Alimentación mixta (forrajes versus concentrados) para cuyes (Cavia porcellus).

Abstract

The objective of this bibliographic research was to compare mixed feeding systems for guinea pigs (cavia porcellus), using doctoral theses, pre and post graduate research; scientific articles, journals indexed in databases such as: Scielo, Dialnet, DSpace Espoch, E-book. The variables consulted were: initial weight (kg), final weight (kg), weight gain (kg), feed intake (kg), CDDM Coefficient of Digestibility of Dry Matter (%), CDOM Coefficient of digestibility of organic matter (%), CDCP Coefficient of digestibility of crude protein (%), CDCF Coefficient of digestibility of crude fiber (%), CDEE Coefficient of digestibility of ethereal extract (%), CDNFE Coefficient of digestibility of nitrogen free extract (%) and profit/cost. The results indicate that when evaluating the initial weight, homogeneous guinea pig weights ranging from 0.33 to 0.79 kg were recorded. Considering the different feeding systems, the best result was a mixed feeding (alfalfa + concentrate with carob meal) because it is a complement for the development and weight gain of the animal. The highest final weight is 1.22 kg with a weight gain of 0.89 kg at the end of the evaluation stage. The nutritive value of the feed is a function of its chemical composition, while its metabolization depends on the animal's digestibility and voluntary consumption. Therefore, it was considered that the highest value of the digestibility coefficients was that of protein in which 97.65% of a forage mixture (kikuyu + white clover) was obtained, having a benefit/cost of $1.36, that is, a profitability of 36%. In conclusion, the best feeding system is the mixed system, which will help the productive parameters of the animals, thus completing the growth and weight gain of the animal. Research on guinea pig production at different physiological stages is recommended to obtain more information on the different alternatives for feeding guinea pigs.