Author:
McGregor, B. A.

Date of Publication:
1995

Publication:
IAI 1995 : Cria to Criation : Proceedings of the International Alpaca Industry 1995 Seminar, Australian Alpaca Association, Melbourne, Vic., pp. 67-90

Summary:
The paper defines the major quality attributes of alpaca fibre (fibre diameter, fibre length, fibre colour, contamination and incidence of medullated fibres). The development of alpaca fleece and skin follicles is then discussed. The connection between the evolution in the textile market and alpaca fibre quality are discussed particularly in regard to fibre diameter variability. Suggestions on the methods of assessing fibre quality in the shearing shed, in the laboratory and in the office are made. Preliminary data from a survey of Australian alpaca fleece quality are presented along with some examples of fibre diameter and medullated fibre histograms produced by measurement on the optical fibre diameter analyser (OFDA). The paper concludes with a brief discussion on the main management and environmental effects on alpaca quality.

Read the rest of the article: http://dro.deakin.edu.au/eserv/DU:30066068/mcgregor-alpacafleece-1995.pdf