In the Central Andes of Peru llama production is still an important cornerstone of the livelihoods of many rural families. In recent years declining rainfall in the regions has once more shown the importance of these animals as they are better adapted to drought and water stress than other livestock species (cattle, sheep, alpaca) kept in the Andes.
The project aims to improve the production system using different intervention strategies. The project was implemented in the “Pasco” Region in the Central Andes of Peru. In order to get a baseline information of the production system, a dynamic monitoring of 4 llama herds was carried out. The monitoring includes recording of births, but also death and sales of adult animals. In addition, body measurements and body weights of the different animals allows analysing the potential for meat production. Total input and outputs for herd management is also recorded. All this field data was used as input for a model using VENSIM software. One major finding was that llama rearing along with sheep in mixed-grazing system will be the best strategy to face the anticipated effects of climate change in Pasco.
In the area of genetic improvement, two research actions were undertaken using a participatory approach with technicians and llama farmers. The first research sought to evaluate the agreement of the selection criteria between farmers and technician. Farmers were asked to evaluate and rank male llamas which are candidates for breeding. Trained technicians had to rank the same animals. All participants were provided with a standard format of the Ministry of Agriculture. The second research was carried out to implement a performance test for selecting llamas for meat production. The test was done in two locations, Yscaycocha and Racco using young male and female llamas. We found differences among llamas in adjusted daily gain, height at withers and thoracic perimeter, so best llamas for meat production were identified. The study shows positive results, but also the importance of farmers´ commitment to allocate funding, pasture and labor.
An experiment was carried out to compare different feeding options, namely pasture only and pasture complemented with alfalfa. As the market is asking for meat from young animals, cheap strategies for increasing growth are searched for. Data was collected from 32 male llamas on weight gain, biometric measurements and carcass performance. This study showed that supplementation with alfalfa hay of young llamas led to a higher live weight, total and daily weight gain and carcass weight. Feeding with natural pastures of good condition and supplementation with alfalfa hay results in a final live weight of 23% more compared to the initial body weight in a period of 100 days.
Standard evaluation of meat characteristics of llama meat from the study region was performed. Additionally, different alternatives of meat processing technologies such as preparation of various types of sausages were tested.
Furthermore, the project contributed to develop capacities in the region by means of field days, short courses and a workshop. In addition, seven students in food science and animal science from Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima were partially supported by the project.
The KEF project LLAMA_Peru was successfully completed and the final report is available for online view and download.
