Technological properties of the fibre of white Huacaya alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in the Community of Chapimarca, Apurimac - Peru

Abstract

In the Queulla sector, community of Chapimarca, province of Grau, Apurímac Region, the textile properties of the fibre of white Huacaya alpacas were determined, according to factors sex, body region and age group. The fibre analyses were carried out in the Fibre and Wool Laboratory of the National University of Huancavelica. The juvenile alpacas had a smaller fibre diameter (MDF), a higher comfort factor (FC), a higher yarn fineness (SF) and a better curvature index (IC) than the adult ones (p<0.05). Males presented better FC and yarn fineness (SF) than females (p <0.05). In general, the fibre of the rib area and the rump were of similar quality, but superior to the fibre of the shoulder (p<0.05). It is concluded that the fibre produced in the study is within the fibres of good quality.