Post-weaning growth of cavies (Cavia porcellus) according to the inclusion level of ginger (Zingiber officinale) meal in the diet as a feed additive

Abstract

The use of phytobiotics in feeding monogastric herbivores has several interests, including the stabilization of the caecal flora and especially the improvement of the growth of animals thanks to a better exploitation of feed resources. Thus a trial was conducted with an objective to evaluate the feed intake and post weaning growth performances of cavy according to the inclusion level of ginger meal. A total of 40 guinea pigs of 3 weeks of age were divided into 4 lots, and subjected to rations consisting of Trypsacum laxum served ad libitum, associated with the compound feed containing 0; 0.5; 0.75 and 1% ginger powder (T0, T1, T2 and T3). This study showed that the total intake of DM, MO and CB from forage was comparable between rations T0, T1 and T2 and significantly higher than those of ration T3. At weaning, average animal weights of all rations were comparable. However, at 8 weeks of age, the T0, T1 and T3 rations yielded comparable average weights, but significantly higher than those of the T2 animals, i.e., 272 g; 298.80 g; 285.25 g and 221.83 g, respectively. The T0, T1 and T3 diets recorded total gains that were comparable but significantly higher than those obtained with animals in Lot T2. Ginger powder can be included up to 0.75% in the diet as a feed additive for improved ingestion and 0.5% for post-weaning growth.