Development of a Semi-Synthetic Diet for Young Guinea Pigs

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Abstract
A semi-synthetic diet containing neither liver nor yeast has been developed for guinea pigs from comparatively simple materials. It differs from previously used diets in having a greater variety of carbohydrates and a higher content of both vitamins and minerals. It has supported a rate of growth almost, if not quite, equal to that obtained with a commercial pelleted diet in animals placed on it at two to 4 days of age and continued on it up to 150 days. Animals reared on it seemed to be normal with respect to weight, general appearance, physical activity, appearance and weight of internal organs, hematocrit values, granulocytes and total leukocytes. The diet supports reproduction but further studies are necessary before drawing conclusions as to its value with respect to this function.

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