The prickling is a problem in natural animal fiber, but there is no an allergic but a mechanical problem. In this manner, dehairing is a pre-textile process that permit extract objectionable (coarse) fiber and then improve the fabric quality. The objective of this study is to determine the variables of the fiber diameter and fiber frequency may be indicative of the effect of the dehairing on prickliness of Llama fiber fabrics that can be detected by consumers of knitting fabric garments. The variables that panellists consumers can detect when comparing dehaired and non-dehaired fibres are: overall fibre diameter (in fabric and surface), fibre diameter coefficient of variation (significate in yarn); fibres coarser than 30 μm (in yarn and surface); coarse fibre by weight (in yarn and in surface); coarse fibre mean diameter (in yarn and in surface). These differences are explained mainly b...

In this paper we intends to analyze the physical attributes that determine the comfort of fabrics made of South American Camelid fibers (Lama and Alpaca), the effect on their value and their possible mechanical and/or genetic solutions. While emphasis has always been on mean fiber diameter, the fiber frequency exceeding 30 microns has a key role in quality. This is essential for light fabrics, where the effect of prickle plays a critical part in consumer´s choice. Yet the genetic solution of the problem lies in the slow selection response. Dehairing provides an immediate solution, though excessive fiber breakage should be addressed. It is concluded that the textile fiber quality of South American Camelids is promissory if the presence of objectionable fibers is solved, resulting in a tolerable frequency for consumers (<3%). This process could be explored via genetic selection or applyin...