Effets de Panicum maximum Jacq. associé à Euphorbia heterophylla (L.) Klotz. & Garckesur la productivité des femelles durant le cycle de reproduction chez le cobaye (Cavia porcellus L.).

In Ivory Coast, Guinea pigs reared for meat (Cavia porcellus L.) are mainly fed with Panicum maximum. The association of this forage with Euphorbia heterophylla (L.) Klotz. & Garcke improves the organic matter digestibility of the mixed diet compared to P. maximum distributed alone in growing male guinea pigs. In order to determine the effect of this diet during gestation and lactation in female guinea pigs, three diets: P. maximum (PAN) basic diet; P. maximum associated to E. heterophylla (PANEUPH) and P. maximum associated to pellets for rabbit (PANGRAN), were distributed ad libitum to multiparous guinea pigs (604.9 ± 40.8 g). The daily ingestion during gestation and lactation were 59.8±11.2 and 53.2±8.5; 61.5±5.2 and 72.9±16.4; 83.1±12.9 and 111.3±13.9 g DM.d-1 respectively for PAN, PANEUPH and PANGRAN. Similarly, the rates of fecundity were 111.1±0.9; 188.9±0.6 and 244.4±0.5% respectively for PAN, PANEUPH and PANGRAN. The individual birth weight and weight gain during lactation of the piglets were 58.7±12.4, 75.6±16.2 and 102.5±12 g and 2.4±0.6; 4.1±0.9 and 6.5±1.2 g.d-1 respectively for PAN, PANEUPH and PANGRAN. In conclusion, the association of P. maximum and E. heterophylla significantly improves ingestion, digestibility, fecundity, birth weight and weaning weight in guinea pigs in comparison to Panicum maximum used as a sole diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]