Alpaca
Scientific name
Vicugna pacos
Breeds and qualities
The Huacaya alpaca, the predominant type representing 85% of the population, is known for its voluminous fleece with crimped locks, a full and fluffy structure, greater density, and the widest range of natural shades.
The Suri alpaca, which makes up the remaining 15% of the population, is recognised for its long fibre with hanging locks, straight, silky, and more elastic.
Huacaya
- Crimped, full, fluffy locks.
- Protects the body; wide fineness range (16 to 32 microns).
- Less lustrous, higher density, less elastic, with a tendency toward friction.
Suri
- Straight, softer fibre.
- Wide fineness range (18 to 32 microns), divided lock structure, exposes the back, and is lustrous with hair-like characteristics.
- Greater length, long hanging locks, higher density, more elastic.
Llama
Scientific name
Llama glama
Q’ara
- Irregular locks, slightly crimped or straight, open type, with little fluffiness.
- Low thermal protection capacity; highly variable fineness (20 to 40 microns); low lustre; coarse to the touch; greater length; low density of usable fibre; low elasticity; high presence of coarse fibres or guard hairs.
- Tends to matting and friction, which lowers its textile quality.
- Requiere descerdado intensivo para su aprovechamiento.
Ch’aku
- Wavy locks, slightly fluffy.
- Good thermal protection capacity; medium to coarse fineness (18 to 30 microns); low to moderate lustre; medium to long length; moderate elasticity; with a lower tendency to friction.
- It still requires dehairing (though to a lesser degree), and its fibre can be used in semi-fine or artisanal textiles.