Utilizing Agricultural By-Products for Sustainable Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) Diets: Evaluating Low-Cost Feed Alternatives in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies

Abstract

The agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) is a promising protein source in the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America. This study assessed the impact of three by-product diet formulations on intensively reared agoutis, including a cost analysis and nutritional evaluation as well as the nutritional composition, digestibility, and economic viability of three experimental diets. Sixteen adult male agoutis were individually housed at the University of the West Indies’ Field Station. After a two-week acclimatization, a four-week data collection phase followed. The four treatments included a control diet of commercial rabbit pellets and three experimental diets with varying by-product ratios. Key findings revealed that Treatment 2 had elevated Dry Matter, Crude Fat, and fiber but potentially compromised digestibility due to higher fiber and lignin. Treatment 1 resulted in the highest morbidity and was discontinued after two weeks due to significant weight loss but demonstrated the most cost-effective results, with the lowest variable cost per 45 kg, the lowest feeding cost to reach 3 kg, and the highest gross margin. Treatment 2 effectively maintained animal weight. Treatment 3 showed promising growth due to low levels of Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL). Alternative dietary feedstuffs from agricultural by-products show potential for sustaining body weight in adult male agoutis, but further research is needed to refine nutritional requirements for growing agoutis.