Hydroponic crops: a nutritional and sustainable alternative for the reproduction of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) in the coastal zone of Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: This study, conducted under the Minor Species Production Program at the Technical University of Babahoyo, Ecuador, aimed to evaluate the effects of hydroponic forages based on corn (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa) on the reproductive performance of improved guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). Methods: A total of 45 guinea pigs (36 females and 12 males, 70 days old) were used, distributed across three treatments: T1 (Alfalfa + Concentrate + Water ad libitum), T2 (Hydroponic Corn Forage + Concentrate + Water ad libitum), and T3 (Hydroponic Rice Forage + Water ad libitum), with three replications and five experimental units per treatment. Reproductive performance was measured by pregnancy percentage, litter size, average litter weight at birth, average litter weight at weaning, mortality at first parturition, post-parturition estrus, and the cost-benefit indicator. Treatments were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), and mean differences were evaluated using Tukey’s test at a 5% significance level. Results: The best reproductive performance was observed in T2, with a pregnancy percentage of 100%, litter sizes of 4-6 offspring, an average litter weight at birth of 122.25g, and an average litter weight at weaning exceeding 1000g, indicating a weight gain of 295.52g during the period. Additionally, T2 exhibited a cost-benefit ratio of 2.57, suggesting it is a sustainable and profitable feeding strategy. Conclusion: These results indicate that hydroponic corn forage significantly enhances reproductive performance in guinea pigs compared to traditional alfalfa and rice-based forages, supporting its use for sustainable and economically viable guinea pig production.