SCIENTIFUR SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION IN FUR ANIMAL PRODUCTION. Vol. 25, No. 4 INTERNATIONAL FUR ANIMAL SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATION

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1 SCIENTIFUR SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION IN FUR ANIMAL PRODUCTION Vol. 25, No. 4 INTERNATIONAL FUR ANIMAL SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATION

2 SCIENTIFUR - scientific information in Fur Animal Production. SCIENTIFUR scientific information for those involved in Fur Animal production, is published by the International Fur Animal Scientific Association (IFASA). SCIENTIFUR is the contact link between fur animal researchers all over the world and serves as an outlet for scientific and other communication between researchers and others who are interested in the production of fur bearing animals. As such SCIENTIFUR will contain reports of scientific and applied nature as well as abstracts of information published elsewhere and information regarding congresses, scientific meetings etc. SCIENTIFUR is published as four issues per year in the following way: Three issues containing short communications (max. 4 pages), abstracts, letters, book reviews etc. One issue containing only reviewed articles. One year s issues (1 volume) are estimated to total 350 pages covering more than 500 titles of scientific reports. SCIENTIFIC REVIEWED ARTICLES. Papers received for publication as Scientific Reviewed Article, will be sent to two referees for scientific approval, and will regardless of discipline appear in the issue entitled Fur Animal Science containing only reviewed articles. SHORT COMMUNICATIONS. Other original papers can be published in SCIENTIFUR as short communications. In regard to such articles the author(s) alone is (are) responsible for the scientific validity of the article. Such papers must not exceed 4 printed pages. EDITOR ADDRESS. All kinds of material suited for publication or abstracting in SCIENTIFUR have to be forwarded to the Editor: Birthe M. Damgaard Tel: SCIENTIFUR Fax: P.O. Box 14 DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark Scientifur@agrsci.dk SUBSCRIPTION : DKK per volume (year) including bank charges and postage. Please note that members can subscribe, for personal use only, at a reduced rate. Please apply for membership and further details at or to the IFASA treasurer. TRESURERS ADDRESS. All correspondence regarding subscription and payment should be addressed to the Treasurer: Steen H. Møller Tel: IFASA Fax: P.O. Box 14, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark IFASA@agrsci.dk INDEXING: Scientific Reports and Original Reports published in SCIENTIFUR are indexed in common international indexes covering data regarding animal science. All titles unless of origin which have been published in SCIENTIFUR from the very beginning, is covered in an electronic SCIENTIFUR INDEX, which is updated each year. This index can be downloaded from the Webb-site: International Fur Animal Scientific Association (IFASA). Board of directors: Dr. Bruce D. Murphy (president): murphyb@medvet.umontreal.ca Dr. Steen H. Møller (vicepresident, treasurer): IFASA@agrsci.dk Dr. Ilpo Pölönen. ilpo.polonen@stkl-fpf.fi Ing. Wim Verhagen. info@nfe.nl Dr. Marian Brzozowski. brzozowskim@delta.sggw.waw.pl

3 Contents 105 SCIENTIFUR ISSN Vol. 25, No Contents Notes Abstracts 111 The taxonomic status of the Japanese weasel Mustela Itatsi (Carnivora, Mustelidae). A.V. Abramov 111 Structure of baculum (os penis) in Mustelidae (Mammalia, Carnivora). Communication 1. G.F. Baryshnikov, A.V. Abramov 111 Structure of baculum (os penis) in Mustelidae (Mammalia, Carnivora). Communication 2. G.F. Baryshnikov, A.V. Abramov 111 Intrageneric diversity of the cytochrome b gene and phylogeny of Eurasian species of the genus Mustela (Mustelidae, Carnivora). N. Kurose, A.V. Abramov, R. Masudas 111 Notes on the taxonomy of the Siberian badgers (Mustelidae: Meles). A.V. Abramov 112 Low genetic diversity in Japanese populations of the Eurasian badger Meles meles (Mustelidae, Carnivora) revealed by mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences. N. Kurose, Y. Kaneko, A.V. Abramov, B. Siriaroonrat, R. Masuda 112 A taxonomic review of the genus Mustela (Mammalia, Carnivora). A.V. Abramov 112 Electrolyte composition of mink (Mustela vison) erythrocytes and active cation transporters of the cell membrane. O. Hansen, T.N. Clausen 112

4 106 Scientifur, Vol. 25, No. 4, 2001 Glucose Homoeostasis and Regulation in Lactating Mink (Mustela vison): Effects of Dietary Protein, Fat and Carbohydrate Supply. R. Fink, C.F. Børsting, B.M. Damgaard 113 Gloss measurements of morphologically different fur surfaces in pelts from black mink (Mustela vison). P.V. Rasmussen Short Communications 115 Studies on the relationship between fur damage in mink, reproduction results and the occurrence of this defect in offspring. A. Gugołek, M.O. Lorek, A. Hartman Symposiums and Congresses 117 Autumn meeting, 2-4 October 2002, Nordic Association of Agricultural Scientists, Subsection for Fur Animals New Books 119 Fear in Farm Mink (Mustela vison) Consequences of Behavioural Selection. Ph.D. thesis. Jens Malmkvist 119 Annual Report 2001, Danish Fur Breeders Research Center 121 Generalisation of fear in mink selected for reaction towards humans. J. Malmkvist, S.W. Hansen 121 Observations of mink deliveries. J. Malmkvist, B. Houbak 122 Stereotypy, welfare, politics and production. L.L. Jeppesen, V. Pedersen, T. Simonsen 122 Eating and drinking behaviour of mink and the relationship between feed intake and activity/stereotypies and factors influencing the activity. S.W. Hansen, E.L. Decker 122 Ph.D. on free-ranging mink Population dynamics and trophic interactions of an introduced top predator. M. Hammershøj 123 Demand functions generated by use of operant conditioning techniques. S.W. Hansen, M.B. Jensen, L.J. Pedersen, L. Munksgaard, J. Ladewig, L. Matthews 123 Curious behaviour is inherited in farm mink (Mustela vison). B.K. Hansen, P. Berg, S.W. Hansen, J. Malmkvist 124 Selection for kit growth considering welfare of the dam. Results of the fifth and final year of selection. B.K. Hansen, P. Berg, J. Malmkvist, S.W. Hansen, U.L. Rasmussen 124 Alternative measures for prediction of maternal and kit effects on early growth in the suckling period. B.K. Hansen, P. Berg 124 Is the growth period shortened by changing the time of birth? Positive/negative consequences? U.L. Rasmussen, M. Fredberg 125 Energy distribution in mink feed in the winter and reproduction periods. C. Hejlesen, T.N. Clausen 125 Ad libitum or restricted feeding of mink females in May. T.N. Clausen, C. Hejlesen 125

5 Contents 107 Glucose metabolism and glucose homeostasis of the lactating mink. R. Fink, C.F. Børsting, B.M. Damgaard 126 Effects of high dietary levels of fresh or oxidised fish oil on mink female performance and kit growth during the nursing period. B.M. Damgaard, C.F. Børsting 126 Sodium Chloride in the lactation period and the early growing fase. T.N. Clausen, P. Sandbøl, B.M. Damgaard 127 Lupin and rapeseedfor mink feed in the growing period. C. Bjergegaard, T.N. Clausen, C. Hejlesen, K. Mortensen, H. Sørensen 127 Peas and soybeans for mink in the growing furring period. T.N. Clausen, C. Hejlesen 127 Single cell protein for mink in the growing season. C. Bjergegaard, T.N. Clausen, C. Hejlesen, K. Mortensen, P. Ochodzki, H. Sørensen 128 A RT-PCR based method for measurements of mrna from mink tissue: A preliminary investigation of Myogenin. B. Riis, K.G. Madsen 128 Methionine metabolism in the mink. Effect of season, and the supply of methionine and betaine. C.F. Børsting, B. Riis 128 High content of ethoxyquin in feed for mink in the reproduction, lactation and early growth period. C. Bjergegaard, T.N. Clausen, H.H. Dietz, K. Mortensen, H. Sørensen, J.C. Sørensen 129 Investigations of three sulfur-containing Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in liver, muscular and skin tissue from mink. B. Riis, C.F. Børsting 129 Measurement of leather properties in dressed mink pelts. Preliminary results in relation to storage of raw pelts by freezing. P.V. Rasmussen, L.L. Skovløkke 129 Astrovirus epidemiologically linked to pre-weaning diarrhoea in mink. L. Englund, C. Mittelholzer, M. Chriél, H.H. Dietz, K.O. Hedlund, L. Svensson 130 Evaluation of the intestinal flora in mink with special focus on E. coli. L. Vulfson, K. Pedersen, H.H. Dietz, T.H. Andersen, M. Chriél 131 Morphological and optical fur properties in mink (Mustela vision) - A study on raw, dried mink pelts with reference to product quality. DIAS report No. 35. P.V. Rasmussen 132

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7 Notes 109 Notes from the Group of Editors This electronic version of Scientifur is the fourth issue of volume 25. The last two issues of this volume will be published as a paper version. We sincerely regret the delay in the publishing of volume 25. However, we promise our readers to commence the editing of volume 26 as soon as possible, hoping that by the end of 2002 all four issues of volume 26 will have been published. arranged by the Nordic Association of Agricultural Scientists, Subsection for Fur Animals. The seminar is to take place in Finland, 2 4 October We invite all our readers to submit articles for reviewing as well as short communications, abstracts, letters etc. with relation to fur animals. We wish you all an enjoyable summer. In this issue of Scientifur you will find abstracts, a short communication, and information on new books. You will also find information on a seminar On behalf of the Group of Editors Birthe Damgaard

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9 Abstracts 111 The taxonomic status of the Japanese weasel Mustela Itatsi (Carnivora, Mustelidae) A.V. Abramov The taxonomic status of Mustela itatsi Temminck, 1844 is discussed. The Japanese weasel was considered as a Mustela sibirica subspecies. Twenty-three measurements of skulls in Japanese and Siberian weasels from different habitats were analyzed. The discriminant analysis revealed a significant difference between these two forms. The difference is greater than that between different populations of the Siberian weasel from the whole Siberian territory and from the Far East. M. itaisi is distinguished from M. sibirica by its smaller and narrower skull. The morphotypic features of skull, size, coloration,and bacula, were also studied. The taxonomic status of M. itatsi as an independent species is confirmed by cytogenetic data. Zoological Journal, 2000: 79, 80-88, 5 figs, 3 tables, 36 refs. Structure of baculum (os penis) in Mustelidae (Mammalia, Carnivora). Communication 1 G.F. Baryshnikov, A.V. Abramov The baculum (os penis) in 27 genera and 55 species of Mustelidac from the world fauna is described in detail. Structure of the baculum is different in most species. The genus Mustela is divided into 8 subgenera in the os penis form, two of them, Neovison subgen. nov. (within M. vison) and Cabreragale subgen. nov. (within M.frlipei) are new. Zoological Journal, 1997: 76, , 3 figs. Structure of baculum (os penis) in Mustelidae (Mammalia, Carnivora). Communication 2 G.F. Baryshnikov, A.V. Abramov The baculum (os penis) in 27 genera and 55 species of Mustelidae from the world fauna is described in detail. Structure of the baculum is different in most species. Two large groups are distinguished on the basis of the results obtained. The caput of the os penis in each group is complicated independently. The subfamilies Lutrinac, Melinae, Mustelinac have the baculum of similar structure, that in Mephitinne is reduced. Many differences in morphology of os penis in related forms, such as Charronia and Martes, Lontra and Lutra indicate their remote phyleric relationship. The genus Mustela is divided into 8 subgenera in the os penis form, two of them, Neovison subgen. nov. (within M. vison) and Cabreragale subgen. nov. (within M.felipei) are new. The baculum of Enhydra and that in the fossil genera Sardolutra and Plesiogulo are relatively large, Conepatus, Mephitis, Mellivora, Lutrogale, and Pteronura have a relatively short baculum. Zoological Journal, 1998: 77, , 2 figs, 1 table, 53 refs. Intrageneric diversity of the cytochrome b gene and phylogeny of Eurasian species of the genus Mustela (Mustelidae, Carnivora) N. Kurose, A.V. Abramov, R. Masudas To illuminate molecular phylogenetic relationships among Eurasian species of the genus Mustela (Mustelidae, Carnivora), we determined nucleotide sequences of the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene region (1,140 base pairs). Molecular phylogenetic trees, constructed using the neighborjoining and the maximum likelihood methods, showed the common topology of species relationships to each other. The American mink M. vison first branched off and was positioned very remotely from the other species of Mustela. Excluding M. vison, the ermine M. erminea first split from the rest of the species. Two small bodysized weasels, the least weasel M. nivalis and the mountain weasel M. altaica, comprised one cluster (named the small weasel group ). The other species formed another cluster, where the remarkably close relationships among the domestic ferret M. furo, the European polecat M. putorius, and the steppe polecat M. eversmanni were noticed with 87 94% bootstrap values (named the ferret group ), supporting the history that the ferret was domesticated from M. putorius and/or M. eversmanni. The European mink M. lutreola was the closest to the ferret group. The genetic distance between the Siberian weasel M. sibirica and the

10 112 Scientifur, Vol. 25, No. 4, 2001 Japanese weasel M. itatsi corresponded to differences of interspecific level, while the two species were relatively close to M. lutreola and the ferret group. These results provide invaluable insight for understanding the evolution of Mustela as well as for investigating the hybridization status between native and introduced species for conservation. Zoological Society of Japan, 2000: 17, , 3 figs, 3 tables, 36 refs. Notes on the taxonomy of the Siberian badgers (Mustelidae: Meles) A.V. Abramov Craniometric characters and fur coloration of the Siberian badger are examined. Comparison of the Siberian badgers with those from Europe (Leningrad Area) and Japan allows to draw a conclusion that there are three species in the genus Meles: European badger M. meles (L., 1758), Asian badger M. leucurus (Hodgson, 1847) and Japanese badger M. anakuma Temminck, Throughout the area from the Urals to Far East only two subspecies of the Asian badger can be diagnosed: Siberian badger Meles leucurus sibiricus Kastschenko, 1900 (= altaicus, raddei) and badger from Primorie M. l. amurensis Schrenck, 1859 (= melanogenys). Russian Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the Zoological Institute, 2001: 288, , 3 figs, 27 refs. Low genetic diversity in Japanese populations of the Eurasian badger Meles meles (Mustelidae, Carnivora) revealed by mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences N. Kurose, Y. Kaneko, A.V. Abramov, B. Siriaroonrat, R. Masuda To assess the level of genetic variations of the Eurasian badger Meles meles in Japan, the entire sequences (1,140 base pairs) of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene were phylogenetically examined. Most of substitutions between haplotypes were transitions resulting in synonymous mutations. A phylogenetic tree reconstructed by sequence differences clearly showed that Japanese populations of Meles meles were differentiated from continental populations (from the Baikal area and eastern Europe) of M. meles. By contrast, genetic distances among Japanese populations were much smaller, and their geographic structures did not reflect geographic distances between sampling localities. The results indicate that polymorphisms of the ancestral populations still remain via loss of haplotypes by population size changes. In addition, M. meles could have occupied the present habitats in Japanese main islands (Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu) in a short period, possibly after the last glacial age. Zoological Science, 2001: 18, , 3 figs, 2 tables, 23 refs. A taxonomic review of the genus Mustela (Mammalia, Carnivora) A.V. Abramov The genus Mustela includes 17 species. Comparative analysis of skull structure, dentition, bacular structure and external characteristics make it possible to divide the genus into 9 subgenera: Mustela, Gale, Putorius, Lutreola, Kolonokus, Pocockictis, Grammogale, Cabreragale and Cryptomustela subgen. N. The American mink is regarded as a representative of a separate genus Neovision. Zoosystematica Rossica,1999: 8, , 1 fig, 43 refs. Electrolyte composition of mink (Mustela vison) erythrocytes and active cation transporters of the cell membrane. O. Hansen, T.N. Clausen Red blood cells from mink (Mustela vison) were characterized with respect to their electrolyte content and their cell membranes with respect to enzymatic activity for cation transport. The intraand extracellular concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were determined in erythrocytes

11 Abstracts 113 and plasma, respectively. Plasma and red cell water content was determined, and molal electrolyte concentrations were calculated. Red cells from male adult mink appeared to be of the low-k+, high-na+ type as seen in other carnivorous species. The intracellular K+ concentration is slightly higher than the extracellular one and the plasma-to-cell chemical gradient for Na+ is weak, though even the molal concentrations may differ significantly. Consistent with the high intracellular Na+ and low K+ concentrations, a very low or no ouabainsensitive Na+,K+-ATPase activity and no K+activated pnppase activity were found in the plasma membrane fraction from red cells. The Cl- and Mg2+ concentrations expressed per liter cell water were significantly higher in red cells than in plasma whereas the opposite was the case with Ca2+. The distribution of Cl- thus does not seem compatible with an inside-negative membrane potential in mink erythrocytes. In spite of a steep calcium gradient across the red cell membrane, neither a calmodulinactivated Ca2+-ATPase activity nor an ATPactivated Ca2+-pNPPase activity were detectable in the plasma membrane fraction. The origin of a supposed primary Ca2+ gradient for sustaining of osmotic balance thus seems uncertain. Acta vet. scand., 2001: 42, , 3 tables, 24 refs. Glucose Homoeostasis and Regulation in Lactating Mink (Mustela vison): Effects of Dietary Protein, Fat and Carbohydrate Supply R. Fink, C.F. Børsting, B.M. Damgaard The ability of lactating mink dams to control glucose homoeostasis, when fed diets containing different ratios of metabolizable energy (ME) from protein, fat and carbohydrates, was studied by measuring plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, glucagon, urea and free fatty acids (FFA), in the fasted and absorptive state 4 weeks postpartum, in two consecutive years. A total of 36 yearling female mink, fitted with jugular vein catheters and raising litters of six or seven kits, was fed ad libitum lactation diets with different amounts of ME derived from protein, fat and carbohydrates (year 1:61:37:2, 46:37:17 and 31:37:32; year 2:61:38:1, 47:52:1 and 33:66:1). After 3 h fasting the dams were fed 210 kj ME of the experimental diets. Blood samples were drawn 10 and 5 min before feeding and 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min postprandially. The glucose concentration was increased 30 to 150 min postprandially in dams fed the carbohydratecontaining diets (46:37:17 and 31:37:32), whereas the glucose concentration showed no postprandial response in dams fed the carbohydrate-free diets (61:38:1, 47:52:1 and 33:66:1). Plasma insulin concentrations were increased 30 to 120 min postprandially in all dams, irrespective of dietary treatment. Plasma concentrations of glucagon were higher (P <0.005) in dams fed the low-protein diets (31:37:32 and 33:66:1) than in dams fed the high-protein diets (61:37:2 and 61:38:1). Postprandially, the glucagon : insulin ratios decreased in dams fed the carbohydrate-containing diets, whereas the glucagon:insulin ratios tended to increase in dams fed the carbohydrate-free diets. Plasma concentrations of urea were significantly higher in dams fed the high-protein diets. Plasma concentrations of FFA, measured in the second experiment (year 2) only, showed increased concentrations postprandially, the responses being significant in dams fed the 33:66:1 and 61:38:1 diets. In conclusion, the mink is able to regulate the concentrations of blood constituents involved in maintaining glucose homoeostasis, and thereby to adapt to a wide range of dietary protein and carbohydrate supply. Acta Agric. Scand., Sect. A, Animal Sci., 2002: 52, , 3 figs, 2 tables, 44 refs. Gloss measurements of morphologically different fur surfaces in pelts from black mink (Mustela vison). P.V. Rasmussen The paper presents some preliminary results of an optical discrimination between fur surfaces in pelts from 25 black male and 25 black female mink, which visually differed in respect to glossiness and nap, i.e., the difference between length of guard hairs and wool hairs. The pelts came from two morphologically different hair lines representing a traditional, coarse type with relatively long guard hairs (long nap type) and a modified type with relatively short guard hairs (short nap or velvet type). The pelts were judged with sensory methods

12 114 Scientifur, Vol. 25, No. 4, 2001 into different grades of nap, glossiness and fur volume. By simple, non-destructive, goniophotometric methods, reflectance curves were applied to characterise the different pelt surfaces optically and to explain visual characteristics. The individual maximum reflectance (s) and the corresponding observation angle (ϑ s ) were evaluated. The observation angle at maximum reflectance was assumed to depend on the guard hairs. Therefore, the average inclination of guard hairs (θhair, ) in relation to the skin surface was calculated as θhair = (ϑ s - (90-15 )) / 2. The effect of the hair scale inclination was not included in this calculation and was not considered in this study. The maximum reflectance in visually very glossy male and female pelts was high compared with visually very matt pelts. Also generally, the maximum reflectance was correlated with visual glossiness in male and female pelts (r = 0.47, P = 0.02 and r = 0.39, P = 0.05, respectively). The average inclination of guard hairs (θhair) was negatively correlated with nap in male and female pelts (r = -0.66, P = and r = -0.69, P = , respectively), and positively correlated with fur volume (r = 0.35, P = 0.09 and r = 0.49, P = 0.01). However, multiple regression showed that θhair was more dependent on nap in male and female pelts (P = and P = 0.003, respectively) than on fur volume (P = 0.10 and P = 0.64, respectively). In conclusion, non-destructive and photometric methods can be used to characterise some optical properties in black mink pelts. It is possible to characterise sensory grades of nap by using indirectly obtained values of the average guard hair inclination. A decrease in average guard hair inclination is related to high nap values (long nap) and vice versa (short nap). Perhaps the result can contribute to some objective nap criteria and to objective measuring systems in the future. Max. reflectance, % Fig. 5. The maximum reflectance (s) is higher in visually glossy pelts. Mean and standard deviation are shown. Guard hair inclin Matt Glossy Male pelts Female pelts M ale pelts Female pelts Nap Fig. 6. The average guard hair inclination (θ hair, ) is negatively related to nap. In Hartwig Höcker and Brigitte Küppers, eds. Proceedings of the 10th International Wool Textile Research Conference. November 26 - December 1, 2000, Deutsches Wollforschungsinstitut (DWI), Aachen, Germany, CD-rom ISBN: x. 6 pp.

13 Short Communications 115 Studies on the relationship between fur damage in mink, reproduction results and the occurrence of this defect in offspring A. Gugołek, M.O. Lorek, A. Hartman Department of Fur-bearing Animal Breeding, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland Abstract The aim of the present research was to compare the reproduction results of pastel mink chewing their fur with mink not showing this pathology, and to determine to what degree this pattern of behaviour is inherited by offspring. The experimental group included males and females with fur damage, whereas the control group consisted of mink free from this defect. A lower rearing ratio was noted in the group of females chewing their fur. Males of both groups showed similar sexual activity. Kits that were the offspring of mink with fur damage were more likely to chew their own fur and that of other animals. Introduction The causes of fur chewing in fur-bearing animals are different. They may be of environmental or psychological nature, but they may also be connected with the feeding system, health state of animals or inheritance. Kwartnikowa (1995) excluded, on the basis of five-year studies, the infectious character of fur chewing. According to Malmkvist & Hansen (2001), and Hansen et al. (1998), fur damage can be reduced by selection. The damage may be self-inflicted or done by other animals kept in the same cage. It may be deducted, following Hansen et al. (1998), that neck damage is caused by other animals, while trunk and tail damage is self-inflicted. Manson (1994) reports that tail biting occurs in early weaned kits, and may be prevented by providing them with other objects to chew. Fur damage is not observed in natural conditions (in wild mink), and is a symptom of problems with adaptation to farm conditions (Houbak & Hansen, 1996). Material and Methodology The studies were conducted on pastel mink in the first year of their reproductive utilisation. The experimental group (II) included 24 females and 12 males whose fur was seriously damaged on the tail and trunk sides. The damage was classified as selfinflicted. The control group (I) consisted of 31 females and 15 males whose fur was not damaged. Reproduction was carried out within the groups, i.e. females with damaged fur were mated with males with damaged fur only, whereas animals free from this pathological behaviour mated with one another. The data on the number of kits born and reared were collected. The rearing ratio was also calculated. The sexual activity of males was determined on the basis of the number of mating sessions. The kits from both groups were put into cages, 1 male and 1 female in each. The number of kits with fur damage and the areas of its occurrence were noted in December. Results and Discussion The reproduction results of mink are presented in Table 1. No difference was found between the groups as regards the number of kits born and reared. However, the average number of kits born, in relation to the number of females in the group, was higher in the case of females with fur damage. The number of weaned kits was higher in the control group. The rearing ratio was statistically higher by 18% in this group than in the experimental one. The results indicate that the level of kit mortality was higher in the groups of mink with fur damage, which may be connected with increased nervousness and aggressiveness of females in this group. The reproduction results of males include the average number of mating sessions per male. Males of both groups showed similar sexual activity (I 7.36, II 6.42 mating sessions per male). Table 1 also shows the number

14 116 Scientifur, Vol. 25, No. 4, 2001 of animals with fur damage in both groups, stating whether it was self-inflicted or not. In group I, the kits with fur damage constituted 3.6%. The damage concerned mostly tails. In the group of kits whose parents used to chew their fur, fur damage was observed in 19.23% of mink. The damage was found on the tail and neck, and was accompanied by the lack of one or both ears. Fur damage on the tail was classified as self-inflicted (8.97%), whereas the other kinds of damage (on the neck, lack of ears) were classified as done by animals kept in the same cage (10.26%). Due to the fact that on farms two or several mink are kept together in one cage, not all kinds of damage are self-inflicted. Maybe animals chewing their fur also demonstrate a tendency to damage the fur of others put into the same cage. Conclusions 1. The worst kit rearing results were obtained in the group of females with fur damage. 2. Males with fur damage were characterised by normal sexual activity. 3. Mating of mink with fur damage resulted in approx. 20% of their kits chewing their own fur and damaging the fur of other animals. Reference Damgaard, B.M. & Hansen, S Stress physiological status and fur properties in farm mink placed in pairs or singly. Acta Agric. Scand., Sect. A, Animal Sci. 48: Hansen, S., Houbak, B. & Malmkvist, J Development and possible causes of fur damage in farm mink significance of social environment. Acta Agric. Scand., Sect. A, Animal Sci. 48: Houbak, B. & Hansen, S.W Fur chewing in farm mink temporal development and effect of social environment. Applied Science Report. Polish Society of Animal Production. Warsaw. 29: Kwartnikova, E Jeszczo raz o strizkie volosianovo pokrova. Krolikovodstvo i Zvierovodstvo. 3: 10. Malmkvist, J. & Hansen, S The welfare of farmed mink (Mustela vison) in relation to behavioural selection. Animal Welfare 10: Mason, G Tail-biting in mink (Mustela vison) is influenced by age at removal from the mother. Animal Welfare 3: Table 1. Reproduction results of female and offspring with fur damage Specification Measures Group I II Female n % Mated n % Barren n % After parturitionrearing n % kits Number of kits: - born - reared n x n x Rearing ratio % Offspring with fur damage: Total Self-inflicted Not selfinflicted (done by other animals) n % n % n %

15 Symposiums, congresses etc. 117 Nordic Association of Agricultural Scientists Subsection for Fur Animals Autumn meeting 2-4 October 2002 Scientists, consultants, and others involved in fur animal production are invited to participate in the autumn meeting of the NJF. At the meeting, recent scientific results will be presented. Where?: Holiday CIub Katinkulta, Vuokatti, Finland Nearest airport: Kajana, approx. 40 km Price: Single room Doubleroom NJF members: 470 euro 390 euro Non-members: 510 euro 430 euro Registration: Not later than 14 June 2002 Payment: Not later than 15 August 2002 To Finlands Pälsdjursuppfödares Förbund, Account No Please state name of participant Oral presentations and posters are to be announced not later than 2 April Final manuscripts written in English and including summaries in English or one of the Nordic languages are to be submitted electronically (MS Word) before 15 August A final programme will be distributed in September The organising committee Address: FPF rf / Maija Miettinen P.O.B Vanda Tel.: (0) E-post: maiia.miettinen@stkl-fpf.fi

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