TEXTILES.ORG
MGI Tech Co. Ltd., Universidad Agraria La Molina (National Agrarian University) and Inca Tops are collaborating on a genetic research project to analyze the DNA of 1,500 alpacas from Melgar, Peru.
The organizations are testing the alpacas’ DNA to identify markers in their genomes to increase fiber quality, enhance fineness and maintain the fibers’ natural colors.
“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,” says Carlos Carpio, commercial director of MGI Tech, Latin America.
MGI Tech is a biotechnology company headquartered in Guangdong, China, that specializes in genotyping; Universidad Agraria La Molina is in Lima, Peru; and Inca Tops is an alpaca yarn producer of Group Inca based in Arequipa, Peru.
The organizations aim to increase demand for alpaca fiber to benefit Peru’s textile industry and alpaca farming communities, as the fiber has become the most used material in the country’s fashion industry. The research began in June 2024 and was to continue through March 2025.