Calidad de fibra en alpacas en las comunidades del austro, provincia de Cañar

Abstract

In the farming communities located in Austro zone, Cañar province, there is a population of approximately 1000 Alpacas destined for use wool production. Here, a study was carried out to determine the principal physical properties of de wool, with a sample size of 223 alpacas (n = 223) belonging to seven caravans (Cebada Loma, Colepato, Shindilig, Malal, Sunicorral, Stuarth White y Tucayta). Wool samples were collected from the middle rib area and/or the area going towards the scapula. The samples were evaluated with a wool-meter and calibrated ruler. Four variables were assessed: diameter (DFM), number of crimps per centimeter (NRC), average length (LFM) and modulation rate (TM). These characteristics were analyzed according to sex, age, altitude and the community of the alpaca. For this study a multifactorial ADEVA method was applied with a completely randomized design. To separate measures the relevant Tukey test was used, at the level of significance (P<0.005). Furthermore, in order to establish correlations between parameters, the Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized. In the results obtained, the following averages were recorded: DFM: 21.72 μm, NRC: 2.78, LFM: 15.16 cm, and finally a TM of 53.9%. From the analysis of the different effects examined in this study, it was observed that sex, age, and/or location directly influenced: the diameter, average length and number of crimps, all of which are parameters of high economic importance in the evaluation of wool quality. Furthermore, the diameter and modulation were also very strongly correlated.