Effect of biofertilization on alfalfa biomass and guine fattening

Abstract

In the peruvian highlands, the production of alfalfa and the fattening of guinea pigs face issues that impact the breeders' economy. A study in the hamlet of Coñaica (Panao, Pachitea, Huánuco) was conducted to assess the impact of biofertilization on alfalfa biomass and guinea pig fattening. Two experimental designs were implemented: the RCBD to measure alfalfa biomass and a CRD to study the fattening of weaned guinea pigs (both males and females). The three evaluated treatments included the application of Effective Microorganisms (EM) to the foliage (T1), EM to the soil (T2), and a control group without EM, with a dosage of 10% every 15 days. Biofertilized alfalfa was used as feed for male and female guinea pigs for a period of nine weeks. It was distinguished that the EM treatment to the foliage significantly increased the biomass of alfalfa and favorably affected the fattening of guinea pigs, although a significant improvement in the feed conversion rate was only observed in male guinea pigs. These findings suggest that foliar EM applications with a dosage of 10% every 15 days promote higher alfalfa productivity and enhance the guinea pig fattening process.