Effect of supplementation of Pennisetum purpureum to high protein concentrate on growth of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) females in western Cameroon

The effect of supplementation of Pennisetum purpureum (Pp) to protein concentrate (PB) on the growth performance Cavia porcellus (L. 1758) was evaluated for 2 months at the application and Research of the University of Dschang (West-Cameroon). 16 guinea-pigs with a average weight of 281 ± 42.0 g were used randomly in four treatments T0 (Pp), T1 (Pp + 16 % PB), T2 (Pp + 17 % PB) and T3 (Pp + 18 % PB). Chemical analysis showed that the different food formulations are rich in protein (16 to 18%), crude fiber (10%), metabolizable energy (2827 to 2857 Kcal/KgMS), calcium (0.95 %) and phosphorus (0.58 %). Results of the growth parameters showed that mean weights of animals increased significantly (P <0.05) between treatments. Food consumption increased with the age of animals. Guinea-pigs of the control batch T0 (8704.5 ± 0.00 g) consumed more than those of other treatments. The average daily gain varied significantly (P <0.05) between treatments. The consumption index is high for animals of the T0 batch (96.2 ± 7.80) as against 66.8 ± 35.6; 52.3 ± 14.3; 60.4 ± 22.4 respectively for batches T1, T2 and T3. The treatment T1 was the best ration.

Keywords: Cavia porcellus, growth, Pennisetum purpureum, proteins, West Cameroon.