Effect of Slaughter-House Offal and Fish Levels on Production Performance in Mink and Blue Fox ()
ABSTRACT
The present study evaluates growth, fur properties, health condition and
reproduction performance in mink (Neovison
vison) and blue fox (Vulpes lagopus)
during growing-furring and reproduction periods. Diets compared were: Diet A,
which was composed of a high amount of slaughter-house offal but less fish
products than normal, and diet B, which was composed of low amounts of
slaughter-house offal but increased fish production content. Whelping succeeded
better in animals on diet B than on diet A. The difference in whelping result between
diets was 0.6 kits/mated female for mink (P < 0.05) and 0.4 kits/mated
female for blue fox. At age 6 weeks, the difference was significant (P < 0.05)
only in mink, i.e., 0.8 kits/mated
female. Calculated per whelped female, the difference was most pronounced in
mink (0.6 kits; P < 0.05). The weights of vixens at 6 weeks were similar
with diets A and B in both species. In mink and blue fox, the body weights of
male and female kits were higher with diet B (P < 0.05). During the growing
period, weight gain was better with diet B (P < 0.05). Final body weights
were higher in males on diet B (P < 0.05). A similar tendency was found in
females. In blue fox, the skin was significantly longer in animals on diet B (P
< 0.05). Significant differences were not found in fur mass, cover or
quality. In mink, skin length was similar in both diets. Significant
differences were not found in fur properties between the diet groups. The
conclusion is that diet B can be better recommended instead of diet A.
Share and Cite:
Korhonen, H. (2014) Effect of Slaughter-House Offal and Fish Levels on Production Performance in Mink and Blue Fox.
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
4, 237-243. doi:
10.4236/ojas.2014.45030.