Huacaya Alpacas Research Articles

Effect of Age and Sex on Medullation Types and Fiber Characteristics in Huacaya Alpacas

Background: Fiber is a distinctive attribute of the alpaca due to its softness qualities; it contains less grease and has a finer cuticle compared to sheep's wool. Therefore, the types of medullation were estimated: non-medullated fibers (NoMed), fragmented medulla (FragMed), discontinuous medulla (DiscMed), continuous medulla (ContMed) and strongly medullated fibers (StrMed), considering the age and sex of Huacaya breed alpacas (Vicugna pacos) under extensive management conditions in high Andean pastures. Methods: Six grams of fiber samples were collected from the mid-side region (located above the third last rib, halfway between the midline of the belly and the midline of the back) of 240 Huacaya alpacas from the district of Macusani, province of Carabaya, Puno, during the year 2022. They were then processed in the Fiber Laboratory of the Faculty of Textile Engineering and Garments at the National University of Juliaca using the FIBER EC V4.0 and FIBER MED V1.0 equipment. Result: The results obtained show that the percentage of non-medullated fibers decreases as the animal’s age increases (1 year= 75.60%, 2 years=69.43%, 3 years=69.05% and greater than 4 years=66.25%) (P≤0.05). The percentage of medullated fibers in animals of 1 year was 24.40%; 2 years, 30.57%; 3 years, 30.95% and greater than 4 years, 33.59% (P≤0.05). The mean fiber diameter in 1-year-old alpacas is 17.32 mm, 2 years=19.49 mm, 3 years = 19.91 mm and 4 years=20.10 mm (P≤0.05). The comfort factor in 1-year-old animals is 99.47%, 2 years with 98.02%, 3-year-olds with 97.01% and those older than 4 years with 96.45% (P≤0.05). Regarding the curvature index, values of 55.86 °/mm were obtained for 1-year-old animals, 53.43 °/mm for 2-year-olds, 53.99 °/mm for 3-year-olds and 52.23°/mm for those older than 4 years (P≤0.05). In conclusion, Huacaya alpacas exhibit low values for the percentage of strongly medullated fibers due to the age and sex of the animal, demonstrating very good fleece uniformity.

Variación de porcentaje de fibras meduladas y colorimetría en fibra blanca de alpaca Huacaya y Suri

The aim of the study was to evaluate the variability of the percentage of medullated fibres, according to sex and location and to compare the colorimetric characteristics in white fibre from Huacaya and Suri alpaca. The study was carried out in two communities (Juntaya in the Oropesa district and San Juan in the Sabaino district) in the province of Antabamba, Apurímac region (Peru), located between 3950 and 4543 meters above sea level. In total, 451 (Huacaya = 410 and Suri = 41) fibre samples (10 g) were taken from the mid side area. The medullated fibres (%) and the mean fibre diameter (µm) were evaluated using the Fiber Med device. For the colour analysis, a spectrometer coupled to an integrating sphere was used and for the characterization of the chemical bands, an FTIR spectrophotometer. The percentage of total medullation, continuous medullation and strongly medullated fibres were greater in female Huacaya alpacas (p<0.01). The mean diameter of medullated and non-medullated fibres differed depending on the location, while the mean fibre diameter and mean diameter of medullated fibres were higher in males (p<0.01). The colorimetric parameters of luminosity (L*), chromaticity (C*) and tone (Hº) were similar (p>0.05) in the fibres of the two groups of alpacas. In conclusion, in Huacaya alpaca there is variability in the percentage of continuous medullation and mean fibre diameter, depending on sex and location, but the colorimetric characteristics of white fibres are like those of the Suri.

Influence of colour and age on the thickness and medullation characteristics of wool Huacaya alpacas maintained in Poland

Influence of colour and age on the thickness and medullation characteristics of wool Huacaya alpacas maintained in Poland

Changes in body weight and condition of female llamas and alpacas throughout the year

The yearly time course of body weight and body condition was evaluated in female llamas and alpacas. One hundred and twenty lactating females, 60 llamas, and 60 alpacas maintained grazing natural pastures were assessed monthly for body weight and body condition. Body weight was registered using a scale to the nearest 1 kg. Body condition was evaluated behind the shoulder, and dorsal protrusion of the thoracic vertebrae was detected. Body weight was analyzed using analysis of variance and body condition using the Chi-square test. Body weight, kg, was different (P≤ 0.05) by species and breeds, 97.6 and 56.2 for llama and alpaca, respectively. Chaku llamas, 94.3; Kcara llamas, 100.9, Huacaya alpacas 56.3, and Suri alpacas 55.9 kg. Body condition varied significantly (P≤ 0.05) between llamas and alpacas. Twelve percent of animals presented good body condition compared to 46% of regular and 42% with poor body condition. More llamas and alpacas were in good body condition, and 82 animals, during the rainy season, December, were also pregnant, more than 15 females with poor body condition and nonpregnant during the same period. Body weight and body condition improved during the rainy than the dry season.

Identification of genomic regions associated with differences in fleece type in Huacaya and Suri alpacas (Vicugna pacos).

The difference in fleece type is the distinguishing trait between the two types of alpacas (Vicugna pacos), Huacaya and Suri. The Suri fleece type has been found to be inherited dominantly over the Huacaya type, resulting in offspring with the Suri phenotype. The aim of our study was to map genomic regions associated with the two different fleece types. In this study, 91 alpacas (54 Huacayas and 37 Suris) from Germany and Switzerland were genotyped using the 76k alpaca SNP array. Only 59k chromosome-localised markers map to the alpaca reference assembly VicPac3.1, and after quality control 49 866 SNPs, were retained for population structure assessment and to conduct a genome-wide association study. Both principal component and neighbour-joining tree analysis showed that the two fleece-type cohorts overlapped rather than forming two distinct clusters. Genome-wide significantly associated markers were observed in the scaffold region of chromosome 16 (NW_021964192.1), which contains a cluster of keratin genes. A haplotype predominantly found in Suri alpacas has been identified which supports dominant inheritance. Variant filtering of nine whole-genome sequenced alpacas from both fleece types in the critical interval of 0.4 Mb did not reveal perfect segregation of either fleece type for specific variants. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use the recently developed species-specific SNP array to identify genomic regions associated with differences in fleece type in alpacas. There are still some limitations, such as the preliminary status of the reference assembly and the incomplete annotation of the alpaca genome.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Fiber Diameter in Alpacas.

The aim of this study was the identification of candidate genomic regions associated with fiber diameter in alpacas. DNA samples were collected from 1011 female Huacaya alpacas from two geographical Andean regions in Peru (Pasco and Puno), and three alpaca farms within each region. The samples were genotyped using an Affymetrix Custom Alpaca genotyping array containing 76,508 SNPs. After the quality controls, 960 samples and 51,742 SNPs were retained. Three association study methodologies were performed. The GWAS based on a linear model allowed us to identify 11 and 35 SNPs (-log10(p-values) > 4) using information on all alpacas and alpacas with extreme values of fiber diameter, respectively. The haplotype and marker analysis method allowed us to identify nine haplotypes with standardized haplotype heritability higher than six standard deviations. The selection signatures based on cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) allowed us to identify 180 SNPs with XP-EHH values greater than |3|. Four candidate regions with adjacent SNPs identified via two association methods of analysis are located on VPA6, VPA9, VPA29 and one chromosomally unassigned scaffold. This study represents the first analysis of alpaca whole genome association with fiber diameter, using a recently assembled alpaca SNP microarray.

Preliminary biometric characteristics of Huacaya alpacas

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.

Comparing fiber quality characteristics and staple length in Suri and Huacaya alpacas

IntroductionThe textile industry considers alpaca fiber to be a specialty fiber. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of color, breed, location, age, and sex of alpacas on fiber quality characteristics and staple length.MethodsFiber samples were taken from the mid-side of 118 Huacaya and Suri alpacas at two livestock shows (Pitumarca and Maranganí) and at CICAS La Raya (South American Camelid Research Center), which is located in the province of Canchis (Cusco, Peru).Results and discussionThe fiber characteristics and staple length in black alpacas are similar to those of brown alpacas. Huacaya fiber is finer, having a lower mean fiber diameter (MFD), SD, and coefficient of variation of MFD than Suri fiber. Alpacas from the two livestock shows have higher-quality fiber than unselected alpacas raised in CICAS La Raya. Staple length is longer in Suri alpacas than in Huacaya alpacas. Likewise, the staple length is longer in alpacas from Pitumarca, followed by alpacas from Maranganí, and is shorter in alpacas from CICAS La Raya. Young alpacas have a shorter staple length than adults, and it is longer in females than in males. The mean fiber diameter and spinning fineness are strongly correlated with other fiber characteristics in colored alpacas.ConclusionThese black and brown alpacas raised in small herds and judged in two livestock shows produce high-quality fiber at 22 µm for the textile industry.

Alpaca breeding in Peru: From individual initiatives towards a national breeding programme?

Alpacas play an important role in Andean agriculture in Peru as a source of income for about 82,000 families. Although there are various national laws regulating alpaca keeping and breeding, and there are also government plans to introduce a national breeding programme, alpaca breeding takes place in individual, isolated initiatives. This study aims to show how these individual initiatives work, what challenges they face, but also what plans there are for the future and to derive policy and research recommendations. A total of 8 persons, who are responsible for currently running breeding programmes, were interviewed using a questionnaire. Breeding programmes for white Huacaya alpacas are implemented by private companies, but also farmers and a farmers' cooperative. Improving fibre quality by reducing the mean fibre diameter is the most important breeding objective, often in combination with increasing fibre quantity. Besides subjective selection criteria, objective criteria (laboratory analyses of the fibre) are also used. Reproduction technologies such as artificial insemination or embryo transfer do not play a role, as they are too costly and have low success rates. The potential use of genomic information is considered positive. Lack of well-trained personnel, missing interest of cooperative members, high laboratory costs for fibre analysis, volatile fibre prices and feed shortages were mentioned as mayor challenges. All participants of the study plan to further consolidate and expand their breeding programmes in the future. In principle, the introduction of a national breeding programme was assessed positively, but opinions differed strongly on the concrete implementation. Therefore, an open dialogue with the different stakeholders is needed to get a common breeding programme on track.

WHOLE BLOOD THROMBOELASTOGRAPHY IN HEALTHY ADULT CAMELIDS (VICUGNA PACOS AND CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS).

Thromboelastography (TEG) provides a global assessment of hemostasis and fibrinolysis and has broad applications to identify and monitor coagulation dysfunction in veterinary patients. Although alpacas are susceptible to a wide variety of coagulopathies, the assessment of TEG has not been reported in clinically healthy alpacas to date. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance of recombinant human tissue factor (rhTF)- and kaolin-activated TEG and to establish reference intervals for TEG parameters (reaction [R] and clotting [K] times, angle [α], maximum amplitude [MA], and shear elastic modulus [G]) in healthy, adult alpacas. Kaolin and rhTF-activated TEG were performed using citrated whole blood samples from 20 clinically healthy, nonpregnant, adult Huacaya alpacas each after 30 min of sample storage at room temperature. Six individuals of a related species, dromedary camels, were also sampled for comparative purposes. All data were presented descriptively, assessed for normality, and compared using either independent-sample t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, with P ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Reference intervals were calculated using a robust method and Box-Cox-transformed data. Mean TEG values (reference intervals) were determined for rhTF-activated TEG as follows: R 6.99 min (3.41-12.71), K 3.43 min (1.61-6.42), α 48.51° (27.21-67.38), MA 52.05 mm (21.53-65.92), and G 5.71 kdyn/cm2 (1.87-9.60), while mean values (reference intervals) for kaolin-activated TEG included R 7.72 min (4.48-11.43), K 4.24 min (2.03-9.20), α 45.06° (23.66-64.20), MA 52.18 mm (33.49-66.63), and G 5.78 kdyn/cm2 (NR-9.66). None of the measured TEG values differed significantly between activators, suggesting that activator choice may have a limited effect on TEG parameters in healthy alpacas. TEG results in alpacas were comparable to those of dromedary camels. These results will thus provide a useful starting point in the evaluation of hemostasis in adult camelids.

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

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.

SsGBLUP Method Improves the Accuracy of Breeding Value Prediction in Huacaya Alpaca.

Simple SummaryAlpaca breeding takes place in the most entrenched areas of the Andes, where the conditions to implement genetic improvement programs are very difficult. Likewise, taking phenotypic records is limited in its ability to predict genetic merit accurately. For this reason, genomic information is shown as an alternative that helps to predict the genetic values of fiber traits more precisely. This study showed how genomic information increased precision by 2.623% for the fiber diameter, 6.442% for the standard deviation of the fiber diameter, and 1.471% for the percentage of medullation compared to traditional methods for predicting genetic merit, suggesting that adding genomic data in prediction models could be beneficial for alpaca breeding programs in the future.Improving textile characteristics is the main objective of alpaca breeding. A recently developed SNP chip for alpacas could potentially be used to implement genomic selection and accelerate genetic progress. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the increase in prediction accuracy of three important fiber traits: fiber diameter (FD), standard deviation of fiber diameter (SD), and percentage of medullation (PM) in Huacaya alpacas. The data contains a total pedigree of 12,431 animals, 24,169 records for FD and SD, and 8386 records for PM and 60,624 SNP markers for each of the 431 genotyped animals of the Pacomarca Genetic Center. Prediction accuracy of breeding values was compared between a classical BLUP and a single-step Genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP). Deregressed phenotypes were predicted. The accuracies of the genetic and genomic values were calculated using the correlation between the predicted breeding values and the deregressed values of 100 randomly selected animals from the genotyped ones. Fifty replicates were carried out. Accuracies with ssGBLUP improved by 2.623%, 6.442%, and 1.471% on average for FD, SD, and PM, respectively, compared to the BLUP method. The increase in accuracy was relevant, suggesting that adding genomic data could benefit alpaca breeding programs.

Fibre Characteristics of Huacaya Alpaca in Peru

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.

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

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 kJ 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.

Analysis of the wool thickness and medullation characteristics based on sex and color in a herd of alpacas in Poland.

The objective of this study was to analyze the thickness and medullation characteristics of the wool of a herd of Huacaya alpacas kept in Poland. Wool samples were collected from 36 adult alpacas, including 22 females and 14 males. Light (15 animals) and dark (21 animals) color varieties of wool were considered in this research. A projection microscope was used to measure the fiber diameter and assess the medullation. Each fiber was categorized according to the medulla as a non-medullated, discontinuous medullated or continuous medullated fiber. The mean fiber diameter (MFD), standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), comfort factor (CF) and prickling factor (PF) were determined for each sample. The MFD, SD and CV were also determined for the abovementioned fiber categories. The mean fiber diameter of all alpacas tested was 25.31 . The CF and PF were 77.79 % and 22.21 %, respectively. The medullation percentage in the wool of the study alpacas was 68.91 %. The mean fiber diameter was larger in males () than in females. There were no differences between males and females in terms of the proportion of fibers with a diameter 30 (CF) and 30 (PF). The non-medullated fibers in the wool of females were thinner () than in the wool of males. The wool of males also had a larger degree of medullation. Light wool was thinner () than dark wool. The discontinuous and the continuous medullated fibers were thicker () in dark wool than in light wool. In dark wool, the share of discontinuous fibers was higher () and the share of the non-medullated fibers was lower () than in light wool. The presence of various types of medulla or the absence of medulla was noted in fibers with smaller and larger diameters, regardless of the sex of the animals or the color of the wool.

Development of a 76k Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Microarray.

Small farm producers’ sustenance depends on their alpaca herds and the production of fiber. Genetic improvement of fiber characteristics would increase their economic benefits and quality of life. The incorporation of molecular marker technology could overcome current limitations for the implementation of genetic improvement programs. Hence, the aim of this project was the generation of an alpaca single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray. A sample of 150 Huacaya alpacas from four farms, two each in Puno and Cerro de Pasco were used for SNP discovery by genotyping by sequencing (GBS). Reduced representation libraries, two per animal, were produced after DNA digestion with ApeK1 and double digestion with Pst1-Msp1. Ten alpaca genomes, sequenced at depths between 12× to 30×, and the VicPac3.1 reference genome were used for read alignments. Bioinformatics analysis discovered 76,508 SNPs included in the microarray. Candidate genes SNPs (302) for fiber quality and color are also included. The microarray SNPs cover 90.5% of the genome length with a density of about 39 ± 2.51 SNPs/Mb of DNA at an average interval of 26.45 ± 18.57 kbp. The performance was evaluated by genotyping 30 family trios and comparing them to their pedigrees, as well as comparing microarray to GBS genotypes. Concordance values of 0.93 and 0.94 for ApeK1 and Pst1-Msp1 generated SNPs were observed. Similarly, 290 fiber quality and color candidate gene SNPs were validated. Availability of this microarray will facilitate genome-wide association studies, marker-assisted selection and, in time, genomic selection.

Investigating a method for pharmacologic semen collection in alpacas.

While semen evaluation is standard practice prior to a sale or when infertility is suspected in other species, it is rarely done in camelids due to the difficulties involved in collecting a sample. The reproductive physiology of alpacas differs to that of other domestic animals and is still poorly understood. In the stallion, a technique was developed for semen collection that pharmacologically induces ejaculation without copulation (ex copula). This study investigates whether semen could be reliably collected by ex copula ejaculation in male alpacas. Eleven male Huacaya alpacas were used in this study, and six ex copula treatment protocols were evaluated: (1) saline (control); (2) xylazine only (0.1 mg/kg); (3) xylazine only (0.2 mg/kg); (4) imipramine only (1.0 mg/kg); (5) imipramine (1.0 mg/kg) followed 10 minutes later with xylazine (0.1 mg/kg); and (6) imipramine (2.0 mg/kg) followed 10 minutes later with xylazine (0.1 mg/kg). Each treatment protocol was repeated two to five times. Azoospermic samples obtained from ex copula ejaculation contained numerous epithelial cells but no sperm. A reliable treatment for pharmacologically inducing ejaculation in alpacas remains to be found.

PSV-4 Correlation between superficial body temperatures measured with an infrared thermometer and rectal temperature in alpacas

Abstract Temperature measurement is essential during physical examination since it helps to detect abnormalities in animal health. Moreover, measurement should be done within the shortest possible time to avoid stress. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between rectal temperature and the superficial body temperature using a digital infrared thermometer. Ten Huacaya alpacas from the DESCOSUR Center of Alpaca Development in Toccra, located in the Arequipa region, Perú at 4,365 m above sea level (MASL), and eight Huacaya alpacas from the Zootechnical and Technological Unit of the Universidad Cientifica del Sur, in Lima at 5 MASL, were studied. Rectal temperatures were obtained using a veterinary clinical thermometer for one minute. Superficial body temperature measurement was carried out with a CENTER 350® infrared thermometer, at a distance between 10 to 25 cm from the measured site. Six measuring points were used. Rectal temperatures were measured at the same time as the superficial body temperatures. The Statistical Analysis System (SAS®) University Edition, 2018 was used to perform Pearson’s correlation coefficient and graphs were made using the CORRGRAM R software package. Correlations with rectal temperature were significantly (P < 0.01) higher with the middle zone of the ear and the outer zone of the nose (0.75 and 0.69, respectively). In conclusion, the results in the present study indicated a significant positive correlation between rectal and infrared temperatures at different anatomical points in alpacas. Highly significant correlations were observed between the rectal temperature and the middle zone of the ear and the outer zone of the nose. These results could be used to perform an alternative method to predict body temperature by infrared temperature in alpacas; however, further testing is required in the field to validate these estimates.

Copulation effect after ovulation on alpacas Huacaya (Vicugna pacos), on embryonic survival rate

The study was carried out at the La Raya Experimental Center of the National University of the Altiplano of Puno at an altitude of 4200m,with the aim of evaluating the effect of additional post-ovulation copulations on embryonic survival. Huacaya alpacas were used withpostpartum sexual rest greater than 20 days, with a preovulatory follicle greater than 7 mm, verified by ultrasound. For the controlledmating, 5 males from the breeding group were used. After breeding, 26 to 35 hours post-mating, ovulation was verified, selecting 47alpacas that ovulated, and distributed to the experimental groups: G1 (n = 16) with no additional mating, G2 (n = 15) received anadditional mating 24 hours post-ovulation, and G3 (n = 16) two additional mating 48 hours post-ovulation. On days 14 and 24 aftercopulation, the presence of the corpus luteum and embryonic vesicle was verified by ultrasound and receptivity of the female to the male.Results show a higher percentage of embryo survival trend in alpacas that received additional mating at 24 and 48 h post-ovulation thanthose that received only one ovulatory mating, showing at 14 days post-copulation an embryonic survival of 93.3% and 87.5%, in G2and G3 respectively, compared to G1 with 75%, and at 24 days post-copulation 86.7% and 87.5% in G2 and G3 respectively, comparedto G1 (62,5%). Although no significant differences were observed between groups (P>0.05), the difference is observed in the simplecorrespondence analysis between groups.

Genetic diversity and validation of a microsatellite panel for parentage testing for alpacas (Vicugna pacos) on three Peruvian farms

• There is a high genetic diversity within and among the three alpaca farms. • The inbreeding levels of the three alpaca farms are moderate. • A panel of 15 microsatellite markers have been validated for parentage control in Peruvian alpaca farms. The alpaca is of greatest economic importance in the Peruvian High Andes. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of three Peruvian alpaca farms, as well as, to validate a microsatellite markers panel for paternity testing. In this study, 247 samples of Huacaya alpacas were taken from three different localities (Sanjo, San Pedro de Raco and Cachipampa) from Pasco Region in Peru. DNA was obtained from hair follicles and genotyped for 15 microsatellites markers in multiplex electrophoresis runs. A total of 225 alleles were detected across the 15 loci investigated. The polymorphism information content considering all loci was 0.82, which indicated that the microsatellite panel was very polymorphic and highly informative. The estimated diversity parameter showed that farms have high levels of genetic diversity (H E = 0.826), and revealed the existence of genetic differentiation among the farms ( F ST = 2.8 %). The highest inbreeding coefficient was in the Sanjo farm ( F IS = 0.303). The results of the parentage testing indicated that all loci showed values greater than 70 % probability of discrimination. However, the highest values found were 94 % (YWLL08) and 90 % (YWLL36). The average of the probability of exclusion obtained was 0.999994 if the genotype for one alleged parents is known, and 0.99999 if the genotypes for both alleged parents are known. The results obtained show that there is a high genetic diversity and validate the panel of microsatellite markers, that would help to improve the identification system and genealogical data collection.