Global breeding programs

Network Analysis of llama exchange in the Peruvian Andes

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Abstract

In the Peruvian Andes, the management of llamas has been practiced for more than 6,000 years and remains an integral part of the local farming systems, with specific types of llamas used for meat (K'ara) and fibre (Chaku). It is common for llama breeders to replace breeding sires and, to a lesser extent, dams with animals from other herds. The long distances and poor transportation infrastructure could cause breeders to repeatedly choose replacement animals from neighbouring or local herds, giving rise to local relatedness. The limited literature on this topic highlights instances of poor breeding management and the associated risk of inbreeding, but fails to provide evidence in support of this claim. Therefore, this study aims to describe breeding strategies and map exchange of llamas in the South of Peru. A total of 117 questionnaires were administered to smallholder farmers (< 40 breeding females) in the departments of Puno and Cusco, located in the South of Peru. Participants were selected based on their availability and involvement in llama breeding. The questionnaire included sections on general farm characteristics, llama management practices, as well as questions about the acquisition and sales of breeding animals in the last 5 years. Information on the origins and destinations of breeding stock was obtained by asking the respondents to indicate the exact location of the other farms and their own farm. This information was for georeferencing exact locations using GPS coordinates. The data were analysed in RStudio and integrated with geospatial shapefiles from ArcGIS to produce maps illustrating animal movement. The results showed most farmers had obtained (84%) and sold (73%) breeding animals in the past 5 years. The methods of obtaining llamas were buying (87%), renting (7%), borrowing (4%) interchanging (2%). The most commonly traded llama type was K'ara (73%) followed by Chaku (26%) and Suri (1%).31 interviewees reported the acquisition of breeding animals (79% male, 12% female, 9% mixed ), from cooperatives specialized in llama breeding in the Department of Pasco. These animals were transported by road over distances of 1,200 - 1,700km to Cusco and Puno. The 31 farmers who obtained llamas from Pasco also exchanged animals with others nearby, thereby acting as hubs and forming a wider regional network. Female and male breeding animals are selected for a variety of health and production traits. While most farmers (63%) reported avoiding matings of closely related animals to control inbreeding, 43% of farmers reported that this can happen, mostly due to their inability to stop it as animals graze freely on rangelands. Although the current levels of inbreeding remain unknown, the findings reveal an active community of llama farmers who deliberately and strategically acquire breeding stock for their herds.

Keywords: 2026

How to Cite:

van der Giessen, L., Gutierrez, g., Alvarado, , Rivera, C., Paucar, R., Rodriguez, A. & Wurzinger, M., (2026) “Network Analysis of llama exchange in the Peruvian Andes”, World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production Digital Archive 2026(1): 2275397. doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/wcgalp.23424

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