Fiber production in South American camelids. Advances in processing and breeding

Abstract

In recent years the SUPPRAD program has reached substantial progress in the textile processing of South American camelids fiber by developing our own technology in dehairing and purification of the fiber of these animals. Simultaneously has also performed a detailed genetic description of the components of Argentine Llamas fleece. The parameters obtained are available for designing and implementing Selection Programs as an alternative to consider genetic modification of the structure of the fleece or supporting improved through dehairing textile processing. This conference will provide the theoretical basis of special textile fibers quality in general and particularly in Camelids, and the potential contribution can make the process of dehairing and the possible genetic modification of the structure of the fleece. We will discuss also its application to the alpaca and the possible revitalization of the exploitation of wild Camelids fiber.