Effects of mannan oligosaccharide dietary supplementation on mortality, growth performance and carcass traits in meat Guinea pigs

Abstract

The effects of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) as a dietary supplement on growth performance, carcass traits and mortality in meat guinea pigs were compared to a commonly used antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP, Zn-Bacitracin). The four experimental treatments were as follow: Control group (no additives); MOS 1 (1.5 g kg−1); MOS 2 (2 g kg−1) and AGP (0.1 g kg−1). The guinea pigs were housed in 40 floor pens containing a deep litter of woodchips (n = 100 animals in each trial; 10 animals per pen). Guinea pigs were all weaned on day 28 and their body weight was measured weekly. All animals were slaughtered at the end of fattening period (day 77) and carcass traits were evaluated. Significant differences against the control group were observed for traits studied (P < 0.05). Between MOS groups and AGP no significant differences were observed. In conclusion, the use of MOS could be a suitable replacement for antibiotic growth promoter to raise guinea pigs.