- A genetic sequencing project involving 1,500 alpacas from
Puno aims to refine the quality and fineness of their
fiber.
- The adoption of genomics in the alpaca industry offers
many advantages, such as enhancing the quality of alpaca fiber and
promoting the growth of thousands of producers in the
highlands.
LIMA,
Peru, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In Peru,
alpaca fiber has become a flagship product driving the fashion
industry. Highly valued for its exceptional softness, quality,
strength, and authenticity, this raw material is coveted in the
world's most exclusive stores. According to national reports,
nearly USD 200 million worth of
products made from alpaca fiber, including fabrics, garments, and
other derivatives, are exported each year to the United States, Europe, and Asia[1].
In their effort to advance the Peruvian textile industry, MGI
Tech Co., Ltd. ("MGI"), a company committed to building core tools
and technologies that drive innovation in life science, along with
Universidad Agraria de La Molina (UNALM) and Inca Tops, are
spearheading genetic research on 1,500 alpacas from Puno. This
initiative focuses on DNA analysis to identify molecular markers
within their genomes, that optimize fiber quality, enhance
fineness, and maintain natural colors.
Carlos Carpio, MGI's Commercial
Director for Latin America, states
that the implementation of genomics contributes to the development
and growth of the alpaca industry, enabling scientists not only to
identify and analyze genes and their characteristics but also to
conduct more efficient processes for optimization.
"Latin America has become a
strategic region for advancing next-generation genetic sequencing
research, particularly in agriculture. In the case of alpacas,
genomics facilitates the enhancement of key physical traits and
disease resistance, ensuring the long-term health of the animals
and the consistent quality of their fiber. This benefits breeders
by improving the profitability and sustainability of alpaca
production, while also promoting more efficient and environmentally
friendly agricultural practices."
Carpio also underscores that the technology MGI is employing for
genetic sequencing accelerates research in industrial crops like
alpaca fiber. In this project, sequencing is performed on MGI's
high-throughput sequencer DNBSEQ-T7RS. Libraries are prepared on
the MGISP-960 using library prep reagents, and data analysis for
variant calling is conducted on MGI's Megabolt.
"We are proud to contribute to the sequencing of alpaca fiber
genes. By providing high-quality data through cutting-edge, highly
efficient, and cost-effective technologies, we can harness the
potential of agri-genomics to enhance industry competitiveness in
developing countries," the executive notes.
Dr. Gustavo Gutiérrez, a faculty member and researcher at the
Department of Zootechnics at Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina
(UNALM), who oversees the DNA extraction from these animals,
highlights the global significance of alpaca fiber.
"Peru boasts over 85% of the
world's alpacas, totaling 5 million, establishing us as the primary
producer of this sought-after fiber. While facing competition from
other textiles in the market, technological advancements aim to
enhance alpaca quality, boosting demand, industry value, and
supporting highland farming communities," says the UNALM
researcher.
Dr. Gutiérrez adds that this project not only enhances alpaca
genetics for breeding and production but also contributes to the
advancement of scientific knowledge. "This research will benefit
breeders, professionals, and institutions involved in the study of
these camelids."
The research commenced in June
2024 and will continue until March
2025 in the districts of Melgar and Ñuñoa, located in the
province of Melgar, Puno, at altitudes below 4,000 meters above sea
level. Inca Tops oversees alpaca sample collection at its
Pacomarca Scientific Station, renowned as the most advanced
worldwide in this field.
"At Inca Tops, we are dedicated to the revalorization of alpacas
and the preservation of their fiber, essential for crafting
exclusive articles. Our garment production hinges on ancestral
innovation deployed at our Scientific Station, built upon six
millennia of cultural legacy to procure the world's finest fiber.
Moreover, we prioritize sustainability in our operations, ensuring
that communities supplying our raw materials benefit economically
from extraction activities, thereby improving their quality of
life," concludes Alan Cruz, Genetic
Development Manager of Pacomarca.
Additional facts:
- The United Nations has declared 2024 as the International Year
of Camelids to highlight these species as a key subsistence
resource for millions of households worldwide[2].
- Peru's alpaca regions include:
Puno, Cusco, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Apurímac, Ayacucho, Pasco,
Moquegua, Junín, and Tacna.
- Alpacas offer 23 natural shades in garments without the use of
dyes.
About MGI
MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (or its subsidiaries, together referred to
MGI) is committed to building core tools and technologies that
drive innovation in life science. Our focus lies in research &
development, manufacturing, and sales of instruments, reagents, and
related products in the field of life science and
biotechnology. We provide real-time, multi-omics, and full
spectrum of digital equipment and systems for precision medicine,
agriculture, healthcare and various other industries.
Founded in 2016, MGI has grown into a leader in life science,
serving customers across six continents and have established
research, manufacturing, training, and after-sales service
facilities globally. MGI stands out as one of the few companies
capable of independently developing and mass-producing
clinical-grade gene sequencers with varying throughput capacities,
ranging from Gb to Tb levels. With unparalleled expertise,
cutting-edge products, and a commitment to global impact, MGI
continues to shape the trajectory of life sciences into the future.
To learn more, please
visit https://en.mgi-tech.com/, LinkedIn, X,
and YouTube.
[1] MIDAGRI: Reporte de
Alpaca. (2022). Gobierno del Perú. Retrieved July 2024, from
https://recursos.exportemos.pe//ALPACA2022_rev1%20(1).pdf
[2] International
Year of Camelids. (2024). Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations (FAO). Retrieved July 2024,
from https://www.fao.org/camelids-2024/es
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