13:37 | Puno (Puno region), Jan. 14.
The largest genetic reserve of alpaca breeds in numerous color variations —in Peru and the world— is located in the southern Andean region of Puno.
This research center has embraced insemination and embryo transfer in its quest to optimize alpaca meat and
fiber production, as well as to make the South American camelid resistant to climate change.
Quimsachata Research and Production Center (CIP) is located at 4,200 m.a.s.l. between the provinces of Lampa and San Ramon, in Puno region.
CIP has a germplasm bank of alpaca breeds available in 20 of the 23 color variations identified by the global fur industry.
These alpacas show off their silky fur on the banks of Saracocha Lake —the main source of water in the area— which creates a special microclimate, ideal for their coexistence.
It must be noted these South American mammals can tolerate extreme temperatures and have sustained Puno's high-Andean populations for decades.
The
National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA) —which kicked off its research on camelids in 1988 in the search for new technological and organizational alternatives— is responsible for the care and preservation of the above-mentioned genetic reserve.
CIP utilizes insemination and embryo transfer to obtain genetically improved camelids, in order to optimize fiber and meat production, as an alternative to sustainable economic growth for alpaca breeders.
(END) DOP/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 1/14/2020