GUINEA PIG MANAGEMENT MANUAL - Benson Institute

Providing the animals with insufficient food has as a consequence a series of problems; Among
reproducers, frequent problems are: low fertilization, embryo death, abortions, and small, weak
births with a high mortality rate.
Guinea pigs should be given adequate food according to their nutritional needs so that the guinea
pigs have a high production rate and grow rapidly.
The nutrients are substances that are found in food and that the animal uses to maintain itself,
grow, and reproduce. The animals need different proportions of food.
The nutrients that that animals need are: proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water.
Feeding consists of adequate selecting and combining different nutrients that have these elements
so that they might have a productive efficiency from an economic and nutritional point of view.
Proteins are important because they form the muscles, the hair, and the organs of the body. The
forages richest in protein are legumes, alfalfa (medicago sativa L.), tares, clovers, kudzu, croup,
etc. Grasses are a good source of energy and have low protein content. The most utilized among
them to feed guinea pigs are the forage corn, rye grass, and elephant grass.
Carbohydrates provide the energy that the organs need to maintain themselves, grow, and
reproduce. The foods rich in carbohydrates are those that contain sugars and starches. Grasses
are rich in sugars and starches. In some cases they are used for complimentary food to yellow
corn and sorghum.
Minerals mainly form the bones and teeth. If the guinea pigs eat enough grass, it is not
necessary to give them minerals in their food. Some farmers give salt to their guinea pigs, but it
is not indispensable if they are fed enough quality forage.
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