Progress In South American Camelids Research

Progress in South American camelids research

The most advanced and up-to-date research is reported in these proceedings of the 3rd European Symposium on South American Camelids (Göttingen, Germany). Results were presented by European researchers working both on domesticated South American camelids (llama & alpaca) and Wild South American camelids (vicuna & guanaco), as well as by the EU research project SUPREME (Sustainable Production of Natural Resources and Management of Ecosystems). Results carried out on domestic camelids by research companies and NGOs from 4 different European (EU) countries (France, Germany, Italy & U.K.) and 5 Latin-American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador & Peru) are also reported and presented. The main themes of discussion were the following: Ecology, Sustainability and Socio-economics, Breeding and Genetics, Reproduction and Pathology, Fibre and Meat Production and Nutrition. Results were reported in three final round-table meetings "EU-Politics for the development of the Andean regions", "Sustainable use of South American camelids in South America" and "Breeders and keepers". The elevated attendance of farmers, as well as of private companies willing to engage in Camelid farming, along with the great interest shown on importing South American camelids into Europe, was noticeable at this symposium. These proceedings thus constitute a remarkable step forward and an important scientific progress towards the solution of technical and socio-economic problems in South American camelids production. Researchers and farmers will find this volume a valid instrument for up-to-date knowledge on South American camelids, as well as for practical solutions to farming problems.

South American camelids research

"South American Camelids are receiving increased interest not only in South America but also on a worldwide scale. They possess some unique features such as their fine fibre and their high adaptivity to many climatic regions across the world. Apart from the important productive aspects, their physical attractiveness also makes them popular as pet animals. However there are still many gaps in the scientific literature with regard to South American Camelids. This collection of papers brings experience of both South American and European experts together. It considers current trends in reproduction, nutrition, health, fibre morphology and genetics and discusses as new topic aspects of the potential of meat production and commercialization in South America. The particular advantages of South American Camelids for the sustainable use of fragile ecosystems with native pastures are outlined. Round tables discussions focus on the interaction between wild and domestic species, the management of alpaca populations outside of South America and health aspects under European conditions. South American Research is aimed at scientists and animal breeders as well as students studying veterinary, animal and applied biological sciences."

Progress in South American Camelids Research