20.4.1 Primary Objective
Fiber quality and quantity
20 Camelidae Breeding
20.1 Overview
This chapter introduces breeding of alpacas, llamas, and camels as emerging livestock species.
20.2 Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
- Describe the main camelidae species and their uses
- Identify key traits for alpaca fiber production
- Understand the challenges of breeding in small, closed populations
- Recognize opportunities for applying modern breeding methods
20.3 Camelidae Species Overview
Chapter Status
This chapter is currently under development.
- Alpacas (Vicugna pacos): Fiber production
- Llamas (Lama glama): Pack animals, fiber, guard animals
- Camels: Dromedary and Bactrian
20.4 Alpaca Breeding
20.4.2 Key Traits
- Fiber fineness (micron): h² = 0.30-0.60
- Fleece weight: h² = 0.30-0.60
- Fiber length: h² = 0.30-0.60
20.5 Llama Breeding
Objectives: Temperament, size, conformation
20.6 Camel Breeding
Objectives: Milk production, meat, racing, fiber
20.7 Challenges and Opportunities
- Small populations (especially alpacas outside South America)
- Limited phenotypic data and genetic research
- Inbreeding risk in closed populations
- Opportunity for genomic tools to accelerate progress
20.8 Summary
Camelidae breeding is less developed than traditional livestock. Small population sizes create genetic diversity challenges.