Morphometric and faneroptic characterization of sub populations native cobayos (Cavia porcellus) of the south equatorian highland

The guinea pig is a native rodent of the South American Andes of great importance for the identity and food security of the population, very much quoted at present for the unique characteristics of its meat. The morphometric and phaneroptic characterization of native animal species is the beginning of any rational process of conservation of animal genetic resources and their sustainable use to preserve their genetic variability and resilience. This research was carried out in the Southern Highlands of Ecuador. The objective was to perform the morphometric and phaneroptic characterization of two subpopulations of native guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus): Cañar (G1EcC), Azuay (G2EcA) and an improved line Peru (G3LP); data were recorded on 509 animals at birth, 391 at weaning and 370 at 90 days. For the statistical analysis, descriptive statistics were applied, analysis of variance with the Duncan test at 5 % for normal data and Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney for data without normality. The native subpopulations were smaller animals as compared to the improved animals, with the presence of polydactyly, black eyes, with a short straight type coat and predominant overo – agouti colors.