An Evaluation of Objective Measurements of Luster in
Suri Alpaca Fleeces and Comparison with Subjective Assessments
Angus McColl and Christopher Lupton, PhD
Yocum-McColl Testing Laboratory and
Texas A and M University System
San Angelo, TX
$29,050
9/1/08-8/31/10
100 Suri alpaca samples will be assembled by members of the Suri Network. White, black and 8 standard ARI colors will be equally represented. The full range of luster values and a wide range of fiber diameters will be represented within each color range. Every effort will be made to use samples that are geographically and genetically diverse. The samples will be assessed for color and luster before and after washing by 5 fiber judges and two instruments, the Samba and a near-infrared reflectance spectrometer. In addition, each sample will be analyzed for lab scoured yield, fiber diameter, fiber curvature, and staple length and strength. Using data from the Samba instrument, an estimate of luster will be calculated that is independent of color. Subsequently, mathematical relationships between the Samba and NIRS luster measurements versus subjective luster assessments, lab scoured yield, average fiber diameter (and variability), average fiber curvature (and variability), staple length (and variability) and strength (and variability) will be determined.