Characterization of the breeding of guinea pigs in three provinces of the Cajamarca Region, Peru

Abstract

The present study aimed to characterize the guinea pig breeding system in three provinces of the Cajamarca Region, Peru. A structured survey was applied to 1231 producers (401 from Cajamarca, 360 from San Marcos and 470 from Cajabamba). The predominant production system is family-commercial (67% of producers). The Peru breed is preferred by producers, rearing the animals in pools. Most of the producers have less than 49 guinea pigs in a 0.5 to 5 ha land area. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) being the forage most used in the feeding of guinea pigs. More than 80% of producers do not receive technical assistance and more than 87% are not part of a breeder association. In the sanitary characterization, 1 to 5 guinea pigs die per week and per producer, especially in the lactating class. The most reported disease is salmonellosis, which is identified by alterations in the liver.