Characterization and typology of guinea pig breeding in the Department of Menoua-Western Region, Cameroon

• Published in: Tropical animal health and production Vol. 55; no. 6; p. 423
• Main Authors: Tobou Djoumessi, Gina France, Tendonkeng, Fernand, Kenfack, Laurette Blandine Mezajouck, Miégoué, Emile, Fokom, David Wauffo, Kuitche, Hervé Mubé, Fondjeu, Ulrich Darlin Tsafack, Moula, Nassim, Hornick, Jean-Luc
• Format: Journal Article Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.12.2023; Springer Nature B.V; Springer Science and Business Media B.V
• Subjects: Age; Agriculture; Altitude; Animal Feed; Animal husbandry; Animal production & animal husbandry; Animal Science and Zoology; Animals; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Breeding; Breeding methods; Cameroon; Commerce; Disease prevention; Dry season; Factorial analysis; Farmers; Food Animals; Food security; Guinea pig breeders; Guinea Pigs; Households; Humans; Hygiene; Interest groups; Life Sciences; Livestock; Nutrition; Predation; Productions animales & zootechnie; Proteins; Questionnaires; Regular Articles; Sciences du vivant; Swine; Typology; Veterinary medicine; Veterinary Medicine/Veterinary Science; Zoology; Cameroon; Cameroon; Typology; Breeding; Guinea pig breeders
• ISSN: 0049-4747; 1573-7438; 1573-7438
• DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03838-3

A survey was carried out on 356 breeders in the Department of the Menoua Region of West Cameroon to characterize guinea pig breeding systems, using descriptive analysis, factorial analysis of multiple correspondences (AFCM), and upward hierarchical classification (CAH). Three types of guinea pig breeders have been identified, discriminated according to the size of the herd and the professional character of the breeding. Most of the housing systems were of the traditional type, free-ranging on the ground. Feed generally was based on fodders and food residues, and hygiene conditions were considered as good. The main difficulties faced by the farmers were mortalities resulting from diseases and predation. Guinea pig breeding was considered a source of income for households. Sales were year-round, at age-related prices. Development of guinea pig breeding in Cameroon would require better-addressing breeding techniques and the creation of economic interest groups to strengthen food security allowed by this activity.