The Genus: Lama

The alpaca: Lama pacos

Breeds and their characteristics

There are two main varieties or breeds of alpaca -the Huacaya and the Suri. Many other types are described using modem geographical boundaries (Table 11). The Huacaya is more robust than the Suri and can thrive better in the harsh conditions of the highlands at altitudes between 4300 and 4800 m. The Suri type has been regarded as prone to many diseases, having a low fertility rate, and high mortality during parturition. The greatest difference between these types of alpaca is in the quality and characteristics of their fiber (Figures 13,14,15,16). There is an increased interest in llama raising outside its native environment especially in the United States of America, Canada, Australia and Great Britain.

Production

The fleece of alpacas is between 1.7 to 1.8 kg/year, of fine quality, and very valuable. Alpacas can be black, dark brown, white, uniformly colored or mixed.

The llama: Lama glama

World population and distribution

The natural habitat of the llama is the high Andean ecological environment at altitudes ranging from 2300 to 4000 meters. It is a domesticated animal, the largest of all South American camelidae (Figure 17,18,19,20).

Breeds and their characteristics

There are two types of llamas: ccara Sullo or Kara and the Chaku. The Ccara Sulo has a low-density and low-weight fiber. The Chaku has a more dense and finer (wooly) fleece. The Chaku breed can be black, dark brown, white, uniformly colored, or present a combination of colors with black fiber on the neck and face. The ears are long and curved. The Kara breed is usually gray, dark brown, white, uniformly colored or a combination of colors with black, long, curved ears and faces free of fiber. There are other types described (Table 12). These "breeds" may be similar and have different names according to their location.

Llamas are very resistant to low temperatures and have adapted to poor pasture conditions between 3500 and 4000 m in altitude which characterize the semi-arid Andean regions. Llama meat is very valued by the inhabitants of these regions because it is more tender than that of some native sheep.⁽¹⁾ Chaku breed is reputed for its high fertility and seems to be more resistant to viral pneumonia. Most of the Kara breeds can tolerate lack of drinking water.

Llamas, like alpacas, have become increasingly popular in Europe and North America as pets or pack animals (ecological tourism).

 Production

Just as the alpacas, llamas are used for their wool, meat, fur, and as beasts of burden (pack and baggage). The fiber produced by llamas is the heaviest of all four species of South American camelidae and is used mainly for the production of blankets, rugs, ropes and bags. The meat yield is about 44 to 52% of live weight.⁽¹¹⁾

The guanaco: Lama guanacoe

The guanaco is the most primitive of all South American camelidae. It used to be widely distributed but its numbers became limited due to non-regulated hunting and poaching. In 1948, the guanaco population in Argentina was estimated at 250,000 to 300.000 head. However, today this population has shrunk considerably due to excessive hunting and claiming of its natural habitat. The guanaco is also found in central Peru and in Chile (Fuegian Patagonian zone). The live weight of the Guanaco is between 80 to 90 kg and its height ranges from 100 to 120 cm. Its fleece weighs 1 to 2 kg and is of mediocre quality.
 

References

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