Fibre Medullation Characteristics in Peruvian Llamas (Lama glama)

Abstract

Background: The textile use of llama fiber, achieved through genetic improvement, llama selection and management, shows great potential for producing high-quality clothing and fabrics; providing an alternative income to highland residents who raise llamas. The aim of this research was to determine the fiber medullation of white Ch´aku and Q´ara color varieties of Llamas (Lama glama) from the communities of the Macusani district, Puno Peru. Methods: A total of 88 Llamas from the Ch´aku and Q´ara white color varieties, including males and females, from the age of milk teeth and two teeth, were used. Fiber samples of approximately 10 g were taken from the thigh, middle rib and shoulder, totaling 264 samples. Samples were analyzed at the Fiber Laboratory of the District Municipality of Corani, using the FIBER MED equipment. Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with a 2(variety) × 2 (sex) × 2 (age group) × 3 (body area) factorial arrangement. Result: The percentage of fiber medullation types in Ch´aku and Q´ara Llamas averaged 46.02% and 47.38%, showing no significant difference (p greater than 0.05). In Ch´aku Llamas, a statistical difference was observed by sex (p less than 0.05) for the percentage of medullated, non-medullated and continuous fibers in males and females. In Q´ara variety, there was a significant difference in the percentage of medullated, non-medullated and continuous fibers between milk teeth and two teeth age groups. There was no significant difference (p greater than 0.05) between body area samples.