FAO Digital Media Hub - PERU Guinea pig at research farm

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PERU Guinea pig at research farm

One of the large Guinea pigs raised at the Government experimental farm where research into improved genetics is carried out on some 540 animals.

Country or Territory Peru

File size 318.31 KB

Unique ID UF1W7U

FAO. Editorial use only. Photo credit must be given.

Background Information - - Improved techniques for breeding of guinea pigs.. The Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is a rodent which was domesticated by the ancient Incas of Peru ? long before the arrival of the conquistadores. Guinea pigs were kept for their meat and were introduced into Europe for the same purpose in 17th century. Today, this valuable source of animal protein is being bred at the Peruvian Ministry of Agriculture?s experimental farm at the Agricultural University of La Molina on the outskirts of Lima. Trough genetic experiments, Guinea pigs of 40 cm in length and weighing 2,000 grams have been raised ? three times bigger than those bred by the Incas. In 1971, some 800 giant-sized pedigreed animals were distributed for breeding. Guinea pigs are now on sale for consumption in Lima and thy are also being canned for export. The experimental farm at La Molina received help for the continuation of the breeding project in the form of a donation of $5,250 through FFHC/Action for Development of FAO which came from the Catholic Commission for FFHC.AD in Spain.