Huacaya Alpacas Research Articles

ESTUDIO DE LA CARCASA DE ALPACAS (Vicugna pacos) EN RELACIÓN AL PESO Y CLASIFICACIÓN.

This research was carried out in the Huancavelica slaughterhouse, located at 3680 meters above sea level. Data were collected from 200 Huacaya alpacas to characterize the carcasses in relation to body weight (BW), hot carcass weight (HCW), cold carcass weight (CCW) and grading meat. BW was 49.5 and 55.6 kg for males and females, and 51.3 and 53.1 kg for 4-tooth and full mouth animals respectively. HCW were 27.3 and 30.0 kg for males and females, and 28.1 and 28.8 kg for 4-tooth and alpaca full mouth respectively. CCW were 26.9 and 29.6 kg for males and females, and 27.7 and 28.4 kg for 4-tooth and alpaca full mouth respectively. Most carcasses were classified as second grade (38.0%) and industrial meat (36.5%) and none was of extra grade. Simple linear equations to predict HCW and CCW from BW showed coefficients of determination of 68.5 and 68.3% respectively. Moreover, highly significant positive correlations (p<0.01) were found between the variables under study with values over 0.8, yielding an almost perfect match between HCW and CCW.

Genetic and phenotypic variation in five populations of Huacaya Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from Peru

Five Peruvian alpaca populations from South Peru (San Juan de Tarucani, Estación Pillones and Chalhuanca from Arequipa Region and Palca and Lampa from Puno Region) were analysed at 20 microsatellite markers in order to estimate the genetic diversity. The association between the microsatellite genotypes and the fiber diameter traits was also examined in the alpacas of first shearing. A total of 230 alleles were observed from 272 DNA samples across the five populations. Gene diversity for each population ranged from 0.749 to 0.712 in Chalhuanca and Lampa populations respectively being the most diverse in the alpaca populations San Juan de Tarucani and Chalhuanca. The overall FIS value (0.15) was moderate and different from zero, the significant deficit of heterozygotes occurred in seven out of twenty surveyed loci within sampled alpacas. Considering the individual populations, the lowest heterozygote deficit was observed in Palca (0.123). The global FST value among the five alpaca populations were 0.02, San Juan de Tarucani and Palca were the least differentiated populations at the genetic level (0.012) and the highest level gene flow (Nm) of 19.66.The correspondence analysis, the genetic differentiation and the phylogenetic tree exhibited the same pattern of clustering, although the results of the phylogenetic relationships are not in accordance with the geographical location. This non-geographical sharing of the gene pools may be related to trading of male alpacas from the Lampa Province to the Chalhuanca and San Juan de Tarucani localities. The ANOVA showed that there were no significant differences in fiber diameter among the five populations with an overall mean of 18.96μm. The DUNCAN test showed in the total population the association between the fiber diameter and the alleles of the CVRL07, LGU68 and LCA65 microsatellite loci. Although to discard the spurious origin of this higher sample size relationship; number of microsatellite loci should be screened in further studies.

Relationships between skin follicle characteristics and fibre properties of Suri and Huacaya alpacas and Peppin Merino sheep

We aimed to quantify the number, type and arrangement of skin follicles in Huacaya and Suri alpaca skin and correlate their follicle characteristics with fibre traits of harvested fibre and compared these relationships with those of Merino sheep. Fibre and skin samples were collected from the mid-side of 12 Huacaya alpacas, 24 Suri alpacas and 10 Merino sheep. The mean fibre diameter (MFD ± s.e.) of the Huacaya and Suri were: 35.5 ± 0.9 and 28.3 ± 1.0 μm, respectively. The follicle groups found for alpacas were very different from the normal trio of primary follicles found in sheep and goats. The follicle group of the alpacas consisted of a single primary follicle surrounded by a variable number of secondary follicles. The mean ± s.e. primary follicle density was 3.1 ± 0.3 and 2.7 ± 0.1 follicles/mm2 for Huacaya and Suri, respectively. The mean ± s.e. secondary follicle density (SFD) was 13.7 ± 1.2 and 17.5 ± 0.6 follicles/mm2 for Huacaya and Suri, respectively. The mean ± s.e. ratio of secondary to primary follicles (S/P ratio) was 5.1 ± 0.5 for the Huacaya and 7.3 ± 0.2 for the Suri alpacas. The sheep had higher S/P ratios and SFD, lower MFD and produced significantly heavier fleeces. The key correlations found between traits in alpacas include a negative correlation between SFD and MFD (r = –0.71, P = 0.001) and a negative correlation between S/P ratio and MFD (r = –0.44, P = 0.003) and a positive correlation between S/P ratio and total follicle density (r = 0.38, P = 0.010). The study revealed that important relationships exist between alpaca skin follicle characteristics and fibre characteristics. It was the number of secondary follicles in a group that imparts density and a corresponding reduced MFD.

CORRELACIONES FENOTÍPICAS ENTRE CARACTERÍSTICAS PRODUCTIVAS EN ALPACAS HUACAYA.

The aim of the present study was to determine phenotypic correlations between body weight of the alpaca at shearing (PCE), greasy fleece weight (PVS), clean fleece weight (PVL), performance of the fibre Andalusia wash (RFL), mean diameter of the fibre (DMF), fibre length (LF), number of loops (NR), incidence of spinal cord fibres (IM), body weight at parturition (PCP) and body weight of calf at birth (PCC). The study considered 185 white Huacaya alpacas, 1 to 7 years old, from the Lachocc Experimental Center of South American Camelids, Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, in 2007 and 2008. The phenotypic correlations were: PVS-PVL = 0.99, PVS-LF = 0.55, PVS-DMF = 0.52, PVS-PCE = 0.41, PVL-LF = 0.57, PVL-DMF = 0.54, PVL-PCE = 0.43 (p<0.01). Fleece weight does not show any interference with main characteristics related to fibre production, and due to the high interrelation between dirty fleece weight and diameter of fibre, it can be used as a valid criterion for selection in a genetic improvement programme aimed at fibre production.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the Melanocortin 1 Receptor gene are linked with lightness of fibre colour in Peruvian Alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

Melanocortin 1 receptor (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor) (MC1R) is a gene-controlling melanogenesis in mammals. However, it is not well characterized in alpacas and its association with colour is not known. The aim of this study was to look for polymorphisms in the MC1R gene in Peruvian Huacaya alpacas and to analyse the relationship between MC1R single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the variations in the instrumental measurement of colour of alpaca fibre. Sixty alpaca fibre samples from black, brown, cream and white animals (15 for each colour) were used to extract DNA from hair bulbs. Colour was measured with a spectrophotometer to obtain quantitative values (CieL*a*b*). Sixteen samples, four of each colour group, were sequenced. Eighteen SNP mutations, 10 not previously described, were found in these 16 sequences. Three of them were chosen (c.82A>G, c.865C>T, c.901C>T) to analyse genotypes by PCR-RFLP in the other 44 fibre samples and to determine the association of mutations with instrumental colour. These three polymorphisms showed association with fibre lightness (P < 0.05), although there was no correlation with colour groups.

Analysis of genetic distance between Peruvian Alpaca (Vicugna Pacos) showing two distinct fleece phenotypes, Suri and Huacaya, by means of microsatellite markers

Two coat phenotypes exist in Alpaca, Huacaya and Suri. The two coats show different fleece structure, textile characteristics and prices on the market. Although present scientific knowledge suggests a simple genetic model of inheritance, there is a tendency to manage and consider the two phenotypes as two different breeds. A 13 microsatellite panel was used in this study to assess genetic distance between Suri and Huacaya alpacas in a sample of non-related animals from two phenotypically pure flocks at the Illpa-Puno experimental station in Quimsachata, Peru. The animals are part of a germplasm established approximately 20 years ago and have been bred separately according to their coat type since then. Genetic variability parameters were also calculated. The data were statistically analyzed using the software Genalex 6.3, Phylip 3.69 and Fstat 2.9.3.2. The sample was tested for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) and after strict Bonferroni correction only one locus (LCA37) showed deviation from equilibrium (P<0.05). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was also tested and 9 loci associations showed significant disequilibrium. Observed heterozygosis (Ho= 0.766; SE=0.044), expected heterozygosis (He=0.769; SE=0.033), number of alleles (Na=9.667, SE=0.772) and Fixation index (F=0.004; SE=0.036) are comparable to data from previous studies. Measures of genetic distance were 0.06 for Nei’s and 0.03 for Cavalli-Sforza’s. The analysis of molecular variance reported no existing variance between populations.Considering the origin of the animals, their post domestication evolution and the reproductive practices in place, the results do not show genetic differentiation between the two populations for the studied loci.

Blood mineral, trace-element and vitamin concentrations in Huacaya alpacas and Merino sheep grazing the same pasture

We aimed to determine whether the concentration of minerals and trace constituents in blood of Merino sheep and Huacaya alpacas grazing the same pasture differed with species and time of sampling. Blood samples and pasture samples were collected at frequent intervals over a period of 2 years for mineral and trace-nutrient assay. The concentration of the minerals and trace nutrients in the grazed pasture usually met the dietary needs of sheep at maintenance, apart from potassium, sulfur, cobalt and Vitamin E in occasional samples. Restricted maximum likelihood mixed model analysis indicated a significant (P &lt; 0.001) species by month by year interaction for all blood constituents assayed, a significant (P &lt; 0.05) species by coat shade interaction for plasma Vitamin D, E and B12 and a significant (P &lt; 0.001) species by month by Vitamin D interaction for plasma phosphorus concentrations. In general, plasma calcium concentrations were greater in sheep than in alpacas but plasma magnesium concentrations were greater in alpacas than in sheep. There was no consistent difference between the two species in plasma phosphorus concentrations although low values were recorded in individual sheep and alpacas. Plasma Vitamin D concentrations were more responsive to increasing hours of sunlight in alpacas than they were in sheep. Sheep had consistently higher concentrations of plasma copper, zinc and Vitamin B12 and higher concentrations of blood selenium but lower concentrations of plasma selenium and Vitamin A, than did alpacas. No consistent difference was observed between the two species in plasma Vitamin E concentrations.

Bases para un programa de mejora de alpacas en la region altoandina de Huancavelica-Perú

The research was developed in 544 Huacaya alpacas of white color located in 19 centers of production of the Region of Huancavelica, located a rank of altitude between 4000 and 4800 meters above sea level. Before the shearing, approxi-mately 20 g sample were taken from fleece of the mid side and after the shearing the grease fleece weight (PVG), sex, age and productive unit was registered of each animal. Fibre diameter (DF), coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (CVDF) and the prickle factor (FP) was determined using the Sirolan-Laserscan. In function to the collected data the exposition of an improvement scheme was made and on it we considered the answer to the selection under two scenarios. The means± S.E. of PVG, DF, CVDF and FP were of 2300±39 g, 21.56±0.12 mm, 22.82±0.12% and 6.33±0.30% respectively. Variation of PVG and DF show significance (p<0.01) for sex, age and productive unit, whereas variations of PF has significance (p<0.01) for age and unit of production and variations of CVFD was only for productive unit (p<0.01). When the relations between the four variables of the fibre were analyzed, only was significance between DF and FP, DF and PVG, CVDF and FP, and CVDF and DF. About these considerations the scheme of improvement leads to a formation of a nucleus elite of reproducers formed by 50 males who could mating to best the 1100 females of the animals with records. The annual genetic gain prediction, in an individual selection is between 57 and 78 g for GFW and -0.17 and -0.23 mm for FD; whereas, in economic values the annual genetic gain prediccion in a selection by index is between $0.83 and $1.14 depending if a pessimist or optimist scenario is considered.

Skin lesions in alpacas and llamas with low zinc and copper status – a preliminary report

South American camelids kept as zoo or farm animals often display skin lesions, the aetiology of which remains unresolved. Mostly, only a few individuals in a herd are affected. The empirical treatment consists of oral doses of zinc (Zn), and lesions usually improve over two to three months. It is unclear whether the syndrome is a Zn deficiency or a disorder that responds to supraphysiological systemic Zn concentrations (Rosychuk, 1994). Although it has been mentioned that males and animals of dark fleece colour might be more susceptible (Fowler, 1989; Rosychuk, 1994), no systematic evaluation of factors that predispose animals to the condition has been published. A breeding herd of 13 llamas, 17 huacaya alpacas and 18 suri alpacas from a German farm was fed a diet of ad libitum hay and approximately 0.5 kg of a camelid feed per animal per day. Females and males of each species were kept in separate groups, and some males were kept individually. Except for one alpaca, the females had either given birth to a cria the same year or were considered pregnant by the owner. The animals received a regular prophylactic ivermectin treatment. Dry, scaly skin lesions were noted in 12 animals (25%; Table 1) on the bridge of the nose and the ears. Skin scrapings from four animals were investigated microscopically, but no signs of ectoparasites were detected.

Comparative productivity and grazing behaviour of Huacaya alpacas and Peppin Merino sheep grazed on annual pastures

Adult Huacaya alpaca (mixed sex, mean±S.D., age 5.2±2.7 years, live weight 72.0±9.5 kg) were grazed with Peppin Merino sheep (castrated male, age 3±0.1 years, live weight 54.0±3.9 kg) for 2 years on improved annual pasture at commercial grazing pressures (10–17 dry sheep equivalents/ha) near Melbourne, Australia. Alpacas and sheep gained weight during the first year and then lost weight (proportional loss: alpacas 22%, sheep 20%, NS) before commencing weight gain. Twice the alpacas gained when the sheep lost weight ( P<0.001). Alpacas lost weight when green pasture was <0.5 t DM/ha and gained weight when green pasture exceeded 0.5 t DM/ha. The pasture was not grazed evenly. The behaviour of alpacas indicated a strong preference for short green grazed pasture and they generally avoided long dry grass. The alpacas did not increase the utilisation of the pasture until increased grazing pressure resulted in an expansion of the area utilised. Midside wool and alpaca fibre growth rates were depressed when animals lost weight and increased when animals gained weight. The effects of the adverse nutritional conditions on alpaca were: a significant reduction in clean fibre growth (CFW) 2.86 vs 1.91 kg, P<0.001; clean washing yield (CWY) 95.2 vs 91.5%, P<0.001; mean fibre diameter (MFD) 37.5 vs 35.2 μm, P<0.01; staple length (SL) 94 vs 77 mm, P<0.001; SL/MFD ratio 2.50 vs 2.20, P<0.001; an increase in mean fibre diameter coefficient of variation (MFD CV) 23.3 vs 25.1%, P<0.05; fibre curvature (FC) 24.6 vs 26.4°/mm, P<0.1 and no change in staple strength (SS) 54 vs 46 N/ktex; resistance to compression (Rc) 5.1 vs 5.1 kPa; staple crimp (SC) 1.2 vs 1.1 cm −1. The effects on wool were: a significant reduction of CFW 4.12 vs 3.42 kg, P<0.001; CWY 73.7 vs 69.1%, P<0.001; MFD 22.4 vs 20.5 μm, P<0.001; SL 96 vs 76 mm, P<0.001; SS 54 vs 40 N/ktex, P<0.001; an increase in MFD CV 16.1 vs 18.0%, P<0.005; FC 97.9 vs 105.5°/mm, P<0.005 and little change in SL/MFD ratio 4.43 vs 4.17, P<0.1; Rc 10.0 vs 10.4 kPa, ns; SC 5.8 vs 5.7 cm −1, ns. The live weight, fibre productivity and fibre attributes of Huacaya alpacas and Merino sheep were substantially affected by seasonal nutritional conditions in a similar manner. The annual clean alpaca fibre growth was affected to a greater extent than the annual wool growth (decline of 33 vs 17%). Under conditions when green pasture availability was <0.5 t DM/ha, alpacas utilised pasture more effectively than sheep. Managers can manipulate the provision of pasture to manage live weight change and manipulate alpaca productivity and fibre quality.

Optimising sampling techniques and estimating sampling variance of fleece quality attributes in alpacas

Huacaya and Suri alpacas ( n=120) of varying age, live weight (LWT) and sex (female, male) were selected randomly from four farms in southern Australia. At shearing, fleeces were divided into four components: saddle (S), neck (N), pieces (P; front and back legs, belly, apron) and the midside sample (MS). Components were weighed, sampled using the grid sampling technique and fleece attributes measured: clean washing yield (CWY), mean fibre diameter (MFD), coefficient of variation of the MFD (CV(D)), incidence of medullated fibres (Med), mean medullated fibre diameter (MedMFD) and coefficient of variation of the MedMFD (MedCV(D)). The MS and saddle grid sample (SGS) were used to create models to predict the fleece attribute of the total fleece (TF), saddle and neck fibre. For each fleece attribute MS had lower values than SGS and TF ( P<0.005) and SGS, except for CWY, had lower values than the P and TF ( P<0.005). The means were: MFD MS 27.5 μm, S 28.8 μm, N 28.7 μm, P 37.6 μm, TF 31.2 μm; CV(D) MS 24.3%, S 27.0%, N 28.6%, P 30.6%, TF 28.1%; CWY MS 90.2%, S 91.4%, N 88.9%, P 92.8%; Med 24.4%, S 33.1%, P 44.5%, TF 35.2%; MedMFD MS 32.7 μm, S 34.4 μm, P 41.1 μm, TF 36.0 μm; MedCV(D) MS 19.4%, S 22.3%, P 25.9%, TF 23.4%. The MS was found to be an appropriate sample from which to predict the MFD and CWY. CV(D) was only satisfactorily predicted by the SGS ( r=0.88), with the exception of the neck fleece, for which neither the MS nor SGS could provide an accurate predictive model. The MS did not sufficiently account for the variation in Med ( r=0.73–0.79). The SGS gave accurate prediction of Med ( r=0.98). Sex effects were detected in models for TFMFD, NMFD and TFCV(D). LWT effects were detected in models for NMFD, NCV(D) and TFMedMFD. SGS often gave a more accurate prediction of a fleece attribute but it requires the removal of the entire fleece, whereas MS can be removed by shearing a small area or can be removed during shearing with a minimum of effort. Sampling variance for SGS was generally two to four times greater than the sampling variance for MS with the 95% confidence limits (CLs) for SGS being about double those of MS for most parameters except for clean washing yield (CWY) which were similar. Sampling variance for the incidence of medullated fibres in SGS was very high. The large 95% CL for all the tested fibre attributes indicate that alpaca breeders and advisors need to consider taking suitable duplicate measurements and other precautions during breeding and animal selling programs.

Fertility of the male alpaca: effect of daily consecutive breeding.

The fertility of the male alpaca under different frequencies of daily consecutive matings was evaluated. Fifteen adult male Huacaya alpacas were divided randomly into three groups of five each to breed lactating female alpacas. The schedule of daily matings was two, four and six consecutive breeding per group and for nine consecutive days. Ovulation was determined by progesterone at seven days after breeding. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography at 15 and 30 days after breeding. Two hundred and eighty females were bred with some males not fulfilling their schedule of breeding. There were differences (P < 0.05) in the fertility rate of males breeding two and four times daily (76%) in contrast to 59% for males breeding six times. There were also differences (P < 0.05) in the fertility of individual males. Length of copulation was affected (P < 0.05) by schedule of matings, day of breeding and male. Ovulation was independent of length of copulation. Overall, it seems the fertility of the male alpaca is affected significantly when consecutive matings are over four times a day and for nine consecutive days.