Reproductive biotechnologies in domestic South American camelids as alternatives for genetic improvement
Abstract
Domestic South American camelids, alpacas and llamas, are an important component of socio- economic activity for a large segment of other Andean people of Peru and other Andean countries, production of fiber being a source of income for these populations. Deficiencies in reproductive management schemes have contributed to a deterioration in the quality of animals and a consequent decline in incomes. The development of reproductive technologies, such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization, are presented as important alternatives to help improve the genetic quality more quickly and thus increase the income of the inhabitants of the Andean region. Camelid breeding and progress in the development and application of reproductive biotechnologies are discussed herein.