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Diners lured by super guinea pig

Scientists in Peru hope a new breed of guinea pig will convert the world to one of their favourite delicacies.

A new super-sized version of the cuddly rodent has been developed at one of Peru's top universities.

Although in most of the world guinea pigs are enjoyed as pets - not ingredients - exporters hope the larger animal will be easier to sell abroad.

"It is really delicious," says Gloria Palacios, director of La Molina National University's export project.

"I think if they become familiar with the cuisine, maybe suddenly they'll give in and be tempted to try it," she adds.

For hundreds of years farmers high in the mountains of Peru have bred guinea pigs for food.

They provide an important source of protein for many people in the poor South American country.

Peruvians eat an estimated 65 million guinea pigs a year.