Definition of guinea pig

The one of guinea pig is one of the most popular denominations that receives a kind of mammal rodent that is native to South America, more precisely from the Andean region and other adjacent areas.

A species of rodent mammal, native to South America, and used for scientific experiments, as a pet, or for gastronomy

This animal is one of the most employed at the behest of the investigation scientific And that is why popularly when someone or something is the subject of an experiment or test, it is often called a guinea pig.

Also and depending on the country you are in, it is usually called guinea pig, cuis, cuy, cuilo, curí and acure.

The naturalist of Swiss origin Johann Conrad Gessner he was the first to describe the species.

More precisely, the species in question was formally identified for the first time in 1554 by Gessner.

And without a doubt over the years and centuries, this cute little animal for some and something unpleasant for those who do not like rodents has been closely associated with humans in various circumstances.

As we have already pointed out, in the field of research, because it is par excellence the most used animal at the request of the experiments, as a household pet, children especially like and adopt as friends, and on the other hand on the gastronomy they are also very popular for preparing dishes.

Food characteristics and common diseases

Among its salient characteristics are a weight that does not usually exceed a kilo, they do not usually live beyond the six years and its habitat is open areas, while it uses holes or burrows to protect itself or hide from its predators.

His feeding is based on the consumption of plants since it is a species herbivorous.

As a consequence, it does not synthesize vitamin C, it is important that it be added to your diet, which should be varied.

You have to be very careful to give them food fresh from the refrigerator, it must be found in temperature environment before giving it to him.

The diseases that usually affect them are the following: scurvy, due to a lack of vitamin C, pneumonia, infection by parasites and the cecal dysbiosis that produce it bacteria, a low fiber intake, or poor hygiene in the cages where they are kept.

There are several uses that are given to the guinea pig, as we mentioned above, one of the most recurrent is as an object of experimentation in laboratory research.

The scientist subjects them to various tests and then analyzes their answers to be able to determine certainly conclusions about the Experiments carried out, by case, is that many of these rodents turn out to be fundamental for the investigation and the advances that they are constantly produced in science, which of course, they are not produced only with the avidity and professionalism of researchers but also with resources and fundamental tools as in this particular case of the guinea pigs.

Also, in recent decades, the guinea pig has become very popular. like a pet, since it is very predisposed to coexistence with human beings and especially with young children.

Its affable and serene character makes it an ideal companion for the little ones, although it is recommended that children over 8 years old adopt it as a pet.

On the other hand, it turns out to be an ideal alternative as a pet for those who do not have enough space to to house others at home, such as dogs and cats, while the small size of the rabbit is satisfactory in this sense.

Dedication is also another point in favor of these animals, since they do not demand as much attention as the aforementioned cats and dogs and then that person who works all day can adopt one without problems since walks by example.

And it is also used at the request of the gastronomy to consume their meat.

Its high content of omega 3 makes it very valuable for its nutrients.

Many of those who have tried it assure that it is a real delicacy for the palate.

Controversy over his habitual death at the request of experimentation

Now, we cannot ignore when addressing the issue of this little animal that there are many controversies around its use in the field of science since it is a reality that Many, tens, hundreds, and thousands have died in various investigations, a fact that distresses and especially bothers the animal protectionists who demand that they not be used more.

While on the other side are those who defend its use in science and believe that thanks to them it has been possible to advance enormously in a lot of issues that saved humanity.

Themes in Guinea Pig