Title |
Guinea-pig productivity under traditional management
|
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Published in |
Tropical Animal Health and Production, April 1998
|
DOI | 10.1023/a:1005099818044 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Y. Manjeli, J. Tchoumboue, R.M. Njwe, A. Teguia |
Abstract |
Results of a 12 month study of traditional guinea-pig production in the western highlands of Cameroon are reported. The mean age of guinea-pigs (Cavia porcellus L.) at first parturition, kidding interval and litter size at birth were 126.30 +/- 10.40 d, 64.8 +/- 1.70 d and 1.63 +/- 0.26 kids respectively. The annual reproductive rate was 9.18 kids/breeding doe while the doe post-partum weight was 530 g. Mean body weights at birth, presumed weaning (21 d) and 15 weeks of age were 78.36 +/- 3.20, 147.51 +/- 8.10 and 418.88 +/- 32 g respectively. Type of birth and sex had a significant effect on body weight at all ages. Birth weight dropped significantly from 83.88 +/- 2.87 g for singles to 81.57 +/- 3.40 g for twins, 74.25 +/- 2.39 g for triplets and 73.75 +/- 4.12 g for quadruplets. These differences were maintained to maturity (15 weeks). Males were generally heavier than females. Mortality rates were relatively high among kids: 24% at birth, 39% at 3 weeks and 40% at 15 weeks. Productivity indices were 0.827 kg of young weaned per doe per year, 1560 g of young weaned per kg of doe per year and 2.52 kg of young weaned per kg metabolic weight (kg 0.75) of female per year. |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Unknown | 27 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
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Student > Master | 7 | 26% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 4 | 15% |
Lecturer | 2 | 7% |
Student > Postgraduate | 2 | 7% |
Other | 2 | 7% |
Other | 4 | 15% |
Unknown | 6 | 22% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 10 | 37% |
Veterinary Science and Veterinary Medicine | 3 | 11% |
Environmental Science | 2 | 7% |
Engineering | 2 | 7% |
Social Sciences | 2 | 7% |
Other | 1 | 4% |
Unknown | 7 | 26% |