Fitasa y xilanasa como aditivos sobre parámetros productivos de cuyes (<i>Cavia porcellus</i>) durante la fase de crecimiento y engorde

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a phytase and a xylanase on the productive performance of growing guinea pigs (type A) fed mixed diets in the highlands of southern Peru. Thirty male guinea pigs with an average weight of 361 ± 70 g were evaluated for 5 weeks. The animals were distributed in three treatments: T1, mixed diet (alfalfa and balanced feed) with traditional ingredients; T2, as T1 with the addition of phytase (10 000 FTU/g) and xylanase (20 000 UX/g) on top; and T3, as T1 using an enzyme matrix for pigs. Alfalfa, balanced feed, and dry matter consumption, live weight variation, daily live weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and economic merit were evaluated. Guinea pigs in T2 and T3 showed greater fresh feed and dry matter consumption, higher final live weights and daily weight gains than in T1 (p< 0.05). Better feed conversion rates were obtained with the enzyme treatments (4.10 in T2, 4.02 in T3 and 4.23 in T1). The enzyme diets showed a slightly lower feeding cost than the control group. The results showed that the use of phytases and xylanases following the suggested matrix for pigs in the diet of growing guinea pigs had a better productive performance.