Abstract

QUINTANA M, Erika et al. Effect of diets based on alfalfa, barley meal and mineral block on the productive performance of guinea pigs. Rev. investig. vet. Perú [online]. 2013, vol.24, n.4, pp.425-432. ISSN 1609-9117.

The effect of feed supplementation with barley meal and mineral block on body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion index, slaughter age, production cost and profit/cost ratio was evaluated in guinea pigs fed with alfalfa. A total of 250 male weaned animals were used in a completely randomized block design with a 2x2 factorial arrangement (barley meal x mineral block) and one additional treatment for contrast (balanced diet). Barley meal supplementation significantly improved (p<0.05) body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion index, benefit cost ratio and decreased slaughter age while mineral block supplementation only decreased slaughter age (p<0.05). On the other hand, plain forage without supplements and forage plus barley meal showed the best economic results.

Keywords : guinea pig; barley meal; mineral block; balanced diets; supplementation.

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