Morphostructural diversity, body typology, and phenotypic classification reveal distinct biotype subpopulations in extensively raised Q’ara llamas (Lama glama)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphostructural diversity, body conformation, and typological classification of extensively raised Q'ara llamas in the south-central Peruvian Andes. A total of 196 llamas were randomly selected from Chuschi (n=96) and Chipao (n=100) districts. The effects of district, sex, and age on zoometric measurements and indices were analyzed using generalized linear model (GLM) and Multivariate Analysis. Male Chuschi: [Neck length (NL) (65.90±0.67), posterior neck circumference (RNC) (48.90±0.88), height at the withers (WH) (103.00±0.90), chest width (CW) (25.40±0.42), Perimeter thoracic (PT) (120.00±1.29), and dorsosternal diameter (DSD) (44.50±0.41)] were broader and taller compared to female from Chuschi and those from Chipao (p<0.05). Female llama from Chuschi showed harmonious development of PT and DSD as they aged (p<0.05); among males, group with four permanent incisors (4D) showed the greatest increase in PT (p<0.05). In Chipao, females in group with two permanent incisors (2D) had RNC; in males, [(WH), Rump height (RL), rump width (RW), CW, PT and DSD] increased from the 2D group with complete dentition (CD), indicating harmonious growth (p<0.05). The llamas from the Chuschi district are more compact and heavier than those from Chipao. Multivariate Analysis revealed no strict separation between individuals by location, and grouped females into three clusters by body size. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that there was low morphostructural variability among Q'ara llama populations. The detected biotypic subpopulations provide a valuable basis for the implementation of conservation policies and the selection of breeding animals.