Transcript GPig Husbandry yola

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The Guide recommends a dry bulb temperature
range under laboratory conditions of 64.4-78.8
F (18-26 C), which falls within the USDA
regulation of 60-85 F. An optimal ambient
temperature of 70 F (21 C) has been
suggested
The recommended range for relative humidity is
40-70%.
Light cycle 12:12
Air changes 10 – 15 per hour
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Guinea pigs are disturbed
easily by sudden noises and
movements and may rush
around the cage or pen
("stampede") if startled. This
may cause trampling of the
young or abortions in
pregnant females. There is
also potential for broken or
bruised legs (as seen in this
image), especially if wirefloored cages are used.
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Strict herbivores
Hind gut fermentation – cecum
Lactobacilli sp.
primary fatty acid – propionic acid
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require vitamin C
have higher folic acid requirement
sensitive to excess Ca, Vit. A, Vit. D
leads to metastatic calcification
mineralization of soft tissues
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Guinea pigs, like primates and man, must have a
dietary source of vitamin C. On a weight to weight
basis, the guinea pig's requirement for vitamin C is
about ten times that of humans. Furthermore, the
guinea pig cannot store vitamin C to any significant
extent.
The daily dietary requirement of vitamin C for the
guinea pig is approximately 10 mg/kg body weight
for maintenance and 30 mg/kg body weight during
pregnancy.
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Under some circumstances vitamin
C may need to be supplemented.
Water can be supplemented with
ascorbic acid at 200 mg ascorbic
acid to 1 liter of drinking water.
Vitamin C is unstable in water and
needs to be prepared daily.
In pet guinea pigs, when it is
impossible to provide the vitamin C
by the methods indicated above,
fresh cleaned vegetables such as
cabbage, kale or green pepper may
be used to supplement the diet.
Don’t forget the orange!
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Guinea pigs are herbivorous and, in
the wild, live on a variety of green
foods, seeds, and roots. In the
laboratory, they are usually fed a
commercially prepared, pelleted diet
The guinea pig eats an average of 6
grams of food per 100 grams of
body weight every day
Commercially prepared guinea pig
diets contain an average of 18-20%
protein, 4% fat and 16% fiber, along
with recommended levels of vitamins
and minerals.
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Additional Requirements
18-20 % protein
10-16 % crude fiber
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Use guinea pig feed!!!
NOT RABBIT FEED
no vit. C and high in vit. D
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Because guinea pigs
tend to be sloppy
eaters, wastage is
common - especially
in wire-floored cages
Wastage can be
minimized by use of
J-feeders.
Don not use bowls
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Glass/clear bottles preferred
Like to play with waterers
will empty water bottle and/or
stop up the opening
check frequently
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Change & Clean water bottle
daily
Automatic waterers
check daily; acidify water at source
reduces pseudomonas
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The average daily water consumption for the
guinea pig is 10 ml per 100 grams of body weight.
Considerably more water should be provided to
pregnant and lactating sows, and to compensate
for wastage. Tap water is usually adequate for the
guinea pig, but, in disease-free colonies,
chlorination, acidification, filtration, or autoclaving
may be necessary
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Polycarbonate caging
A variety of caging is available
for housing the guinea pig.
Caging is commonly constructed
of solid plastic (polycarbonate,
as shown in this image, or
polypropylene).
Stainless steel caging is also
commonly available. Wood
should be avoided because it is
difficult to clean, and galvanized
metals tend to rust and corrode
Space
requirements for guinea pigs are based on
body weight. According to USDA regulations and the
Guide, minimum space requirements for each animal
are:
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sq. in, sq. cm.
< 350 grams
60
387
> 350 grams
101 652
Nursing females
with litters
101 652
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Bedding
hardwood chips, fine aspen
shavings, coarse aspen
shavings, sawdust or corn cob.
wood shavings – not cedar, pine
not dusty
clean weekly
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Fine or dusty bedding
is associated with
scrotal plugs and
preputial accumulation,
and with aspiration,
which may cause or
predispose to
pneumonia.