Size Allometry in Mink (Mustela vison) Selected for Feed Efficiency

Abstract

Objectives were to analyse absolute and relative size of mink at maturity, and to test effects of selection line, sex and interaction on size. For male and female mink selected for high or low feed efficiency, size at 30 weeks was analyzed for body weight, carcass weight, pelt weight, subcutaneous fat weight, and pelt length. For absolute size, an ANOVA model included effects of line, sex, and interaction. For relative size, two models were used: an allometric model and an extended allometric model, which included effects of line, sex, and interaction.

For the ANOVA model, sexes differed for each variable; females were less than males. As a percentage of body weight, however, carcass weight was larger in females than males, whereas fat weight was smaller in females than males. For the extended allometric growth model, sexes differed for carcass weight and subcutaneous fat weight; females fattened faster than males.

Keywords:

• body weight
• pelt length
• pelt weight
• static allometry
• subcutaneous fat

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the staff of the Danish Fur Breeders Research Centre (PFR), Research Farm ‘SYD,’ for collecting and recording the data. We thank Peter Sandbøl and PFR Board Members for allowing Kristin Sorensen the opportunity to work at Wageningen University. The Danish Academy of Technical Sciences (ATV) and PFR provided funding for this research. The Animal Production Systems Group at Wageningen University generously provided Michael Grossman an opportunity to conduct research while on sabbatical leave.