Determination of fiber quality in llama troops from five communities originating from the Puna of Jujuy, Argentina

Abstract

Northwest of Abra Pampa, in the Puna Jujeña region, indigenous communities seek to assess the quality of fiber to reduce uncertainty and promote animal shearing. An initial population survey was conducted in five indigenous communities (IC) consisting of 27 troops and 1842 animals. A total of 1473 fleece samples were collected and sent to the laboratory, where they were classified based on the fiber quality criteria (FQC): staple fineness (SF), staple type (ST), and staple pigmentation (SP). Additionally, fiber diameter (FD) and staple length (SL) were determined. The mean relative frequencies and standard errors, weighted by herd size, were calculated for the three FQC. Furthermore, a test for the homogeneity of FQC proportions for the population and an independence test to verify their association with the community were performed. Non-parametric analysis was conducted for FD and SL. In terms of SF, the fine variant is the most common, and together with the super-fine variant, it represents approximately 70 %, with variants measuring < 25.0 µm. Regarding ST, single-coat fleeces predominate (47.54 %), and there is also a significant number of double-coat fleeces (36.61 %), as well as lustrous fleeces (15.86 %). With respect to SP, crude variant was the predominant variant (62.24 %). In the tests for homogeneity of proportions and independence, highly significant values of the test statistic were observed in all cases. The determined FD was 24.66±0.09 µm, and the SL was 15.33±0.13 cm, with significant differences observed among the indigenous communities. The results demonstrate the presence of fibers with significant textile potential. Regular shearing is necessary, and given the variability in the FQC, a classification and typification system is required. Dehairing is necessary during processing, particularly for double-coat fleeces.