Design and implementation of community-based breeding

Commission for DevelopmentStudiesatthe OeAD-GmbH
Ebendorferstrasse 7, A-1010 Wien
Tel.: ++43(0)1 4277 -28113 • Fax: -9281
Email: office-kef@oead.at
PROJECT NUMBER:
P186
Final Technical Report
Commission for Development Studies
at the OeAD-GmbH
Design and implementation of
community-based breeding strategies
for llamas in the Peruvian Andes
Project Number: P186
Authors
Dr. Gustavo Gutierrez Reynoso1
Dr. Maria Wurzinger2
Dr. Enrique Flores1
Organizations
1
UNALM-Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
2
BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Division of Livestock Sciences
Vienna, Austria
Design and implementation of community-based breeding
strategies for llamas in the Peruvian Andes
Project Number: P186
Index
Abstract
Zusammenfassung
1 Introduction
2 Objectives of the project
3 Expected Outcomes
4 Study sites
5 Achieved aims and results
Outcome 1. Characterization of production systems
Outcome 2. Phenotypic characterization of three llama populations
Outcome 3. Breeding strategies and social networks
Outcome 4. Design and implementation of breeding strategies
6 Scientific publications and publications in local media
7 Theses
8 Follow-up of project activities
Annexes
2
Abstract
The main goal of this research was to characterize the llama production systems
and llama populations in three locations of the Peruvian Central Andes and to
develop and to implement jointly with the owners a breeding program for a
sustainable use of the local llama populations. This study was a joint effort
between Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina-UNALM (Peru) and BOKU
University (Austria).
The study sites have been Marcapomacocha (Junín), Huayllay (Pasco) and San
Pedro de Racco (Pasco). Detailed information about the importance of llama
rearing, current management practices and breeding strategies have been
collected through individual household interviews and the data has been crosschecked and validated in workshops with key informants.
A total of 126 smallholders were interviewed. Results indicate that the llama
production system is based on natural pasture, and rangelands belong to peasant
communities. Herds are mixed and composed of llamas, alpacas, sheep and
cattle. The average size of llama herds is 35 animals. Llama Kara, which is a
meat-oriented type, is the most common type in all three study sites. Only 44%
of farmers practiced selection for both males and females. The selection criteria
are height, conformation and colour. The mating system is not controlled. In
most cases, replacement animals come from the own herd.
All interviewees said that they would like to continue with llama rearing in the
future. The majority of the farmers indicated that they would like to increase the
herd sizes as llamas are more resistant and robust than alpacas.
A phenotypic characterisation of the llama population was performed. Data from
1071 llamas were collected for height at withers, thoracic circumference, thigh
volume, rump area, cannon bone circumference and body weight in the three
study sites. Llamas of the region are taller and heavier than llamas from the
South of Peru. High phenotypic variation in the traits measured was observed.
That indicates that selection may be feasible, but there is a need for estimating
genetic parameters such as heritability and genetic correlations of traits form the
study population.
Results were shared with farmers and local authorities, and a multi-stakeholder
consultation process was performed in each region for the design of a
community-based breeding program. This involved personal interviews with
farmers, but also a series of workshops with farmers, representatives of local
government, an NGO and universities. These platforms were used to distribute
information on breeding programs, but also to discuss and agree on level of
involvement, roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in a breeding
program. In Pasco, a llama breeders association was formed and is officially
recognised by local institutions. Alternative breeding strategies, such as central
versus dispersed nucleus, were presented and discussed with farmers. This
participatory approach with the involvement of different actors ensures
commitment and ownership of all parties which is a pre-requisite for the longterm sustainability of a breeding program.
Students from both partner universities got the opportunity to carry out research
for their theses. One master student from BOKU-Austria completed her thesis,
3
and five master students and one doctoral student from UNALM-Peru are
currently analysing data and writing their theses under the supervision of the
project coordinators.
4
Zusammenfassung
Ziel des Projekts war es sowohl die Produktionssysteme als auch die
Lamapopulationen in drei verschiedenen Regionen in den Anden in Zentralperu
zu charakterisieren. Aufbauend auf diesen Ergebnissen wurden mit den
LandwirtInnen Zuchtprogramme entwickelt und implementiert. Die Studie wurde
von der UNALM-Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina in Peru und der BOKUUniversität für Bodenkultur durchgeführt.
Die Studie wurd in Marcapomacocha (Junín), Huayllay (Pasco) und San Pedro de
Racco (Pasco) durchgeführt. In Einzelinterviews mit Bauern und Bäuerinnen
wurden Informationen zu folgenden Themenbereichen erhoben: Bedeutung der
Lamahaltung, gegenwärtiges Herdenmanagment und Züchtungsstrategien und
zukünftige Trends . In Gruppendiskussionen wurden die Ergebnisse erörtert und
validiert.
Insgesamt wurden 126 Interviews durchgeführt. Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die
Haltung vorwiegend auf kommunalem Weideland passiert. Die Betriebe halten
gemischte Herden, die sich aus Lamas, Alpakas, Schafen und Rindern
zusammensetzten. Im Durchschnitt werden 35 Lamas auf einem Betrieb
gehalten.
In allen drei Studiengebieten wurden hauptsächlich Lamas vom Typ „Kara“
gehalten. Dieser Typ wird für die Fleischproduktion verwendet. Nur 44% der
Befragten gaben an, dass sie sowohl bei den männlichen als auch bei den
weiblichen Tieren Selektion betreiben. Selektionskriterien sind Größe, Körperbau
und Vliesfarbe. Tiere für die Bestandserneuerung werden fast ausschliesslich aus
dem eigenen Betrieb nachgestellt. Alle Befragten gaben an, dass sie auch in
Zukunft Lamas halten möchten. Eine Mehrheit möchte die Herden sogar
vergrößern, da sie finden, dass Lamas widerstandskräftiger und robuster als
Alpakas sind.
Für die phenotypische Charakterisierung wurden insgesamt 1071 Lamas
gewogen und vermessen. Maße wie Widerristhöhe, Brustumfang, Volumen des
hinteren Oberschenkels, Fläche der Kruppe und Umfang des Sprungbeins wurden
erhoben. Lamas in den Studiengebieten sind deutlich größer und schwerer als
Tiere im Süden Perus. Eine hohe phenotypische Variation konnte in allen
gemessenen Merkmalen beobachtet werden. Dies ist ein Indikator, dass eine
Selektion auf bestimmte Merkmale möglich ist. Hierfür ist aber eine Schätzung
genetischer Parameter wie Heritabilität und genetische Korrelationen zwischen
verschiedenen Merkmalen erforderlich.
Alle Ergebnisse wurden sowohl den Bauern und Bäuerinnen als auch den lokalen
Behörden vorgestellt. Unterschiedlichste Akteure und Vertretungen von
Interessensgruppen wurden kontaktiert, um ihre Ideen zur Implementierung
eines Zuchtprogramms zu erheben. Es wurden Einzelinterviews durchgeführt und
workshops mit Bauern und Bäuerinnen, Vertretern der lokalen Regierung,
VertreterInnen von NGOs und MitarbeiterInnen von Universitäten durchgeführt.
Diese Treffen wurden als Informations-und Diskussionsplattformen genutzt. Es
wurden die unterschiedlichen Rollen, Aufgaben und Funktionen unterschiedlicher
Personen(gruppen)
in
einem
Zuchtprogramm
diskutiert.
Alternative
Züchtungsstrategien wie zentraler oder dezentraler Nukleus wurden vorgestellt
und Vor-und Nachteile erläutert. In Pasco entschieden sich die LamahalterInnen
eine Zuchtorganisation zu gründen, die auch von offizieller Seite anerkannt wird.
5
Dieser partizipative Prozess und die Einbindung aller Akteure kann das
Engagement und die Eigentümerschaft aller Beteiligten besser garantieren. Dies
ist eine wichtige Voraussetzung für eine langfristige und nachhaltige Entwicklung
des Zuchtprograms.
Studierende von beiden Universitäten konnten im Rahmen des Projekts Daten für
ihre Abschlussarbeiten erheben. Eine Masterstudentin der BOKU hat bereits ihre
Arbeit abgeschlossen, fünf Studierende im Master „Nutztierwissenschaften“ an
der UNALM und ein Doktorand sind gerade dabei ihre Arbeiten abzuschließen.
6
1
Introduction
Llamas (Lama glama) are one of the domestic south American camelids which
are reared in the rangelands of the Andean Highlands. The Peruvian llama
population counts about 1,006,614 heads (FAO, 2005) and remains stable over
the last years, but is smaller than other livestock species such as alpaca and
sheep which are also kept in the Highlands. However, llamas are traditionally
kept in higher altitudes under extremely harsh conditions where agriculture is not
feasible (Ruiz et al., 2004). This is possible as llamas are well-adapted to live in
high altitudes and use efficiently native grasses (Gutierrez, 1993). Llamas are a
valuable genetic resource because of their adaptation to harsh weather
conditions, their ability to better utilize the limited and poor quality native
grasses, their lower needs of water and dry-matter, and their ability to provide
goods (meat, fiber) and services (transportation) in low-input systems.
Therefore, llama husbandry is the only economic and ecological way to use these
rangelands. Moreover, llamas provide food and income to peasants. Fiber and
meat production is estimated to be about 0.7 and 4.0 thousand tons per year,
respectively (Ministerio de Agricultura, 2010). About 94,170 families are involved
in lama production in Peru (Censo Nacional Agropecuario, 1994), mostly living in
extreme poverty, depend on this activity. Most llama farmers are smallholders,
thus the average herd size is 10.7 heads, and 89% of families have less than
100 hectares of rangeland. Migration to Lima or other areas of Peru is a serious
problem. From 1997 to 2007, the rural population decreased by 4.5%. Only
elderly people remain on the farm. Therefore finding alternative income
strategies for rural families is important in order to work against the migration
trend to urban centers.
There is in general a lack of research done in Peruvian llamas, more emphasis is
given to alpaca. Most of the research in llamas was done in the southern region
of Peru. The areas of research were reproduction, animal health care, fiber and
meat production, processing and marketing (i.e. Maquera, 1991; Caceres, 2002;
Ruiz et al., 2004; FAO, 2005, Siguayro, 2010). Unfortunately, little attention has
been given to know current breeding strategies, and setting up realistic and
optimum breeding goals for their genetic improvement. As a result llama
population is endangered and, unless urgent concerted efforts are made to
characterize and manage, it may be lost.
The farming system in the Peruvian Highlands is threatened by the global
phenomena climate change. Reduced availability of water and unpredictable
rainfall patterns are possible threats to the farmers. This will result in fewer
options for agricultural activities and a higher importance of livestock rearing.
Llamas have the comparative advantage over alpaca and sheep to better deal
with water scarcity and lower feed quality.
As a result, providing llama producers with the technology and a well-designed
breeding program may be a key to increase the level of competitiveness and
sustainability of their farming systems and reduce the migration to urban
centers.
7
2 Objectives of the project
The main goal of this research is to characterize the llama production systems
and llama populations in three locations of the Peruvian Central Andes and to
develop and to implement jointly with the owners a breeding program for a
sustainable use of the local llama populations.
Specific objectives:
-
Characterization of the production systems in three locations
-
Phenotypic characterization of llama populations, including productive and
reproductive performance
-
Documentation of current breeding strategies,
networks for the exchange of breeding stock
-
Development and implementation of improved breeding strategies for a
sustainable use of llamas
including
the
social
3 Expected Outcomes
At the end of the project all expected outcomes were accomplished.
Expected outcomes
Current production systems
Planned month
Actual month
6
4
6
8
6
8
18
17
18
18
18
18
characterized
Phenotypic characterization of three
llama populations completed
Breeding strategies and social
networks documented
Improved breeding strategies
developed
Improved breeding strategies
implemented
Publications in local media and
scientific publications produced
8
4 Study sites
The study was performed in three sites located at the highlands of the Peruvian
Central Andes (Table 1, Figure 1). The largest llama population in the region is
found in these sites and counts approximately 52 000 animals.
Latitude and longitude of the study sites range between 10S to 12S and 76W to
77W, respectively. Annual rainfall varies from 800 to 1200 mm per year, but it is
concentrated in the wet season (October-April). The mean annual temperature is
less than 10 °C with frost occurring at early morning mainly in the dry season.
Mountain rangeland is the predominant landscape; vegetation is composed
mainly by native grasses and forbs.
Table 1. Characteristics of study sites
Zone
Sites
Region Altitude
(masl)
1
Marcapomacocha and Sangrar
2
Huayllay
(San
Canchacucho,
Carlos,
Main
activity
Junin
4330
Livestock
Huarimarcan, Pasco
4200
Livestock,
Condorcayan,
La
Mining
Cruzada, Leon Pata, and Andacancha)
3
San Pedro de Racco, Rancas, Santa Ana Pasco
de
Tusi,
Quiulacocha,
Ucrucancha,
4400
Livestock
Sacrafamilia,
Tunacancha,
and
Racracancha
Figure 1. Map of study regions
fg
ZONE 3
ZONE 2
ZONE 1
9
5 Achieved aims and results
Following the outline of the project proposal the achieved aims and results are
presented.
Outcome 1. Characterization of production systems
Activity 1. Baseline survey
A first visit to all study areas was done and the proposed research was
discussed with the local authorities and llama keepers (June and September
2011).
In order to promote the participation of llama keepers in the project, one
workshop was held in San Pedro de Racco (June, 2011), and other in
Marcapomacocha (September 2011). To serve the same purpose, a course on
llama health care was held in Marcapomacocha (October 2011). Furthermore,
the local team met twice local authorities of Huayllay to explain the project
goals and activities (June 2011).
As the official start of the project was delayed, UNALM and BOKU funded the
first field visits in order not delay the start of the field data collection. The
team was worried that data collection during rainy season, which starts in
October might lead to problems in data collection in the field.
A survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was applied. A total number
of 126 individual households (22 in Zone 1, 38 in Zone 2, and 66 in Zone 3)
participated in this activity. The survey was carried out in the first four
months of the project. The questionnaire covered various topics such as
socio-economic situation of the households, importance of livestock
production, herd management, pasture management, marketing of products
and external support from different agencies. Details about breeding practices
and local strategies of exchange of breeding animals were collected to get a
first insight into the social networks of the smallholders in the region.
All data has been entered into EXCEL and quantitative information has been
analysed using EXCEL and SAS.
Activity 2. Series of workshops
Two workshops in Marcapomacocha (March and June 2012) and two in Cerro
de Pasco (June and September 2012) were organized in order to inform llama
keepers about the preliminary results of the project and to perform a SWOT
analysis and to discuss possible strategies for improving llama husbandry in
the three locations.
The workshop of Cerro de Pasco (June 7, 2012) was attended by 43 farmers
from Zone 2 and Zone 3. A verification check of obtained results was made.
After a brief introduction of the concept of community-based breeding
strategies, a discussion about possible forms of collaboration were discussed.
The farmers agreed to form an organization committee to organize follow-up
meetings to discuss the formation of an Association of llama keepers. The
representative of the Ministry of Agriculture is member of the committee in
order to ensure links to the official policies of the country. One NGO called
“Asociación Fomento y Promoción para el Desarrollo Andino" (FODESA) was
identified as a collaborator as this NGO has currently a project with the goal
10
to improve livelihoods of smallholder farmers with llamas. Llama breeders
association representatives were elected on September 29th, 2012.
A similar workshop with 15 farmers was held in Marcapomacocha on June 9,
2012. The community discussed different forms of collaboration and agreed to
discuss this point more in-depth during their regular community meetings. A
training course on animal health with focus in parasitic diseases was given on
November 10th, 2012. Also, preliminary results of the llama production
systems study at Marcapomacocha was delivered to the audience.
Results
Llamas are usually kept by individual smallholders, but a few communal
enterprises have large herds in the study sites. Results presented here came
from structured interviews with smallholders.
The survey revealed that the main economic activity of llama farmers is
livestock (alpaca, llama and sheep); the second source of income in zone 2 is
the work in the nearby mines. The harsh environmental conditions do not
allow any crop production (Table 2). In the majority of cases older men are
family heads. Most of the interviewed farmers are married. When llama
keepers are married or cohabitate it is common that men are the head of the
households. The majority of farmers in the study areas have completed either
primary or secondary school. Illiteracy is mainly restricted to elderly women.
Table 2. Ranking of economic activities of llama farmers by zone
(% of responses)*
Activities
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Rank 1
Rank 2
Rank 1
Rank 2
96
20
55
42
88
12
Crops
0
0
0
0
2
9
Handicraft
0
20
0
0
0
9
Mining
0
0
11
8
2
2
Others
4
60
34
50
8
68
Livestock
Rank 1 Rank 2
* Each column sum up to 100%
Farmers keep different livestock species for income diversification. Therefore
they keep llamas, alpacas, sheep and cattle (Table 3). On average a farmer
has 35 llamas. The average number of sheep and alpacas are higher than
llamas. Interviewed farmers believed that, the general trend for sheep, alpaca
and llama population, in the last 5 years, is stabilizing, increasing, and
diminishing respectively. 50%, 42% y 27% of respondents think that llama
herds were decreasing in zone 1, 2 and 3, respectively. It seems that the
majority of farmers are currently replacing llamas by alpacas. One explanation
for this practice could be that alpaca fiber fetches a good price on the market.
As the prices of the global fiber market are very volatile, this could be a risky
enterprise. It is also interesting to note that many farmers indicated that in
the coming five years they would like to increase llama herds again. The
11
results indicate that farmers try to balance the composition of their herds
according to market demands.
Table 3. Average herd size by zone (number of heads, means±sd)
Livestock
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Llama
27±19
34±22
45±44
Alpaca
24±64
54±45
77±66
Sheep
221±131
91±61
102±75
Cattle
4±7
10±0
11±9
The main purpose of rearing llamas is for meat production. In zone 2, where
mining is the main economic activity, farmers explained that llamas are mostly
reared for cultural issues (Ceremony, tradition, and inheritance). Savings and
the sale of hides are other reasons for llama rearing (Table 4).
Table 4. Purpose for llama rearing by zone (% of responses)*
Reasons
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Rank 1
Rank 2
Rank 1
Rank 2
Rank 1
Rank 2
Meat
64
44
37
55
79
14
Fiber
0
0
0
11
0
20
Cultural
9
6
58
13
6
8
Dung
0
0
0
0
0
0
Transport
0
0
3
0
5
5
Hide
0
38
2
8
0
11
Savings
27
12
0
5
3
3
Others
9
0
0
8
7
39
* Each column sums up to 100%
The llama production system is a low-input and low-output system. It is based
on grazing native rangelands, which belong to peasant communities. An
evaluation of the rangelands showed that they are often in a very poor condition
due to overgrazing, lack of fences and lack of land property.
Three types of llama were reported: Kara (Light-wooled), Intermediate (Mediumwooled) and Chaku (Heavy-wooled). Llama “Kara”, which is a meat-oriented
type, is the most common type in zone 1 and 3 and Llama “Intermediate” is
predominant in zone 2 (Table 5). However, it is common to find the three types
of llamas in a herd. Only few farmers are more interested in raising “Chakullamas”, which have more fiber. These animals are raised for animal shows, but
the fiber is not sold on the market.
12
Table 5. Types of llama by zone (percentage)
Type
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Kara
64
17
44
Intermediate
12
72
40
Chaku
24
11
16
* Each column sums up to 100%
Figure 2. Types of llama: Kara (Light-wooled), Intermediate (Mediumwooled) and Chaku (Heavy-wooled).
During the interviews farmers were asked about their current breeding practices.
This information is essential as this is the starting point for the development of
the breeding programs.
The majority of farmers do a selection only on males, but only 44% of farmers
practiced selection for both males and females. Llamas are selected by using
visual appraisal, and the common selection criteria are height, conformation and
color. In zone 1, farmers have preference for Guanaco type llamas. In most
cases, replacement animals came from the own herd, but farmers of zone 3 are
prompt to buy llamas from other regions. At the moment there are no joint
activities of farmers to improve their animals, but one could observe that the
breeding objective across farmers is very similar. This is a good starting point for
a breeding program as there is a common interest. None of the farmers keeps
written records about pedigree, production and reproduction performance.
Most of the farmers (77%) explained that they had not received any type of
support for improving their current management strategies. Only a few farmers
got training on pasture management, meat processing (production of charqui)
and handicrafts. But this training focused more on alpacas than on llamas.
Support was only provided by an NGO called FODESA, which is currently active in
some villages of the study region. So far farmers did not receive support from
the local government.
Although farmers face a number of challenges, they are still interested to
continue llama rearing in the future. The majority of the interviewees even
13
indicated that they consider increasing the number of llamas in the future. Main
reasons given are: llamas provide more meat than alpacas, llamas are more
resistant to diseases and can better cope with harsh environment (poor pasture
quality) and can provide a good and stable income.
One can conclude that the production system is a low-input low-output system,
where little investments are made and where farmers receive little or no support
for improving management strategies. Although the current market value for
llamas is not high, llamas still have their role in the production system and are
seen as an alternative source of income.
Outcome 2. Phenotypic characterization of three llama populations
Activity 3. Phenotypic characterization
A total number of 1071 llamas covering complete age range, gender, and three
types of llamas (Kara, Chaku and intermediate) have been recorded (Table 6).
Table 6. Number of herds and llamas recorded by zone and type
Zone
Herds
Llamas recorded (head)
Kara
Chaku
Intermediate
Total
1
14
174
---
----
174
2
17
242
24
107
373
3
18
356
168
----
524
Total
49
772
192
107
1071
The following phenotypic data have been collected for each animal (Figure 3):









Height at withers (cm)
Height at poll (cm)
Height at rump (cm)
Length of neck (cm)
Thoracic circumference (cm)
Length of body (cm)
Cannon bone circumference (cm)
Length of ear (cm)
Body weight (kg)
From a sub-sample of 137 lamas Chaku, fibre samples have been taken for fibre
quality analysis in the animal fibre laboratory of UNALM. Average and standard
deviation of fiber diameter were measured from staple samples by microprojection method (IWTO-8-2011).
The field work was carried out by the support of Masters students from UNALM
and llama farmers.
14
Figure 3. Body measurements
Results
Phenotypic characterization work started at zone 1 in January 2012. Then the
same work was done at zone 2 and zone 3 from April to June 2012. Additional
measurements such as height at poll, cannon bone circumference, and length of
ear were added to phenotypic characterization in these zones.
It seems that llama population from the study sites differs in many aspects from
other llama populations. Animals are on average taller, larger and have a higher
body weight. This indicates a high potential for meat production.
A high phenotypic variation in body weight and cannon bone circumference was
observed, mainly due to among herd variation (Table 7 and 8). More research is
needed to elucidate the source of this variation (genetic or environment), and to
estimate genetic parameters such as heritability and genetic correlations among
traits.
Table 7. Average of body measurements for llamas Kara in Zone 1
Measurement
Unit
N
mean±sd
cv(%)
Height at poll (ACa)
cm
45
183.9±9.6
5.2
Height at withers (AC)
cm
174
108.7±8.6
7.9
Height at rump (AG)
cm
174
109.6±9.9
9.1
Length of neck (LC)
cm
174
63.5±9.1
14.3
Thoracic circumference (PT)
cm
174
115.1±13.6
11.8
Cannon bone circumference (PC)
cm
26
13.7±3.1
22.7
Body weight (PV)
kg
174
108.1±33.7
31.2
15
Table 8. Body measurements for llamas Kara and intermediates in Zone
2 and 3
Measurement
Unit
n
mean±sd
cv(%)
Height at poll
cm
677
162.8±15.8
9.7
Height at withers
cm
677
104.2±9.5
9.1
Height at rump
cm
677
105.6±9.5
9.0
Length of neck
cm
677
55.8±7.4
13.2
Thoracic circumference
cm
677
115.5±13.3
11.5
Length of body
cm
677
122.4±13.4
10.9
Cannon bone circumference
cm
677
11.6±1.7
14.9
Length of ear
cm
677
16.6±2.2
13.4
Body weight
kg
677
102.6±32.8
31.9
In Sacrafamilia (zone 3) it was interesting to observe that farmers kept a larger
number of Chaku llamas. As expected the average of fiber diameter was finer in
young llamas than in older ones (Table 9). Also, fibers from young animals are
on average less or equal 22 microns which corresponds to alpaca baby class. So,
Chaku fiber shows adequate fiber average diameter to be sold in the market,
maybe it is sold as alpaca. However, more research is needed to study factors
affecting fleece weight, shearing interval, fiber loss, and the presence of hairymedullated fibers across fleece.
Table 9. Average of fiber diameter for llamas Chaku in Sacrafamilia
(Zone 3)
Age
Sex
Milk
Two
Four
Six
tooth
tooth
tooth
tooth
22
6
11
Average (μm)
21.4
22.0
S.D. (μm)
1.81
1.4
Items
Number of
animals
Male
Female
89
32
96
23.5
27.6
24.6
26.4
1.5
3.8
3.2
4.4
During the phenotypic characterization Llamas Kara were assigned to the
following categories:
ABCD-
Excellent conformation, kara type, good height
Good conformation, kara type, good height
Regular conformation, regular kara type, regular height
Poor conformation, kara type not well defined, poor height
16
Llamas belongs to category A and B were tagged and selected to be used as
parents in the next mating season. These activities were the first step for
implementing genealogy registry in the study zones.
Outcome 3. Breeding strategies and social networks
Activity 4. Documentation of breeding strategies and social networks
All farmers, who were interviewed also provided information on the progeny
history of three selected animals. The best breeding male and the two best
breeding females of each herd were identified. The origin (own herd or different
source), service period and important characteristics were recorded. For each
female the number of offsprings, number of abortions and fate of the offspring
(sold or remained in the herd) was documented. This information can be used for
the identification of current breeding practices.
The preliminary results of the interviews and discussions showed that the main
and almost only purpose of rearing llamas in the region is the production of
meat. This is reflected in very homogenous answers related to the selection
criteria. The research team therefore decided to omit the ranking exercise as no
new insights were expected.
The social network analysis was performed with all interview partners in order to
obtain information on current breeding strategies.
Results
The majority of the farmers use male and female animals from their own herd for
replacement. This practice can lead to an increase of inbreeding rate over a
longer period. Especially replacement females are recruited from the own herd.
Only about 20% of interviewees stated that they sometimes purchase new
breeding males from other farmers in other regions. Alternative practices such as
exchange of males or lending or renting of breeding stock are not common in the
study sites.
Farmers stated that they usually try to keep the offspring of their best animals.
But if there is a need for immediate cash, animals are sold either as breeding
stock or for meat production. Only about 41%, 34% and 56% of interviewees
stated that they select both males and females in zone 1, 2, and 3 respectively.
Farmers applied their own criteria to select replacements by visual appraisal, but
most of them preferred taller and larger animals with good body conformation.
In zone 1, farmers have more preference for “Guanaco” type llamas.
Males and females, young and old llamas are maintained together during the
mating season in open rangelands, so parent identification is not feasible. In
addition, artificial insemination and embryo transfer are not used by farmers.
In more informal interviews farmers explained that animals are frequently sold to
other regions in Peru, especially to Puno in the south. It was explained that their
animals are well known in different regions of the country. At the same time
concerns were raised by several people that this practice might have negative
consequences in the future as the region might lose the best animals in the
future.
17
Outcome 4. Design and implementation of breeding strategies
Activity 5. Development of improved breeding strategies
Based on the findings of Activity 1 to 4 improved breeding strategies were
designed. Strategies varying in complexity will be considered in accordance with
institutional arrangements, opinions of the community and the baseline
performance data on the breeds in question. Deterministic simulation of
alternative breeding programs with ZPLAN was postpone after to get a general
agreement among stakeholders about main characteristics of the breeding
program.
Activity 6. Implementation of new breeding strategies
The community and research team took the first steps in outlining and
implementing the agreed breeding plan(s) in all three locations. Llamas were
selected and tagged by the project team, and records from the phenotypic
characterization were saved in a digital file.
Results
A multi-stakeholder consultation process in each study region was the starting
point for the design of community-based breeding programs (CBP). During this
initial phase personal interviews with farmers, but also a series of workshops
with farmers, representatives of local government, an NGO and universities were
held. These platforms were used to distribute information on breeding programs,
but also to discuss and agree on level of involvement, roles and responsibilities
of different stakeholders in a breeding program.
Repeated field visits were needed to explain the main objective of a breeding
program. It was made clear that a breeding program can only be successful if
there is a long-term commitment and interest from different actors. There were
also discussions held to explain that breeding activities should also be
accompanied by supporting actions (e.g. veterinary service, pasture
improvement). Therefore the research team included also a veterinarian of
UNALM to provide specific training to farmers.
Finally, in Pasco, a llama breeders association was formed and is officially
recognised by local institutions. This is an important step as this will give the
association the negotiation power to discuss with the local government possible
support actions.
In Marcapomacocha the project faced a delay in getting an agreement with
farmers. In this community the term of the president and his team ended and
after the elections a new team is now leading the community. Therefore the
project team had to re-start discussions and explanations with the new leaders.
Finally, they were convinced that they would like to continue with the
collaboration.
Different technical details of alternative breeding strategies, such as central
versus dispersed nucleus, were presented and discussed with farmers. This was
an important step in the discussion as this has implications on logistics and
administration of the breeding program. This participatory approach with the
involvement of different actors ensures commitment and ownership of all parties
18
which is a pre-requisite for the long-term sustainability of a breeding program.
Two community-based breeding programs were outlined, one in Zone 1 at Junin
Region, and another in Zone 2 and 3, both located at Pasco Region. Llama
farmers from Zone 2 and 3 decided to form a llama breeders association
(PROLLAMA) to run together a community-based breeding program. Main
features of these programs are presented in Table 10.
Table 10. Main characteristics of proposed community-based breeding
programs
Item
Breeding Program A
Breeding Program B
Zone
1
2 and 3
Region
Junín
Pasco
Type of llamas
Kara
Kara
Type of nucleus
Central
Dispersed nucleus
Number of farmers
15-20
100-200
Size of nucleus
100
females
and
15 200
females
males
males
Multipliers
None
Yes
Base
600 females
1000 females
Organization
Local
committee
and
30
at PROLLAMA-Llama
Marcapomacocha Peasant breeders association
Community
Genetic evaluation
Performance test
Performance test
Recording system
Yes
Yes
Genealogy registry
Yes
Yes
Identification
Ear tags
Ear tags
Objectives
Improve growth rate and Improve growth rate and
conformation
conformation
Selection criteria
Body weight
Body weight
Mating method
Controlled
Controlled
Mating system
Mate best to best with Mate best to best with
inbreeding constraint
inbreeding constraint
It was not possible to start with one common breeding program for all regions,
mainly due to political division and long distance between llama sites in Junin
and Pasco regions. In zone 1, Marcapomacocha and Sangrar sites are part of
Marcapomacocha peasant community, so decisions about the CBD are taken at
19
Community Assembly. It is reasonable to form a one central open nucleus
without multiplier strata in zone 1 since a few number of farmers will be enrolled
in the CBD.
In contrast, farmers from zone 2 and 3 came from about 20 peasant
communities of Pasco region, so decisions about the CBD will be taken by the
llama breeders association. There is no general agreement to have one central
nucleus, so the implementation of a dispersed open nucleus seems to be
acceptable by members of PROLLAMA. At at least 3 nucleus will be implemented
with possible locations at Ninacaca, San Pedro de Racco, Tactayo or Pucunan .
6 Scientific publications and publications in local media
Many abstracts and oral presentations were offered in different meetings at
regional and international level.
Three abstracts were submitted and presented in international conferences:
Gutierrez G., E. Flores, J. Ruiz, E. Schrevens, and M. Wurzinger. 2012.
Alpacas and Llamas in Peru: Comparison of two production systems – How
does the future look like?. In Proceedings of the 63rd Conference of EAAPEuropean Association of Animal Production. Bratislava, Slovakia.
Gutiérrez G., A. Mendoza; B. Wolfinger, E. Quina, y M. Wurzinger. 2012.
Crianza de llamas en la sierra central del Perú. En Resúmenes del XIII
Simposio Iberoamericano sobre Conservación y Utilización de Recursos
Zoogenéticos. Asunción, Paraguay.
Gutiérrez, G., A. Mendoza.; B. Wolfinger, E. Quina, A. Rodríguez, M.
Mendoza, F. Tantahuilca, y M. Wurzinger. 2012. Caracterización de la
crianza de llamas de la sierra central del Perú. En resúmenes del VI
Congreso Mundial de Camelidos Sudamericanos. Arica,Chile.
One abstract was submitted and accepted by organizers of the European
Association of Animal Production Annual Meeting 2013.
Wurzinger M., Rodriguez A., G. Gutierrez. 2013. Design of a communitybased llama breeding program in Peru: a multi-stakeholder process.
Abstract accepted at EAAP- European Association of Animal Production
Annual Meeting 2013, Nantes, France.
A Master thesis named “Characterisation of the production systems of llamas and
description of breeding strategies of smallholders in the Central Peruvian Andes”
was published at BOKU by Brigitta Wolfinger. The thesis is free-available on line.
Thesis of five Peruvian master students and one doctoral student at UNALM is
expected to be done in 2013.
20
7 Theses
The project supports Masters students from both universities to do their research
for their Master thesis. The working titles of the theses are as follows:

Brigitta Wolfinger (BOKU): Characterization of the production system of
llamas and description of breeding strategies of smallholders in the Central
Peruvian Andes

Emma Quina (UNALM): Rearing systems and phenotypic characterization
of llama population in Marcapomacocha, Junin.

Alexandra Cynthia Mendoza (UNALM): Production systems and breeding
strategies of llama farmers in Pasco.

Folke Tantahuilca (UNALM): Phenotypic characterization of llama Chaku in
Sacrafamilia, Pasco.

Jorge Mendoza (UNALM): Evaluation of body measurements for llama Kara
selection in Pasco.

Marcos Calderón (UNALM): Design of a community-based breeding
program for a llama population in Marcapomacocha
Another Peruvian student, Anibal Rodriguez, was supported by the project to do
his field work for his PhD thesis. He is an associate professor at Daniel Alcides
Carrion University in Pasco. His thesis is named “Comparison of three
community-based breeding schemes for llama farmers in Pasco”.
8 Follow-up project activities
The project team could jointly with a research team from Bolivia secure
additional funding for 2013-2014. The FAO-funded project “Capacity
strengthening for implementing breeding strategies for llamas in Bolivia and
Peru” has three main activities: human capacity development, development of a
data base and continue technical support of local farmers.
The project offers for students, researchers, but also livestock keepers different
short courses.
In addition, regular field visits to the communities enable the research team to
keep in contact with the farmers and further develop and implement the jointly
designed breeding strategies. A database, hosted by UNALM, will be used to
store and analyze field data on performance of animals. This is the base for
calculation of genetic parameters and in the future also the estimation of
breeding values.
The breeders association of Pasco will present, supported by the project team, a
concept to the local government to get financial support for further development
of the llama sector. They seek the implementation of llama production system
improvement program with emphasis in capacity-building, breeding, health,
nutrition and market access for llama products as fresh and “Charqui” (dried and
salty meat)
21
In April 2013 an additional project proposal was submitted to the PerezGuerrero-Trust. The idea of this proposal is to enable interaction between
researchers in Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. A decision on funding is expected by
October 2013.
22
Future activities
Based on the findings of this project new research and development topics where
identified:







Estimation of genetic parameters and correlations of various traits
Establishment of a routine for estimation of breeding values
Different feeding strategies for final fattening of male llamas, which are
not used in the breeding program, should be assessed. One possible
option is the use of improved pasture.
A more detailed and systematic analysis of the local and regional meat
market.
Impact assessment of breeding programs
Molecular characterization of llama population
Technical support of livestock keepers related to herd management, but
also processing and marketing of products.
23
References
Caceres C., Y. 2002. Análisis del sistema de valor del sub sector de carne de
alpaca y llama. Tesis para optar el grado de Magister Scientiae en la especialidad
de Agronegocios. Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina.
FAO. 2005. Situacion actual de los Camelidos Sudamericanos en Peru.
Gutierrez R. G. 1993. Masticación ingestiva y fragmentación de forrajes de
diferente longitud en ovinos, alpacas y llamas. Tesis para optar el grado de
Magister Scientiae en la especialidad de Produccion Animal. Universidad Nacional
Agraria La Molina.
Maquera LL., E. 1991. Caracterización y persistencia fenotípica en llamas Karas y
lanudas del Centro Experimental La Raya - Puno. Tesis para optar el grado de
Magister Scientiae en la especialidad de Produccion Animal. Universidad Nacional
Agraria La Molina.
Ministerio de Agricultura. 2010. Dinámica Agropecuaria 1997-2009. Oficina de
Estudios Económicos y Estadísticos, Perú.
Ruiz J.B.; Gutiérrez G.A. y Velarde R.F. 2004. Producción y comercialización de
los productos de los pequeños rumiantes y camélidos sudamericanos en el Perú.
In: “La comercialización de los productos de los pequeños rumiantes y camélidos
sudamericanos”. Publicación RED CYTED XIX, México. Páginas 119-126.
Siguayro P, R. 2010. Comparación de las características físicas de las fibras de la
llama ch'aku (Lama glama) y la alpaca Huacaya (Lama pacos) del Centro
Experimental Quimsachata del INIA - Puno. Tesis para optar el grado de Magister
Scientiae en la especialidad de Produccion Animal. Universidad Nacional Agraria
La Molina.
24
Annex I
Alpacas and Llamas in Peru: Comparison of two production systems – How does
the future look like?
G. Gutierrez1, E. Flores1, J. Ruiz1, E. Schrevens2, M. Wurzinger3
1
UNALM-Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peruffd
2
KU-Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
3
BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
Alpacas and llamas are kept next to each other in the central highlands of the
Peruvian Andes, where crop production is not feasible due to low temperature.
The aims of two studies were to document the current situation of Alpaca and
llama rearing and identify the dynamics and on-going changes of the two
different systems. The studies were carried out in the Department of Cerro de
Pasco where a total number of 106 llama keepers and 23 Alpaca breeders were
interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. First results show a clear
distinction of both systems. Llamas are usually kept by individual smallholders.
On the contrary, Alpacas are kept by farmers´ cooperatives, where the animals
remain property of the farmers, or in large community farms, where animals are
owned by the community. This is also reflected in larger Alpaca herds. Llamas
are traditionally kept for meat production and are used as pack animals, whereas
Alpacas are kept for fibre. Farmers put more emphasis, time and money in
improving the management of Alpacas. They purchase better breeding males
from different sources, whereas llama males are often replaced by animals from
the own herd or are obtained from neighbours. NGOs and the local government
promote a more market oriented Alpaca production and support farmers in their
efforts by providing training and other inputs. On the other hand, the predicted
impact of climate change for this region indicates a reduction in precipitation and
as a consequence reduced pasture growth. This would actually favour llamas,
which are known to be better adapted to harsh and dry conditions. There seems
to be a dichotomy between the economic advantage of Alpacas in the short run
and the possible more ecological sustainable llama production in the future.
25
Annex II
Área Temática: Sistemas ganaderos sustentables con la participación de razas
locales
Crianza de llamas en la sierra central del Perú
Gustavo Gutierrez1*, Alexandra Mendoza1; Brigitta Wolfinger2, Emma Quina1,
María Wurzinger2
1
Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Programa de Investigación en Ovinos y
Camélidos Americanos, Lima. Perú.*gustavogr@lamolina.edu.pe
2
BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of
Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Viena, Austria
Los objetivos del estudio fueron describir el sistema de crianza e identificar las
estrategias locales de manejo genético de los rebaños de llamas en los distritos
de Simón Bolívar y Santa Ana de Tusi (Zona 1), Huayllay (Zona 2) y
Marcapomacocha (Zona 3) de la sierra central del Perú. 126 criadores de
llamas fueron encuestados durante Junio del 2011 a Enero del 2012. El principal
objetivo de la crianza de llamas es la producción de carne. El sistema de crianza
es extensivo basado en el uso de pastizales de propiedad comunal. El rebaño
promedio es mixto, compuesto por llamas, alpacas, ovinos, y vacunos. El
número promedio de llamas por criador fue de 45, 34 y 27 en la zona 1, 2 y 3
respectivamente. La población de llamas ha disminuido en los últimos 5 años en
27% , 42% y 50% de los rebaños de la zona 1, 2 y 3, respectivamente, signo de
erosión genética de este recurso. El 56%, 34% y 41% de los criadores realiza
selección en hembras y machos en la zona 1, 2 y 3 respectivamente. El tipo de
llama predominante es el tipo pelada, seguido por intermedio y lanuda. Los
criterios de selección son la altura, la conformación corporal y el color. El
empadre es continuo y no controlado. Las hembras y machos de reemplazo
provienen mayoritariamente del propio rebaño, seguido de compras e
intercambio. Los criadores perciben la necesidad de mejorar sus pastos, la
genética de sus rebaños y su accesibilidad al mercado. Se sugiere la elaboración
de una estrategia participativa de mejoramiento del sistema de producción.
Palabras claves: Llama, pelada, Perú.
26
Annex III.
CARACTERIZACIÓN DE LA CRIANZA DE LLAMAS DE LA SIERRA CENTRAL DEL
PERÚ
Gutierrez1*, G., Mendoza1 A.; Wolfinger2 B., Quina1 E., Rodriguez1 A., Mendoza1
M., Tantahuilca1 F., Wurzinger2 M.
1
Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Programa de Investigación en Ovinos y
Camélidos Americanos, Lima. Perú.*gustavogr@lamolina.edu.pe
2
BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of
Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Viena, Austria
INTRODUCCIÓN: La llama (Lama glama) es una especie nativa de los altos
andes, cuya crianza esta asociado a pequeños criadores. Existe una población
única de llamas en la sierra centra del Perú (Gutiérrez y col., 2012), que no
tiene una caracterización completa. Los objetivos del estudio fueron: a) describir
el sistema de crianza, b) identificar las estrategias locales de manejo genético
de los rebaños de llamas, y c) caracterizar fenotípicamente las llamas de la
Sierra Central del Perú.
MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: La zona de estudio comprendió los distritos de Simón
Bolívar y Santa Ana de Tusi (Zona 1), Huayllay (Zona 2) y Marcapomacocha
(Zona 3) de la sierra central del Perú. 126 criadores de llamas fueron
encuestados y 1071 llamas fueron medidas para peso vivo, altura a la cabeza,
cruz, y grupa, circunferencia de tórax, cuello y caña anterior, largo de cuerpo,
cuello y de grupa, durante Junio del 2011 a Julio del 2012.
RESULTADOS: El principal objetivo de la crianza de llamas es la producción de
carne. El sistema de crianza es extensivo basado en el uso de pastizales de
propiedad comunal. El rebaño promedio es mixto, compuesto por llamas,
alpacas, ovinos, y vacunos. El número promedio de llamas por criador fue de 45,
34 y 27 en la zona 1, 2 y 3 respectivamente. Los criadores que han percibido que
la población de llamas ha disminuido en los últimos 5 años son 27%, 42% y
50% de los encuestados de la zona 1, 2 y 3, respectivamente. El 56%, 34% y
41% de los criadores realiza selección en hembras y machos en la zona 1, 2 y 3
respectivamente. El tipo de llama predominante es el tipo pelada, seguido por
intermedio y lanuda. Los criterios de selección son la altura, la conformación
corporal y el color. El empadre es continuo y no controlado. Las hembras y
machos de reemplazo provienen mayoritariamente del propio rebaño, seguido de
compras e intercambio. La variabilidad fenotípica fue alta para las características
biométricas evaluadas debido al efecto de la edad, sexo, rebaño y zonas de
estudio.
CONCLUSIONES: El sistema de crianza corresponde a un sistema de producción
mixto y de bajos insumos. Los criadores perciben la necesidad de mejorar sus
pastos, la genética de sus rebaños y su accesibilidad al mercado. Se sugiere la
elaboración de una estrategia participativa de mejoramiento del sistema de
producción.
REFERENCIAS:
Gutierrez G., E. Flores, J. Ruiz, E. Schrevens, and M. Wurzinger. 2012. Alpacas
and Llamas in Peru: Comparison of two production systems – How does the
future look like?. In Proceedings of the 63rd Conference of EAAP-European
Association of Animal Production. Bratislava, Slovakia.
Palabras claves: Llama, caracterización, Perú.
27
Annex IV.
CARACTERIZACIÓN DE LA CRIANZA DE LLAMAS DE LA SIERRA CENTRAL
DEL PERÚ
Gutierrez1*, G., Mendoza1 A.; Wolfinger2 B., Quina1 E., Rodriguez1 A., Mendoza1
M., Tantahuilca1 F., Wurzinger2 M.
1
Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Programa de Investigación en Ovinos y
Camélidos Americanos, Lima. Perú.*gustavogr@lamolina.edu.pe
2
BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of
Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Viena, Austria
INTRODUCCIÓN: La llama (Lama glama) es una especie nativa de los altos
andes, cuya crianza esta asociado a pequeños criadores. Existe una población
única de llamas en la sierra centra del Perú (Gutiérrez y col., 2012), que no
tiene una caracterización completa. Los objetivos del estudio fueron: a) describir
el sistema de crianza, b) identificar las estrategias locales de manejo genético
de los rebaños de llamas, y c) caracterizar fenotípicamente las llamas de la
Sierra Central del Perú.
MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: La zona de estudio comprendió los distritos de Simón
Bolívar y Santa Ana de Tusi (Zona 1), Huayllay (Zona 2) y Marcapomacocha
(Zona 3) de la sierra central del Perú. 126 criadores de llamas fueron
encuestados y 1071 llamas fueron medidas para peso vivo, altura a la cabeza,
cruz, y grupa, circunferencia de tórax, cuello y caña anterior, largo de cuerpo,
cuello y de grupa, durante Junio del 2011 a Julio del 2012.
RESULTADOS: El principal objetivo de la crianza de llamas es la producción de
carne. El sistema de crianza es extensivo basado en el uso de pastizales de
propiedad comunal. El rebaño promedio es mixto, compuesto por llamas,
alpacas, ovinos, y vacunos. El número promedio de llamas por criador fue de 45,
34 y 27 en la zona 1, 2 y 3 respectivamente. Los criadores que han percibido que
la población de llamas ha disminuido en los últimos 5 años son 27%, 42% y
50% de los encuestados de la zona 1, 2 y 3, respectivamente. El 56%, 34% y
41% de los criadores realiza selección en hembras y machos en la zona 1, 2 y 3
respectivamente. El tipo de llama predominante es el tipo pelada, seguido por
intermedio y lanuda. Los criterios de selección son la altura, la conformación
corporal y el color. El empadre es continuo y no controlado. Las hembras y
machos de reemplazo provienen mayoritariamente del propio rebaño, seguido de
compras e intercambio. La variabilidad fenotípica fue alta para las características
biométricas evaluadas debido al efecto de la edad, sexo, rebaño y zonas de
estudio.
CONCLUSIONES: El sistema de crianza corresponde a un sistema de producción
mixto y de bajos insumos. Los criadores perciben la necesidad de mejorar sus
pastos, la genética de sus rebaños y su accesibilidad al mercado. Se sugiere la
elaboración de una estrategia participativa de mejoramiento del sistema de
producción.
REFERENCIAS:
Gutierrez G., E. Flores, J. Ruiz, E. Schrevens, and M. Wurzinger. 2012. Alpacas
and Llamas in Peru: Comparison of two production systems – How does the
future look like?. In Proceedings of the 63rd Conference of EAAP-European
Association of Animal Production. Bratislava, Slovakia.
Palabras claves: Llama, caracterización, Perú.
28
Annex V.
Design of a community-based llama breeding program in Peru: a multistakeholder process
M. Wurzinger1, A. Rodriguez,2,3 G. Gutierrez2
1
BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
2
UNALM-Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
3
Universidad Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrion, Cerro de Pasco, Peru
The Peruvian llama population counts about 1 million animals and the sale of
meat and breeding animals is of economic importance for many smallholders.
Nevertheless, there are a number of factors hindering a higher productivity, one
of them are well established breeding programs. The llamas of the central
highlands (Department of Junin and Pasco) are well-known by llama producers
as they these animals are very tall and heavy and breeding stock is sold every
year to other regions of Peru. Farmers raised their concern of losing potentially
good genetics, when there is no concerted breeding management in place.
Therefore the aim of this study was the design of a community-based breeding
program and a multi-stakeholder consultation process was started. This involved
personal interviews with farmers, but also a series of workshops with farmers,
representatives of local government, an NGO and universities. These platforms
were used to distribute information on breeding programs, but also to discuss
and agree on level of involvement, roles and responsibilities of different
stakeholders in a breeding program. In a first step, 70 farmers of 20
communities agreed to form a breeders association. At the same time a
phenotypic characterization of the llama population was performed. In addition, a
preliminary market analysis was carried out to get a better understanding of the
complete value chain of llama meat. Alternative breeding strategies, such as
central versus dispersed nucleus, were presented and discussed with farmers.
This participatory approach with the involvement of different actors ensures
commitment and ownership of all parties which is a pre-requisite for the longterm sustainability of a breeding program.
29