Guinea pigs 

1. Site Selection and Housing

• Location & Environment:

  • Choose sites with good drainage, low humidity, and protection from extreme temperatures.

• Housing Space:

  • Provide at least 0.2 m² per adult guinea pig to ensure adequate space for movement and social interaction.

  • Group housing is common; typically, 2–4 animals are kept per enclosure to encourage natural behavior.

2. Water Management and Environmental Control

• Water Supply:

  • Offer clean, fresh water ad libitum through nipple drinkers or water bottles, ensuring 100% accessibility.

• Quality Parameters:

  • Maintain water pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

  • Keep ambient temperatures between 18–24°C, as guinea pigs are sensitive to heat and stress.

• Monitoring:

  • Replace or clean water systems daily to help reduce bacterial buildup by over 80%.

3. Feeding and Nutrition Management

• Diet Composition:

  • Provide unlimited high-fiber hay (such as timothy hay) as a base diet.

  • Supplement with pellets formulated for guinea pigs that contain 14–16% protein and at least 18% crude fiber.

  • Due to their inability to synthesize vitamin C, ensure that feed or water supplies at least 10–20 mg of vitamin C per day per animal.

• Feeding Rates:

  • On average, guinea pigs may consume around 50–70 grams of pellets daily in addition to ad libitum hay.

• Feeding Frequency:

  • Feedings should be consistent, with at least 3 scheduled intervals to maintain steady nutrient intake.

4. Health Monitoring and Veterinary Care

• Routine Checks:

  • Conduct monthly health examinations on 100% of the herd to detect early signs of illness or stress.

• Mortality Rates:

  • With proper management, mortality rates can be maintained below 5–10% during production cycles.

• Preventative Care:

  • Implement regular deworming and veterinary treatments for 100% of animals as recommended by a veterinarian experienced in small animal care.

5. Breeding and Reproduction Management

• Reproductive Parameters:

  • Guinea pigs have a gestation period of approximately 59–72 days (averaging around 65 days).

  • Litter sizes generally range from 2 to 4 pups.

• Production Rate:

  • With effective management, a breeding female can produce about 3 litters per year.

• Neonatal Survival:

  • Hatchability and survival rates can reach 80–90% under controlled, stress-minimized conditions.

• Genetic Diversity:

  • Rotate breeding stock to maintain genetic variability above 80%, reducing inbreeding risks.

6. Biosecurity and Disease Prevention

• Quarantine Procedures:

  • New or returning animals should be quarantined for 14–30 days (a standard target is around 21 days) to ensure they are disease-free.

• Disease Control:

  • With strict biosecurity measures, farms can reduce disease incidence by 80–90%, contributing to overall flock health.

• Sanitation:

  • Daily cleaning and disinfection of housing and equipment are essential to maintain a pathogen load reduction of over 80%.

7. Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability

• Manure and Bedding:

  • Regular removal (at least daily or every other day) of droppings and soiled bedding helps reduce ammonia levels and prevents respiratory issues.

• Waste Recycling:

  • Composting manure can recycle up to 70% of organic waste into fertilizer, contributing to sustainable practices.

• Effluent Control:

  • Effective waste management systems can reduce environmental pollutant discharge by 80% or more.

8. Record Keeping and Data Management

• Comprehensive Documentation:

  • Maintain detailed digital or written records for 100% of animals, including growth rates, feed consumption, health treatments, and reproduction data.

• Data Accuracy:

  • Use automated systems where possible to keep error margins below 2%, enhancing decision-making and regulatory compliance.

• Performance Reviews:

  • Regular data analysis supports adjustments in nutrition, breeding, and health protocols for continuous improvement.

9. Safety and Handling Practices

• Staff Training:

  • Ensure that 100% of farm personnel receive training in safe handling, animal welfare, and emergency procedures to minimize stress and injury.

• Handling Protocols:

  • Proper handling practices can reduce handling-related injuries and stress incidents to less than 1%.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Use appropriate PPE during animal handling and cleaning routines to safeguard both workers and animals.

10. Legal Compliance and Market Strategies

• Regulatory Adherence:

  • Follow local, national, and international guidelines for animal welfare and food production, aiming for 100% compliance during inspections.

• Product Quality:

  • For farms producing guinea pig meat (a traditional protein source in some regions) or breeding stock, target a market acceptance rate above 95% through consistent quality standards.

• Certifications:

  • Secure necessary certifications (e.g., food safety, animal welfare) to bolster market confidence and facilitate export opportunities.