Does anyone know which formula is used for calculating the energy requirements of guinea pigs?

Pantalaimon

Pantalaimon

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This might be a bit of a long shot... I am a student and have an assignment in which I have chosen to look at guinea pigs. I can find the information on how to calculate the RER (resting energy requirement) for dogs and cats of different weights, but nothing for guinea pigs.

For animals weighing 2-45kg it is: 70 (BWkg)0.75 But for animals under 2kg it is: 30 (BWkg) + 70

These are for dogs and cats though. Guinea pigs of course have very different digestive systems, so I am assuming that these same numbers do not apply.

Is there anyone science-y on here who might know?
 
Wow fantastic that you're doing this
Could you contact one of our listed Guinea Pig savvy vets to ask them? 🤔
 
Pantalaimon said:
This might be a bit of a long shot... I am a student and have an assignment in which I have chosen to look at guinea pigs. I can find the information on how to calculate the RER (resting energy requirement) for dogs and cats of different weights, but nothing for guinea pigs.

For animals weighing 2-45kg it is: 70 (BWkg)0.75 But for animals under 2kg it is: 30 (BWkg) + 70

These are for dogs and cats though. Guinea pigs of course have very different digestive systems, so I am assuming that these same numbers do not apply.

Is there anyone science-y on here who might know?
Click to expand...
The pet food manufacturers might have a way of calculating this 🤞
 
CTWC said:
Wow fantastic that you're doing this
Could you contact one of our listed Guinea Pig savvy vets to ask them? 🤔
Click to expand...
That’s a good idea. My vet is really good with guinea pigs, but is the only exotics vet in a huge area so I’d always extremely busy. But I could contact someone like the guinea pig vet.
 
Any way of contacting students in a veterinary college? Real life questions can be interesting, well were for me anyway when I was a student. Students probably have more time than a busy vet. Good luck!

Unless that's exactly where you are a student, of course :doh:
 
Mrs Tiggy Winkle said:
Any way of contacting students in a veterinary college? Real life questions can be interesting, well were for me anyway when I was a student. Students probably have more time than a busy vet. Good luck!

Unless that's exactly where you are a student, of course :doh:
Click to expand...
I am not entirely sure how I would go about finding a vet student. And from what I understand, guinea pigs are more of an "acquired knowledge" species than something taught in a standard veterinary degree. I will bear that in mind though for if I can't get in contact with any guinea pig vets.

I am not a vet student, I have always wanted to be a vet since early childhood but unfortunately I came to the realisation that it is not compatible with my mental health.
 
Pantalaimon said:
And from what I understand, guinea pigs are more of an "acquired knowledge" species than something taught in a standard veterinary degree.
Click to expand...
They are taught a bit in Germany, but idk to what extent. I know because the daughter of my old vet studied to be a vet and did her practical work experience in her mother's practice and her mother asked her something a little obscure about guinea food or digestion or similar, saying her daughter had just been learning about it so fresher in her mind.
But not too helpful for you of course. And my vet has long since retired.
 
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