What is Pacomarca?

Pacomarca is a Scientific Station created by the Inca Group, located in the Peruvian highlands between Puno and Cusco, on the Llalli-Ocuviri highway in Llalli, Melgar, Puno, Peru.

This station focuses on the genetic improvement of alpacas, as well as transferring high-value technology and genetic material to small producers in the Andean regions of Peru. It also aims to promote the sustainability of alpaca farming by enhancing fiber quality, enabling better market prices, and encouraging producers to continue working with this resource.

Each year, Pacomarca produces a limited amount of alpaca fiber with unique market characteristics.

Pacomarca’s Genetic Program

For many years, Pacomarca has developed a genetic improvement program for alpacas, selecting suris and huacayas of various shades annually. The program uses a broad and detailed database of alpacas with a software called PacoPro.

This program is carried out in collaboration with the Animal Production Department of the Complutense University of Madrid, under the guidance of Dr. Juan Pablo Gutiérrez García, an international expert in the field.
Additionally, Pacomarca partners with the National Agrarian University La Molina, Peru’s most prestigious institution in Veterinary and Animal Sciences, and other community companies for alpaca fiber research

Through various studies, consulting efforts, and programs like Inca Esquila, Pacomarca selects the best fiber, found on the animal’s back. When delivered in good condition to the manufacturing plant, precise selection becomes possible, allowing for the development of qualities that compete in luxury
markets.

Pacomarca is also dedicated to conserving the population of black alpacas through its Black Alpaka program, which seeks to rescue and promote the breeding of black-colored alpacas. Over 3,000 pure black alpacas are housed on a single farm, making it the country’s largest population in one location.
Here, genetic valuation an heritability studies are conducted.

To achieve genetic improvement, Pacomarca selects animals based on quantitative genetics, applying methodologies such as BLUP and ss-GBlup—statistical approaches primarily used in genetic enhancement.
These methods gather data on fiber diameter, fleece weight, body weight, conception rates, and more.

The Relationship Between Pacomarca and Sustainability

Pacomarca runs several programs that benefit both the surrounding environment and alpaca care. Resources are invested in improving the genetics of Pacomarca’s alpacas, which are later donated to alpaca-farming communities to strengthen their herds’ genetic quality, obtain better-quality fiber, and increase income.
Additionally, Pacomarca provides technical training to producers and humanitarian support in essential areas like housing, education, and clothing.

Sustainability-focused programs at Pacomarca include:

• The Shepherd’s Cabin: This initiative promotes the construction of suitable housing for alpaca farmers living in remote, high-altitude areas.
  Eco-friendly prototypes using local materials have been designed to improve living conditions.
• Circular Greenhouse: This program aims to improve the diet and overall health of nearby communities. The greenhouse provides an ideal environment for growing produce such as onions, lettuce, celery, leeks, Swiss chard, beets, carrots, tomatoes, and for raising guinea pigs.
• Inca Shearing: A mechanized shearing method that enables farmers to obtain cleaner, more uniform fiber while optimizing time. This system significantly reduces stress and injuries to alpacas.
• Weaving Opportunities: This program provides older adults the chance to produce high-quality items, revitalizing their economy and generating income to improve their families’ quality of life.
• Research: Pacomarca conducts various studies that contribute to different aspects of the alpaca fiber value chain, from genetic and genomic improvements to animal welfare, reproduction, and health.
• Alpaca Male Donation: This initiative donates four breeding male alpacas from Pacomarca, along with software containing data and information on the donated alpacas, including pedigree, fiber analysis,
  medullation percentage, colorimetry, and biometric data. Continuous training and support are provided to ensure proper breeding practices.
• Black Alpaka: This program is dedicated to preserving and recovering pure black alpacas. Pacomarca continuously works to improve their fiber and genetics.