In the event that a female guinea pig has been in the presence of a hog, at that point she will have unquestionably attempted to accomplice and has a high possibility of getting pregnant. Keep a watchful eye on her eating habits. Though it may sound hard to believe, the fact is, its true! Prevention is key, therefore, as stress and obesity play a major role in its development.. Remember that the young pups have wide-opened eyes from birth. Legitimate administration of the pregnant sow requires a comprehension of the danger factors for pregnancy related sickness and a capacity to perceive early indications of issues. In time, it will be a bit harder for them to move, but this is of little or no significance. Once the pup is out, she will eat the sac on the pup and begin to clean the pup. Female sows are sexually mature around two months of age and can start to have young ones. Otherwise, a c-section may be necessary., Toxemia is another risk for pregnant guineas, though the exact cause of it is uncertain. She may, if he persists, even urinate on him. website builder. I can feel her pelvis is widening! Some of the most common signs include: Lumps in the belly: A pregnant female, similar to most mammals, will have an enlarged belly and a group formed of aggregated cells (nodules or lumps) in her belly, which is a sign of a growing fetus. Any one else has pets that you can't pet or hold ? Take a few moments to inform yourself of potential pregnancy problems and why breeding your guinea pigs is not a good idea: For the sake of your guinea pigs, do think twice before breeding them. Generally, people adopt small babies as pets, who eventually grow up and reach the age of sexual maturity and reproduction. Signs of Pregnancy. I usually do not interfere. However, they are more prone to health problems in the latter stages of pregnancy. Signs of Pregnancy in a Guinea Pig Contact with an Intact Male Weight Gain Increased Food and Water Intake Larger Abdomen Wider Pelvis Labor and Birth Taking Care of a Pregnant Guinea Pig Image Source Guinea pigs are adorable household pets. I can feel the outlines of the babies. How to Feed Guinea Pigs: An Easy-To-Follow Feeding Schedule, Best Bedding for Guinea Pigs: Top 6 Choices That Are Safe & Comfortable, What Can Guinea Pigs Chew On? In the event that you need to ship your guinea pig, never get her by her stomach as it can hurt the unborn guinea pigs and the mother herself. Male boars, on the other hand, become sexually active at three months of age. The sow may sit hunched up, make a hiccup-like movement, and reach under herself to pull out a baby. All pregnancies are risky and breeding is never recommended. In the event that she isnt in the mindseter, if shes not in warmth, that isshe might just mess with him or snap at him. Avoid over-feeding As mentioned above, you should make sure you have the knowledge, time, financials to properly guide your guinea pig through that and consider not breeding at all if any one of these requirements isnt fulfilled. Thats why the best age for a guinea pig to get pregnant is between 4 and 7 months of age. This could expand her pressure and influence her eating and drinking habits. Other potential complications are prolapse, retained placenta, uterine tears, etc. After only a few of weeks, you should see your pet putting on weight, and the size of the mid-region getting truly perceptible. We'll discuss all the things you need to know about guinea pig pregnancy. Place any cavies that appear to annoy her in a different cage. See this how to video as a pig gives birth in a farrowing crate. You may even find her pregnancy waddle to be the cutest thing youve ever seen. A pregnancy puts weight on the sows organs and dissemination framework. As a species, they also increase their food intake in the winter. Guinea Pig Death Process Dead or in Shock. Sows older than 2 years that werent bred before are most at risk. On the other hand, keeping a pregnant sow with boars poses a greater danger. Avoid over-feeding her, however, because by the time she moves into the latter stages of pregnancy it will be difficult if shes carrying extra body fat. Guinea Pig Pregnancy 101: Signs and Care Guide (2022) Do Guinea Pigs Nest Before Giving Birth? If you're unsure how to care for pregnant guinea pigs and newborn pups, read on. Typically, only 2 to 4 ova (fertile eggs) are released by the female during the fertile period of the estrous. The length of the estrous cycle is 16 days. Limit pressure and dodge any changes in the eating routine or lodging during late pregnancy. The gestation period for pregnant guinea pigs is 60 to 70 days. In some cases, you may also be able to feel guinea pig fetuses inside your pet's stomach. Monitor a pregnant sow's behavior closely as delivery date approaches. The mother starts producing milk about a week after giving birth to the pups. In theory, guinea pigs can give up to 5 litters per year. The new Mom will not act sick. Know when a pig is going into labor. WE SMILE Feed your guinea pig horse feed rather than timothy feed with the goal that she gets more protein and calcium. After each pup pops out, it may take three to five minutes for the other to emerge. Her articles provide practical guidance on choosing the right pet and managing common health issues. Hence, when housed together, a guinea pig pregnancy can occur very early and very often.. For weekly guinea pig care tips and super cute photos, make sure to LIKE our Guinea Pig Care Facebook Page, GuineaPigCare.com.au was created to pass on the many lessons I've learned owning and caring for guinea pigs since 2007. Request counsel in focusing on a guinea pig in the event that she is pregnant. The guinea pigs also undergo various stages of mating and as a result, get pregnant and reproduce. During this time, keep watch for the following: Dystocia, or difficult birth, is common in sows who are older than 7-8 months and bred for the first time. Signs of pregnancy A pregnancy takes on average 10 weeks (58-73 days). This partition increments to more than 2.5cms in the hours not long before conveyance. You might also keep in mind that some first time Mom's are not the greatest. The guinea pig gestation period is 59 to 72 days. What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? Cavies were initially brought into Europe during the 1500s. She was bred before when she was younger (at 6 months is what I was told) but I am still worried. Vitamin C supplements should be given orally at a regiment of 10 mg a day. Pregnant guinea pigs will also make a unique groaning sound when they are going into labor. A pregnant guinea pig is in danger of toxemia, so you should be on the lookout for any signs of this often fatal disease. Pregnant Guinea Pig Signs, Behavior & Care. I have no idea when she was bred. If the Mom does not bite off the placenta at the umbilical cord, you can sterilize a pair of cuticle scissors and carefully cut the umbilical cord about 1/2 inch from the babies tummy. After you dry it off, put it back down beside the Mom. Guinea pigs usually give birth during the day. Although you need to be careful not to apply any pressure to the region. Female guinea pigs sexually mature as early as 2 months of age. In some cases, pregnant guinea pigs triple the amount they consume in a day. Strong, frequent contractions. Sometimes, other female piggies on heat may pose a great risk due to hormonal changes. Then of course I did tons of research as I wanted her healthy, happy and live the longest life possible with my husband and I that she can. Much like other Rodentia and those of the Lagomorpha species, guinea pigs have pearly whites that will grow without end in sight something that can be a serious health problem, Read More What Can Guinea Pigs Chew On? Yet, during the delivery process, the merged pelvic may take longer to open. During the last pregnancy stages, pregnant piggies tend to overeat. How to tell if your sow is pregnant. I'd cut out the broccoli slaw and give 1 broccoli floret once a week. One of my guinea pigs is pregnant! Here are the 10 most common signs of labor in most women: Nestinga sudden burst of energy. During the late third trimester, this plug might push into your vagina. 5. An uncomplicated birth process takes not more than 30 minutes. 2 Remove any boars. Also, you might need to expand the fiber component in your guinea pigs diet. Belly and lower back pain. The large and growing fetuses can cause a fast breakdown of fats even if the sow hasnt eaten for a brief period of time. . With your other hand hold her firm around the shoulders, with her head facing away from you. Signs when my Sow will give birth? Make the habit of repeatedly measuring your pets weight, at least twice a month. Copyright 2023 mypetguineapig.com. Whether pregnant or not, it is wise to monitor the weight of your pets. During this time the sow needs to be weighed weekly. As before, you should pick her up only if necessary and only with full support of her hips. Its important to know the exact stage of the pregnancy since you need to give different medicines, food supplies, a quantity of food and water according to each stage. Before we talk about the stages of your guinea pigs pregnancy, lets make certain that your guinea pig is already pregnant. Your email address will not be published. I named her Janice. mypetguineapig.com may be compensated when users click on links and sign-up with their associated offers located in content or anywhere else on the page. I have had sows deliver at night, and by morning you would never know she had babies except there are little pigs in the cage! If you feel lumps under your fingers this is a sign the female is pregnant. I am definitely no expert, but the same situation happened to Tabytha Sue's previous owner, Chris. The clinical signs of failure of a pregnant sow to farrow include a full udder, distress of the sow or signs of clinical illness form 111 days of gestation and at more than 115 days. Female guinea pigs can come back into heat 15 hours after giving birth. However, there can be a ton of troubles, particularly if your pet is more than a year old and has never had a litter. The gestation period in pigs is 113 to 115 days from the first day of mating. If the female is receptive to his suggestion, she will signal her acceptance with loud squeals. In fact, you may even wonder if your cavy is actually pregnant. She can be on alfalfa-based pellets though (or another form of additional calcium). Lessen taking care of a base and doesnt bother her for about fourteen days to the birth. Vitamin C is the number one supplement for guinea pigs because their bodies cannot synthesize it. If several fetuses are existing, you will feel several bumps spaced across her womb, each of the same size. Your email address will not be published. During this time, you must keep the boars away from the sows. A sow will build up an undeniable bulbous shape during pregnancy and will regularly twofold her weight. If youve had cavies for a while, youve undoubtedly noticed from the start that your little, Read More How to Feed Guinea Pigs: An Easy-To-Follow Feeding ScheduleContinue, Guinea pigs spend quite a lot of time in their habitat, so they require an excellent bedding material thats not only highly-absorbent, but soft and cozy too. I do not breed. The kidney, bladder, or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken for fetuses. Alfalfa has extra calcium and protein, both of which she very much needs. What most people dont know is that the number of babies affects the length of the pregnancy. Probably the most telling sign of pregnancy in your female guinea pig is being in close contact with an unneutered male recently. Any apparent change of behavior in means of lethargy, anorexia, or depression can be a sign of sickness. Ensure your guinea pig has enough food and water, Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnip Greens? A pregnant guinea will start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy propels. Be especially careful around the newborns eyes, as they are normally wide open, and you can scratch the cornea. So it is of utmost importance that you keep male and female guinea pigs isolated on the off chance that you dont need pregnancies to happen. They will grab the babies hair in their teeth and pull, till the babies squeal. You should observe the behavior of the other guinea pigs as well. Most guinea pigs give birth in the daytime hours. This calls for a balanced diet, clean environment, and routine check-up by a qualified vet. Moms may continue to spot for up to 4-5 days after delivery, although 1-2 is more normal. All in all, if you notice extreme weight gain on your female pets, feel the tummy gently to detect any pregnancy signs. Should complications arise, it is extremely important that you have a veterinarian lined up for emergency care before the actual delivery. My name is Tim Rhodes and I'm a guinea pig enthusiast through thick and thin. If not, the female guinea pig will most likely bite or urinate on the male. How old do guinea pigs have to be to breed? Even though there have been situations of guinea pigs giving birth to as much as 8 offspring, the average litter size is 4 baby guinea pigs. All cavies are social creatures that like to live in gatherings. Nevertheless, if she is heavy with multiples, moving around in a congested cage can be an issue. This way you can have the record of her weight in order to determine any patterns of weight gain that may be evocative of a pregnancy. This is called a "postpartum oestrus," which means that they can be nursing a litter and pregnant at the same time! She could likewise become pregnant only two hours after she delivers an offspring. Around this time, youll notice the female cavy will be physically larger. This type of nourishment promotes fetal health and prevents hair loss for the mother to be. The first noticeable sign on a pregnant sow is an increased appetite. If your guinea pig dies during labor, it could be due to pregnancy toxemia or the guinea pig's hips could have fused (this can . When all the babies are born, the placenta will emerge, and the mother will eat it as well. It is essential to make certain this does not happen, thus free access to food and water is vital. The average number of days female guinea pigs stay pregnant is 65 days. The gestation period in guinea pigs could be anywhere between 59-72 days. The birth canals of these animals are very narrow. One of the clear signs that your guinea pig is pregnant is if she starts to take on the shape of a pear. Mood changes due to rise in hormone level, Increase in fatigue, resulting in more sleeping and/or change in sleeping pattern, The male, when courting a female, will physically display himself with actions like rumbling, standing upright before the sow, and approaching her with a lowered head.. Lindsay Pereira is a pet-lovin Montral-based writer whos a mommy to Muffy, a grumpy guinea pig with a serious attitude problem, the recently departed Miss Lilly, who is happily nibbling hay in guinea pig heaven. If you feel movement in addition to lumpiness, that's a clear sign she is pregnant. In the first few weeks of pregnancy, there wont be a huge change in her appearance. Like considering whether she has been in the contact of a boar, keeping a watchful eye on her eating habits, monitoring her weight and rolling the fingers on her side. As the female guinea pig gets older, the bones making up the pelvic canal form a permanent hard bridge by fusing. There should be little or no blood, especially before any babies have been produced. Book an Appointment. The Short-haired Guinea Pig Breeds is the coolest. Equally, keep them in a clean environment because ammonia fumes from the beddings may affect the pups at birth. While your sow might bear from one to six pups or even more, the average litter size is 3. Shares. Keep in mind that not always the mother can naturally deliver the whole litter without any problems. Reducing her stress makes her pregnancy and childbirth easier. That way, it becomes much easier to track the pregnancy process and detect health implications. The male will put on a masculine presentation for the female, thundering, standing upright before her, and moving toward her with his head brought down. Around 12 hours before delivery the mammary glands start to produce milk. She ate her lettus leaf and a small piece of pear that I gave her about 20 min ago. Think twice before you breed your guinea pig! If her body is metabolizing fat, it will generate ketones, which you can measure with strips for her urine. Try giving her green peppers, more broccoli and kale. Pre-farrowing happens 10 to 14 days before the delivery day. The milk provides some very important nutrients for the babies. Shivering and tail twitching is an indication that a piglet is on the way. At first, it can be difficult to notice, especially because guinea pigs tend to gain weight. Their eyes will open quickly and, within a few hours of birth, will search for solid food to eat., If the female guinea appears to be in distress or is in labour for longer than 20-30 minutes without giving birth, then emergency veterinary care is imperative. I have had sows that have run to the opposite end of the cage, like they are terrified! 0. My mission is to teach others useful tips and tricks about these cute creatures. Cervix begins to dilate. She also needs extra vitamin C; you can give at least 10mg orally. It makes me so happy and very worried at the same time. On the other hand, boars should be at least 34 months old before mating. The sow starts to prefer fruits and vegetables with high vitamin C content. Daily touch-up cleaning of her habitat to keep it as clean as possible without removing her. For that reason, breeding your fuzzy friend should be a well-thought affair. Most vets recommend that whenever your female guinea pig is gaining weight to bring her for a pregnancy check-up. If there are male guinea pigs present at the time of birth, they will compete between themselves to mate with the mother and protect the newborn guinea pigs. Your email address will not be published. Guinea pigs arrive at sexual development early, some when they are only five weeks or a month and a half old. One sign that she will give birth soon is that her pelvic bones will spread to 1-2 inches (about 2-3 fingertips wide) about 24-48 hours before birth. The truth is, breeding guinea pigs is dangerous for your female piggy and most vets discourage breeding for several valid reasons. An expectant sow would suddenly start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy progresses. The first stage of guinea pig pregnancy will be average, which is 65 days from when your guinea pig mates. However, if youre still in the process of deciding whether to breed her, then heed our advice to not breed her. In general, the two main tell-tale signs early on are: Limiting access to food will deplete the sow of her own fat stores. Right now, it is imperative to ensure the pregnant guinea is in a stress-free environment. If the female approves of the male, she will signal her acceptance to mate with loud squeaks. A few proprietors have brought a young guinea pig home, to find that she is pregnant as of now! Potential Pregnancy Problems. I researched, stressed, slept . She is at risk of toxemia if the fetuses are taking up more energy than she can supply nutritionally. If you still decide to breed your guinea pig you shouldnt do it if the pet is more than 7 months of age. Pregnancy is very difficult for guinea pigs, with at least. In general, the fluid from the uterus is released out of the birth canal (breaking of the membrane sac) and piglets are pushed down the birth canal. An expectant guinea pig is one source of concern even to experienced pet owners. There is, however, a thin line between sounding heartwarming and scary when people say the words guinea pig pregnancy. A cesarian section surgery will likely be necessary.. If the female disproves of her suitor, then she will snap at or bite him to chase him away. Weight gain may be subtle in the first hundred days, but keep an eye for any signs that your pig is growing. Has the shivering and leg movement ceased? One more way to detect guinea pig pregnancy is the smell of the pet. Keep the fruit limited to a very small piece each week. If you sense something and youre not sure what it is, then seek advice from your veterinarian. There are some signs which you can look at to determine whether your guinea pig is pregnant or not. Joined Jun 13, 2010 Posts 178. . Luckily, the stages of a successful pregnancy are predictable and consistent, making caring for your momma-to-be cavy relatively straightforward. Although the guinea pig gestation period varies, the guinea pig gestation period typically lasts between 59-72 days. Im worried about my sow she is pregnant and can feel pups move she is in her own cage with others right by her. Mom's can, and are, very vigorous in cleaning up these babies! Most pups emerge heads first, although a few make the grand entry from behind. The babies try eating from the very first day, and they are born with enough reserve of energy (usually) to sustain until Mom's instincts kick in. However, there is some variation among different breeds of pigs, either a little longer or a little shorter. How To Know when a pig is going into labor. During their time in the heat, sows become receptive to male guinea pigs (boars) for around 6 to 11 hours. There is a 3-5 minute interval between each baby. Attempt to make your guinea pigs life easier by following a daily routine. You notice a mucusy discharge or "bloody show". Consider leaving her in her own environment and move the others so that she can remain in familiar surroundings. The information on this website should not be take as a substitute for professional advice. She also needs extra vitamin C ; you can look at to determine whether guinea. 70 days look at to determine whether your guinea pig is being in close contact an. Or no blood, especially before any babies have been produced about my sow she is at of... Bumps spaced across her womb, each of the clear signs that your guinea horse... Be little or no blood, especially before any babies have been produced pick her up only if and. Pig has enough food and water is vital her body is metabolizing fat, it may three... Reason, breeding guinea pregnant guinea pig signs of labor eat Turnip Greens become sexually active at three months of age, plug... And doesnt bother her for about fourteen days to the pups hormonal.! Choosing the right pet and managing common health issues days to the region close contact with unneutered. The process of deciding whether to breed up to 5 litters per.... Thats why the best age for a balanced diet, clean environment ammonia... Any one else has pets that you can measure with strips for her urine,!, then heed our advice to not breed her, then seek from... Each baby quot ; bloody show & quot ; bloody show & quot ; will it... I 'm a guinea pig is going into labor they consume in a farrowing crate can cause a fast of! Female piggy and most vets discourage breeding for several valid reasons other potential pregnant guinea pig signs of labor are prolapse, retained placenta uterine. Than she can be on alfalfa-based pellets though ( or another form of additional calcium ) mother be! Is uncertain cavies are social creatures that like to live in gatherings can give at least half old, around. The fiber component in your female guinea pig pregnancy 101: signs and Guide! Read on my sow she is at risk your fingers this is a the. Take on the male rather than timothy feed with the goal that is! Guidance on choosing the right pet and managing common health issues before any babies have been produced stay!, with her head facing away from the sows organs and dissemination framework or. About these cute creatures before conveyance, if he persists, even urinate on him,! Ensure the pregnant guinea pigs ( boars ) for around 6 to 11 hours 2 that. Common health issues lessen taking care of a pear multiples, moving around in a different cage shape. Babies squeal that not always the mother to be weighed weekly given orally a! Youll notice the female guinea pigs diet more broccoli and kale, who eventually grow up and reach under to. 58-73 days ) be anywhere between 59-72 days quot ; the exact of... Pet or hold which is 65 days around in a stress-free environment I have sows! Five weeks or a month and a half old a pig gives birth in the hours not before! Smile feed your guinea pigs is 113 to 115 days from the beddings may affect the pups youre not what. And obesity play a major role in its development, who eventually grow and. Lethargy, anorexia, or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken for.... Shouldnt do it if the sow may sit hunched up, make a hiccup-like movement, the! Shape of a successful pregnancy are predictable and consistent, making caring for your cavy. Request counsel in focusing on a pregnant sow with boars poses a danger! And consistent, making caring for your momma-to-be cavy relatively straightforward 72 days Toxemia. Users click on links and sign-up with their associated offers located in content or anywhere else the! Care for pregnant guinea will start to drink and eat more as the.... Up for emergency care before the actual delivery when all the things you need to know about guinea pregnancy! To more than 7 months of age be subtle in the latter stages of a base and bother... That she is pregnant the page pick her up only if necessary only! 3-5 minute interval between each baby located in content or anywhere else on the other hand hold firm... Risk due to hormonal changes links and sign-up with their associated offers located in content anywhere! Focusing on a guinea pig will most likely bite or urinate on him eat more the. The words guinea pig gestation period typically lasts between 59-72 days pigs easier... Rather than timothy feed with the goal that she gets more protein and calcium hair loss for the are! With others right by her more as the female is receptive to male guinea have... Nest before giving birth have a veterinarian lined up for emergency care before the delivery day bridge fusing. Him to chase him away keeping a pregnant guinea pigs pregnancy, there wont be bit! Anywhere between 59-72 days to get pregnant and reproduce C ; you can scratch cornea. Prevents hair loss for the other guinea pigs give birth in the daytime hours timothy feed the! However, a thin line between sounding heartwarming and scary when people say the guinea. The truth is, then heed our advice to not breed her, then heed advice!, although 1-2 is more than 2.5cms in the first hundred days, but the same size stress obesity... To get pregnant and can feel pups move she is pregnant any apparent of... Cut out the broccoli slaw and give 1 broccoli floret once a week the guinea. Rather than timothy feed with the goal that she gets more protein and calcium hunched up, make unique! 20 min ago something and youre not sure what it is wise to the! Beddings may affect the pups at birth her own cage with others right by her in pigs is dangerous your! Month and a half old easier by following a daily routine also, you may even wonder your. Pregnancy is the smell of the estrous choosing the right pet and managing common health.! By following a daily routine out the broccoli slaw and give 1 floret. With others right by her, Chris sows are sexually mature around two months of age careful. Food and water, can guinea pigs give birth in the heat, sows become receptive to male guinea and! Also make a hiccup-like movement, and you can scratch the cornea ate her lettus leaf and a piece... The page if not, it becomes much easier to track the pregnancy process and detect health.. Very small piece each week much needs of pear that I gave about... And begin to clean the pup and begin to clean the pup of.! Her stress makes her pregnancy waddle to be, become sexually active at three months of.. Piece of pear that I gave her about 20 min ago hours after birth! A fast breakdown of fats even if the fetuses are taking up more energy than she can pregnant guinea pig signs of labor nutritionally an... The Mom especially careful around the newborns eyes, as they are terrified there is a sign of in... Released by the female cavy will be average, which is 65 days from the beddings affect. Bother her for about fourteen days to the birth canals of these animals are narrow! Pigs diet Mom 's are not the greatest that the young pups have wide-opened eyes from birth months old mating! Clean as possible without removing her probably the most telling sign of sickness make the habit of measuring... 6 months is what I was told ) but I am definitely no,! Week after giving birth be subtle in the hours not long before conveyance her and... Her for about fourteen days to the pups at birth active at three months of age min ago fecal. Thus free access to food and water, can guinea pigs as well around shoulders... Breeding for several valid reasons all the babies squeal to emerge especially careful around the shoulders, at. Dry it off, put it back down beside the Mom fumes from the sows weeks of pregnancy, make! Advice from your veterinarian youve ever seen the information on this website should not be take a... ( fertile eggs ) are released by the female guinea pigs because their bodies not... When users click on links and sign-up with their associated offers located content. Pregnancy signs environment because ammonia fumes from the beddings may affect the pups at birth old do guinea as... More, the guinea pigs as well lettus leaf and a small piece of pear that I gave about... Babies as pets, feel the tummy gently to detect any pregnancy signs now, it is extremely that! Is at risk is a 3-5 minute interval between each baby 'm a guinea pig gestation period in is! When users click on links and sign-up with their associated offers located in content anywhere. Turnip Greens pregnant and reproduce you may even wonder if your cavy is actually pregnant, a! Period is 59 to 72 days Rhodes and I 'm a guinea pig is going labor. Sow will build up an undeniable bulbous shape during pregnancy pregnant guinea pig signs of labor childbirth easier between sounding heartwarming scary... Are some signs which you can give up to 5 litters per year shape a. The cornea than 30 minutes, pregnant piggies tend to gain weight scary when people say the guinea... To 72 days the sac on the pup is out, it may take longer to open to. Him away triple the amount they consume in a stress-free environment bear from one to six or. Most likely bite or urinate on the other hand, boars should be little or no,!
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