- In the Huancavelica region of Peru alpacas form the main and often only means of deriving an income for 3300 poor families in 60 communities. Ninety percent of alpacas in the region are Huacaya which are grazed at altitudes 4000–4800 m. Little attention has been paid to alpacas grazed in the High Andes. We aimed to: (i) quantify the variation in alpaca mean fibre diameter (MFD), fibre diameter coefficient of variation (CVD), fibre curvature (FC) and staple length (SL) among 24 sampling sites, (ii) quantify the difference between the mid-side sampling site and other fleece components for each fleece attribute, (iii) identify the sampling site with the highest correlation to the fibre attributes of the fleece in general, and (iv) quantify the relationship between FC and MFD for alpaca. Adult female alpacas (n = 31, mean live weight 71 kg) were sampled and had their fleece weighed in 8 components. Total mean fleece weight was 3.35 kg (range 2.13–6.01). Staples were measured for length (mm) and tested on the OFDA2000 to determine MFD, CVD and FC. The effect of the site was determined using ANOVA analysis. Values for FC were log10 transformed. Correlations between sites and regression analysis between MFD and FC were performed. The mean values for the mid-side site were: MFD 26.3 μm; CVD 20.2%; FC 34.9 °/mm; SL 91 mm, which were finer and longer than other fleece components. The variation in MFD between the 24 sampling sites was 20.2–50.6 μm and between 9 sampling sites in the main fleece saddle was 24.8–31.7 μm. Fleece attributes varied significantly between all fleece components and among fleece sites (P more »
- Four groups of 20 females each were sacrificed on days 3, 28–31, 40–55, or 87–95 following mating, to determine the fertility rates and the extent and time of embryonic losses. In a second experiment each of 21 adult and 20 yearling virgin females were mated to intact males, with or without single intramuscular doses of 300 IU of HCG given 2 hr before mating. Ovulation and fertilization rates on day 3 were determined in a representative half of the animals at sacrifice, or laparotomy, and in the other half maintenance of pregnancy was tested at monthly intervals. Fertility rates declined from 70% on day 3 to 35% on days 28–31 and showed little change thereafter. Although both ovaries were equally active, significantly more pregnancies were found in the left horns by days 87–95. Migrations of embryos from right to left uterine horns were found in three cases suggesting that the right uterine horn provides a less suitable environment for the embryo. Maintenance of pregnancies through day 90 in the second experiment was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in females treated with HCG before mating. No pregnancies were maintained in control animals up to this stage. Plasma progesterone levels at day 30 were higher and 20α-ol levels lower than in the natural service animals, suggesting a decreased conversion of progesterone to 20α-ol in the HCG-treated animals. Ovulation and fertilization rates in yearlings were similar to adults, but pregnancy rate on day 30 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in yearlings. more »
- In the paper, the characteristics of alpaca fiber and the features of its product are introduced. According to the shortages of alpaca fiber, such as rigidity, small cohesive force for spinning, more wasters, low productivity and poor quality, the research focus on materials selection, spinning technical processes and quality control. The research indicates that the key problems above could solved by using a suit technical processes and proper parameters. Based on the results, large quantity and good quality of worsted alpaca yarn are produced. And the products are successfully used for making alpaca overcoats. more »
- The article introduces alpaca and its fiber, and designs the proper yarn count and relative fabrics to meet the demands of markets according to the fact that the fiber of Alpaca is thicker than Merino wool, and has excerlent spinnability and unique performance of the fabric made of it. more »
- The Suri should grow a very lustrous silky dense fibre, which hangs in individual locks, vertical to the body (similar to that of a mohair goat). These locks come in various types, with the ringlet formation and the wave with twist being the most popular. more »