Equally Cute, IPB University Expert Explains the Difference between Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

Many people think that rabbits and guinea pigs are closely related animals. Although both are furry animals and are often used as pets, the two turned out to come from different orders. This was revealed by Dr Muhamad Baihaqi, a lecturer at IPB University in the Department of Animal Nutrition and feed Technology.

Dr Baihaqi explained that taxonomically, rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) belong to the Lagomorpha order, while guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) belong to the Rodentia order.

“Physically, rabbits have a larger and slimmer body, long ears and hind legs, and a small furry tail,” he explained in a written interview in Bogor on (8/12).

“While guine pigs are shorter and fatter, with short legs, small round ears, and almost no tail,” he added.

The most striking anatomical difference lies in the structure of the teeth. Rabbits have an additional pair of incisors behind the main teeth, which guinea pigs do not have.

Although both are herbivores with a hindgut fermenter digestive system, rabbits are more efficient at digesting fiber because they have a larger cecum and perform coprophagy (eating back soft manure).

Their origins are also different. Rabbits are native to Europe and North Africa and live in underground burrows, while guinea pigs are native to the Andes mountains in South America and live at ground level. 

In terms of reproduction, rabbits are more productive because ovulation occurs after mating (induced ovulator), with a gestation period of about 28-32 days and the number of offspring can reach 12. In contrast, guinea pigs have a longer gestation period, 59-72 days, and only give birth to 2-4 offspring.

Regarding the consumption aspect, Dr Baihaqi said that the meat of both is edible and halal for Muslims. Rabbit meat is high in protein, low in fat and cholesterol, while guinea pig meat is also high in protein but with a smaller body size.

“The halal fatwa for rabbit meat has been issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and the majority of scholars also allow the consumption of guinea pigs,” he said.

In Indonesia, the economic potential of rabbits is greater because they have been widely developed as a source of meat and ornamental animals. Meanwhile, guinea pigs are still more commonly used as pets. 

“With the increasing interest in ornamental rabbits and rabbit meat consumption, the business opportunities for rabbit farming are increasingly promising,” said Dr Baihaqi. (IAAS/RWA)