Lima, Peru, 1 August 2024 – In Peru, alpaca fibre has become a flagship product driving the fashion industry. Highly valued for its exceptional softness, quality, strength, and authenticity, this raw material is sought after in the world’s most exclusive stores. According to national reports, nearly USD 200 million worth of products made from alpaca fibre, including fabrics, garments, and other derivatives, are exported annually to the United States, Europe, and Asia.
To advance the Peruvian textile industry, MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (“MGI”), a company committed to building core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life sciences, along with Universidad Agraria de La Molina (UNALM) and Inca Tops, are spearheading genetic research on 1,500 alpacas from Puno. This initiative focuses on DNA analysis to identify molecular markers within their genomes that optimise fibre quality, enhance fineness, and maintain natural colours.
Carlos Carpio, MGI’s Commercial Director for Latin America, explains that genomics contributes to the development and growth of the alpaca industry, enabling scientists not only to identify and analyse genes and their characteristics but also to implement more efficient optimisation processes.
“Latin America has become a strategic region for advancing next-generation genetic sequencing research, particularly in agriculture. In alpacas, genomics facilitates the enhancement of key physical traits and disease resistance, ensuring the long-term health of the animals and consistent quality of their fibre. This benefits breeders by improving the profitability and sustainability of alpaca production, while also promoting more efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural practices,” Carpio adds.
He also highlights that MGI’s sequencing technology accelerates research in industrial crops like alpaca fibre. In this project, sequencing is performed on MGI’s high-throughput sequencer DNBSEQ-T7RS. Libraries are prepared on the MGISP-960 using library prep reagents, and data analysis for variant calling is conducted on MGI’s MegaBOLT.
“We are proud to contribute to the sequencing of alpaca fibre genes. By providing high-quality data through cutting-edge, efficient, and cost-effective technologies, we can harness the potential of agri-genomics to enhance industry competitiveness in developing countries,” Carpio notes.
Dr. Gustavo Gutiérrez, a faculty member and researcher at UNALM’s Department of Zootechnics, who oversees DNA extraction from the alpacas, emphasises the global significance of alpaca fibre.
“Peru boasts over 85% of the world’s alpacas, totalling five million, establishing us as the primary producer of this highly sought-after fibre. While facing competition from other textiles, technological advancements aim to enhance alpaca quality, boosting demand, industry value, and supporting highland farming communities,” says Dr. Gutiérrez.
He adds that the project not only improves alpaca genetics for breeding and production but also contributes to advancing scientific knowledge. “This research will benefit breeders, professionals, and institutions involved in the study of these camelids.”
The research commenced in June 2024 and will continue until March 2025 in the districts of Melgar and Ñuñoa, in the province of Melgar, Puno, at altitudes below 4,000 meters. Inca Tops oversees alpaca sample collection at its Pacomarca Scientific Station, recognised as one of the most advanced facilities worldwide in this field.
“At Inca Tops, we are dedicated to the revalorisation of alpacas and the preservation of their fibre, essential for crafting exclusive products. Our garment production relies on ancestral innovation implemented at our Scientific Station, built upon six millennia of cultural legacy to procure the world’s finest fibre. Moreover, we prioritise sustainability, ensuring that communities supplying our raw materials benefit economically from extraction activities, thereby improving their quality of life,” concludes Alan Cruz, Genetic Development Manager at Pacomarca.
Additional Facts:
- The United Nations has declared 2024 the International Year of Camelids, highlighting these species as a key subsistence resource for millions of households worldwide[2].
- Peru’s main alpaca regions include: Puno, Cusco, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Apurímac, Ayacucho, Pasco, Moquegua, Junín, and Tacna.
- Alpacas provide 23 natural shades in garments without the use of dyes.
References:
[1] MIDAGRI: Reporte de Alpaca (2022). Gobierno del Perú. Retrieved July 2024, from https://recursos.exportemos.pe//ALPACA2022_rev1%20(1).pdf
[2] International Year of Camelids (2024). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Retrieved July 2024, from https://www.fao.org/camelids-2024/es
