Oncorhynchus mykiss silage improves meat fatty acids, blood parameters, intestinal histomorphometry, productive performance and modulates the cecal microbiota of Cavia porcellus.
This study evaluated rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) silage as a sustainable feed ingredient for guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). Thirty-three male guinea pigs were assigned to diets with 0%, 4%, or 8% silage inclusion for 11 weeks. Silage improved the meat lipid profile by increasing monounsaturated fatty acids and DHA, enhanced crypt depth, and altered cecal microbiota composition without affecting alpha diversity. Blood parameters remained largely unchanged, except for mean platelet volume and cholesterol levels. Productively, silage improved weight gain and feed conversion without impacting intake or carcass traits. Overall, trout silage improved meat quality and feeding efficiency while maintaining animal health.