Preliminary biometric characteristics of Huacaya alpacas

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze and measure the biometrics of huacaya alpacas. The results were compared with various animal species in which biometrics is much better studied, including horses, dogs and camels. Index calculations used in other works on biometrics were performed. Animals were divided into males and females, and a group of young animals under 24 months old and older was distinguished. The results in this paper provide preliminary information for further research on the biometrics of this species. Chest circumference is greater than height at the withers, and their ratio, expressed by the massiveness index, is similar to that of the Felinsky pony, a horse designed for riding. According to the company's research, the eurystomy index in alpacas is high, far exceeding that of the one-humped camel. The greater limb length of males than females in both age groups is also an interesting parameter. Further studies are needed to obtain a complete set of biometric traits of alpacas. The results, at this stage, may be useful for determining the correct conformation of the animal and for breeding selection purposes.