Phenotypic characterization of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) coat colors in the Apurimac region, Peru: A basis for sustainable production

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5965/223811712312024079

Keywords:

Alpaca, Huacaya, Suri, Fiber, Color, Fleece, Proportions

Abstract

This study details the distribution of solid-colored alpacas in relation to their breed, gender, and age in the community of San Miguel de Mestizas, Apurímac. A total of 244 Suri genotype and 2,256 Huacaya alpacas were evaluated. Fleece color determination was carried out through observation and recorded on a registration form. A significant disparity in the proportion of solid-colored alpacas was found between Suri (10.8%) and Huacaya (89.2%) breeds, even after expanding the analysis to include all alpacas. The low prevalence of Suri was attributed to its increased vulnerability in Andean environments, reflected in higher mortality rates and lower reproduction. The study highlighted a predominance of female alpacas (69.6%), indicating management practices focused on males, impacting birth rates and offspring survival. Age-specific analysis revealed challenges in reproduction, with a limited proportion of alpacas in the milk teeth stage. In Huacaya, a preference for white fleece (66.8%) was evident, indicating a growing demand for colored fleeces. Suri alpacas showed a high proportion of females (71.2%) and a preference for solid colors, but the decline in solid-colored Suri raises concerns about genetic diversity. This detailed analysis emphasizes challenges in population management, color preferences, and the need to preserve genetic variability in the face of the growing demand for colored fleeces in San Miguel de Mestizas.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Victor Alberto Ramos, Universidad Nacional Micaela Bastidas de Apurimac

Ph.D. in Science, Technology, and Environment from the Graduate School of the National University of Altiplano - Puno. Master's in Rural Development, with a focus on Planning and Development Management, from the Graduate School of UNA, Puno. Second Specialization in Domestic South American Camelids from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics of UNA, Puno. Certified in Productive Management Skills, Master Shearer, and Classifier of South American Camelid Fiber

References

ALLAIN D & RENIERI C. 2010. Genetics of fibre production and fleece characteristics in small ruminants, Angora rabbit and South American camelids. Animal 4: 1472–1481.

ANELLO M et al. 2022. Genetics of coat color and fiber production traits in llamas and alpacas. Animal Frontiers 1: 78–86.

APAZA J et al. 2022. Characteristics of alpaca fibre in the dry agroecological zone in the Peruvian highlands. Rev Inv Vet Perú 33: 22401.

BUSTINZA et al. 2021. Evolución y desarrollo de las razas de Alpaca. Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias Del Perú 32: e19876.

CÁCERES M & DÍAZ G. 2007. Estructura Poblacional y Variabilidad Fenotípica de Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) en el Distrito de Paratia, Provincia de Lampa-Puno. Cusco: APPA. 6p.

CRUZ A et al. 2021. Colorimetry analysis of coat color and its relationship with fiber traits in alpacas. Animal 15: 100219.

DÍAZ E & GALLEGOS R. 2015. Diversidad y estructura genética de poblaciones de llama Suri en las regiones de Cusco y Puno (Perú). Revista Investigaciones Altoandinas - Journal of High Andean Investigation 17: 437.

SALAS P. 2015. La alpaca suri, de la extinción a la conservación de la biodiversidad de colores y la importancia de la bioartesanía textil en el distrito de Nuñoa (Melgar-Puno). Revista Investigaciones Altoandinas - Journal of High Andean Investigation 17: 291.

FAO. 2005. Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Agricultura y la Alimentación. Situación actual de los camélidos sudamericanos en Perú. Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Agricultura y la Alimentación. http://tarwi.lamolina.edu.pe/~emellisho/zootecnia_archivos/situacion%20alpcas%20peru.pdf

FLORES-ALCA et al. 2022. Estimación de densidad de fibra en alpacas del centro de desarrollo alpaquero TOCCRA CEDAT – DESCO del departamento de Arequipa. Revista de Investigaciones 11: 108–115.

HUANCA T et al. 2007. Experiencia del INIA en el fortalecimiento del banco de germoplasma de camélidos domésticos. Arc. Latinoam. Prod. Anim. 15: 186–194.

INEI. 2012. Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática. IV Censo Nacional Agropecuario 2012 (IV CENAGRO). Punto & Grafía S.A.C.

MACHACA V et al. 2017. Características de la Fibra de Alpaca Huacaya de Cotaruse, Apurímac, Perú. Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias Del Perú 28: 843–851.

NOVOA C. 2007. Camélidos sudamericanos. In Sitio Argentino de Producción Animal. https://www.produccion-animal.com.ar/produccion_de_camelidos/camelidos_general/119-fao.pdf

ORIA I et al. 2009. Variabilidad del color de la fibra de alpaca en la zona altoandina de Huancavelica-Perú. Animal Genetic Resources Information 45: 79–84.

COAQUIRA et al. 2021. Atributos textiles de la fibra de alpacas Huacaya blanca y color (Vicugna pacos) de la feria ganadera del sur del Perú. Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias Del Perú 32: e20930.

QUISPE E et al. 2009a. Bases para un programa de mejora de alpacas en la región altoandina de Huancavelica-Perú. Arch. Zootec 58: 705–716.

QUISPE E et al. 2009b. Producción de fibra de alpaca, llama, vicuña y guanaco en Sudamérica. Animal Genetic Resources Information 45: 1–14.

SHARPE M et al. 2009. Pre-weaning morbidity and mortality of llamas and alpacas. Australian Veterinary Journal 87: 56–60.

SILVA C. 2023. Pesos vivos, peso de vellón, natalidad y mortalidad de alpacas Huacaya de color del Banco de germoplasma de Quimsachata INIA-Puno [Tesis de Ingeniero Zootecnista, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina]. https://repositorio.lamolina.edu.pe/bitstream/handle/20.500.12996/5765/silva-pe%C3%B1a-chavely-cristina.pdf?seque nce=1&isAllowed=y.

Published

2024-04-01

How to Cite

RAMOS, Victor Alberto; MELÉNDEZ, Keyro Alberto. Phenotypic characterization of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) coat colors in the Apurimac region, Peru: A basis for sustainable production. Revista de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Lages, v. 23, n. 1, p. 79–88, 2024. DOI: 10.5965/223811712312024079. Disponível em: https://revistas.udesc.br/index.php/agroveterinaria/article/view/24715. Acesso em: 14 nov. 2024.

Issue

Section

Research Article - Science of Animals and Derived Products