Menu
home image
icon 02

Alpaca Innovation Farm

Our Commitment to Excellence

Sorani is not only a breeding center, but also an innovation hub.

Since its founding, the Michell Group has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of alpaca fiber in the Puno region. This has included advances in genetic selection, breeding techniques and applied research.

hands wool
alpacas

Despite the challenges of the 1980s, when we had to suspend our operations due to threats from the Shining Path, we never stopped pursuing our mission to improve the quality of alpaca fiber.

house
2.1

Innovation in sustainable alpaca farming

Innovative Strategies

At the Sorani Farm, we develop a sustainable alpaca cattle ranch under an extensive system, implementing innovative strategies that optimize production, preserve the ecosystem and guarantee animal welfare.

A
Individualized Digital Identification of Alpacas.

One of the key strategies at Sorani is the individualized digital identification of each alpaca through an advanced registration system.

A.1
codes

Individualized digital identification.

Implementation of an advanced registration system where each alpaca has a unique identification code to record and monitor its productive, reproductive and health data.

alpaca
A.2
icon
Detailed monitoring.

Allows exhaustive monitoring of each alpaca's life cycle, facilitating informed decision making and optimizing productivity.

alpaca
A.3
icon
Data analysis and processing.

The system allows efficient data processing, improving the management and traceability of each alpaca.

plusTraceability
alpaca
b
Comprehensive Records Management.

The Sorani Farm has participated in the development and implementation of Camel Webs:

alpaca

A specialized software for alpaca livestock management.

plusCamelWebs.com
B.1
icon
Real-time Registration and Monitoring.

It allows accurate real-time registration of each alpaca from birth to departure, monitoring both productive and health aspects.

laptop
B.2
icon
Data Analysis.

Analyzes data for strategic decision-making based on reliable information, optimizing resources and improving efficiency.

data
B.3
icon
Objective

To optimize alpaca management, improve operational efficiency, and make informed decisions for continuous improvement in alpaca fiber production.

data
c
Genetic Evaluation and Breeder Selection

The Sorani Farm has developed a genetic improvement program since 2001.

Which includes a reliable database with detailed information on the genealogy and productive traits of alpacas.

C.1
icon
Database

Between 2001 and 2004, the following were evaluated:

data
16,929
Offspring
data
4,609
Dams
data
649
Sires

Considering first-shearing values adjusted to the first year of age.

This database has enabled the application of advanced computerized technologies in genetic analysis, adapted from other livestock species such as cattle and sheep, transforming alpaca breeding into an attractive and profitable business opportunity.

C.2
icon
BLUP Method
(Best Linear Unbiased Prediction)
To determine:
  • Breeding Values (BV).
Improving key traits such as:
  • Fineness
  • Fleece Weight
  • Fiber Diameter
alpaca with man
C.3
icon
Selection Index

Through a weighted combination of these values, a Selection Index has been created to identify superior breeders in these three key traits, ensuring high-quality fiber production and sustained performance over time.

d
Optimization of Reproductive Management:
Precise Planning
icon
Reproductive Management

Development of targeted and controlled mating programs with strict record-keeping to ensure the traceability of alpaca genealogy.

icon
Mating Optimization

Reduction of the reproductive season's duration and repetition periods, based on an analysis of the farm's productive and reproductive indices.

1997 - 2021
Matings and Births of:
December to March
From 2022 Onward
Matings and Births of:
January to March
lake

icon Optimization of Reproductive Season Duration.

icon
Adaptation to Climate Change

Scheduling births during favorable seasons to mitigate the impact of drought on the survival of offspring and the recovery of dams.

icon
Achieved Benefits

Greater uniformity in offspring age and size, increased conception rates, reduction in the number of males used, optimization of resources such as labor and feed.

alpaca running
e
Use of Assisted Reproduction Techniques to Increase Genetic and Economic Value.

At Sorani, we are at the forefront of assisted reproduction to enhance the genetic quality of our alpacas.

E.1
icon
Assisted Reproduction

Implementation of advanced assisted reproduction techniques in selected alpacas to improve the genetic quality of the population.

Laboratory
E.2
icon
Genetic Improvement

Increase in the population of alpacas with high genetic and economic value, promoting genetic quality control and accelerating population improvement.

alpaca running
f
Nutritional Management and Forage Analysis

The Sorani Farm has implemented an advanced real-time nutritional analysis system for pastures and forage.

alpaca
F.1
icon
Nutritional Analysis of Pastures and Forages

Implementation of an advanced real-time system using drones with RGB cameras, algorithms, and artificial intelligence to determine key pasture parameters.

laptop
F.2
icon
Dynamic Grazing Adjustment

The information obtained allows for grazing management adjustments, ensuring a balanced diet adapted to the physiological needs of the alpacas.

icon
Optimization of Forage Resources

Enhances efficiency in the use of available resources, contributing to the sustainability of the production system and reducing overgrazing.

F.3
icon
Effective Nutritional Planning

Facilitates nutritional planning that promotes uniform alpaca growth, improves fiber quality, and strengthens resilience against adverse climatic conditions.

data
g
Animal Health Management and Welfare

At Sorani Farm, health management is a fundamental pillar to ensure the well-being of our alpacas.

icon
Health Management

A preventive approach based on constant monitoring of herd health, prioritizing disease prevention over treatment.

G.1
icon
Laboratory and Professional Team

We have a veterinary diagnostic laboratory and a team of certified professionals enabling precision health management.

laptop
G.2
icon
Animal Welfare Program

Includes periodic check-ups evaluating weight, body condition, and general health status, allowing early detection of anomalies or potential risks.

laptop
G.3
icon
Biosecurity Strategies

Implementation of strict measures such as pasture rotation, vector control, and quarantine for new arrivals to prevent disease spread.

data
h
Sustainable Management of Natural Resources

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we have developed a comprehensive approach to resource management at Sorani to ensure ecosystem conservation and efficient use of available resources.

icon
Monitoring Water Sources

Periodic evaluation of water availability and quality, optimizing its use and preventing overgrazing in sensitive areas.

H.1
icon
Pasture Evaluation

Use of satellite images and drones with multispectral sensors to analyze, in real time, vegetation cover, biodiversity, and pasture carrying capacity.

laptop
H.2
icon
CO2 Capture Assessment

Quantification of CO2 capture in pastures to reduce the farm's carbon footprint through carbon balance analysis.

laptop
H.3
icon
Regenerative Management

Development of practices that promote carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation, fostering a production system with lower environmental impact.

data
2.2

Training and Education Programs for Alpaca Producers

Committed to the Alpaca Industry

The farm offers theoretical and practical training focused on genetic improvement, assisted reproduction, health management, and sustainability.

With an emphasis on technology and applied experience, these programs aim to improve herd productivity and quality, strengthening the development of the alpaca sector.

programs
alpacas

RAS Training and Certification

As part of our commitment to excellence, Michell & Cía. has provided training to associated breeders and other farms to obtain their RAS (Responsible Alpaca Standard) certifications.

With over 600 farms trained, we are raising quality and sustainability standards across the alpaca industry.

These efforts promote best practices in alpaca breeding and responsible management, ultimately enhancing quality throughout the supply chain.

To learn more about our Training and RAS Certification, visit the following link:

plusRAS Training Programs
programs