Zootechnical performances of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) raised in a controlled environment in Bénin

In Benin, guinea pig breeding plays a significant socio-economic role for breeders located especially in the rural regions of the south of the country. However, very little information is available on the management of caviaculture in local conditions in Benin. The objective of the study was to evaluate the reproductive and growth performance of guinea pigs raised in a controlled environment at the application farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Abomey-Calavi. Eighteen (18) guinea pigs composed of three males (405.71 ± 10.21 g) and 15 females (316.19 ± 27.07 g) were followed for three reproductive cycles. They were divided into three breeding groups composed of five females and one male, each housed in parallelepiped brick enclosures measuring 1.00 m x 0.80 m x 0.60 m. Feed consisting of fodder and water were distributed adlibitum to the animals. Data on reproductive parameters, pre-partum and post-partum growth of breeders as well as pre-weaning and post-weaning growth of guinea pigs were collected and subjected to Student's t test and analysis of variance. . The apparent fertility rate of the breeders was 100% during the three breeding cycles. The duration of gestation was on average 64.6 days. Litter size varied from 1 to 3. At birth, the guinea pig was heavier than the guinea pig. The average live body weights were 73.67 g, 69.57 g and 55.25 g for single, twin and triplet litters respectively. Average daily gains of guinea pigs during the pre-weaning period ranged from 2.69 to 2.91 g. The mortality rate of guinea pigs before weaning was low (0 to 6.67%). Therefore, it is not in the breeder's interest to keep in his herd a guinea pig over 32 weeks of age intended for sale which has low weight gain. Studies on the phenotypic characterization of guinea pigs found in Benin are necessary to serve as a lever for genetic improvement programs.