Description of the guinea pig breed “Kui”
Kui, giant guinea pigs, come in many different types. COBAYOS weighing up to 4 kg, the largest of them. They reach a length of 50 cm. Kui species differ in size and body structure.
Origin
Kui, like wild guinea pigs, live in South America. They are most commonly found in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Colombia. In contrast to European countries, in South America these gilts are bred for human consumption. On a par with alpacas and llamas.
Kui are not considered pets in her homeland. They are used as a source of meat, clothing, toys and fertilizer producers.
In South America, it is not uncommon for agricultural exhibitions to hold competitions such as “whose kui is greater.” The winners receive prizes and respect from their neighbors.
Anatomical features
Kui have a heavier skeleton as well as a wider head. They gain weight and gain weight quickly. Depending on the species, the weight ranges from 1.5 to 4 kg.
They also often have a hereditary defect — polydactylism (extra toes). These fingers are functional and do not interfere with the animal.
Character
The Kui are more cowardly and less talkative than the guinea pigs we know. They only talk to each other. Females in most cases are aggressive towards each other.
Feeding
As mentioned above, these pigs get fat quickly. To prevent obesity of the body and internal organs, Kui should not be fed with grain and compound feed. Only vegetables, fruits and hay in huge quantities.
Life span
Kui are prone to heart disease. Unfortunately, they do not live long. Rarely does anyone live to be three years old. Aging faster than our pigs.
Reproduction
Kui grow faster. By the age of four months, the piglet can already weigh 1 kg. Normal maturity occurs earlier than in the usual guinea pigs. An overweight pig will not be able to mate. The normal mating time for kui is 3–4 months.
You can not cross a male Kui with a female of other breeds, as with a high degree of probability it will cause the death of the female from the fact that the piglets are too large. Small kuis weigh from 80 to 250 g at birth.
Attempts to mate a female Kui and a male of other breeds will also not lead to anything good. Piglets-mestizo will inherit all possible diseases.
Some experienced breeders try to breed a mestizo with a longer life and less susceptibility to Kui diseases. But over the years there have been no tangible results.
In the photo below, a one-year-old male Kui (weight 1500 kg) next to a male regular guinea pig of the same age. Check out the difference!
