Effect of Slaughter-House Offal and Fish Levels on Production Performance in Mink and Blue Fox

Hannu T. Korhonen

MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Animal Production Research, Kannus, Finland.

DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2014.45030                

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.

Keywords

Farmed Furbearers, Feed Ingredients, Growing, Reproduction, Fur Production

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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