Simplified Diets for the Guinea Pig

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Abstract
Growth and survival of guinea pigs for long periods of time on simplified diets containing not more than 5% of crude vitamin concentrates are reported. The basal simplified diet was developed through systematic replacement of the natural foods in a satisfactory ration. With equivalent amounts of protein, carbohydrate, fat, and minerals, the diet was not adequate when supplemented with known vitamins. The authors interpret the data presented as indicating that at least two unknown dietary essentials are required to complete the diet of the guinea pig. When commercial casein provides the protein of the diet, small supplements of rice polish concentrate, brewers' yeast, liver extract, skim milk powder or dried grass markedly improve both survival and growth, thus demonstrating the presence of one of these essentials. However, if “vitamin-free” casein is used, these supplements, even in large amounts, have very little, if any, beneficial effect upon growth or survival, providing evidence for another factor in commercial casein.