Physiological Data for Guinea Pigs

Average body weight

Sows: 700–900 g; boars: 900–1,200 g

Lifespan

5–8 yr

Body temperature

38–39.5°C (100.4–103.1°F)

Adult dental formula

2 (I 1/1, C 0/0, PM 1/1, M 3/3) = 20

GI transit time

Average 20 h

Heart rate

200–350 bpm

Respiratory rate

40–100 brpm

Age at sexual maturity

Females: 2 mo; males: 3 mo

Reproductive lifespan

4–5 yr for females

Gestation

59–72 d; average 68 d

Average litter size

2–4

Birth weight

100–120 g; range 45–120 g (inversely related to litter size)

Age at weaning

3–5 wk

Urine specific gravity

1.005–1.050

Urine pH

8–9

Average blood volume

70 mL/kg^a

Daily fluid requirement

100 mL/kg/d