitar la finura de hambre o su estado contrario. ABSTRACT This research was developed with 487 white Huacaya alpacas from 8 highland communities of the region Huancavelica located between 4000 and 4800 sea meters level during months from December 2007 to April 2008. We assessed body condition (BC) and fter shearing was weighted dirty fleece (WDF). Fleece samples was obtained of the rib middle (midside) and were determinated fiber diameter profile (FDP) with optical fiber diameter analizer (OFDA 2000). Only 10% from the base of FDP was considered how average fiber diameter (MDF) for study effect of BD. Means ± SE of BC, WDF and MDF were 2.99 ± 0.06 points, 2596.92 ± 84.63 g and 22.79 ± 0.38 µm respectively. Males showed better CC, more PVS and low MDF than females; young animals likewise had better CC and MDF and small PVS than the old animals. Similarly it was shown that animals with low CC were low MDF demonstrating a positive correlation between them. At Duncan test, CC and WDF variations were significant (p <0.05) by sex, age and location, also MDF variations were significant (p <0.05) by age, CC and location. These issues display that the CC affects MDF positively. Hence, we concluded that CC is a useful tool for assessing the nutritional status of alpacas

Relationships between skin follicle characteristics and fibre properties of Suri and Huacaya alpacas and Peppin Merino sheep

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2012

We aimed to quantify the number, type and arrangement of skin follicles in Huacaya and Suri alpaca skin and correlate their follicle characteristics with fibre traits of harvested fibre and compared these relationships with those of Merino sheep. Fibre and skin samples were collected from the mid-side of 12 Huacaya alpacas, 24 Suri alpacas and 10 Merino sheep. The mean fibre diameter (MFD ± s.e.) of the Huacaya and Suri were: 35.5 ± 0.9 and 28.3 ± 1.0 μm, respectively. The follicle groups found for alpacas were very different from the normal trio of primary follicles found in sheep and goats. The follicle group of the alpacas consisted of a single primary follicle surrounded by a variable number of secondary follicles. The mean ± s.e. primary follicle density was 3.1 ± 0.3 and 2.7 ± 0.1 follicles/mm² for Huacaya and Suri, respectively. The mean ± s.e. secondary follicle density (SFD) was 13.7 ± 1.2 and 17.5 ± 0.6 follicles/mm² for Huacaya and Suri, respectively. The mean ± s.e. ratio of secondary to primary follicles (S/P ratio) was 5.1 ± 0.5 for the Huacaya and 7.3 ± 0.2 for the Suri alpacas. The sheep had higher S/P ratios and SFD, lower MFD and produced significantly heavier fleeces. The key correlations found between traits in alpacas include a negative correlation between SFD and MFD (r = –0.71, P = 0.001) and a negative correlation between S/P ratio and MFD (r = –0.44, P = 0.003) and a positive correlation between S/P ratio and total follicle density (r = 0.38, P = 0.010). The study revealed that important relationships exist between alpaca skin follicle characteristics and fibre characteristics. It was the number of secondary follicles in a group that imparts density and a corresponding reduced MFD.

The impact of breeding and farming conditions on the welfare of alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

The welfare of alpacas in farming varies and is influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, nutrition, interactions with humans, and grooming and breeding practices. It is crucial to provide adequate space for the animals both indoors and in outdoor areas due to their herd-oriented nature. Interactions with humans play a significant role in alpaca farming. Proper handling and gentle treatment positively affect their behavior. However, excessive contact at a young age may lead to undesirable behaviors such as Berserker syndrome. Processes such as birthing, weaning, shearing, as well as other breeding practices, impact the welfare of alpacas. Understanding the animals’ natural needs and minimizing stress are essential to providing optimal living conditions for them.

A novel method to analyse DART TOFMS spectra based on Convolutional Neural Networks: A case study on methanol extracts of wool fibres from endangered camelids

Article

Apr 2023
INT J MASS SPECTROM

Monitoring the illegal trade of wool fibres of wild vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) and guanaco (Lama guanicoe) is highly desirable. The high market value of fleece from these camelid species poses a threat to their wild populations. A previous study showed that direct analysis in real-time time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART-TOFMS) effectively identifies wool fibres to species. Producing high-resolution data in a short period of time makes DART-TOFMS a reliable identification tool, even though data analysis can still be improved. The present study proposes a novel data analysing pipeline based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), applicable to any kind of DART-TOF MS data. We tested our proposed method on keratin fibres of four camelid species (Vicugna vicugna: n = 19; Vicugna pacos: n = 20; Lama guanicoe: n = 20, and Lama glama: n = 20). Analyses showed that selecting 512 ions with the highest relative intensity provides the best resolution and yields 100% accuracy for species identification.

Relationships between the incidence and degree of medullation with the diameter of alpaca fibers evaluated using a novel device based on artificial intelligence

Preprint

Jun 2022

The presence of medullated fibers affects the textile processing, comfort and appeal of alpaca apparel. Measuring the incidence of medullated fibers is slow and expensive. Previous reports of the incidence of medullated fibers are often based on small test samples. The objectives of this work were to: 1. evaluate the Fiber Med device which uses artificial intelligence technology to rapidly and accurately identify the incidence of alpaca fibers according to their type of medullation and determines average fiber diameter (AFD); and 2. to relate the incidence of medullated fibers to a range of animal and fiber characteristics including age of alpaca at shearing, sex of alpaca, breed (Huacaya, Suri), location, and AFD. This study examined fiber from two locations, using 302 alpacas from two breeds and six age groups. Over 630,000 fibers were assessed (average per sample 2112) with AFD 22.1 μm (range 15.5-33.3 μm). Fiber medullation was categorized as either not present (58.6%; AFD 19.6 μm), fragmented (17.1%; 23.0 μm), discontinuous (7.6%; 25.6 μm), continuous (15.4%; 28.6 μm) or strongly medullated (1.3%; 37.8 μm). After appropriate data transformation, analysis of variance, linear and multiple regression analyses were performed to determine relationships between total medullation, AFD, location, breed, sex and age at shearing. There were significant differences in total medullation between location, breed and age at shearing but not sex of alpaca. However, in multiple regression analyses, once AFD was included in models, neither sex or age at shearing were significant. AFD alone explained over 70% of the variation in total medullation. Differences in the incidence of the degree of medullation between age groups and marketing categories determined using AFD, were associated with differences in AFD. The differences due to location were explained by genetic selection programs to reduce AFD at one location. There was a persistent small incidence of strongly medullated fibers at all age groups (mean range 0.33-1.14%), locations, breeds and sexes and a higher incidence in fiber with AFD > 26.5 μm (mean range 2.87-6.50%). Suri alpaca had a lower incidence of medullation than Huacaya alpaca. Since the Fiber Med device provided a direct, fast and low-cost measurement of the incidence of medullation it appears to be a practical option for use in programs to improve fiber quality, marketing and processing of white alpaca fiber. To reduce strongly medullated fibers in all categories of alpaca fiber, the measurement of the incidence of medullation should become a routine assessment in alpaca breeding programs.

Design-based stereology in alpaca skin (Vicugna pacos): Impacts on fiber production

Article

Jan 2022
SMALL RUMINANT RES

Alpacas are reared mainly for fiber extraction, which is a highly valued product in the textile industry. The quality of fiber has close relation to the skin. For this reason, this work aims to evaluate the skin of different body regions; scapular, costal and lateral femoral in Huacaya and Suri alpacas by means of stereology, an accurate quantification method. The total volume of the skin, derma, follicular groups and sebaceous and sweat glands was estimated. Total volume of skin (Vref) and total volume of follicular groups (VGF) were different for body regions. Femoral region showed higher values for VGF. Colour and breed were also different for Vref and total volume of derma (VD). Comparing the two breeds the femoral region presented higher fiber production. Dark animals had more derma and it was reported close relationship between total skin volume and their fractions volumes: derma, follicular groups and sweat glands.

Variation in Wool Characteristics across the Body in a Herd of Alpacas Kept in Poland

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2021

Simple Summary Alpaca wool is luxurious and, hence, arouses great interest among consumers. However, the drawbacks of this wool are its variation in thickness and the proportion of medullated fibers. Knowing about variations in the quality characteristics of the wool on an animal’s body can help in properly evaluating and using this wool. This study has shown that the wool from the belly, front and hind legs, and the neck need to be separated from the total fleece. The most appropriate site from where to collect a representative sample of wool from the fleece for testing purposes is at the midside of the animal. Abstract Wool characteristics vary depending on where on the body the wool is produced. Knowledge of this variation is important in order to separate the fleece into more homogenous parts. Similar parts from different animals can then be pooled to create batches of wool with similar characteristics. This will allow for better alpaca products with less variation. The aim of this study was to determine the variation in fiber diameter, medullation, and staple length across the body of alpacas from one herd. Wool samples were collected from 16 adult (3–5 years old) females: from the saddle (S), midside (MS), neck (N), and pieces (P). The mean fiber diameter (MFD) and medullation were measured using a projection microscope according to the IWTO-8-2011 standard. The fiber diameter of the pieces was greater (p < 0.05) than for the S, MS, and N areas. The highest medullation was found on the neck. The neck was also characterized by the shortest wool. The MFD for the fleece, excluding P, showed the strongest correlation (r = 0.927) with the MFD of MS. The study showed that due to the variation of fiber diameter, the incidence of medullation, and staple length, the wool from the pieces and the neck should be separated from the total fleece. The most appropriate site from where to collect a representative sample of wool from the fleece for testing purposes is the midside site of the animal.

Fibre Characteristics of Huacaya Alpaca in Peru

Article

Oct 2021

Background: The fibre characteristics of fleece weight (FW), mean fibre diameter (MFD), coefficient of variation of mean fibre diameter (CVMFD) and common phenotypic correlations between them of Huacaya alpacas (Vicugna pacos) breed, were estimated on 959 one-year-old animals, under extensive rangeland management conditions. Methods: Samples were taken between 2005 and 2018 (male and female), of two coat colors (white and brown), at the Toccra CEDAT-DESCO Alpaca Development Center (Arequipa, Perú). Model were developed an they included year, sex and coat color and their interactions with FW, MDF and CVMDF of alpaca’s fibre under the experimental design was completely randomized with a factorial arrangement of 12×2×2. Result: Statistical significant effect was for year of birth × sex interaction when FW was analyzed while year of birth × color interaction explained MFD and CVMFD variation (p less than .001). Phenotypic correlation calculated by Pearson’s coefficient showed that FW was positively correlated with MFD (0.24) while CVMFD was positively correlated with MFD (0.10). Results from this study indicated that the FW was influenced by both year of birth and sex, while MFD and CVMFD were influenced by both year of birth and color. Overall, it was concluded that a genetic progress can be achieved in the huacaya alpaca breed of CEDAT genetic improvement program.

Atributos textiles de la fibra de alpacas Huacaya blanca y color (Vicugna pacos) de la feria ganadera del sur del Perú

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2021

Se caracterizaron las fibras de alpacas Huacaya blances (n=143) y de color (n=100) participantes en la LVIII Feria Ganadera del Sur del Perú (FEGASUR). Las fibras fueron procesadas en el Laboratorio de Fibras del Gobierno Regional Puno. Se describen las frecuencias bajo un modelo de efectos fijos (p<0.05). Las distribuciones de frecuencias de los atributos de la fibra difieren de la curva normal, en distinto grado y según sea la variable; a excepción del Factor de Confort (FC), presentan un sesgo de cola hacia la derecha; siendo moderada la asimetría del Diámetro Medio (DM) y ligera asimetría del Índice de Curvatura (IC). En tanto, las variables de dispersión, FC y Largo de mecha (LM) presentaron curvas muy asimétricas. Las fibras blancas exhiben mayor finura que las de color (p<0.05), sin diferencias para el factor sexo. La Desviación estándar del diámetro medio [DS(DM)] y el Coeficiente de variación del diámetro medio [CV(DM)] de las fibras blancas tuvieron menor dispersión (p<0.05), en tanto que el FC y el IC presentaron mejores valores (p<0.05). El LM no mostró diferencias entre fibras blancas y de color. Los atributos, en función a la categoría de las alpacas, se relacionan con la edad, a excepción del CV(DM). Se concluye que las alpacas Huacaya de plantel, blanca o de color, difieren entre sí y son peculiares respecto a los reportes que no tipifican el tipo de rebaño.

An Integrated isotopic study of Early Intermediate Period camelid husbandry in the Santa Valley, Perú

Article

Feb 2019

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions were determined for camelid bone collagen, hair, and wool (fibre) sampled from textiles from archaeological sites in the Santa Valley (north coast of Perú) occupied during Moche III (El Castillo, A.D. 300−500) and Moche IV (Guadalupito, A.D. 500−700) phases; a small number of camelid bone collagen samples were also analysed from the Late Suchimancillo Phase (A.D. 0−300). These data suggest that localised camelid husbandry was practiced in the Santa Valley from at least the Moche III phase. The nature of camelid husbandry likely involved animals being kept spatially segregated and fed a diverse range of fodder. The isotopic compositions of the bone collagen and wool textiles were very similar, which suggests that the wool that was used to produce the textiles was derived from local camelids rather than being acquired from the highlands. The transition from Moche III to Moche IV, which saw a significant increase in Mochica presence in the Santa Valley, was not accompanied by major changes in camelid husbandry practices. Localised camelid husbandry continued through this transition with minimal change; the prolonged droughts of the sixth century A.D. had no discernable effect on camelid husbandry, probably due to the special hydraulic conditions unique to the Santa Valley.

Characteristics of alpaca wool from farmed animals located on different continents

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2018

Structural Characterization and Association of Ovine Dickkopf-1 Gene with Wool Production and Quality Traits in Chinese Merino

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2017

Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is an inhibitor of canonical Wnt signaling pathway and regulates hair follicle morphogenesis and cycling. To investigate the potential involvement of DKK1 in wool production and quality traits, we characterized the genomic structure of ovine DKK1, performed polymorphism detection and association analysis of ovine DKK1 with wool production and quality traits in Chinese Merino. Our results showed that ovine DKK1 consists of four exons and three introns, which encodes a protein of 262 amino acids. The coding sequence of ovine DKK1 and its deduced amino acid sequence were highly conserved in mammals. Eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified within the ovine DKK1 genomic region. Gene-wide association analysis showed that SNP5 was significantly associated with mean fiber diameter (MFD) in the B (selected for long wool fiber and high-quality wool), PW (selected for high reproductive capacity, high clean wool yield and high-quality wool) and U (selected for long wool fiber with good uniformity, high wool yield and lower fiber diameter) strains (p < 4.55 × 10⁻³ = 0.05/11). Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms wide association analysis showed that SNP8 was significantly associated with MFD in A strain and fleece weight in A (selected for large body size), PM (selected for large body size, high reproductive capacity and high meat yield) and SF (selected for mean fiber diameter less than 18 μm and wool fiber length between 5 and 9 cm) strains (p < 0.05), SNP9 was significantly associated with curvature in B and U strains (p < 0.05) and SNP10 was significantly associated with coefficient of variation of fiber diameter in A, PW and PM strains and standard deviation of fiber diameter in A and PM strains (p < 0.05). The haplotypes derived from these 11 identified SNPs were significantly associated with MFD (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that DKK1 may be a major gene controlling wool production and quality traits, also the identified SNPs (SNPs5, 8, 9 and 10) might be used as potential molecular markers for improving sheep wool production and quality in sheep breeding.

Analyse d'une expérience de sélection divergente pour le poids total de toison chez le lapin angora.

Thesis

Full-text available

Jul 2007

Seyed Abbas Rafat

Résumé Dans cette thèse nous présentons une analyse d'une expérience de sélection divergente chez le lapin Angora français. Les objectifs de l'expérience étaient d'évaluer la réponse à la sélection pour le poids total de toison et pour les caractères corrélés et d'analyser une expérience de sélection sur une population conduite en générations chevauchantes. Nous présentons une vue d'ensemble des facteurs génétiques et non génétiques des caractères quantitatifs et qualitatifs influençant la production de fibre. Parmi des effets fixes, le numéro de récolte est le plus important. Les paramètres génétiques et les tendances génétiques ont été analysés en utilisant un BLUP appliqué à un modèle animal. Pour l'estimation des paramètres génétiques on a employé un modèle avec mesures répétées des mesures dans lequel les récoltes successives ont été considérées comme un caractère répété. Les résultats ont prouvé que la sélection pour le poids total de toison a été efficace et une divergence de trois écarts types génétiques a été observée entre les souches haute et basse après huit années de sélection. La sélection pour le poids total de toison a augmenté de manière significative la longueur de jarres et le rapport entre les nombre de follicules secondaires et primaires (rapport S/P). Dans le même temps, la compression, la résilience, le diamètre de duvets, et le diamètre moyen de fibre ont diminué. Ces changements s'expliquent par des corrélations génétiques moyennes à élevées entre le poids de toison et la longueur des jarres, et entre les dimensions de fibre et le rapport S/P, la compression et la résilience. Ainsi, la sélection pour augmenter le poids total de toison a induit une augmentation des composantes quantitatives et qualitatives de la production de laine du lapin Angora français. La mesure du poids total de toison est simple et facile au niveau de l’élevage. Cette thèse fournit également de nouveaux paramètres génétiques résultant des mesures par l'analyseur de diamètre de fibre optique (OFDA). Il s'agit d'une méthode rapide pour mesurer les caractéristiques de la fibre Angora. Certaines de ces mesures sont intéressantes en raison d'une corrélation génétique élevée avec les caractéristiques du follicule pileux. La méthodologie OFDA est une alternative intéressante pour évaluer des caractéristiques importantes telles que le diamètre de fibre et le coefficient de variation du diamètre des fibres. Nous décrivons les paramètres démographiques et généalogiques de la population étudiée. En outre, nous étudions la différentielle de sélection pour le poids total de toison et le poids corporel. La caractéristique principale de notre approche est la description de la différentielle de sélection en comparant les candidats à la sélection, les parents potentiels et les parents théoriques. La description démographique et génétique a prouvé que dans les deux souches sélectionnées on a appliqué pendant 8 ans une conduite proche. Notre travail apporte des résultats originaux sur les effets de la sélection chez le lapin angora et sur la conduite d'une sélection en générations chevauchantes. Cette thèse a aussi un intérêt pratique pour les sélectionneurs de lapin Angora. Cette thèse est également le dernier projet de recherche de l'INRA après presque 30 ans de recherche sur cet animal. Mots clés : lapin Angora, sélection divergente, générations chevauchantes, héritabilité, laine ABSTRACT In this thesis, we present our research to analyze the efficiency of an experiment of divergent selection in French Angora rabbit. Objectives of the experiment were a) to assess genetic parameter estimates for total fleece weight and correlated trait and b) to get an experience on management of a population of angora rabbits under selection with overlapping generations. This thesis is also the last research project of INRA after nearly 30 years of research on this animal. We present an overview of the genetic and non-genetic factors of quantitative and qualitative traits influencing fibre production. Among fixed effects, number of harvest was the most important. The genetic parameters and genetic trends were analysed using a BLUP animal model. For estimation of genetics parameters the repeatability model was used in which wool harvests from third until 12th have been considered as a repeated trait. Results showed that selection for high and low total fleece weight was successfully performed and a divergence of three genetic standard deviations was observed between the high and low lines after eight years of selection. Selection for total fleece weight significantly increased bristle length, secondary to primary follicle ratio and comfort factor and decreased compression, resilience, bristle diameter, and average fibre diameter. These changes resulted from moderate to high genetic correlations between total fleece weight and bristle length, and between fibre dimensions and secondary to primary follicle ratio, comfort factor, compression and resilience. Thus, selection for increasing total fleece weight results in an increase of both quantitative and qualitative traits of wool production in the French Angora rabbit. Measurement of total fleece weight is simple and easy at the farm level. Selection for this trait has positive effects on fleece characteristics such as bristle length, follicle population and fibre diameter. This thesis also contains new genetic parameters Angora fibres resulting from measurements by Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser that we provide a rapid method for measuring the characteristics of Angora fibre. Some of these measurements are interesting because of having a high genetic correlation with follicle traits of skin. The OFDA methodology is an interesting alternative to evaluate important characteristics such as fibre diameter, CV of fibre diameter and bristle content through measuring of comfort factor. We describe the demography and genealogy of the studied population. In addition, we study differential of selection for total fleece weight and body weight. The main characteristic of our approach is the use of new method for description of differential of selection in candidates of selection, parent and theoretical parents. Description of demography and the genetic structure in this study showed that in the two divergent lines, the similar management of reproducers has been done successfully during 8 years of selection. Our work contributes to the research in two areas that are estimation of genetic parameters with multivariate models of best linear unbiased prediction of breeding value and theoretical investigation of selection in populations with overlapping generations. This thesis is also of practical interest for Angora rabbit breeders for knowledge of effects of selection for total fleece weight and correlated traits. Keywords: Angora, divergent, heritability, overlapping generations, rabbit, selection, wool.

Adatok hazai alpakák napi aktivitási és társas viselkedéséhez a tavaszi időszakban

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2015

Características Tecnológicas de la Fibra de Llama (Lama glama) Chaku antes y después de Descerdar

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2016

Se evaluaron cinco características tecnológicas de la fibra de llama: diámetro medio de fibra (MDF), coeficiente de variación de MDF (CVMDF), factor de confort (FC), índice de curvatura (IC) y finura al hilado (FH) antes y después de descerdar. Se tomaron muestras de 10 g de fibra de vellones de 227 llamas Chaku de la región Apurímac, Perú. Las fibras sin descerdar y descerdadas fueron analizadas con el equipo OFDA 2000 (Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser). Se consideraron las variables sexo y edad (1-2, >2 años) en el análisis estadístico a través de un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial. Los resultados indican que la fibra descerdada es de mejor calidad, disminuyendo la MDF (0.70 μm), el CVMDF (1.8%) y la FH (1.06 μm) e incrementando el FC (2.74%) y el IC (4.66°/mm). Asimismo, el sexo no tuvo un efecto significativo en las características tecnológicas de la fibra pero las llamas juveniles presentaron mejor calidad de fibra. Se concluye que el descerdado y la edad de la llama tienen efectos significativos sobre la finura y su variación, el factor de confort, el índice de curvatura y la finura al hilado.

An introduction to evaluating alpaca fleece attributes and interpreting alpaca fibre tests

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2003

Bruce A. McGregor

Based on research conducted with Australian alpacas, the article discusses the sources and extent of variation within the alpaca fleece, looks at the most appropriate method of sampling alpaca fleeces, and considers the application of this information for evaluating fibre test results. It concludes that if alpacas are to be selected for characteristics such as low mean fibre diameter and high fleece weight, then a mid side sampling site is recommended. If alpacas are to be selected for low mean fibre diameter coefficient of variation and low incidence of medullated fibres, then the saddle grid sampling techniques is recommended.

Características Tecnológicas de la Fibra de Llama (Lama glama) Chaku antes y después de Descerdar

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2016

Se evaluaron cinco características tecnológicas de la fibra de llama: diámetro medio de fibra (MDF), coeficiente de variación de MDF (CVMDF), factor de confort (FC), índice de curvatura (IC) y finura al hilado (FH) antes y después de descerdar. Se tomaron muestras de 10 g de fibra de vellones de 227 llamas Chaku de la región Apurímac, Perú. Las fibras sin descerdar y descerdadas fueron analizadas con el equipo OFDA 2000 (Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser). Se consideraron las variables sexo y edad (1-2, >2 años) en el análisis estadístico a través de un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial. Los resultados indican que la fibra descerdada es de mejor calidad, disminuyendo la MDF (0.70 µm), el CVMDF (1.8%) y la FH (1.06 µm) e incrementando el FC (2.74%) y el IC (4.66°/mm). Asimismo, el sexo no tuvo un efecto significativo en las características tecnológicas de la fibra pero las llamas juveniles presentaron mejor calidad de fibra. Se concluye que el descerdado y la edad de la llama tienen efectos significativos sobre la finura y su variación, el factor de confort, el índice de curvatura y la finura al hilado

Gross, mineral and fatty acid composition of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) milk at 30 and 60 days of lactation

Article

Oct 2015
SMALL RUMINANT RES

CARACTERISTICAS PRODUCTIVAS Y TEXTILES DE LA FIBRA DE ALPACAS DE RAZA HUACAYA A REVIEW OF HUACAYA ALPACAS FIBER TRAITS

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2013

RESUMEN Se realiza una revisión de las principales características productivas (peso de vellón sucio y finura) y tecnológicas (coeficiente de variación de la finura, finura al hilado, índice de curvatura, factor de confor y longitud de mecha) del vellón de la fibra de alpaca, así como de los principales factores medioambientales que afectan dichas características, a fin de demostrar las bondades que tiene la fibra de alpaca para la industria textil, en comparación de las características que se encuentran en otras especies animales. Se llega a la conclusión de que en Huancavelica (Perú) se encuentra un buen potencial para la producción de fibra de alpaca, en cantidad y calidad. Palabras clave: alpacas, vellón, fibra, características productivas y tecnológicas. SUMMARY A review of the main production (dirty fleece weight and fineness) and technological traits (coefficient of variation of fineness, spinning finennes, curvature index, comfort factor and staple length) of Huacaya alpaca fleece. Also, we attend major environmental factors affecting these characteristics to demonstrate the benefits that alpaca fiber have for the textile

Influence of feed restriction on the wool proteome: A combined iTRAQ and fiber structural study

Article

Apr 2014

Unlabelled: Seasonal weight loss is the main limitation to animal production worldwide, significantly affecting the productivity of milk, meat and wool farms, particularly in drought-prone areas of the world where most of the large-scale wool production farms are located. Although the effect of nutritional status on wool quality parameters has been extensively studied, little is known on how it affects wool protein composition. Here, a proteomic approach has been applied to study changes in fiber structure and protein composition in wool from merino sheep subjected to experimentally induced weight loss. Results indicate that there is a significant reduction in the fiber diameter of wool from the animals on a restricted diet over a 42-day period. At the same time, significant increases in the expression of the high sulfur protein KAP13.1 and proteins from the high glycine-tyrosine protein KAP6 family in the wools from the animals on the restricted diet were also detected. Such findings have strong implications for the wool industry that favors finer wool. Biological significance: Seasonal weight loss caused by poor pasture availability has strong effects on wool productivity parameters and quality traits. In this work we determine that experimentally induced weight loss causes a decrease in fiber diameter associated with an increase in the level of high sulfur protein KAP13.1 and proteins from the high glycine-tyrosine protein KAP6 family. The implication of this is that decreasing the fiber diameter of the wool by this process could result in a fiber reduced prickle but with reduced wearability and appearance retention.

Weighting fibre and morphological traits in a genetic index for an alpaca breeding programme

Article

Jan 2014
ANIMAL

Nowadays, the fibre diameter (FD) is considered the main selection objective in alpaca populations all over the world. International Committee for Animal Recording recommendations define the FD and its CV as the first two traits to be considered in breeding programmes for this specie. In addition to these main criteria, other selection criteria of economic value used are comfort factor (CF) or standard deviation (s.d.); also other less important traits being used as selection objectives are these morphological traits: density (DE), crimp (CR) or lock structure (LS) for, respectively, Huacaya (HU) and Suri (SU) ecotypes, head (HE), coverage (CO) and balance (BA). The goal of this study was to establish how to implement a combined selection index starting from genetic parameters and to study the expected correlation between genetic trends by considering different alternative procedures of weighting all the involved traits, and the consequences of a wrongly proceeding way. Heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated from the data set belonging to the PACOMARCA experimental farm for SU and HU. Two approaches were used to check the consequences of a set of subjective weights essayed. The coefficients of selection indexes were obtained for two sets of reference weights. In addition, equivalent weights were drawn if applied those reference values as coefficients of hypothetical selection indexes directly on phenotypes; relative expected genetic responses were computed in different cases. Results showed that almost in all cases for both ecotypes, the weight applied to CF should be surprisingly negative. Concerning genetic responses, only CO was compromised in some cases for the HU ecotype. The essayed methodology allowed explaining the differences between ecotypes in the genetic trends. The proposed methodology was shown to be effective to study the relative importance of the traits granted by the manager of a breeding scheme.

Genetic analysis of six production traits in Peruvian alpacas

Article

Aug 2009
LIVEST SCI

In this study a total of 6499 records were obtained for fibre diameter (FD) and coefficient of variation of FD (CV), 3283 records for greasy fleece weight (GFW), staple length (SL) and shearing interval (SI) and 1802 records of textile value index (TV) obtained from an experimental herd of alpacas exploited in the Peruvian Altiplano.The estimated heritabilities were: 0.412±0.015 (FD), 0.321±0.013 (CV), 0.098±0.016 (GFW), 0.070±0.011 (SL), 0.061±0.012 (SI) and 0.163±0.017 (TV). No significant genetic correlation was found for the pairs FD-CV and CV-GFW whilst the pairs FD-GFW, FD-SI and FD-TV had significant genetic correlations of, respectively, 0.405±0.081, −0.395±0.078 and −0.746±0.049. No significant correlations were found for SL except for the pair SL-SI (0.397±0.099). The TV index also showed significant genetic correlations with CV of 0.125±0.061 and with GFW of 0.490±0.070. All estimates of permanent environmental effects (c2) associated with the six analysed traits were statistically significant ranging from 0.008 for SI to 0.259 for CV. Total repeatability for the analysed traits was low for SI (0.069) and SL (0.090), moderate for TV (0.299) and GFW (0.316) and high for FD (0.578) and CV (0.579). The permanent environmental effect associated with CV is significantly correlated with those of the other traits except for FD. The permanent environmental effects associated with GFW and SL seemed to be basically the same (estimated correlation of 0.916±0.062). The permanent environmental effect for TV is highly correlated with those associated with GFW (0.498±0.058) and SL (0.750±0.137). Expected selection response for TV was higher when FD was considered as selection goal instead of TV itself.It would, therefore, be more efficient to use FD rather than empirical indices as selection criterion to increase textile value in Peruvian alpacas. The reported genetic parameters and correlation matrices can be useful to implement multitrait breeding value estimations for alpaca selection.

Ingestive behaviour, performance, and methane emissions of pregnant alpacas grazing cultivated pastures in the high Peruvian Andes

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2025
LIVEST SCI

This study compares grazing patterns, animal performance, and enteric methane emissions (CH4) of female alpacas (Huacaya and Suri) at two periods of their late pregnancy. Animals were rotationally grazed on a mixed sward at high Peruvian Andes conditions. This study involved two experimental periods (P1 and P2), each lasting 26 days. P1 took place in November 2021, corresponding to the end of dry season (‘Transition period’), whereas P2 was conducted in January 2022, with this coinciding with the beginning of rainy season (‘Wet period’). Forage selectivity was measured using hand plucking of forage harvested, whereas grazing behaviour was recorded by visual observation. Dry matter intake (DMI) was estimated from total faecal collection and in vitro forage digestibility. Fleece characteristics were measured following standard procedures adopted by the local industry. The sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas-tracer technique was used to estimate CH4 emissions. Data were analysed by a repeated measures model including both alpaca variety and period as fixed effects, whereas alpaca within variety was considered as random. No differences were detected among alpaca varieties either in terms of forage selectivity, grazing behaviour (except for biting rate) or feed intake. Regardless of period, grasses were the main dietary components (≥ 78 %). The proportion of leaves consumed lowered from 84 to 70% and presence of both legumes and herbs increased during P2. Increased nutritional requirements prior to parturition in conjunction with reduced forage quality and DMI (P = 0.004) during P2 led to negative energy and protein balances. This was aligned with increases in fibre growth and diameter, prior to parturition (P ≤ 0.035). Suri displayed faster fibre growth than Huacaya (P = 0.005). Although Huacaya females tended to emit more enteric CH4 per unit of metabolic live weight than Suri (P = 0.056), this was not reflected either on variety differences in emissions per unit of intake or fleece produced. On average, CH4 intensity decreased from 0.805 (P1) to 0.530 g/kg clean fleece at P2 (P = 0.032). Results are valuable towards fine-tuning the effect of pregnancy for sustainable alpaca farming.

Selected Parameters of Huacaya Alpacas Fibers and Olkuska Sheep Wool

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

Although fibers of animal origin make up only a small part of the global textile fiber industry, sheep’s wool and also fibers of other species like alpaca, due to their unique properties, are an important and appreciated part of this industry. Our study involves the analysis of mechanical and physical properties of fibers derived from Huacaya alpacas and Olkuska sheep. Additionally, the wool of Olkuska sheep lambs was also analyzed. Fibers belonging to ten individuals of each species were evaluated for their diameter, breaking force, elongation at break, tenacity and heat transfer rate. It was found that the diameter of alpaca fibers was lower than that of sheep fibers, while the fibers of lambs were thinnest. A dependence was observed between the breaking force and fiber diameter. The stress parameter analogically to breaking elongation showed significant and highly significant differences for analyzed fibers. The highest values were shown for sheep, followed by alpaca and lamb. The heat transfer rate was the highest in alpacas. The study demonstrated that fibers from both alpacas and sheep are suitable for yarn material.

Mohair, cashmere and other animal hair fibres

Chapter

Jan 2020

L. Hunter

Nemabiome metabarcoding shows a high prevalence of Haemonchus contortus and predominance of Camelostrongylus mentulatus in alpaca herds in the northern UK

Article

Full-text available

May 2024
Parasitol Res

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a common threat faced by pastoral livestock. Since their major introduction to the UK in the early 1990s, South American camelids have been cograzed with sheep, horses, and other livestock, allowing exposure to a range of GIN species. However, there have been no molecular-based studies to investigate the GIN populations present in these camelids. In the current study, we sampled nine alpaca herds from northern England and southern Scotland and used high-throughput metabarcoded sequencing to describe their GIN species composition. A total of 71 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified representing eight known GIN species. Haemonchus contortus was the most prevalent species found in almost all herds in significant proportions. The identification of H. contortus in other livestock species is unusual in the northern UK, implying that alpacas may be suitable hosts and potential reservoirs for infection in other hosts. In addition, the camelid-adapted GIN species Camelostrongylus mentulatus was identified predominantly in herds with higher faecal egg counts. These findings highlight the value of applying advanced molecular methods, such as nemabiome metabarcoding to describe the dynamics of gastrointestinal nematode infections in novel situations. The results provide a strong base for further studies involving cograzing animals to confirm the potential role of alpacas in transmitting GIN species between hosts.

Nemabiome metabarcoding shows a high prevalence of Haemonchus contortus and predominance of Camelostrongylus mentulatus in alpaca herds in the northern UK

Preprint

Full-text available

Nov 2023

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a common threat faced by pastoral livestock. Since their major introduction to the UK in the early 1990s, South American camelids have been co-grazed with sheep, horses, and other livestock, allowing exposure to a range of GIN species. However, there have been no molecular-based studies to investigate the GIN populations present in these camelids. In the current study, we sampled nine alpaca herds from northern England and southern Scotland and used high-throughput metabarcoded sequencing to study the GIN species. A total of eight known GIN species were found, and 71 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified. Haemonchus contortus was the most prevalent species found in almost all herds in significant proportions. The identification of H. contortus in other livestock species is unusual in the area, implying that alpacas may be suitable hosts and potential reservoirs for infection in other hosts. In addition, the camelid-adapted GIN species Camelostrongylus mentulatus was identified predominantly on farms with higher faecal egg counts. These findings highlight the importance of applying advanced molecular methods, such as nemabiome metabarcoding to describe the dynamics of gastrointestinal nematode infections in novel situations. The results provide a strong base for further studies involving co-grazing animals to confirm the potential role of alpacas in transmitting GIN species between hosts.

ESTIMACIÓN DEL PROCESO GENÉTICO DE SEIS ESQUEMAS DE SELECCIÓN EN ALPACAS (Vicugna pacos L.) HUACAYA CON TRES MODELOS DE EVALUACIÓN EN LA REGIÓN ALTOANDINA DE HUANCAVELICA

Thesis

Full-text available

Sep 2010

Edgar Carlos Quispe Peña

El presente trabajo de tesis se desarrolló en la población de alpacas Huacaya de color blanco de la región de Huancavelica, con el objetivo principal de estimar el progreso genético y consanguinidad bajo diversos esquemas de selección planteados. Adicionalmente se realizaron la evaluación de características productivas y textiles de la fibra de alpacas Huacaya de color blanco que vienen siendo criadas en Huancavelica; la determinación de los objetivos y criterios de selección, con establecimiento de valor agregado genotípico, y el establecimiento de un modelo de evaluación genética. El trabajo de campo se desarrolló en 27 centros de producción, ubicados en ocho comunidades (Pastales Huando, Alto Andino, Pucapampa, Choclococha, Sallcca, Santa Bárbara, Lachocc, Carhuancho) de Huancavelica, situadas en altitudes que oscilan entre 4.000 y 4.800 metros sobre el nivel del mar, con temperaturas que varían desde -5 °C a 18 °C, y con una precipitación pluvial que alcanza los 752,4 mm/año. Para la evaluación de los caracteres productivos y textiles, se consideraron 10 variables dependientes y siete variables independientes, obteniendose medias globales ± error estándar de 2,343 ± 66 g, 20.94±0.32μm, 115.40±3.00mm, 21.40±0.30%, 20.90±0.40µm, 95.10±2.70%, 38.80±1.10°/mm, 19.43±0.4μm, 24.4±0.5μm y 5.00±0.3μm, respectivamente para peso de vellón sucio (PVS), media de diámetro de fibra (MDF), longitud de mecha (LM), Coeficiente de variación de la MDF (CVMDF), Finura al hilado (FinHil), Factor de confort (FCon), Ìndice de curvatura (ICur), Diámetro mínimo a lo largo de la fibra (DMinL), Diámetro máximo a lo largo de la fibra (DMaxL) y las diferencias entre DMaxL y DMinL (Cambio), encontrándose en la mayoría de los casos efecto de la edad, comunidad, productor y campaña. Para la determinación de los objetivos y criterios de selección, con establecimiento del valor genotípico agregado, bajo un sistema extensivo de crianza se realizaron 07 reuniones de trabajo con participación de diversas organizaciones involucradas lideradas por el Gobierno Regional y la Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, determinándose como objetivos de selección: la cantidad y calidad de fibra; como criterios de selección el PVS y la MDF, y valor genotípico agregado en base a la ecuación: H= 24.35(YPVS) – 4.00(YMDF), cuyos pesos económicos fueron encontrados tomando en cuenta el reporte de los precios pagados en distintas campañas por la Asociación de Productores Alpaqueros de Huancavelica (APROAL) durante los años 2005 al 2009, bajo la metodología de beneficios marginales del PVS y MDF. Para la evaluación genética se utilizó el modelo animal con medidas repetidas (y = Xb + Zu + Wp + e), considerando efectos: fijos [edad, sexo, comunidad y RAC (rebaño-año-campaña)], permanentes (repetición de las mediciones) y aleatorios (genético aditivo y residual); y como no hubo conección de machos, la evaluación sólo arrojó evaluaciones intrarebaños. Los resultados obtenidos de la evaluación en términos de desviaciones, fueron estandarizados con media 100 y desviación estándar 10, considerando a animales con valor de cría entre 100 a 110 como animales de una estrella (animales buenos), entre mayor de 110 a 120 animales con dos estrellas (animales muy buenos) y mayor de 120 animales con tres estrellas (animales sobresalientes). Finalmente para la propuesta del esquema de selección más apropiado para el sistema de crianza de la población de alpacas de la región de Huancavelica, se evaluaron seis esquemas de selección considerando un núcleo compuesto por 1500 hembras, planteados en función a la cantidad de machos a utilizar y al tipo de núcleo de reproducción, mediante el progreso genético y consanguinidad, bajo tres escenarios de correlación genética entre PVS y MDF (baja=0.12; media=0.25; alto=0.50), y tres tipos de información utilizada, encontrando que en todos los esquemas de selección planteados, la rPVS,MDF y el progreso genético/generación para PVS tienen una relación negativa; y que ganancias genéticas para PVS que varían entre 29.54 y 146.81g se obtienen a rPVS,MDF bajo y medio, mientras que con una rPVS,MDF alta incluso el PVS puede tener un detrimento cuando se selecciona utilizando el valor genotípico agregado sólo en base a la performance del propio individuo, lo cual mejora bastante cuando se utiliza mayor información. Asimismo se ha obtenido que el progreso genético/generación de MDF, en todos los escenarios, disminuye entre un rango de 0.68 a 1.45 μm. En los esquemas de selección planteados se podría obtener incrementos de consanguinidad que varía entre 0.28 a 0.02, valores que no constituirían problema, sin embargo en el esquema donde se utilizaría inseminación artificial, la consanguinidad puede llegar a 0.9, lo cual se podría controlar mediante renovación de machos por intercambio interrebaños. Se concluye que existen buenas posibilidades para la mejora genética de la fibra de alpaca por medio de la selección, debido a la existencia de animales de alto valor genético, pudiéndose lograr ganancias genéticas de regulares y buenas, con bajos incrementos de consanguinidad, lo que permitiría incrementar sus beneficios a los productores alpaqueros huancavelicanos, recomendándose que bajo el sistema de crianza extensiva se debe de asegurar la participación de productores, técnicos, consumidores y de la industria textil a fin de asegurar la sostenibilidad del programa de mejora.

Digestion, faecal grain loss and energy requirements of Huacaya alpacas fed lucerne chaff, oat chaff and whole grain barley diets

Article

Jun 2021
SMALL RUMINANT RES

This study determined the digestibility of three common supplementary feeds, faecal whole grain loss and the energy requirements of adult Huacaya alpacas (live weight 62 kg) using individual pens and feeding at a range of initial notional energy levels approximating maintenance (M) to 1.6 × M. The diets were lucerne (Medicago sativa) chaff (LC), oaten (Avena sativa) chaff (OC) and whole barley grain (Hordeum vulgare) plus oaten chaff (BOC) (40:60 ratio). After 2 weeks introduction, DMI, faecal output and live weight were measured for 7 days. Samples were analysed for DM, organic matter (OM), GE and N content. Feed composition was respectively for diets LC, BOC, OC: OM 89.1, 96.4, 95.8%; DE 12.8, 11.9, 12.2 MJ/kg DM; CP 21.7, 9.6, 7.3%. OC included 25% oat grain, of which 55% was whole grain. Two alpaca showed signs of subclinical acidosis. DMI averaged 1014 g/d (range 579-1576 g/d) during digestibility measurements. Whole grain loss as % of grain fed was 16.3% for BOC significantly greater than 5.2% for OC. For LC and BOC, DMI required for alpacas at maintenance was 41 g/kg W0.75/d, equivalent to 1.48% of live weight, and the MEm requirement was 399 MJ ME/kg W0.75/d. Energy retained in fibre averaged 180 (s.e. 6.6) kJ/day and was 0.0146 of ME intake, equivalent to 8.2 ± 0.30 kJ/kg0.75/d. While it was possible to feed up to 435 g DM/d of cereal grain to alpaca, whole barley grain excretion was associated with a 27% decline in the ME value of barley. Alpaca fed whole grain barley adapted to the diet whereas adaptation to a diet of oaten chaff with cracked oat grain resulted in depressed DMI and live weight loss, probably from mild acidosis.

A comparison of quality of the fleece and follicular activity between sheared and non-sheared yearling alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

Article

Sep 2020
SMALL RUMINANT RES

The objective of this trial was to determine if an anticipated first shearing at 10 months of age affects skin characteristics and fibre quality in alpacas in order to assess the possibility of practice two different shearings over a period of 16 months in the animals destined for slaughter. Twenty alpaca Huacaya (10 females and 10 males) were randomly assigned to two groups named Group S and Group NS. Group S alpacas were sheared in December at the age of 10 months, when fibre had reached the length of 12.78 cm. Group NS alpacas were not sheared and their fibre length in December at the age of 10 months was of 13.11 cm. Skin biopsies and fleece were sampled from each animals at 10, 11, 12, and 16 months of age. The recorded data were used to calculate the fibre diameter, the fibre length, the percentage of active secondary follicles and the ratio of secondary to primary follicles. Data were analysed as a split-plot design with the shearing effect as whole-plot, the age effect as subplot and the animals as replication term in testing the shearing effect. Fibre diameter, percentage of active secondary follicles and S/P ratio showed no statistically significant differences between treatment groups and age. Significant different (P < 0.05) between treatment groups and age were observed only for the fibre length. At the end of the trial the fibre length was of 7.71 cm and 17.4 cm for the sheared and non-sheared animals respectively. This implies that during the six months following the shearing of 10 months old alpacas from the Group S (from January to June), the fleece length had increased by 7.71 cm and 4.29 cm in sheared and non-sheared animals respectively. In other words, the fibre length in sheared alpacas showed an increase compared to the fibre from non-sheared one of 3.42 cm (+79.7%). This result showed that shearing increased fibre growth in yearling alpacas. Based on our trial, breeders could practice two different shearings, first at 10 months of age and later at 16 months of age right before slaughtering, in order to harvesting two batches of fine kid fleece with an average length of 12.78 cm and 7.71 cm.

PRELIMINARY DATA FOR DAILY ACTIVITY AND BEHAVIOUR OF ALPACAS IN HUNGARY

Poster

Apr 2019

On-farm factors affecting physical quality of Merino wool. 1. Nutrition, reproduction, health and management

Article

Mar 2016
SMALL RUMINANT RES

Mohair, cashmere and other animal hair fibres

Chapter

Dec 2012

L. Hunter

Although luxury animal fibres, excluding silk, represent far less than 0.1% of global fibre production, they play a very significant role in the luxury, high-value-added end of the market, notably the apparel market, being renowned for their special and mostly unique features, such as comfort and softness. This chapter covers the production, properties, processing and end-uses of the various luxury animal fibres, with the exclusion of silk, with the main focus on the down (undercoat) fibres of those animals with two fibre coats.

Correlation between mean fibre diameter and total follicle density in alpacas of differing age and colour in the Parinacota province of the Chilean high plain

Article

Jan 2014

This investigation aimed to determine and correlate mean fibre diameter (MFD) and total follicle density (TFD) in juvenile (1–2 years) and adult (3–6 years) white and brown alpacas in the Parinacota Region of northern Chile. Fibre samples and skin biopsies were taken from the mid-side regions of 77 individuals. The observed MFD for all individuals (22.6±3.76 µm) was lower than that obtained by previous research in the same geographic region. There was no demonstrated statistical difference between MFD and TFD based on fleece colour (p>0.05). Demonstrated MFD in white alpacas was 22.57±3.92 µm with a TFD of 21.97±6.37 foll/mm2; in brown alpacas MFD was 22.63±3.66 µm and TFD 21.56±7.25 foll/mm2. MFD in juvenile alpacas was 21.61±2.78 µm with a TFD of 24.2±7.49 foll/mm2 and in adults MFD was 23.47±4.3 µm with a TFD of 19.62±5.34 foll/mm2, demonstrating a statistically significant difference between age groups of lower MFD but higher TFD in juvenile individuals (pp Keywords: alpaca; correlation; fibre diameter; follicle density Document Type: Research Article DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09712119.2013.795899 Affiliations: 1: Facultad de Recursos Naturales y Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomás, Santiago, Chile 2: Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile Publication date: January 2, 2014 (document).ready(function() { var shortdescription = (".originaldescription").text().replace(/\\&/g, '&').replace(/\\, '<').replace(/\\>/g, '>').replace(/\\t/g, ' ').replace(/\\n/g, ''); if (shortdescription.length > 350){ shortdescription = "" + shortdescription.substring(0,250) + "... more"; }

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Exotic grass and shrub production evaluation and llama preference on the Bolivian Altiplano

Article

Nov 2010
SMALL RUMINANT RES

Lack of nutritional forage during the dry season limits llama (Lama glama) production on the Bolivian Altiplano. Minimal supplementation with stockpiled energy-rich grasses and high-protein shrubs may improve the dry season nutritional status of llamas. The purposes of this study were first, to evaluate forage production on the Altiplano of cold-hardy, drought-resistant plants successful in the Intermountain Western United States and second, the acceptability of these species to llamas. Six species of grass (pubescent wheatgrass [Agropyron trichophorum], smooth brome [Bromus inermis], crested wheatgrass [Hycrest] [Agropyron cristatum×A. desertorum], weeping lovegrass [Eragrostis curvula], orchard grass [Dactylis glomerata], and timothy [Phleum pratense]) and 6 species of shrubs (black sage [Artemisia nova], fourwing saltbush [Atriplex canescens], saltbush [Atriplex halimus], mountain mahogany [Cercocarpus montanus], bitterbrush [Purshia tridentata], and forage kochia [Kochia prostrata]) were planted at three sites on the Altiplano and evaluated during the dormant season of the following 2 years. Data measuring row fill, biomass, and nutrient concentrations were collected for the grasses. Data measuring percent survival, biomass, and nutrient concentrations were collected for the shrubs. Preference trials including focal animal sampling and instantaneous-scan sampling evaluated the acceptance of these forages by llamas. During the first year, row fill among the grasses ranged from 30–96%. Smooth brome biomass increased from 3427 to 5420kgdryweight/ha between years (p≤0.01) and was the most productive grass measured. Crested wheatgrass also increased from 2487 to 4687kgdryweight/ha (p≤0.01). The most successful shrubs, forage kochia and fourwing saltbush, survived 75–90%. At one site, fourwing saltbush produced 638kgdryweight/ha and forage kochia 616kgdryweight/ha, more (p≤0.01) than produced at the other sites (91–316kgdryweight/ha). Among the grasses, the highest CP concentrations were found in crested wheatgrass (9.7%) and orchard grass (9.6%). Weeping lovegrass had lower (p

Comparison of Fiber and Cuticular Attributes of Alpaca and Llama Fleeces

Article

Feb 2010

Forty alpaca kids, comprising 20 huacaya and 20 suri, and 20 llama “chaku” (or woolly type), were chosen for a comparative investigation of the fiber and cuticular attributes based on fiber diameter, number of cuticular scales per 100 µm of fiber length, and scale height. Out of the three parameters investigated, the number of cuticular scales proved to be a valid diagnostic trait in distinguishing suri fleece from both huacaya and llama fleeces. A further characterization of the suri fleece was obtained by considering the frequency distribution of both fiber diameter and number of cuticular scale classes. The suri fleece was clearly different from both the huacaya and llama in that it possessed the highest percentage of fibers with less than eight scales, the lowest percentage of fibers with more than nine scales, along with the lowest percentage of fibers with a diameter of more than 35 µm. The validity of these classification criteria was fully supported by a classification discriminant analysis based on the jointed investigation of the data related to scale and diameter frequency classes, whose output was a 100% correct classification of the suri specimens along with an 85.7% and 71.4% of cases correctly classified in huacaya and llama, respectively.

Alpaca Liveweight Variations and Fiber Production in Mediterranean Range of Chile

Article

Full-text available

Sep 1998

A study of liveweight changes of alpaca adult males, females, and their progeny, was conducted through 3 seasons under COD tinuous grazing on natural grasslands on the Mediterranean range of the Chilean Central Zone. Liveweight changes were posi-tive and highest in spring (100 to 200 g day'), moderate during winter (50 to 100 g day-l), and negative only at the end of summer and in fall (-110 to -150 g day'). Weight gains of new born alpacas were greatest (110 to 150 g day') in the first !I0 days after birth and Lhen decreased slightly, reaching values of 75 g day1 at 8.5 months old. Weight gains stabilized at 10 tu 20 g day' at 3-years of age. The average annual fibre production was 1.57 and 2.36 kg in females and males, respectively; staple length varied between 8 and 10 cm.

The summer nutrition of weaner sheep: The deficiencies of the mature herbage of sown pasture as a feed for young sheep

Article

Full-text available

Apr 1959
AUST J AGR RES

Two field studies conducted in the Mediterranean type environment of Adelaide, South Australia, are described. The first experiment was designed to assess the effects of defective summer grazing by young sheep upon current and lifetime productivity, while the second sought to define the nature of the nutritional deficiencies of the mature herbage of sown pastures in terms of energy and protein respectively. The results show that the mature herbage of the sown pastures under study was deficient in both protein and energy. However, the retarded growth resulting from grazing this herbage appeared to be of no permanent significance in average to well-grown wether weaners; summer periods of defective nutrition did not affect ultimate size nor influence subsequent productivity.

Grazing behaviour of alpaca and sheep

Article

Jan 1995

A brief account of South American Camelids in Australia, with a description of an alpaca research project and a summary of preliminary data

Article

Sep 1995

Nutrition of domestic South American llamas and alpacas

Article

Sep 1989
SMALL RUMINANT RES

A review of the existing literature on the nutrition of llamas (Lama glama) and alpacas (L. pacos) revealed that these South American camelids are better adapted to the harsh environment of the Andean region than are advanced ruminants. Llamas and alpacas differ from advanced ruminants in stomach morphology, digestion, diet selectivity, and intake. Available data indicate that stocking ratios should be 1.0:1.0 for alpacas:sheep and 1.5:1.0 for llamas:sheep. Further research is recommended in digestive physiology, foraging behavior, and nutritional requirements of South American camelids.ResumenUna revision de la literatura existente acerca de la nutricion de llamas (Llama glama) y alpacas (L. pacos) revela que estos camelidos sudamericanos estan mejor adaptados que los rumiantes avanzados al crudo ambiente de la region andina. Las llamas y alpacas difieren de los rumiantes avanzados en la morfologia estomacal, digestion, seleccion de la dieta y consumo. Los datos disponibles indican que la carga animal debe ser en una relacion de 1.0:1.0 para alpacas:ovejas y 1.5:1.0 para llamas:ovejas. Se recomienda mayor investigacion en fisiologia digestiva, comportamiento alimenticio en pastoreo de forrajes, y requerimientos nutricionales de los camelidos sudamericanos.

Nutrition, management and other environmental influences on the quality and production of mohair and cashmere with particular reference to Mediterranean and annual temperate climatic zones: A review

Article

Jun 1998
SMALL RUMINANT RES

Bruce A. McGregor

Goat fibre production is affected by genetic and environmental influences. Environmental influences which are the subject of this review include bio–geophysical factors (photoperiod, climate–herbage system and soil–plant trace nutrient composition), nutrition factors and management factors. Nutrition and management influences discussed include rate of stocking, supplementary feeding of energy and protein, liveweight change, parturition and management during shearing. While experimental data suggest affects of seasonal photoperiod on the growth of mohair and cashmere are large, these results may have confounded changes in temperature with photoperiod. The nutritional variation within and among years is the most important climatic factor influencing mohair and cashmere production and quality. Mohair quality and growth is affected significantly by rate of stocking and during periods of liveweight loss by supplementary feeding of either energy or protein. Strategic use of supplements, methods for rapid introduction of cereal grains, influence of dietary roughage on intake and the economics of supplementary feeding are discussed. Cashmere production of young, low producing goats does not appear to be affected by energy supplementation, but large responses to energy supplementation have been measured in more productive cashmere goat strains. The designs of these cashmere nutrition experiments are reviewed. Evidence for the hypothesis that energy-deprived cashmere goats divert nutrients preferentially to cashmere growth is reviewed. The influence and potential use of liveweight manipulation in affecting mohair and cashmere production and quality are described. Estimates of the energy requirements for the maintenance of fibre goats and the effect of pregnancy and lactation on mohair and cashmere growth are summarised. The effects and importance of management and hygiene during fibre harvesting (shearing) in producing quality fibre is emphasised. The review concludes that it is important to assess the results of scientific experiments for the total environmental content within which they were conducted. The review supports the view that scientific experiments should use control treatments appropriate to the environment under study as well as having controls relevant for other environments. In mediterranean and annual temperate environments, appropriate controls are liveweight loss and liveweight maintenance treatments. Mohair producers must graze goats at moderate rates of stocking to maximise animal welfare, but in so doing, they will produce heavier goats and coarser mohair. In mediterranean and annual temperate environments, seasonal changes in liveweight are large and influence both quality and production of mohair and cashmere. Mohair and cashmere producers can manipulate liveweight by supplementary feeding energy during dry seasons to minimise liveweight loss, but the economics of such feeding needs to be carefully examined. Strategic benefits can be obtained by enhancing the growth of young does prior to mating and for higher producing cashmere goats.

SHEEP AND ALPACA PRODUCTIVITY ON HIGH ANDEAN RANGELANDS IN PERU1, 2

Article

Jan 1989

Sheep and alpaca production traits from the Andes of Peru show that peasant communities, which have the lowest level of technological input, also have the lowest productivity of sheep and alpaca. Comparative data from research trials conducted in Peru emphasize the need for rangeland stocking rates to be reduced in line with ecological realities. Range improvement strategies such as rotational grazing and integration of cultivated pastures to supplement forage from native rangelands can increase output of sheep, meat and wool. Likewise, alpaca wool production can be increased through technological input, but increasing productivity of alpaca offspring will require further research effort. (Key Words: Sheep, Alpaca, Pastures, Stocking rate, Productivity, Rangelands.)

The Diet of Goats, Red Deer and South American Camelids Feeding on Three Contrasting Scottish Upland Vegetation Communities

Article

Jun 1997

1. With changes in the agricultural policy for rural areas in the UK there is increased interest in the development of management protocols for indigenous and sown swards in upland Scotland based on grazing by ruminant species other than sheep and cattle, e.g. goats, red deer and South American camelids. 2. Here we describe the diet composition over two seasons of goats, red deer and South American camelids (guanacos) grazing three vegetation types typical of upland ecosystems in the UK: a sown sward (Lolium perenne-dominated), an indigenous grassland (Nardus stricta-dominated) and a dwarf shrub community (Calluna vulgaris-dominated). 3. On each vegetation type, all three animal species were selective feeders. The composition of the goats' diet was more variable than that of the red deer and guanacos. All three species were more selective when grazing the indigenous communities than when grazing the sown sward. 4. On the Lolium sward, the guanacos avoided clover and other dicotyledonous plants, whilst the goats and red deer consumed green leaf from all plant categories found at or near the sward surface. 5. On the Nardus community, all three species avoided the dominant tussock-grass and selected green lamina of broad-leaved grasses from the species-rich inter-tussock areas. Between-species differences in minor components included an increased contribution of non-grass monocotyledonous plants to the goats' diet in spring, and a higher proportion of grass flowerstem and grass seed/flowerhead in the guanacos' diet in summer. 6. The diets of the three species of animal on the Calluna community were broadly similar. All generally avoided C. vulgaris and strongly selected graminoid species. Consumption of grass was greater in spring than summer. 7. Species differences in diet composition, particularly on indigenous swards dominated by N. stricta and C. vulgaris, might facilitate vegetation management and improve animal output using multispecies grazing systems.

Factors affecting herd structure in a mixed camelid-sheep pastoral system in the arid Puna of Bolivia

Article

May 1997
J ARID ENVIRON

A survey was conducted to identify factors affecting the proportion of sheep and camelids within family herds in the arid western cordillera of Bolivia. A close relationship was detected between herd structure on the one hand, and the botanical characteristics of the dominant grazing area and total size of the farm on the other. This is related to the ecophysiological characteristics of animals. Mixed herds of camelids and sheep allow better use of the ecological diversity of rangelands. Due to differential fitness, the choice of species can also be linked with the overall number of animals which can be bred on the household's rangelands. Other factors such as historical transformations of communities, economic opportunities and socio-cultural aspects also influence herd structure. (résumé d'auteur)

Trace Elements and Vitamins in Blood of Alpacas (Lama Pacos) and Sheep Grazing the Same Pasture

Chapter

Jan 2002

We aimed to determine whether the concentration of minerals and trace constituents in blood of Merino sheep and Huacaya alpacas grazing the same pasture differed with species and time of sampling. Blood samples and pasture samples were collected at frequent intervals over a period of 2 years for mineral and trace-nutrient assay. The concentration of the minerals and trace nutrients in the grazed pasture usually met the dietary needs of sheep at maintenance, apart from potassium, sulfur, cobalt and Vitamin E in occasional samples. Restricted maximum likelihood mixed model analysis indicated a signicant (P < 0.001) species by month by year interaction for all blood constituents assayed, a signicant (P < 0.05) species by coat shade interaction for plasma Vitamin D, E and B 12 and a signicant (P < 0.001) species by month by Vitamin D interaction for plasma phosphorus concentrations. In general, plasma calcium concentrations were greater in sheep than in alpacas but plasma magnesium concentrations were greater in alpacas than in sheep. There was no consistent difference between the two species in plasma phosphorus concentrations although low values were recorded in individual sheep and alpacas. Plasma Vitamin D concentrations were more responsive to increasing hours of sunlight in alpacas than they were in sheep. Sheep had consistently higher concentrations of plasma copper, zinc and Vitamin B 12 and higher concentrations of blood selenium but lower concentrations of plasma selenium and Vitamin A, than did alpacas. No consistent difference was observed between the two species in plasma Vitamin E concentrations.

Production performance, repeatability and heritability estimates for live weight, fleece weight and fiber characteristics of alpacas in New Zealand

Article

Aug 2000
SMALL RUMINANT RES

The production performance, repeatability and heritability estimates for live weight, fleece weight and fiber characteristics of alpacas farmed in the South Island of New Zealand are reported. Male alpacas produced heavier fleeces (p<0.001) than females, but with relatively similar fiber diameter. Mean (S.E.) shearing weight, greasy fleece weight (GFW), clean fleece weight (CFW), yield, staple length (SL), resistance to compression (RtC) and fiber diameter (FD) in adults were 68.0kg (1.0), 2.16kg (0.06), 2.03kg (0.06), 93.6% (0.4), 9.9cm (0.2), 5.3kPa (0.1) and 31.9µm (0.5), respectively. These means in tuis were 68.1kg (1.9), 3.02kg (0.20), 2.94kg (0.27), 92.2% (0.4), 12.2cm (0.3), 4.8kPa (0.1) and 30.5µm (0.9), respectively. The corresponding measurements in crias were 40.5kg (1.1), 1.97kg (0.07), 1.84kg (0.07), 93.4% (0.3), 12.6cm (0.2), 4.6kPa (0.1) and 26.4µm (0.4), respectively. The birth weight (BWT) was 8.4kg (0.1) and SS was 28.4 N/ktex (1.9) in crias. The seasonal variation of fiber growth and fiber diameter was small to moderate, with lowest values in the winter. Mid-side fleece site FD was highly correlated with other main sites sampled and shown to be appropriate as a standard sampling site. The phenotypic correlation between CFW and FD was 0.40 (p<0.001) and for fleece weight and shearing live weight was 0.47 in adult alpacas (p<0.001). Correlation coefficients for GFW and CFW with FD and SL were highly positive (GFW with FD and SL: 0.32-0.45, 0.39-0.54; CFW with FD and SL: 0.37-0.46, 0.40-0.53) in both tui and cria fleeces. The heritabilities for BWT, summer weight, spring weight, GFW and CFW, yield, SL, RtC and FD were estimated as 0.63, 0.41, 0.99, 0.63, 0.68, 0.67, 0.57, 0.16, 0.69 and 0.73. Production performance and heritability estimates for these traits were markedly higher than that previously reported in South American camelids.

Sheep and alpaca productivity on high Andean rangelands in Peru Alpaca liveweight variations and ®ber production in Mediter-ranean range of Chile

Jan 1989
41

B A Mcgregor ) 219±232 Bryant
F C Florez
A P®ster
J Castellaro
G C De Garcia-Huidobro
P A J Salinas

B.A. McGregor / Small Ruminant Research 44 (2002) 219±232 Bryant, F.C., Florez, A., P®ster, J., 1989. Sheep and alpaca productivity on high Andean rangelands in Peru. J. Anim. Sci. 67, 3087±3095. Castellaro, G.C., de Garcia-Huidobro, P.A.J., Salinas, P., 1998. Alpaca liveweight variations and ®ber production in Mediter-ranean range of Chile. J. Range Manage. 51, 509±513. Cayley, J.W.D., Bird, P.R., 1991. Techniques for measuring pastures, Technical Report Series No. 191. Department of Agriculture, Vic., Australia, 41 pp.

Fibre specification and staple structure

P G Swan

Swan, P.G., 1994. Fibre speci®cation and staple structure. In: Woolspec'94 Proceedings of the Seminar on Speci®cation of Australian Wool and its Implications for Marketing and Processing, CSIRO Division of Wool Technology, Sydney, pp. G1±G12.

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Fleece production, fibre quality and fibre assessment

B A Mcgregor

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Anonymous

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Anonymous

Comparative productivity and grazing behaviour of Huacaya alpacas and Peppin Merino sheep grazed on annual pastures

Abstract

No full-text available

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