Improvements to Genetic Evaluation of Alpacas: Implied Fiber Density, Fiber Diameter Blow Out and Micron and Curvature Adjusted Measures

Principal investigator:

R. Mark Enns, Professor
Colorado State University
9/1/2020–1/31/2021
$10,163

Genetic evaluation in the livestock industries has been used successfully to improve animal populations since the early 1980’s as evidenced by genetic trends in those organizations since. Alpaca Owner’s Association Inc. (AOA) adopted this technology over a decade ago with these evaluations using data collected and approved by breeders. Based on breeder comments and input, the addition of new traits to promote further improvement to fiber production systems is needed. This project conducts baseline research to support the development of EPD for four new traits: Age-related fiber diameter blowout, micron-adjusted standard deviation of fiber diameter, curvature-adjusted staple length, and implied fiber density. Using data currently available in the AOA EPD program, heritabilities of these new traits will be calculated—to determine the importance of genetics to the expression of these traits. Following estimation of heritabilities, using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction, prototype EPD for each trait will be calculated and delivered to the ARF and AOA for review. Implied fiber density has been previously prototyped, however there were concerns that selection on this trait could lead to increases in animal size. As such, additional data on growth/size measures will be compiled and used to adjust the EPD for differences in size such that selection will not result in concomitant changes in animal size.