Infectious and non-infectious causes for pregnancy loss in South American camelids - A review.

South American camelids (SAC) are gaining popularity for various purposes, including fiber production, trekking, and companionship. High abortion rates pose a significant health issue in SAC herds, leading to substantial economic losses for breeders. Often, the causes of these abortions remain unidentified. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the known infectious and non-infectious causes of abortions in SAC.

Comparison of atlantoaxial and lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid centesis techniques in South American camelids.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic blood contamination during cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) centesis is common, which can limit the diagnostic usefulness of the sample. A novel ultrasound-guided CSF collection technique is described in horses, by which CSF is obtained from the atlantoaxial (AA) space. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To compare ultrasound-guided AA centesis with lumbosacral (LS) centesis in South American camelids (SAC). The hypotheses were that AA centesis would yield samples with less blood contamination although being technically more challenging than LS centesis. ANIMALS: Eight clinically healthy adult SAC from a university-owned teaching herd. METHODS: Single-blinded, randomized, 4-way, 4-period crossover study in which 2 veterinarians each performed both centesis techniques on each animal once. Cytological sample analysis was performed, and the technical difficulty of sample acquisition was assessed. RESULTS: The CSF was collected successfully and without complications by either technique during all collection attempts. Aspects of technical difficulty and concentrations of CSF analytes did not vary significantly between techniques. Median total nucleated cell and red blood cell counts were 1/µL and 0.5/µL and 167.5/µL and 155/µL for AA and LS techniques, respectively. The median total protein concentration was 32.9 mg/dL and 38 mg/dL for AA and LS centeses. A median of 1 attempt was necessary for both centesis techniques and the median number of needle repositioning events was 1 for AA and 0 for LS. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Depending on clinical circumstances, ultrasound-guided AA centesis appears to be an acceptable alternative to other techniques for collection of CSF from SAC.

Bioinformatic identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in keratin-associated protein genes in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) / Identificación bioinformática de Polimorfismos de Nucleótido Simple (PNSs) en genes de proteínas asociadas a queratinas en alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

Abstract This study aims to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within KRTAP genes in alpacas (Vicugna pacos), which play a fundamental role in defining their physico-mechanical properties and potentially the quality of alpaca fiber, the primary product of their breeding. Thirty-four KRTAP genes, as annotated in the reference genome VicPac3.1, were investigated. Utilizing the reference genome, along with nine additional genomes and reads from 300 reduced representation DNA libraries of alpacas, SNPs were identified. Minor allele frequency (MAF) and genotyping rates were computed using PLINK software, while Illumina Scores were determined for each SNP using Illumina Design Studio software. Markers meeting the criteria of MAF ≥ 0.05, genotyping rate > 45%, and Illumina Score ≥ 0.6 per SNP were selected. A total of 67 SNPs were identified within intronic, exonic, and untranslated regions of KRTAP genes. Among these, 35 SNPs were incorporated into the 76K Alpaca SNP microarray, with 32 SNPs subsequently validated in a population of 936 alpacas. In conclusion, our findings delineate SNPs within KRTAPs that hold potential utility in genome-wide association studies, thereby facilitating the integration of modern breeding technologies into alpaca breeding programs.

Resumen Este estudio tiene como objetivo identificar polimorfismos de nucleótido simple (PNSs) dentro de los genes KRTAP en alpacas (Vicugna pacos), que juegan un papel fundamental en la definición de sus propiedades físico-mecánicas y la calidad de la fibra de alpaca, producto principal de su crianza. Se investigaron treinta y cuatro genes KRTAP, tal como están anotados en el genoma de referencia VicPac3.1. Utilizando el genoma de referencia, junto con nueve genomas adicionales y lecturas de 300 bibliotecas de representación reducida de ADN de alpacas, se identificaron los PNSs. La frecuencia de los alelos menores (MAF) y las tasas de genotipificación se calcularon utilizando el software PLINK, mientras que los Illumina Score se determinaron para cada PNS utilizando el software Illumina Design Studio. Se seleccionaron marcadores que cumplían con los criterios de MAF ≥ 0.05, tasa de genotipado > 45% e Illumina Score ≥ 0.6 por PNS. Se identificaron un total de 67 PNSs dentro de regiones intrónicas, exónicas y/o no traducidas de genes KRTAP. Entre estos, se incorporaron 35 PNSs al microarray 76K Alpaca SNP, y posteriormente se validaron 32 PNSs en una población de 936 alpacas. En conclusión, nuestros hallazgos identificaron los PNSs dentro de los KRTAP que tienen una utilidad potencial en estudios de asociación de todo el genoma, facilitando así la integración de tecnologías de reproducción modernas en los programas de reproducción de alpacas.

Pregnancy and birth rate outcomes in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) inseminated with frozen semen using two commercial extenders.

The aim of this study was to evaluate alpaca pregnancy outcomes and birth rates of females inseminated with frozen semen using two commercial extenders. A total of 18 ejaculates from 8 adult alpaca males were obtained with artificial vagina, and macroscopic and microscopic semen characteristics were assessed. Afterwards, samples were divided into two aliquots, diluted with Biladyl® B or AndroMed®, and cooled for 2 h at 5°C. At that moment, sperm motility was evaluated, and samples were frozen through a gradual descent of temperature using a liquid nitrogen tank. To analyse frozen sperm quality, samples were thawed at 38°C for 30 s. Even though a significant decrease in sperm motility and viability was detected when thawed (p < .05), no superiority was found between the two commercial extenders (Biladyl® B vs. AndroMed®). A total of 36 alpaca females were artificially inseminated (AI) between 30 and 34 h post-injection of a GnRH analogue, administered when a growing dominant follicle was detected through transrectal palpation and ultrasonography. Obtained pregnancy rates were similar between Biladyl® B (33.3%, 6/18) and AndroMed® (22.2%, 4/18). No significant differences were detected in birth rates between the two tested extenders, obtaining 4 and 3 births for Biladyl® and AndroMed®, respectively. In conclusion, alpaca pregnancies and alive offspring can be obtained through AI with frozen semen at similar efficiency rates using commercial diluents, Biladyl® B or AndroMed®.

Anaemia in South American camelids - an overview of clinical and laboratory diagnostics.

South American camelids (SACs) play an increasing role in veterinary care in Europe. Many alpacas or llamas presented to veterinarians suffer from anaemia, regularly with a packed cell volume (PCV) below 0.10 l/l, which is a life-threatening condition for the animals. This review article presents clinical and laboratory diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of anaemia in SACs. Clinical identification of anaemic animals can be performed by assessing the FAMACHA© score and the Body Condition Score (BCS), since anaemia in alpacas and llamas correlates with pale mucous membranes and a lowered BCS. Haematological examination of a blood sample can provide a more differentiated diagnosis of anaemia in SACs. A common finding is regenerative anaemia with an increased number of reticulocytes that is often caused by blood loss due to Haemonchus contortus. Changes in a blood smear from an alpaca or llama with regenerative anaemia may include normoblasts (nucleated red blood cells), anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, polychromasia, Howell-Jolly bodies or basophilic stippling. Furthermore, non-regenerative anaemia, often caused by trace element deficiency or cachexia, can also occur.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Fiber Diameter in Alpacas.

The aim of this study was the identification of candidate genomic regions associated with fiber diameter in alpacas. DNA samples were collected from 1011 female Huacaya alpacas from two geographical Andean regions in Peru (Pasco and Puno), and three alpaca farms within each region. The samples were genotyped using an Affymetrix Custom Alpaca genotyping array containing 76,508 SNPs. After the quality controls, 960 samples and 51,742 SNPs were retained. Three association study methodologies were performed. The GWAS based on a linear model allowed us to identify 11 and 35 SNPs (-log10(p-values) > 4) using information on all alpacas and alpacas with extreme values of fiber diameter, respectively. The haplotype and marker analysis method allowed us to identify nine haplotypes with standardized haplotype heritability higher than six standard deviations. The selection signatures based on cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) allowed us to identify 180 SNPs with XP-EHH values greater than |3|. Four candidate regions with adjacent SNPs identified via two association methods of analysis are located on VPA6, VPA9, VPA29 and one chromosomally unassigned scaffold. This study represents the first analysis of alpaca whole genome association with fiber diameter, using a recently assembled alpaca SNP microarray.

Cradle-to-grave environmental analysis of an alpaca fiber sweater produced in Peru.

Animal fibers are an important raw material for the fashion industry but have recently been discussed due to the environmental impacts related to their production. In order to provide scientific information for decision-making in the Peruvian alpaca sector a cradle to grave carbon footprint of one (01) wear of a 100 % alpaca fiber sweater has been conducted. For the modeling of the fiber procurement stage primary data regarding livestock management and annual production parameters were obtained from interviews with 42 Peruvian alpaca herders from the main producing regions in South and Central Peru. Data for the processing stages (spinning and dyeing, knitting and weaving) were collected by means of interviews and questionnaires from three alpaca fashion companies in Arequipa and Lima. The distribution, use, and end-of-life stages were modeled with secondary data. The resulting carbon footprint of one wear of the alpaca fiber sweater is 0.449 kg CO2 equivalents (CO2e). Most emissions occur during the lifecycle stages of fiber production and distribution (70 % and 14 % of CO2e emissions, respectively). Methane emissions from enteric fermentation account for 87 % of the impact within the fiber procurement stage. The environmental impacts during the distribution stage were dominated by retailing and road transport in the destination countries and export by air and sea (53.1 % and 46.4 % of carbon emissions in this stage, respectively). Other life cycle stages were found to be less relevant emission sources. The study concluded that the main strategies for impact mitigation should focus on improving the efficiency of the fiber procurement systems. Furthermore, several knowledge gaps have been identified and should be addressed by future research regarding methane emissions associated with the main co-products of the livestock systems, ecosystem services in the Andes and especially Andean wetlands and potential mitigation strategies of greenhouse gases related to different pasture management options.

Co-Circulation of Multiple Coronavirus Genera and Subgenera during an Epizootic of Lethal Respiratory Disease in Newborn Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in Peru: First Report of Bat-like Coronaviruses in Alpacas.

Coronaviruses (CoVs) infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, typically causing mild-to-severe respiratory or enteric disease. The main objective of this study was to identify CoV genera and subgenera detected in Peruvian alpacas. Lung lavage specimens were collected from 32 animals aged 1 to 6 weeks. CoVs were identified by using RT-PCR to amplify a pan-CoV conserved region of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase-encoding gene. A nested PCR was performed to identify ß-CoVs. Then, ß-CoV-positive samples were subjected to RT-PCR using specific primers to identify the Embecovirus subgenus. Out of 32 analyzed samples, 30 (93.8%) tested positive for at least one CoV genus. ß-, α-, or unclassified CoVs were identified in 24 (80%), 1 (3.3%), and 1 (3.3%) of the positive samples, respectively. A CoV genus could not be identified in two (6.7%) samples. A mixture of different CoV genera was detected in two (6.7%) samples: one was co-infected with ß- and α-CoVs, and the other contained a ß- and an unclassified CoV. A sequence analysis of the amplicons generated by the PCR identified 17 ß-CoV strains belonging to the subgenus Embecovirus and two α-CoV strains belonging to Decacovirus. A phylogenetic analysis of two strains revealed a relationship with an unclassified Megaderma BatCoV strain. A subgenus could not be identified in nine ß-CoV samples. Our data show a high prevalence and a high genetic diversity of CoV genera and subgenera that infect alpacas, in which the ß-CoV subgenus Embecovirus predominated. Our data also suggest a new role for bats in the dissemination and transmission of uncommon CoVs to alpacas raised in rural Peru.

Genome-wide scan for runs of homozygosity in South American Camelids.

BACKGROUND: Alpaca (Vicugna pacos), llama (Lama glama), vicugna (Vicugna vicugna) and guanaco (Lama guanicoe), are the camelid species distributed over the Andean high-altitude grasslands, the Altiplano, and the Patagonian arid steppes. Despite the wide interest on these animals, most of the loci under selection are still unknown. Using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data we investigated the occurrence and the distribution of Runs Of Homozygosity (ROHs) across the South American Camelids (SACs) genome to identify the genetic relationship between the four species and the potential signatures of selection. RESULTS: A total of 37 WGS samples covering the four species was included in the final analysis. The multi-dimensional scaling approach showed a clear separation between the four species; however, admixture analysis suggested a strong genetic introgression from vicugna and llama to alpaca. Conversely, very low genetic admixture of the guanaco with the other SACs was found. The four species did not show significant differences in the number, length of ROHs (100-500 kb) and genomic inbreeding values. Longer ROHs (> 500 kb) were found almost exclusively in alpaca. Seven overlapping ROHs were shared by alpacas, encompassing nine loci (FGF5, LOC107034918, PRDM8, ANTXR2, LOC102534792, BSN, LOC116284892, DAG1 and RIC8B) while nine overlapping ROHs were found in llama with twenty-five loci annotated (ERC2, FZD9, BAZ1B, BCL7B, LOC116284208, TBL2, MLXIPL, PHF20, TRNAD-AUC, LOC116284365, RBM39, ARFGEF2, DCAF5, EXD2, HSPB11, LRRC42, LDLRAD1, TMEM59, LOC107033213, TCEANC2, LOC102545169, LOC116278408, SMIM15, NDUFAF2 and RCOR1). Four overlapping ROHs, with three annotated loci (DLG1, KAT6B and PDE4D) and three overlapping ROHs, with seven annotated genes (ATP6V1E1, BCL2L13, LOC116276952, BID, KAT6B, LOC116282667 and LOC107034552), were detected for vicugna and guanaco, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The signatures of selection revealed genomic areas potentially selected for production traits as well as for natural adaptation to harsh environment. Alpaca and llama hint a selection driven by environment as well as by farming purpose while vicugna and guanaco showed selection signals for adaptation to harsh environment. Interesting, signatures of selection on KAT6B gene were identified for both vicugna and guanaco, suggesting a positive effect on wild populations fitness. Such information may be of interest to further ecological and animal production studies.

Effect of Atomized Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Supplementation in the Cryopreservation of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Epididymal Spermatozoa.

Artificial insemination is an important assisted reproductive technology that has been applied in several mammalian species. However, successful cryopreservation of semen of South American camelids has been limited, hindering the commercial application of artificial insemination in alpaca species. In this scenario, the addition of antioxidants to semen extenders provides a strategy to improve the freezability of mammalian sperm. Bioactive metabolites from natural extracts of black maca have shown valuable antioxidant properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of atomized black maca in the freezing medium of epididymal spermatozoa of alpacas. Fifteen pairs of epididymis were collected from a local slaughterhouse. Each sample was divided into six groups: (1) fresh, (2) yolk medium (YM), (3) 10 mg/mL maca, (4) 20 mg/mL maca, (5) 30 mg/mL maca, and (6) resveratrol (as an antioxidant control). Sperm cryopreservation was performed through the slow freezing method. Markers associated with functionality, such as motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity, as well as markers associated with oxidative damage, such as DNA integrity, total ROS production, and mitochondrial function, were analyzed. The results show that the supplementation with black maca (20 mg/mL) improved the sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function evaluated according to an index of formazan deposits. Similarly, the ROS production decreased with maca at 20 mg/mL, although the DNA integrity did not show any differences among the groups. These results suggest that maca at 20 mg/mL has cytoprotective effects during freezing/thawing of epididymal sperm of alpaca species. Further research will be focused on assessing the effects of maca supplementation on semen extenders by using biomolecular markers (proAKAP4) associated with fertility.

Does the addition of follicular fluid in the in vitro maturation medium increase the oocyte maturation and embryo production in alpacas?

In alpacas (Vicugna pacos), the high cost of in vitro embryo production is also a consequence of the use of several substances in the culture medium. In addition, embryo production rates in this species are still considered low. Thus, in attempt to reduce the cost and to improve the in vitro embryo production rates, this study evaluates the effect of adding follicular fluid (FF) in the in vitro maturation medium on oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo production. After ovary collection at the local slaughterhouse, the oocytes were recovered, selected, and allocated in experimental groups: standard maturation medium (G1) and simplified medium added by 10% FF (G2). The FF was acquired from follicles between 7- and 12-mm diameter. The cumulus cell expansion and the embryo production rates were analyzed by chi-square with p < 0.05. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed in maturation rate between G1 (66.36%) and G2 (63.12%) groups. Likewise, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was verified between G1 and G2 for morula (40.85 vs 38.45%), blastocyst (7.01 vs 6.93%), and total number of embryos (47.87 vs 45.38%). In conclusion, it was possible to simplify the medium used for in vitro maturation of alpaca oocytes resulting in embryo production rates similar to the standard medium.

Term alpaca placenta glycosylation profile and its correlation with pregnancy maintenance and fetal survival.

Alpaca is a South American camelid, particularly present in Peruvian highlands, where oxygen concentration and atmospheric pressure are very low. Due to this fact, gestational physiology has adapted to preserve the conceptus' and mother's health. In this context, several cellular and molecular features play an essential role during and at the end of gestation. Structural carbohydrates act on maternal-fetal communication, recognize exogenous molecules, and contribute to placental barrier selectivity. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the structural carbohydrate profiles that are present in the term alpaca placenta, kept in their natural habitat of around 4,000 m height. For this propose, 12 term alpaca placentas were collected, and the material was obtained at the time of birth from camelids raised naturally in the Peruvian highlands, in the Cusco region. All placenta samples were processed for histological analysis. A lectin histochemical investigation was performed using 13 biotinylated lectins, allowing us to determine the location of carbohydrates and their intensity on a semi-quantitative scale. Our results demonstrated that during term gestation, the epitheliochorial alpaca placenta shows a high presence of carbohydrates, particularly glucose, α-linked mannose, N-acetylglucosamine ß (GlcNAc), galactose (αGal), and N-acetylgalactosamine α (GalNAc), present in the trophoblast, amnion epithelium, and mesenchyme, as well as the presence of sialic acid residues and low affinity for fucose. In fetal blood capillaries, the presence of bi- and tri-antennary complex structures and α-linked mannose was predominated. In conclusion, we characterized the glycosylation profile in the term alpaca placenta. Based on our data, compared to those reported in the bibliography, we suggest that these carbohydrates could participate in the labor of these animals that survive in Peruvian extreme environments.

Activation of caspase-3/7, an apoptotic-related marker, during incubation and cryopreservation of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) spermatozoa.

Caspases are crucial mediators of programmed cell death (apoptosis). Apoptosis can occur in spermatozoa during spermatogenesis or epididymal transit, as well as in ejaculated spermatozoa. A high proportion of apoptotic sperm would be a poor indicator of the freezability of a raw seminal sample. Alpaca spermatozoa are notoriously difficult to freeze successfully. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to study caspase activation during incubation (37°C) of fresh alpaca spermatozoa, as well as before and after cryopreservation, to gain some insight into the mechanisms behind the vulnerability of alpaca spermatozoa. Eleven sperm samples were incubated for 4 h at 37°C (Study 1), and 23 samples were frozen using an automated system (Study 2). Caspase-3/7 activation was assessed at 0,1,2,3, and 4 h in samples incubated at 37°C (Study 1); and before/after cryopreservation (Study 2) using CellEvent™ Caspase 3/7 Green Detection Reagent and flow cytometry. The proportions of alpaca spermatozoa with caspase-3/7 activated increased (p < 0.05) after 3-4 h of incubation at 37°C; however, caspase activation was similar before and after cryopreservation (36.2 ± 11.2% vs. 36.6 ± 33.7%, p > 0.05). The high standard deviation found after freezing could be explained by the existence of two subpopulations: one subpopulation where caspase-3/7 activation decreased during cryopreservation (from 36.6 ± 9.1% to 1.5 ± 2.2%), and the other subpopulation where caspase-3/7 activation increased after cryopreservation (from 37.7 ± 13.0% to 64.3 ± 16.7%). In conclusion, after 3-4 h of incubation, caspase-3/7 activation increased in fresh alpaca sperm, whereas cryopreservation affects alpaca sperm samples in different ways.

Hepatic hematopoiesis in the alpaca (Vicugna pacos), a species with development in hypoxic environments.

Hematopoiesis occurs in different anatomical niches throughout the life of the individual. The first hematopoietic extra-embryonic stage is replaced by a intra-embryonic stage that occurs in a region that is adjacent to the dorsal aorta. Then, the prenatal hematopoietic function is continued by the liver and spleen, and later by the bone marrow. The objective of the present work was to describe the morphological characteristics of hepatic hematopoiesis in the alpaca and to analyze the proportion of the hematopoietic compartment of the organ and the cell types, at different times of ontogeny. Sixty-two alpaca samples were collected from the municipal slaughterhouse of Huancavelica, Perú. They were processed by routine histological techniques. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, special dyes, immunohistochemical techniques and supplementary analyses by lectinhistochemistry, were performed. The prenatal liver is an important structure in the expansion and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. Their hematopoietic activity was characterized by four stages: initiation, expansion, peak, and involution. The liver started its hematopoietic function at 21 days EGA and it was maintained until shortly before birth. Differences were found in the proportion and morphology of the hematopoietic tissue in the different groups corresponding to each gestational stage.

Cryopreservation effect on sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, acrosome integrity and sperm capacitation of alpaca spermatozoa detected by imaging flow cytometry.

Eighty-five sperm samples were cryopreserved and SYBR14/PI, MitoTracker Deep Red FM, FITC-PSA/PI and chlortetracycline were used for imaging flow cytometry evaluation of sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), acrosome integrity and sperm capacitation, respectively. Sperm motility was also registered. Sperm motility (46.1 ± 7.7 vs. 24.1% ± 6.5%), sperm viability (49.8 ± 11.5 vs. 32.3% ± 9.6%) and high MMP (49.8% ± 12.4% vs. 34.9% ± 9.9%) decreased significantly (p < .05) during cryopreservation process, in contrast to acrosome-reacted in viable spermatozoa (1.0% ± 1.6% vs. 1.0% ± 1.0%) and sperm capacitation (10.0 ± 9.8 vs. 8.2% ± 12.4%) that were similar (p > .05) before and after cryopreservation. Positive correlations were found between sperm motility versus high MMP (r = .63), sperm motility versus sperm viability (r = .67) and sperm viability versus high MMP (r = .88). In conclusion, cryopreservation of alpaca spermatozoa is related to a decrease in sperm motility, sperm viability and high MMP, meanwhile acrosome integrity and sperm capacitation are not affected.

Assessment of cerebrospinal fluid analysis and short-term survival outcomes in South American camelids: A retrospective study of 54 cases (2005-2021).

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is commonly analyzed in South American camelids with suspected neurologic disease because of ease of collection and characteristic findings associated with certain diseases. OBJECTIVES: To assess CSF findings associated with short-term survival or non-survival in South American camelids in which neurologic disease was a differential diagnosis based on history and physical examination. ANIMALS: Twenty-one llamas and 33 alpacas that underwent CSF analysis at the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center. METHODS: Retrospective study. Medical records of camelids that underwent CSF analysis between January 2005 and September 2021 were studied. Short-term survival was defined as survival to discharge from the Veterinary Health Center. A Fisher's exact test was used to compare species, CSF results, and survival. RESULTS: Odds of survival were 3.9 times higher in camelids with a total nucleated cell count (TNCC) <3 cells/µL (P = .04). No significant association was found between survival and total protein concentration (TPC; P = .15) or percentage of eosinophils (P = 1.0). No significant correlation was found between species and increased TNCC (P = .63), TPC (P = .55), or percentage of eosinophils (P = .30). Among camelids diagnosed with Paralephostrongylus tenuis infestation, odds of survival were 4.95 times higher in alpacas (P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebrospinal fluid TNCC ≥3 cells/µL is associated with decreased odds of short-term survival in South American camelids.

Intensification of Red-G dye degradation used in the dyeing of alpaca wool by advanced oxidation processes assisted by hydrodynamic cavitation.

Red-G dye is one of the main dyes used in the textile industry to dye alpaca wool. Therefore, considering the large volume of processed wool in Perú, the development of efficient technologies for its removal is a present scientific issue. In this study, an integrated system based on hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) and photo-Fenton process was evaluated to remove the Red-G dye. Using a hybrid cavitation device (venturi + orifice plate), the effect of pH was evaluated, achieving 21 % of removal at pH 2 which was more than 80 % higher compared to pH 4 and 6. The effect of temperature was also evaluated in HC-system at pH 2, where percentage of dye degradation increased at lower temperatures (around 20 °C). Then, 50.7 % of dye was removed under optimized condition of HC-assisted Fenton process (FeSO4:H2O2 of 1:30), that value was improved strongly by UV-light incorporation in the HC-system, increasing to 99 % removal efficiency with respect to HC-assisted Fenton process and reducing the time to 15 min. Finally, the developed cavitation device in combination with photo-Fenton process removed efficiently the dye and thus could be considered an interesting option for application to real wastewater.

Oocyte Quality, In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Development of Alpaca Oocytes Collected by Ultrasound-Guided Follicular Aspiration or from Slaughterhouse Ovaries.

The morphological quality and the in vitro developmental competence of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) collected from in vivo or slaughtered alpacas was compared. COCs were recovered from ovarian follicles using: (i) manual aspiration in ovaries of alpacas (n = 15) sacrificed at a local slaughterhouse, or (ii) transrectal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration (or ovum-pick-up, OPU) in live alpacas (n = 13) 4 days after the administration of an ovarian superstimulation protocol (200 UI eCG). COCs recovered from both groups were morphologically evaluated and graded. Grade I to III COCs were in vitro matured for 26 h and in vitro fertilized afterwards for 20 h using fresh alpaca epididymal spermatozoa. Presumptive zygotes from both groups were in vitro cultured for 7 days. The proportion of COCs recovered over the total number of follicles punctured was similar between groups, but the mean number of COCs collected from individual ovaries was greater (p < 0.05) in slaughterhouse ovaries. A significantly higher (p < 0.05) percentage of low-quality COCs (grades III and IV) and a lower (p < 0.05) percentage of grade I COCs was obtained using OPU. The number of blastocysts, regarding cleavage and COCs collected, was higher (p < 0.007 and p < 0.0002 respectively) for COCs collected by OPU; however, the total number of blastocysts per female did not differ between groups. We can conclude that the recovery rate and morphological quality of COCs was significantly higher when follicles were manually aspirated from slaughterhouse alpaca ovaries; however, a statistically higher developmental potential was observed in oocytes collected by OPU from live alpaca donors.

Exportación y sanitación internacional en empresas productoras de prendas de alpaca de Huancayo y Lima / Exportation and international sanitation in companies producing alpaca garments in Huancayo and Lima

El Perú se considera un país potencia en cuanto a la exportación textil de la alpaca, cuya fibra natural es muy fina, ligera y con alto valor a nivel mundial. Para el año 2019, la exportación total de fibra de alpaca en Perú llegó a un total de 23 países, incluyendo mercados en Europa, Asia y Norteamérica. La tendencia en el comercio exterior incluyendo las empresas textiles de alpaca, se ha dirigido a garantizar el cuidado del medio ambiente y la inocuidad de los productos respecto a la salud humana. Se realizó un estudio desde el paradigma post-positivista, con enfoque cualitativo y el método hermenéutico, para interpretar la situación de exportación y sanitación internacional en empresas peruanas productoras de prendas de alpaca en Huancayo y Lima. Se obtuvo información a partir de cuatro informantes voluntarios de cada empresa acerca de aspectos relacionados con exportación de las prendas de alpaca: competitividad, promoción, proveedores, producción, calidad de producto, valor agregado, calidad de servicio, mercados destino, demanda y herramientas de inteligencia comercial, entre otros. Asimismo, se indagó sobre la concepción y cumplimiento del Reglamento Sanitario Internacional. Las empresas evaluadas, emplean excelente materia prima, garantizan un control de calidad de sus productos ofreciendo textiles competitivos que se distribuyen en diversos mercados internacionales, emplean herramientas de comercialización que favorecen la identificación de regulaciones arancelarias y la capacitación de su personal. No obstante, muestran carencias en el cumplimiento del RSI, requiriendo adoptar medidas que garanticen la salud pública al comercializar sus productos(AU)

Peru is considered a powerful country in terms of alpaca textile exports, whose natural fiber is very fine, light and highly valued worldwide. For the year 2019, the total export of alpaca fiber in Peru reached a total of 23 countries, including markets in Europe, Asia and North America. The trend in foreign trade, including alpaca textile companies, has been aimed at guaranteeing care for the environment and the safety of products with respect to human health. A study was carried out from the post-positivist paradigm, with a qualitative approach and the hermeneutical method, to interpret the export situation and international sanitation in Peruvian companies that produce alpaca garments in Huancayo and Lima. Information was obtained from four volunteer informants from each company about aspects related to the export of alpaca garments: competitiveness, promotion, suppliers, production, product quality, added value, service quality, destination markets, demand and marketing tools. commercial intelligence, among others. Likewise, the conception and compliance with the International Health Regulations were inquired about. The evaluated companies use excellent raw material, guarantee quality control of their products by offering competitive textiles that are distributed in various international markets, use marketing tools that favor the identification of tariff regulations and the training of their personnel. However, they show deficiencies in compliance with the RSI, requiring the adoption of measures that guarantee public health when marketing their products(AU)