Abstract
This project aimed to observe the effect of different weaning times on the weight gain in agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). The goal was to acquire an appropriate weaning time for offsprings. The experiment was performed at the University of the West Indies Field Station Farm (UFS) where animals were divided into four treatment groups, with each treatment group consisted of four animals. Treatment 1 offsprings were weaned at four weeks, treatment 2 offsprings were weaned at three weeks, treatment 3 offsprings were weaned at two weeks, and treatment 4 offsprings were weaned at one week. The offsprings were raised experimentally for their first seven weeks. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) recorded in offsprings live weight and average daily gain (ADG) for treatments 1, 2, and 3. However, offsprings reared in treatment 4 had significantly (p < 0.05) less live weight and weight gain in comparison to the other groups at seven weeks. Offsprings in treatment 4 also experienced 50% mortality (2/4 animals died), one animal removed from the experiment due to progressive weight loss, and one offspring remained in the experiment for its duration. The other treatment experienced no loss (0% mortality). Based on the results of the experiment, agouti offsprings should not be weaned at one week due to high mortality and low live weight at the end of seven weeks. Animals can be weaned between 2 and 4 weeks of age with no detrimental effects. Dependent on the level of production, animals can be weaned at 2 or 4 weeks depending on the operators desired litters per year.
Highlights
In the neotropical region, agouti (D. leporina) is one of the most hunted species utilized as a source of meat protein [1, 2]. is rodent has been identified as a selective group of animal that has the potential to be domesticated [3], and some authors have grouped them as mini-livestock [4].is rodent is essential as a seed disperser and plays a crucial role in reforestation [5]. is rodent has a wide range of habitats from savannahs to rainforests [6, 7]
In treatment 1 (T1), offsprings were weaned at four weeks, T2 offsprings were weaned at three weeks, T3 offsprings were weaned at two weeks, and T4 offsprings were weaned at one week
Offsprings weaned at four weeks had the highest average daily gain numerically, but statistically there was no significant difference between offsprings weaned at four, three, and two weeks (Table 3)
Summary
Postweaning Performance of the Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina): A Neotropical Rodent with Potential for Domestication. Is project aimed to observe the effect of different weaning times on the weight gain in agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). Ere was no significant difference (p > 0.05) recorded in offsprings live weight and average daily gain (ADG) for treatments 1, 2, and 3. Offsprings reared in treatment 4 had significantly (p < 0.05) less live weight and weight gain in comparison to the other groups at seven weeks. Offsprings in treatment 4 experienced 50% mortality (2/4 animals died), one animal removed from the experiment due to progressive weight loss, and one offspring remained in the experiment for its duration. Based on the results of the experiment, agouti offsprings should not be weaned at one week due to high mortality and low live weight at the end of seven weeks. Dependent on the level of production, animals can be weaned at 2 or 4 weeks depending on the operators desired litters per year
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
