‘Camelids’ Project Increases Knowledge and Technical Skills to Improve Breeding Programs in Arequipa
April 25, 2025
To strengthen animal genetic improvement capabilities, the Nexus Project ‘Integrating genomics, phenotyping, and nutrition strategies to enhance alpaca fiber quality and survival in the Peruvian highlands’ organized the Theoretical-Practical Course on Genetics and Genomics Applied to Breeding at the Arequipa Science and Technology Park from the National University of San Agustin (UNSA).
The course, which was held from March 17 to 19, brought together students, professionals, and educators interested in understanding how genetic and genomic tools can be used practically to improve animal breeding programs. While the concepts discussed apply to several animal species, special emphasis was placed on alpacas given the potential of these tools in aiding to enhance fiber quality, increase productivity, and ultimately strength the sustainability of high Andean production systems.
During the three days of intensive training, fundamental topics covered included quantitative genetics, linkage disequilibrium, genetic relatedness, inbreeding, selection signatures, GWAS, and ssGBLUP. Moreover, practical exercises conducted with real-world data analysis used as tools R, Linux, Plink, and BLUPF90+.
This initiative has enabled participants to acquire technical skills to analyze their own data and interpret results, which will allow them to make strategic selection decisions. This course has promoted the application of advanced technologies for the continuous improvement of alpaca herds and the sustainable growth of producing communities.
Contact Details
- Rosa Cossio
- rcossio@purdue.edu
- 765-494-0721
