Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Alpacas (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) in Peru: A Microsatellite Analysis
This study evaluated the genetic diversity and population structure of Vicugna pacos (<i>Huacaya alpacas</i>) from two contrasting breeding contexts in Junín, Peru: the genetically managed herd of INIA’s Santa Ana Experimental Station (Suitucancha) and the community-based herd of Huayre,...
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Diversity |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/17/5/353 |
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| author | Wilber Peralta Agustin Nestares Julyssa Gamarra Miler Rojas Juan Sullca Richard Estrada |
| author_facet | Wilber Peralta Agustin Nestares Julyssa Gamarra Miler Rojas Juan Sullca Richard Estrada |
| author_sort | Wilber Peralta |
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| description | This study evaluated the genetic diversity and population structure of Vicugna pacos (<i>Huacaya alpacas</i>) from two contrasting breeding contexts in Junín, Peru: the genetically managed herd of INIA’s Santa Ana Experimental Station (Suitucancha) and the community-based herd of Huayre, where natural, unregulated mating practices are common. An external reference population from Quimsachata was also included. Genetic diversity parameters revealed high allelic richness and heterozygosity within all populations. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA), principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), Bayesian clustering, and phylogenetic reconstruction indicated moderate genetic differentiation between Suitucancha and Huayre, likely influenced by the use of selected males under controlled mating in Suitucancha versus natural, unregulated group mating in Huayre, which facilitates broader gene flow. The Quimsachata group displayed distinct genetic characteristics, likely reflecting limited gene flow due to its role as a germplasm conservation nucleus under closed reproductive management. These results reflect how differences in reproductive management may influence population structure in alpacas. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-53b67077fb0f4807b31f3e7b19baaa0f |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1424-2818 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Diversity |
| spelling | doaj-art-53b67077fb0f4807b31f3e7b19baaa0f2025-08-20T03:14:42ZengMDPI AGDiversity1424-28182025-05-0117535310.3390/d17050353Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Alpacas (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) in Peru: A Microsatellite AnalysisWilber Peralta0Agustin Nestares1Julyssa Gamarra2Miler Rojas3Juan Sullca4Richard Estrada5Estación Experimental Agraria Santa Ana-Proyecto PROGRAN, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), Huancayo 120114, PeruEstación Experimental Agraria Santa Ana-Proyecto PROGRAN, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), Huancayo 120114, PeruEstación Experimental Agraria Santa Ana-Proyecto PROGRAN, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), Huancayo 120114, PeruEstación Experimental Agraria Santa Ana-Proyecto PROGRAN, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), Huancayo 120114, PeruDirección de Desarrollo Tecnológico Agrario, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), Lima 15024, PeruDirección de Desarrollo Tecnológico Agrario, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), Lima 15024, PeruThis study evaluated the genetic diversity and population structure of Vicugna pacos (<i>Huacaya alpacas</i>) from two contrasting breeding contexts in Junín, Peru: the genetically managed herd of INIA’s Santa Ana Experimental Station (Suitucancha) and the community-based herd of Huayre, where natural, unregulated mating practices are common. An external reference population from Quimsachata was also included. Genetic diversity parameters revealed high allelic richness and heterozygosity within all populations. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA), principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), Bayesian clustering, and phylogenetic reconstruction indicated moderate genetic differentiation between Suitucancha and Huayre, likely influenced by the use of selected males under controlled mating in Suitucancha versus natural, unregulated group mating in Huayre, which facilitates broader gene flow. The Quimsachata group displayed distinct genetic characteristics, likely reflecting limited gene flow due to its role as a germplasm conservation nucleus under closed reproductive management. These results reflect how differences in reproductive management may influence population structure in alpacas.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/17/5/353<i>Vicugna pacos</i>genetic diversitypopulation structuremicrosatellites |
| spellingShingle | Wilber Peralta Agustin Nestares Julyssa Gamarra Miler Rojas Juan Sullca Richard Estrada Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Alpacas (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) in Peru: A Microsatellite Analysis Diversity <i>Vicugna pacos</i> genetic diversity population structure microsatellites |
| title | Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Alpacas (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) in Peru: A Microsatellite Analysis |
| title_full | Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Alpacas (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) in Peru: A Microsatellite Analysis |
| title_fullStr | Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Alpacas (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) in Peru: A Microsatellite Analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Alpacas (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) in Peru: A Microsatellite Analysis |
| title_short | Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Alpacas (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) in Peru: A Microsatellite Analysis |
| title_sort | genetic diversity and population structure of alpacas i vicugna pacos i in peru a microsatellite analysis |
| topic | <i>Vicugna pacos</i> genetic diversity population structure microsatellites |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/17/5/353 |
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