Incorporation of diatomaceous earth in the diet and its effect on the productive performance of Santa Rosa line male guinea pigs in growth
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71068/m1bg1w59Keywords:
Guinea pigs, feed efficiency, growth, supplementationAbstract
Cuy (Cavia porcellus) production in Bolivia requires strategies to improve feed efficiency and performance. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of including different levels of diatomaceous earth (DE) in the diet on feed intake, weight gain, and growth rate in male Perú line cuy during the fattening phase. The study was conducted at the Patacamaya Experimental Center, La Paz, Bolivia. Sixteen male cuy were randomly distributed into four treatments (four replicates/treatment). Treatments included DE at T1 (2.5%), T2 (3%), and T3 (4%), plus a T4 control group (without DE). The experiment lasted 56 days, with weekly records of feed intake, weight gain, and growth rate. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test (P < 0.05). Results showed significant differences (P < 0.01) in all evaluated variables. Feed intake decreased with increasing DE concentration, with T3 (4% DE) showing the lowest intake. However, T3 (4% DE) achieved the highest weight gain and growth rate, statistically differing from the other groups and the control. Treatments with DE surpassed or equaled the control group's performance in terms of growth. It is concluded that the inclusion of 4% diatomaceous earth in the diet of growing male cuy improves productive efficiency, optimizing weight gain and growth rate, despite a reduction in feed intake.
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