Abstract

Background:
Improving the nutritional quality and productivity of guinea pigs is a priority in Peruvian livestock production, driving the search for sustainable feeding strategies. However, there is little evidence on the use of tropical grasses and their impact on performance and carcass composition in Kuri guinea pigs.

Aim:
To evaluate the effect of three forage species on productive performance and carcass nutritional value in Kuri guinea pigs.

Methods:
Forty-five weaned female guinea pigs, 15 days old, were randomly distributed into three treatments (15 animals per group): T1 = corn fodder (Zea mays), T2 = Cuba 22 (Pennisetum spp.), and T3 = kurumi (Pennisetum purpureum). The forages were cultivated in the same experimental unit and chemically analyzed before the trial. The animals were housed individually and received the assigned forage plus a balanced concentrate. Feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were recorded at 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 days of age. At the end of the trial, carcasses were analyzed for dry matter, moisture, protein, and fat content.

Results:
Guinea pigs fed with corn fodder showed higher weight gain (p < 0.05) compared with the other treatments. However, there were no significant differences in total feed intake or feed conversion ratio among the experimental groups. Regarding carcass composition, guinea pigs fed with kurumi grass showed significant differences (p < 0.05), with higher protein content and lower fat and moisture percentages compared with those fed corn fodder and Cuba 22.

Conclusion:
The corn fodder–based diet improved weight gain in Kuri guinea pigs; however, those fed with kurumi grass exhibited better carcass nutritional quality.

Key words: Carcass; Feed conversion; Guinea pig; Weight gain; Tropical grass.