Guinea pig breeding and its relation to sustainable food security and sovereignty in South America: nutrition, health, and production challenges

Abstract

This review explores the economic impact and importance of guinea pig production for sustainable food security and sovereignty in South America. The ease of management, short reproductive cycles of 16 days, and profitability make guinea pig farming attractive. The review delves into the diverse breeds, breeding systems, and facilities employed, emphasizing the crucial role of guinea pigs in South American economies. Descriptions of the guinea pig’s physical attributes, origin, and digestive system underscore their adaptability and versatility. The review also details feeding practices, nutritional requirements, and alternative strategies to enhance feed efficiency, addressing the importance of vitamin C supplementation. Probiotic strains’ incorporation into guinea pig diets is explored for improved health and productivity. Furthermore, the manuscript discusses slaughter methods and concludes by emphasizing the role of guinea pig breeding in sustainable food security and sovereignty, highlighting challenges, and advocating for responsible antibiotic use to mitigate potential risks of antimicrobial resistance.

Keywords

• Food systems
• food chains
• breeds for meat production
• feeding alternatives
• slaughter methods
• supply of probiotics