PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF THE FIBER CHARACTERISTICS OF ALPACAS (Vicugna pacos Linnaeus, 1758) RAISED IN THREE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS IN CHILE

Abstract

Alpaca fiber is highly valued for its fineness, softness, and insulating capacity, which can vary depending on the breeding environment. This study aimed to compare the characteristics of alpaca fiber in three locations in Chile: Guallatire and Visviri, in the far northern highlands (Altiplano), and Llay-Llay, in the central zone. Fiber samples from 283 alpacas were analyzed using the Optical Fiber Diameter Analyzer (OFDA 2000) to evaluate the mean fiber diameter (DMF, µm), the coefficient of variation of diameter (CVD, %), and the comfort factor (FC, %). These variables were subjected to an analysis of variance (ANOVA), which was solved by a generalized linear model, using the Statgraphics Centurion XVI® software. Results show that the DMF was affected by origin, age category, and color; the fibers obtained in the central zone from white offsprings had a smaller diameter. CVD was influenced by color; color fibers, especially those obtained in the highlands, had a greater dispersion. The FC was influenced by origin and age category; fibers from offsprings in the central zone had a higher and significant percentage of fibers with a diameter of 30 µm or less. These findings highlight the importance of environment and management on alpaca fiber characteristics in three contrasting environments in Chile.