Anthelmintic usage on the Reproductive Parameters in Captive reared Agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies

Abstract

The agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) is a rodent that is found in the Neo-tropical region. This animal is hunted for its meat but has recently been reared in captivity as a source of meat protein in rural communities. A 20-month experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of an anthelmintic on the reproductive performance of the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) reared in captivity. This experiment was conducted in the humid tropics of Trinidad and Tobago. Sixteen animals (15 females, 1 male) placed in each of the two treatment groups in a completely randomized study design. In treatment 1 (T1) animals were given subcutaneous injections of Endovet Ces® (Ivermectin/Praziquantel) at 0.2 mg/kg every three months. Treatment 2 (T2) was the negative control group where animals were not exposed to an anthelmintic. Reproductive data were collected at parturition which included birth weight, litter weight, litter size and gender of offspring. The results showed that there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) between the treatment groups with respect to birth weight, litter weight, litter size and gender. However, agoutis that were dewormed had a higher birth weight (220.24 g vs 209.1 g) and litter weight (369.8 g vs 343 g). The same values were obtained for the litter size (1.7 vs 1.7) and animals that were dewormed had a higher female offspring to male offspring (2.41:1 vs 1.11:1). This experiment demonstrated that the use of an anthelmintic strategically in the management of captive reared agoutis had no statistical effect (p > 0.05) on the reproductive parameters. Therefore, these animals can be kept in captive conditions without being dewormed and produce efficiently with proper feeding and housing management.

Reproductive Technologies Used in Female Neo-Tropical Hystricomorphic Rodents

“…They exhibit a continuous polyestrous cycle [ 19 ], with an estrous cycle varying among the different species; 34.2 ± 2.1 days in D. aguti [ 20 ], 30.69 ± 4.65 days [ 19 ] and 29.94 ± 6.77 days [ 21 ] in D. prymnolopha, and 28.2 ± 0.7 days in D. leporina , [ 22 ]. These rodents have a gestation period of 103–104 days [ 19 , 23 ], with an average litter size of 1.7–2 precocial young [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Single birth weights were higher than multiple ones with offspring weighing 209–310 g [ 26 , 27 ].…”

“…These rodents have a gestation period of 103–104 days [ 19 , 23 ], with an average litter size of 1.7–2 precocial young [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Single birth weights were higher than multiple ones with offspring weighing 209–310 g [ 26 , 27 ]. The interval between two young being birthed was approximately one hour, with the female squatting while exhibiting contractions.…”