The Digestive System of the Agouti(&lt;i&gt;Dasyprocta leporina&lt;/i&gt;) －Gross Anatomy and Histology－

2020

A feed trial was carried out to evaluate potential unconventional feed resources such as Trichanthera gigantica and moruga hill rice (Oryza glaberrima) as a partial supplementation to the diet of adult male agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina). Supplemental feeding of the agouti will decrease feeding cost to produce this animal and aid in sustainable agricultural practices. Male agoutis were used as this physiological state was the easiest to attain as well as male animals are generally used for meat production. The trial consisted of 16 male agoutis that were allocated into four dietary treatments using a completely randomized experimental design. Four diet treatments were used in the experiment; treatment 1 (T1) was the positive control which consisted of rabbit ration whilst treatment 2 (T2) to 4 (T4) had different ratios of O. glaberrima, Trichanthera gigantica and Rabbit Ration. The feeding trial had 8-week duration. T2 consisted of 5% T. gigantica, 35% O. glaberrima supplemented for rabbit ration. T3 had 10% T. gigantica and 40% O. glaberrima supplemented for rabbit ration. T4 consisted of 15% Trichanthera and 45% O. glaberrima supplemented for rabbit ration in the diet. Proximate analysis showed that Dry Matter (DM) and Ash was highest in T4 and lowest in T2. Whilst ether extract (EE) and crude protein (CP) were highest in T2 and lowest in T4. Crude fiber (CF) was highest in T3 and lowest in T2. The weights of the agoutis at the start of the experiment (2595 g–2971 g) were not significantly different to their final weight (2469–2762 g) (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference seen between treatments groups and weeks of the experiment (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the interactions between treatment and weeks (p > 0.05). T1 and T2 were not significantly different (p > 0.05) with respect to average daily gain (−0.98 g/d, −1.61 g/d) and weight loss (55 g, 90 g). T2 can be used as an alternative feed source than rabbit ration (control diet) for adult male agoutis. As the final body mass of the male agoutis did not change with the inclusion of 40% Trichanthera and Moruga hill rice, this substitution can be used to maintain male agoutis before slaughter. However, higher amounts of supplements may be detrimental to this animal.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The agouti has a simple stomach with a functional caecum. It practices both caecotrophy and coprophagy [ 15 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Unconventional Supplements to the Diet of Intensively Reared Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) in Trinidad, West Indies

John

2020

“…The mouth of the agouti was divided into the vestibule, which contained cheek pouches, and the mouth cavity with a diastema between the incisors and premolars [ 23 ]. The dental formula is shown in Table 2 .…”

Section: Agouti ( D Leporina/d Aguti )mentioning

confidence: 99%

Nutrition of Six Selected Neo-Tropical Mammals in Trinidad and Tobago with the Potential for Domestication

Lall

Garcia

2018

This review highlights the available literature on the nutrition of six neo-tropical animals with the potential for domestication—the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina/D. aguti), lappe (Agouti paca), capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), manicou/opossum (Didelphis marsupialis insularis), collared peccary (Peccary tajucu) and the red brokcet deer (Mazama americana). Over 100 references were used, spanning over 100 years. The earliest being 1915 and the most recent being 2018. The references used in this review were synthesized to give a detailed look of the dentition, anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract and type of feed these animals consume. Nutritional requirements of the animals are required to understand what is needed for growth, maintenance and reproduction of each physiological stage. The agouti (D. leporina/D. aguti) was observed to be a monogastric mammal that fed primarily on fruits, seeds, animal matter and practiced caecotrophy. The lappe/paca (C. paca/A. paca) was described as a strict herbivore and a frugivore which practiced caecotrophy, with a diet that varied throughout the year, according to food availability. The capybara (H. hydrochaeris) was found to be the largest known rodent and was described as a semiaquatic hindgut fermenter that practiced caecotrophy. The manicou/opossum (D. marsupialis insularis) was found to be an omnivore with a simple stomach. The collared peccary (T. tajacu) was found to be frugivorous. Their unique stomach enabled them to consume a wide variety of feedstuff, allowing them to be found in a wide range of habitats. The red brocket deer (M. americana), a ruminant, was described as a browser that consumed mainly fruits and seeds and they frequented mineral lick. Knowledge of what they consume in the wild is important, so that we know what to feed in captivity. There is also the need to evaluate captive diets while trying to domesticate these mammals and develop nutrient requirement tables for these neo-tropical animals. Finally, an understanding of the dentition and gastrointestinal tract is important to increase efficiency (nutritional and cost). These six neo-tropical mammals were chosen due to their prevalence as game species in Trinidad and Tobago.

“…The digestive tract of the agouti is similar to that of the rabbits. The agouti possessed a large caecum and the small intestine was reported to be longer in comparison to that of the rabbit [11]. Some authors have stated that the animal is a frugivore with a large majority of its diet consisting of fruit and nuts [12,13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dystocia in a Captive Reared Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies

Lall

Garcia

2020

Self Cite

Dystocia is a complication that occurs at parturition either due to foetal or maternal factors. This condition has been well studies in domesticated species. However, there is very little information on dystocia in the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). The agouti is utilized for its meat in South America and the Caribbean. More recently, farming of these animals intensively is being practiced in the Neo-tropics. This case report attempted to provide some insight into dystocia in the agouti which has been rarely reported in animals in captivity. A female agouti weighing approximately 3 kg (kg), which was in the last stage of pregnancy, was found dead in its cage. The vulva of the animal had the hind-limbs of the offspring protruding. Upon necropsy the animal had little fat reserves and had two foetuses in the right horn of the uterus. The feet of on offspring were dislocated and exposed at the level of the vulva. Each foetus weighed approximately 200 g. The foetuses were well formed with fur, teeth and eyes. The placenta was attached to each of the foetuses. The pathological findings suggested that dystocia resulted in secondary uterine inertia, which was the cause of death of the adult female agouti. To prevent the recurrence of this situation the gestation should be staged (timed) using ultrasonography. Animals which are in their third stage of gestation should be monitored using cameras or with personnel at the facility to assist agoutis which are having difficulties at parturition.