New Delhi: Every year on July 16, Guinea Pig Appreciation Day is celebrated worldwide to highlight the personalities of guinea pigs and discuss why they should be loved and cherished by anyone. Over the years, guinea pigs have been used extensively for scientific experiments. However, in the modern world, there have been vehement calls about protecting guinea pigs, which are now extensively adopted as pets.
What is a guinea pig?
The Guinea pig is a South American rodent and a domesticated species which belongs to the cavy family. Like other cavies, it has a robust body with short limbs and large eyes, head and short ears. Their soles are hairless and have short sharp claws. The forefeet has four toes and the hind feet have three toes. Many breeds of domesticated guinea pigs are grouped by hair length and coat texture.
Guinea pigs as pets
The guinea pig has been immensely popular as a pet in Western society since European traders introduced it to Europe and North America in the 16th century. They are docile, friendly, responsive with relatively easy to care for, which makes them a popular choice of household pet. Throughout the world, organizations devoted to the competitive breeding of guinea pigs have been formed.
Guinea pigs in folk culture
Guinea pigs as livestock breeds have been an integral part of the folk culture of many indigenous Andean communities. They have also played a crucial part in the religious ceremonies of those communities and also in folk medicine. Their meat is also popular and has been a culinary staple in the Andes Mountains. In the 1960s a modern breeding program was started in Peru that resulted in large breeds with marketers trying to increase consumption of the animal outside South America.
Guinea pigs in experiments
Since the 17th century, guinea pigs have been used for biological experiments and they became such a standard model animal in scientific experiments in the 19th and the 20 centuries that even humans who are used for experiments are called guinea pigs. While they have been replaced by other rodents like rats and mice, guinea pigs are still used in some research like those on tuberculosis, juvenile diabetes and pregnancy complications.
The Guinea pig is a South American rodent and a domesticated species which belongs to the cavy family. Like other cavies, it has a robust body with short limbs and large eyes. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
