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

Abstract

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.