Phenotypic Variability of Native Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Lines Associated with Productive and Reproductive Variables in the Traditional Production Systems of the Pastos Indigenous Reserve

Genetic improvement seeks to meet human needs, resulting in a loss of genetic variability, affecting indigenous communities' biodiversity and food sovereignty. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the phenotypic variability of native guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) lines associated with productive and reproductive variables in the traditional production systems of the Pastos Indigenous Reserve in the Department of Nariño, southwestern Colombia. A total of 2007 guinea pigs older than 3 months were divided into 2 batches. 1934 individuals (batch 1) were randomly selected for phenotypic characterization, including hair length, leg size, body size, and behavior. Seventy-three individuals (batch 2) were used to evaluate productive and reproductive variables, and the lines with the highest similarity were clustered using the UPGMA method. In addition, ethnoveterinary information obtained through interviews within the production systems was described. As a result, nine traditionally known phenotypes were described including Shinhuzo, Pelochon, Zambo, Guarico, Chocolate, Peruvian, Coral, Piño, and Moro. The lines were clustered into 4 groups, highlighted by lines with high production and reproductive potential (group 1), lines with low progeny mortality (group 2), a line with low reproductive potential (group 3) a line that presented a unique coat and high productive potential as Group 1 (Group 4). As a result, local knowledge was shown to be crucial for the conservation of native guinea pig lines, as it includes traditional feeding techniques and disease treatment. The native lines Shinhuzo and Coral, with morphological differences between them, showed the potential to reach productive and reproductive parameters similar to the improved Peruvian line, according to the UPGMA dendrogram. However, a detailed analysis of the specific nutritional requirements of each guinea pig line is necessary to improve the traditional breeding of guinea pigs, enhancing the production of all native lines already adapted to the indigenous territory, maintaining the important genetic variability that, in the context of climate change, is relevant to promoting research on sustainable production strategies using resilient native species adapted to local conditions for the future exploration of differentiated markets.