Raúl Cañas

A simulation model of an alpaca system in the dry puna of the Andes

Abstract A stochastic model was developed to study the alpaca production system in the high Andes. The model was based on actual knowledge of the biology of the alpaca, especially energy metabolism. It is composed of six subroutines: voluntary intake, energy partitioning, reproduction, fiber production, offspring development and forage utilization. Outputs of the model were validated against data from research and from a dynamic survey of a peasant community (Apopata). Model predictions did not differ ( p >0·05) from actual data on voluntary intake, body weight and fiber production for different animal categories. Simulation experiments showed that the management given by the farmers allows the system to recuperate during years of good rainfall, assuring its sustainability.

Indice de selección por eficiencia en vacas lecheras. I. Elaboración y validación del algoritmo

Indice de seleccion por eficiencia en vacas lecheras. I. Elaboracion y validacion del algoritmo