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Genetic parameters for fleece uniformity in alpacas
Juan Pablo Gutiérrez1, Alan Cruz2,3, Renzo Morante3
1Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Journal of Animal Science
|May 5, 2023
Summary
Alpaca breeding programs can improve fleece uniformity, as genetic factors influence it. However, selecting for uniformity alongside fiber diameter is not recommended due to cost-effectiveness and indirect selection benefits.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Genetics
- Breeding Programs
Background:
- Fiber diameter is a key selection criterion in alpaca breeding.
- Current breeding practices do not account for fleece uniformity across different body regions.
- Phenotypic and genetic variations in fleece uniformity may exist within alpaca populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the genetic parameters of fleece uniformity in alpacas.
- To assess the potential for selecting for improved fleece uniformity.
Main Methods:
- Fiber diameters were measured at three distinct anatomic locations per animal.
- A statistical model accounting for heterogeneous residual variance was applied.
- Fleece variability was quantified using the logarithm of the standard deviation of the three measures.
Main Results:
- Significant additive genetic variance for environmental variability (0.43±0.14) suggests potential for selection.
- A high genetic correlation (0.76±0.13) between fleece uniformity and fiber diameter indicates indirect selection benefits.
- Despite genetic potential, practical selection for uniformity is deemed not cost-effective.
Conclusions:
- Fleece uniformity in alpacas has a notable genetic component.
- Selecting for reduced fiber diameter indirectly improves fleece uniformity.
- The costs associated with measuring and selecting for uniformity outweigh the indirect benefits in current alpaca breeding programs.
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