Post-weaning growth performances of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) feed on a diet containing Ipomea batatas leaves and/or Stylosanthes guianensis meal
Author(s): Paulette Ntsafack, Emile Miegoue, Marie Noëlle Bertine Noumbissi, Camara Sawa, Loïc Arnold Tene Mbah, Géneviève Nguedia, Mama Mouchili, Cédric Nyah Kwayep, Josué Fossi, and Fernand Tendonkeng
Abstract: Guinea pigs are monogastrics herbivores then, plants play an important role in their diet. In Sub-Saharan Africa many plant of less importance in human nutrition can be valorized in the guinea pigs feeding. This study which was carried out at the Research and Experimental Farm (REF) of the Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FAAS) aim to evaluate the feeding potential of Ipomea batatas leaves and Stylosanthes guianensis. A total of 36 guinea pigs of 3 weeks aged, born at the REF were sexed, identified and randomly distributed according to a factorial design of 4 rations and sexes. Each plant were harvested individually, dried, crushed and mixed with by-products in order to constitute different diets (T0 (control), TFP (20% leaves flour of I. batatas), TST (20% flour of S. guianensis) and TFP + ST (10% leaves flour of I. batatas + 10% flour of S. guianensis)). Each animal received 60 g of feed corresponding to its batch every day between 6 and 8 Am. Refusals were collected and weighed before any new service in other to determine the feed intake. Weight growth was monitored by weighing of the animals from the beginning of the study and then once a week until the 16th week. The results show that: Food consumption was comparable between sex and between diets. The TFp + St diets gave better weight gains (352.00g and 2.92 g / day respectively for total gains (TG) and average daily gains (ADG) in females as well as the best consumption index (7.87) in males. Males exhibited a significantly higher weight with TSt and TFp + St diets compared to females. The RFp + St diet seem to be the most appropriate for better post-weaning growth of guinea pig.
How to cite this article:
Paulette Ntsafack, Emile Miegoue, Marie Noëlle Bertine Noumbissi, Camara Sawa, Loïc Arnold Tene Mbah, Géneviève Nguedia, Mama Mouchili, Cédric Nyah Kwayep, Josué Fossi,, Fernand Tendonkeng. Post-weaning growth performances of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) feed on a diet containing Ipomea batatas leaves and/or Stylosanthes guianensis meal. Int J Vet Sci Anim Husbandry 2020;5(5):49-55.