Progress in South American camelids research

The most advanced and up-to-date research is reported in these proceedings of the 3rd European Symposium on South American Camelids (Gottingen, Germany). Results were presented by European researchers working both on domesticated South American camelids (llama & alpaca) and Wild South American camelids (vicuna & guanaco), as well as by the EU research project SUPREME (Sustainable Production of Natural Resources and Management of Ecosystems). Results carried out on domestic camelids by research companies and NGOs from 4 different European (EU) countries (France, Germany, Italy & U.K.) and 5 Latin-American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador & Peru) are also reported and presented. The main themes of discussion were the following: Ecology, Sustainability and Socio-economics, Breeding and Genetics, Reproduction and Pathology, Fibre and Meat Production and Nutrition. Results were reported in three final round-table meetings 'EU-Politics for the development of the Andean regions', 'Sustainable use of South American camelids in South America' and 'Breeders and keepers'. The elevated attendance of farmers, as well as of private companies willing to engage in Camelid farming, along with the great interest shown on importing South American camelids into Europe, was noticeable at this symposium. These proceedings thus constitute a remarkable step forward and an important scientific progress towards the solution of technical and socio-economic problems in South American camelids production. Researchers and farmers will find this volume a valid instrument for up-to-date knowledge on South American camelids, as well as for practical solutions to farming problems.