Alimentación de cuyes mediante la utilización de chalaza de maíz picada más melaza en crecimiento y engorde.

Abstract

The use of chopped corn chalaza plus molasses in the feeding of guinea pigs in the growth-fattening stage was evaluated. The research took place in the Mulalillo town. 80 guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) weaned at 15 days of age were used. A completely randomized design (CRD) was applied in a two-factor combinatorial arrangement with 5 replications and an experimental unit size of 2 animals per cage with three treatments at different levels (15, 30, 45%) of chopped corn chalaza plus molasses, for comparison with a control treatment, the data obtained were subjected to an ADEVA, the means to Tukey's test, and a regression and correlation analysis were performed. The experimental results showed highly significant differences (P≤ 0.01) in the variables final weight 15 % (760.40 g), forage consumption, consumption of chopped corn stover, total feed consumption 0 % (3206.30 g DM), 15 % (5335.84 g DM), 30 % (5281.84 g DM), 45 % (5303.01 g DM), feed conversion at the 0 % level (8.29) and carcass yield. While, for the carcass weight variable, no significant differences were reported (P≤ 0.05). According to the sex factor, the animals reported highly significant differences (P≤ 0.01) in favor of males in the variables: carcass weight (525.03 g) and carcass yield (68.89 %). The highest profitability was achieved with the use of the T3 treatment when using the 45 % level, reaching a benefit/cost of US$1.38. It is concluded that the use of chopped corn chalaza plus molasses has a positive influence on the productive performance of these livestock. It is recommended to include 45% of chopped corn stover plus molasses in the diet since the use of these treatments resulted in better economic returns.