Use of liquid whey in the feeding of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) in the stage of growth and fattening

A ration of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% liquid whey in the feeding of male and female guinea pigs was tested versus a control of 0% liquid whey in the daily diet during the period of growth and fattening. The population consisted of 150 animals, distributed in a random block design with three replications. The daily diet consisted of different levels of liquid whey on top of a weekly budgeted food package of commercial concentrate and alfalfa. Results revealed a positive correlation between the dosage of liquid whey in the diet and the weight of male and female guinea pigs, with the most positive and significant effect (p < 0,5) in treatment 100% for males and 75% for females. The benefit/cost ratio was highest in the treatments 75 and 100%; 1,37 versus 1,10 in the control. Degustation, based on the variables color, smell and tenderness, scored best for a liquid whey supplement of 50%; flavor scored highest for a 100% supplement of liquid whey; and the presentation and acceptance variables scored best at a 75 and 100% supplement.