Huacaya Alpacas Research Articles

Sedative effects and pharmacokinetics of detomidine when administered intravenously and intravaginally as a gel in alpacas

ObjectivesTo evaluate the sedative effects and pharmacokinetics of detomidine gel administered intravaginally to alpacas in comparison with intravenously (IV) administered detomidine. Study designRandomized, crossover, blinded experiment. AnimalsA group of six healthy adult female Huacaya alpacas (70.3 ± 7.9 kg). MethodsAlpacas were studied on two occasions separated by ≥5 days. Treatments were IV detomidine hydrochloride (70 μg kg−1; treatment DET–IV) or detomidine gel (200 μg kg−1; treatment DET–VAG) administered intravaginally. Sedation and heart rate (HR) were evaluated at intervals for 240 minutes. Venous blood was collected at intervals for 360 minutes after treatment for analysis of detomidine, carboxydetomidine and hydroxydetomidine using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Measured variables were compared between treatments and over time using mixed model analysis. Data are presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean, and a p value of <0.05 was considered significant. ResultsOnset of sedation was faster in treatment DET–IV (1.6 ± 0.2 minutes) than in treatment DET–VAG (13.0 ± 2.5 minutes). Time to maximum sedation was shorter in treatment DET–IV (8.3 ± 1.3 minutes) than in treatment DET–VAG (25 ± 4 minutes). Duration of sedation was not different between treatments. There was a significant linear relationship between sedation score and plasma detomidine concentration. HR was less than baseline for 60 and 125 minutes for treatments DET–IV and DET–VAG, respectively. The maximal decrease in HR occurred at 15 minutes for both treatments. The mean maximum plasma concentration of detomidine, time to maximum concentration and bioavailability for treatment DET–VAG were 39.6 ng mL−1, 19.9 minutes and 20%, respectively. Conclusions and clinical relevanceDetomidine administration at the doses studied resulted in moderate sedation when administered IV or intravaginally to alpacas.

Estimación de heredabilidad de peso vivo y longitud de mecha en alpacas Huacaya

El estudio se realizó en la Sociedad Agrícola de Interés Social (SAIS) Pachacútec Ltda. No. 7,ubicada en la provincia de Yauli, departamento de Junín, a 4 200 m.s.n.m. Los objetivos fueron:hallar promedios, correlaciones, regresiones y heredabilidad de características productivas comopeso vivo, peso de vellón y longitud de mecha en alpacas Huacaya. Las características productivasde las 1363 alpacas evaluadas fueron: peso vivo, 58, 40±6, 37 kg; peso de vellón, 2, 27±0, 66kg y longitud de mecha, 11, 11 ± 1, 99 cm. Los pesos al nacimiento y destete de 522 crías fueron:7, 31 ± 1, 03 y 31, 41 ± 4, 96 kg, respectivamente. Los coeficientes de correlación parapeso vivo-peso de vellón y para peso de vellón-longitud de mecha en 1363 alpacas, tienen valoresde 0, 074y0, 311, respectivamente. Los coeficientes de regresión fueron: 0, 009 y 1, 20 parapeso vivo-peso de vellón y peso de vellón-longitud de mecha, respectivamente. Para estimar laheredabilidad, se utilizó registros de 764 alpacas madres (progenitoras) y sus respectivas crías(progenies). El cálculo de los componentes de varianza se ha realizado empleando la regresiónprogenie-progenitor. En consecuencia, los valores de heredabilidad del peso vivo y longitud demecha de alpacas Huacaya fueron 0, 27 ± 0, 08 y 0, 21 ± 0, 07, respectivamente.

Genetic (co)variance across age of fiber diameter and standard deviation in Huacaya alpacas, estimated by repeatability, multi-trait and random regression models

A total of 14,378 records of fiber diameter (FD) and its standard deviation (SD) from Huacaya alpaca recorded between 2001 and 2017 at Pacomarca genetic center were used in this study. These records were analyzed by a repeatability (RM), multitrait (MT) and random regression (RRM) models. The heritability (h2) estimates were 0.263 and 0.368 for FD and SD respectively under a RM model; these ranged from 0.653 to 0.742 for FD and 0.627 to 0.764 for SD under MT and from 0.561 to 0.614 for FD and 0.556 to 0.702 for SD under RRM. The MT and RRM show a pattern of increase in variances and heritability as age increases for SD and till 6 years of age for FD, while the genetic correlation (rg) decrease for both traits between 1 and 5 years of ages. The breeding value for the three models show a linear relationship for FD and SD across age at shearing, meaning that any of these models can be used in the selection process. The results of this study shows that during this period of time a highly favorable selection response was obtained for fiber quality in Huacaya alpaca using RM, however the use of the RRM approach can offer more valuable information, particularly in the persistence of the genetic merit of the animals at 5 years respect to 1 years old at shearing. More research is needed on the use and relationship between persistence and others economical traits in alpaca.

Textile characteristics of fiber from Huacaya alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

The authors are grateful for financial and logistical support received from the project 'Genetic evaluation of characters of economic importance in Huacaya alpacas located in Pilpichaca district, Huaytara province, and Huancavelica region' that was financed using FOCAM-UNH resources.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous and transdermal flunixin meglumine in alpacas.

The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) synthesis inhibiting effects of intravenous (IV) and transdermal (TD) flunixin meglumine in eight, adult, female, Huacaya alpacas. A dose of 2.2mg/kg administered IV and 3.3mg/kg administered TD using a cross-over design. Plasma flunixin concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS. Prostaglandin E2 concentrations were determined using a commercially available ELISA. Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis was performed using noncompartmental methods. Plasma PGE2 concentrations decreased after IV flunixin meglumine administration but there was minimal change after TD application. Mean t1/2 λz after IV administration was 4.531hr (range 3.355 to 5.571hr) resulting from a mean Vz of 570.6ml/kg (range, 387.3 to 1,142ml/kg) and plasma clearance of 87.26mlkg-1 hr-1 (range, 55.45-179.3mlkg-1 hr-1 ). The mean Cmax, Tmax and t1/2 λz for flunixin following TD administration were 106.4ng/ml (range, 56.98 to 168.6ng/ml), 13.57hr (range, 6.000-34.00hr) and 24.06hr (18.63 to 39.5hr), respectively. The mean bioavailability for TD flunixin was calculated as 25.05%. The mean 80% inhibitory concentration (IC80 ) of PGE2 by flunixin meglumine was 0.23µg/ml (range, 0.01 to 1.38µg/ml). Poor bioavailability and poor suppression of PGE2 identified in this study indicate that TD flunixin meglumine administered at 3.3mg/kg is not recommended for use in alpacas.

Vitamin E concentration in alpaca meat and its impact on oxidative traits during retail display

The longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LL), and adductor femoris (AF) muscles from 39 castrated, 23 (±1) month old huacaya alpacas were used to determine vitamin E content and the impact on lipid oxidation levels. At 24 h post death the LL and AF muscles were removed and sampled for meat quality analysis and subjected to simulated retail display. Vitamin E content of either muscle had no significant impact on colour stability or oxidation traits during retail display. This is thought to be due to the high levels of vitamin E (>5.4 mg/kg) in both muscles. Lipid oxidation levels were 0.2 mg MDA/kg higher in both muscles post retail display. However, overall differences in TBARS levels detected pre and post display were very low (<1.19 mg MDA/kg) and well below sheep threshold values of >3 mg MDA/kg. The mechanism behind why alpaca meat has such high vitamin E levels compared to other species requires further investigation.

Método no invasivo para determinar densidad y haces de fibras en piel de animales vivos

La densidad de fibras, a pesar de su importancia en el mejoramiento genético, constituye uno de los caracteres poco conocidos y deficientemente valorados probablemente debido a la dificultad que implica su medición. Por ello se ha desarrollado un novedoso procedimiento y equipo con el objetivo de evaluar la densidad (DenFib), haces de fibras por conductos (DenCon) y la relación N° de fibras/N° de conductos (Fib/Con) en alpacas, llamas y vacunos en forma no invasiva. El procedimiento involucra cuatro pasos: preparación de la piel y fibras en animal vivo, captura amplificada de imágenes, almacenamiento de imágenes y por último, el procesamiento de las imágenes y presentación de datos, para los cuales se utiliza un microscopio digital portátil modificado y un ordenador donde se encuentra instalado dos software propietario desarrollados en lenguaje C. El procedimiento dura alrededor de 6 minutos/animal, obteniéndose imágenes nítidas en piel de alpacas, llamas y vacunos vivos, vislumbrándose haces de 1 hasta de 7 fibras en alpacas Huacaya y llamas Ccara, con promedios ± error estándar (EE) para DenFib de 23,60±0,36 y 12,73±1,41 fibras/mm2, DenCon de 10,50±0,16 y 6,77±2,26 conducto/mm2 y Fib/Con de 2,41±0,04 y 1,89±0,63, respectivamente para alpacas y llamas. En vacunos los resultados son menores y en la mayoría de los casos cada pelo emerge de un conducto solitariamente. Se concluye que el procedimiento permite obtener tres características de fibras y piel (DenFib, DenCon y Fib/Con con sus respectivas desviaciones estándar) de llamas, alpacas y vacunos, con la posibilidad de extender su uso en otras especies.

An assessment of worm control practices used by alpaca farmers in Australia

This study aimed to assess current worm control practices used by Australian alpaca farmers with an online questionnaire survey. The questionnaire contained questions about farm demography and general husbandry practices, farmers’ knowledge about gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) and their importance, the use of worm control strategies and anthelmintics, and grazing management. A link for the questionnaire survey was sent to all (n = 954) registered members of the Australian Alpaca Association in July 2015. The response rate for the questionnaire was 25% (239/954). The majority of respondents were from small (≤ 50 alpacas; 64%, 153/239) followed by medium (50–100 alpacas; 24%, 57/239) and large (>100 alpacas; 12%, 29/239) farms. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents kept Huacaya alpacas to produce high-quality fibre and alpacas were usually kept with other domestic ruminants (e.g. cattle and sheep). Although half of alpaca farmers (114/220) perceived that GINs were an important health problem of alpacas, with Haemonchus spp. being the most common nematode, the majority of them (174/220) used anthelmintics for nematode control. Macrocyclic lactones, a commercial combination of four anthelmintics (abamectin, albendazole, closantel and levamisole) and monepantel were the three most commonly used dewormers by Australian alpaca farmers. Although a significant proportion (166/213) of respondents used a quarantine drench for alpacas, very few respondents were aware of strategic deworming and the issue of anthelmintic resistance. Alpaca farmers mostly used anthelmintics at the dose rate recommended for sheep (47%, 79/167) and cattle (9%, 15/167), though some used 1.5 (31%, 51/167) and 2 (13%, 22/167) times the dose rate recommended for sheep. The majority of small herds used anthelmintics at the dose rate recommended for sheep and cattle while medium and large herds used anthelmintics at 1.5 to 2 times the dose rate recommended for sheep. This study provides invaluable insights into the demography of alpaca farms in Australia, husbandry practices used by alpaca farmers and their knowledge about worms and their control, thereby paving the way for developing guidelines for the control of GINs of alpacas.

Esquema de reproductores macho de referencia para un núcleo genético disperso de alpacas (Vicugna pacos) Huacaya en la región Pasco, Perú

Los rebaños de alpacas en la Región Pasco del Perú presentan escasos vínculos genéticos conocidos, de allí que el mérito genético de los reproductores de los rebaños no pueda ser comparado, ya que los efectos ambientales pueden enmascarar la diferencia genética entre ellos. El propósito del presente estudio fue evaluar un esquema de reproductores macho de referencia para un núcleo genético disperso de alpacas Huacaya en la región Pasco. Se recopiló información para evaluar la capacidad organizacional de los productores y caracterizar la distribución poblacional de seis rebaños en el año 2016. Se calculó el tamaño del núcleo en base a la necesidad de reemplazo anual de reproductores machos en la majada. Se simularon genealogías para tres esquemas de reproductores macho de referencia (EMR) con 3, 6 y 9 machos, que empadraron al 10, 20 y 30% de hembras en el núcleo respectivo en cada generación. Los grupos contemporáneos (GC) fueron definidos por rebaño-año durante tres generaciones. Finalmente, se calculó el grado del vínculo genético utilizando el método de número total de lazos genéticos directos (LGD) entre GC. Se encontró que los rebaños evaluados poseen una estructura genética central y abierta, que mantienen un bajo flujo de animales entre plantel y majada. El tamaño mínimo del núcleo genético disperso fue de 747 hembras y 41 machos. Se reportó en los tres escenarios de EMR simulados en el núcleo genético disperso un alto grado de vínculo genético en tres generaciones, que varió entre 98.20 y 100% de LGD.

Excreción de Derivados de Purinas en Función de la Relación Fibra/Proteína en la Dieta de Alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la relación de la fibra detergente neutro/ proteína cruda sobre la excreción urinaria de derivados de purinas (DP) en alpacas. El diseño experimental fue un Cuadrado Latino 3x3. Se utilizaron tres alpacas Huacaya machos de 2.5 años de edad, confinados en corrales individuales. El alimento fue suministrado una vez al día y con agua ad libitum. Se trabajó con tres tratamientos a base de heno de avena, donde las relaciones de fibra/proteína se obtuvieron de acuerdo a las proporciones de tallos y hojas. Los tratamientos fueron: T1, hojas de heno de avena, 58.24% de fibra detergente neutro (FDN) y 6.8% proteína cruda (PC); T2, hojas y tallo de avena, 66.31% FDN y 6.36% PC; T3, tallos de avena, 70.22% FDN y 5.75% PC. Cada periodo experimental tuvo una duración de 14 días (10 de acostumbramiento y 4 de evaluación). Los niveles de DP en orina se analizaron mediante Cromatografía Líquida de Alto Performance (HPLC). La excreción diaria total de DP fue de 25.51 (T1), 28.07 (T2) y 14.21 (T3) mg/d. La excreción diaria de alantoína, hipoxantina, xantina y la excreción total de DP fue similar entre tratamientos. Los resultados muestran que la relación FDN/PC en los niveles utilizados no tiene influencia sobre la excreción de DP en la orina de alpacas.

Osteometría del Cráneo de la Alpaca Adulta (Vicugna pacos)

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo la evaluación de la osteometría del cráneo y el cálculo de los índices craneométricos de alpacas (Vicugna pacos) adultas. Se utilizaron 30 cabezas de alpacas Huacaya adultas (15 machos y 15 hembras), provenientes de Sicuani, Cusco, Perú. Los cráneos fueron obtenidos mediante la técnica de maceración. En la descripción anatómica se empleó la terminología recomendada por la Nómina Anatómica Veterinaria 2012. En la medición osteométrica y el cálculo de los índices craneométricos se empleó un vernier digital. El análisis estadístico se hizo con la prueba de "t". Los resultados no indicaron dimorfismo sexual en el aspecto relacionado a la craneometría por efecto del sexo. Los cráneos de la alpaca son de tipo dolicocéfalo con un Índice Cefálico Total de 46.43%, ultradolicocráneo con un Índice Craneal de 55.42%. La cara es del tipo hiperlepteno con un Índice Facial de 103.17%, presenta un Índice Mandibular de 62.33% y el triángulo facial es del tipo escaleno.

The impact of gender and age on the nutritional parameters of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) meat, colour stability and fat traits

Meat quality parameters for 50 huacaya alpacas, representing three age groups (18, 24 and 36months) and two genders (females and castrated males) were studied. Prior to chilling, samples of m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LL) were taken to determine isocitrate dehydrogenase activity and glycogen concentration, and further meat quality samples were taken after 24h. Alpaca meat has low levels (<1%) of intramuscular fat in the LL, m. semimembranosus and m. biceps femoris, but the level in the LL increases with animal age, with levels of desirable polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ranging from 96.3 to 136.4mg/100g. Lipid oxidisation post retail display ranged from 1.27 to 1.96MDA/kg meat. Colour stability testing indicated alpaca meat was relatively stable during retail display with day of display having no significant effect on lightness (L*), or the 630nm/580nm ratio. These results may relate to the high proportion (76%) of glycolytic and type IIX muscle fibres in LL.

Spatial structure of skin follicles in Suri and Huacaya alpacas

The present study aimed at characterizing the type and arrangement of skin follicles of Suri and Huacaya alpaca. Samples (11 Suri and 10 Huacaya) were collected by punch skin biopsy from the midside of alpaca and processed for histological study. Each biopsy was examined using projection microscope. Follicular groups were identified and the position of each secondary and primary follicle was recorded. The ratio of secondary to primary follicles (S/P ratio) was compared between breeds using the Wilcoxon test. The spatial structure of the follicles was analyzed with Ripley’s K function and the L function. To detect deviations from Complete Spatial Randomness at different spatial scales simulated confidence envelopes were calculated. The S/P ratio did not differ between Huacaya (7.1±0.52) and Suri (7.21±0.62). There is evidence of statistically significant spatial structure of the follicles in both breeds at small spatial scales. However, at a higher spatial scale, the proportion of samples with a clustered spatial structure of follicles was significantly higher in Huacaya. The study of skin follicles spatial pattern opens up new possibilities for improving knowledge of the potential role of skin follicle in alpaca fibre production.

Effect of electrical stimulation and ageing period on alpaca (Vicugna pacos) meat and eating quality

This study investigated the effects of using medium voltage (~300V) electrical stimulation (ES) and ageing on alpaca meat. A total of 50 huacaya alpacas were distributed across three age groups (18, 24 and 36months) and two genders (females and castrated males). At 24h post mortem the m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LL) and m. semimembranosus (SM) muscles were removed and aged for either 5 or 10days. In comparison to non-ES samples, ES significantly reduced: LL purge values by 3.0% and LL shear force (SF) at 5 and 10days (by 21.6N and ageing further reduced tenderness by 6.6N), and SM SF by 5.8N with significant age effects observed in both ES and non-ES SM samples, such that SF increased by 0.53N with each month increase in animal age. Consumers rated ES samples higher on tenderness, juiciness, flavour and overall rating. ES and ageing of alpaca carcasses are recommended.

Carcass traits and saleable meat yield of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in Australia

Carcass traits and saleable meat yield (SMY) of female and castrated male alpacas in Australia at 18, 24 and 36months of age were investigated. Fifty huacaya alpacas, evenly distributed across 14, 20, 32month ages and two genders, were grazed on coastal summer pastures for four months. Dressing percentage and carcass length were collected at slaughter. At 24h post-mortem the carcasses were prepared into four SMY combinations. Thirty six month animals had heavier hot carcass weights (33.7±1kg) and longer carcasses (81.2±0.7cm) as expected. The percentage of total carcass bone (17.5±0.2%), fat trim (1.4±0.1%) and meat trim (7.8±0.4%) was assessed as a proportion of cold carcass weight. The proportion of fat increased and bone decreased with age. Females had more trim than males. SMY decreased in females and increased in males with age across all combinations suggesting that males are preferable for meat production.

Normal bacterial conjunctival flora in the Huacaya alpaca (Vicugna pacos).

To describe the bacterial flora of the normal conjunctiva of Huacaya alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and to determine the effect of age and gender on this flora. Fifty Huacaya alpacas. After a complete ophthalmic examination, conjunctival swabs were obtained from both eyes and cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses were used to evaluate the effect of age and gender on bacterial isolation. Four animals were excluded because of signs of external ocular disease. Of the remaining 46 alpacas, bacteria were recovered from 96.7% (89/92) of the eyes. A total of 190 bacterial isolates were cultured with a mean of 2.1 bacterial isolates per eye. The majority of isolates (70%) were Gram-positive. Staphylococcus xylosus (44/190: 23.2%) predominated, followed by viridans streptococci (32/190: 16.8%) and Pantoea agglomerans (24/190: 12.6%). Other frequently isolated bacteria included Rothia mucilaginosa (12/190: 6.3%), Staphylococcus equorum (12/190: 6.3%), Bacillus species (9/190: 4.7%), Moraxella ovis (9/190: 4.7%), and Moraxella catarrhalis (6/190: 3.2%). Statistical analysis showed that alpacas harboring viridans streptococci and Moraxella species were significantly younger. Gender did not significantly affect type of bacterial isolation. There appeared to be no significant effect of age or gender on number of bacteria isolated. Gram-positive aerobes were most commonly cultured, with S.xylosus and viridans streptococci predominating. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report describing the presence of Moraxella species in the healthy conjunctival sac of alpacas. Alpacas harboring viridans streptococci and Moraxella species were significantly younger.

High follicle density does not decrease sweat gland density in Huacaya alpacas

When exposed to high ambient temperatures, mammals lose heat evaporatively by either sweating from glands in the skin or by respiratory panting. Like other camelids, alpacas are thought to evaporate more water by sweating than panting, despite a thick fleece, unlike sheep which mostly pant in response to heat stress. Alpacas were brought to Australia to develop an alternative fibre industry to sheep wool. In Australia, alpacas can be exposed to ambient temperatures higher than in their native South America. As a young industry there is a great deal of variation in the quality and quantity of the fleece produced in the national flock. There is selection pressure towards animals with finer and denser fleeces. Because the fibre from secondary follicles is finer than that from primary follicles, selecting for finer fibres might alter the ratio of primary and secondary follicles. In turn the selection might alter sweat gland density because the sweat glands are associated with the primary follicle. Skin biopsy and fibre samples were obtained from the mid-section of 33 Huacaya alpacas and the skin sections were processed into horizontal sections at the sebaceous gland level. Total, primary, and secondary follicles and the number of sweat gland ducts were quantified. Fibre samples from each alpaca were further analysed for mean fibre diameter. The finer-fibred animals had a higher total follicle density (P<0.001) and more sweat glands (P<0.001) than the thicker-fibred animals. The fibre diameter and total follicle density were negatively correlated (R2=0.56, P<0.001). Given that the finer-fibred animals had higher follicle density and more sweat glands than animals with thicker fibres, we conclude that alpacas with high follicle density should not be limited for potential sweating ability.

EFECTO DEL NIVEL DE FIBRA DETERGENTE NEUTRA SOBRE EL CONSUMO EN LA ALPACA (Vicugna pacos)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the dry matter intake (DMI) and neutraldetergent fibre intake (NDFI) in the alpaca according to various levels of neutral detergentfibre (NDF) in the diet, and to estimate the intake based on NDF content in the diet. Four3-year-old male Huacaya alpacas of 48.6 ± 1.3 kg body weight (BW) were used in a 4x4Latin Square design. Feed was supplied ad libitum twice daily at 08:00 and 16:00 h. Thetreatments, based on oat hay with different proportions of stems and leaves, processedby a grinder at the size of 2 cm and separated by a sieve of 0.4 cm, were: leaves of oat hay(T1), 50% of oat hay and 50% of leaves of oat hay (T2), whole oat hay (T3) and stems ofoat hay (T4), corresponding to 58.24, 61.38, 66.31 and 70.22% of NDF respectively. Theresults showed that increasing the level of NDF in the diet causes a decrease on DMI(p&lt;0.05) and without affecting NDFI. The maximum NDFI was 0.97% BW and 25.6 g/kg0.75.The average NDFI was 0.92 ± 0.06% BW and 24.22 ± 1.62 g/kg0.75. In conclusion, NDF inthe range used in the study affects feed intake in the alpaca.

Quality characteristics of Huacaya alpaca fibre produced in the Peruvian Andean Plateau region of Huancavelica

The quality of Huacaya alpaca fibre produced in the region of Huancavelica (Peru) is described based on a sample of 203 animals belonging to eight herding communities located between 4,100 and 4,750 m above sea level. The mean fibre diameter, 22.7 μm (SE 0.2), was lower than values reported for Huacaya alpacas from other areas and varied with sex, age, and community origin (P&lt;0.01). In contrast with results from other studies, males had finer fibre than females, but this may be because they represent selected breeding stock brought from Puno and Cusco. No linear relationship was found between fibre diameter and staple length. Further research is needed to better characterise fibre production traits and quantify their economic values prior to establishing a breeding program to improve fibre production in the region. Although conducting this type of research in the Peruvian Andean Plateau might seem difficult, the active participation of alpaca owners and development promoters made it feasible.

Prediction of alpaca fibre quality by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy

Rapid and efficient methods to evaluate variables associated with fibre quality are essential in animal breeding programs and fibre trade. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with multivariate analysis was evaluated to predict textile quality attributes of alpaca fibre. Raw samples of fibres taken from male and female Huacaya alpacas (n = 291) of different ages and colours were scanned and their visible–near-infrared (NIR; 400 to 2500 nm) reflectance spectra were collected and analysed. Reference analysis of the samples included mean fibre diameter (MFD), standard deviation of fibre diameter (SDFD), coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (CVFD), mean fibre curvature (MFC), standard deviation of fibre curvature (SDFC), comfort factor (CF), spinning fineness (SF) and staple length (SL). Patterns of spectral variation (loadings) were explored by principal component analysis (PCA), where the first four PC's explained 99.97% and the first PC alone 95.58% of spectral variability. Calibration models were developed by modified partial least squares regression, testing different mathematical treatments (derivative order, subtraction gap, smoothing segment) of the spectra, with or without applying spectral correction algorithms (standard normal variate and detrend). Equations were selected through one-out cross-validation according to the proportion of explained variance (R2CV), root mean square error in cross-validation (RMSECV) and the residual predictive deviation (RPD), which relates the standard deviation of the reference data to RMSECV. The best calibration models were accomplished when using the NIR region (1100 to 2500 nm) for the prediction of MFD and SF, with R2CV = 0.90 and 0.87; RMSECV = 1.01 and 1.08 μm and RPD = 3.13 and 2.73, respectively. Models for SDFD, CVFD, MFC, SDFC, CF and SL had lower predictive quality with R2CV < 0.65 and RPD < 1.5. External validation performed for MFD and SF on 91 samples was slightly poorer than cross-validation, with R2 of 0.86 and 0.82, and standard error of prediction of 1.21 and 1.33 μm, for MFD and SF, respectively. It is concluded that NIRS can be used as an effective technique to select alpacas according to some important textile quality traits such as MFD and SF.