How to raise fur animals well? Key practical breeding techniques
1. Feeding during the period of reproductive organ development
At the Autumn Equinox, the reproductive organs of fur animals begin to recover and develop. Therefore, starting from September 20 each year, breeding animals can be fed as during the breeding period. Taking some practical circumstances into account, the main feed formula still uses the winter fur period formula, but the premix (called "small feed" in some places) must use the breeding period one. Breeding-period feed should focus on the comprehensive balance of various nutrients to promote the overall healthy development of the animals.
2. Scientifically control body condition
Starting from late November, the fatness of breeding fur animals is already very good, and with the cold climate, the animals' appetite begins to decline. At this time, the proportion of raw materials such as fat and cornmeal in the feed can be appropriately reduced, and a small amount of vegetables, bran and other raw materials can be added, so as to avoid using starvation methods to control body condition before mating because of excessive obesity. In addition, at special stages such as before mating and before giving birth, individuals with unsuitable body condition must be adjusted separately. Body condition control before mating and before giving birth during the breeding period is very critical.
3. Check estrus when injecting vaccines
Breeding animals should be vaccinated around New Year's Day every year. At this time, farmers must pay attention to checking the estrus status of female animals. Depending on whether vaccination is early or late, generally about 30%-40% of female animals' vulvar hair has already begun to change. In some warm places, for farmers who vaccinate only around January 10, the proportion of female animals in estrus can reach 40%.
4. Pair and mate at the right time
Foxes and raccoon dogs are seasonal, continuous estrus animals. There is one estrus season each year, which lasts relatively long, but once estrus ends, they will not come into estrus again until the following year. Therefore, once a fox or raccoon dog is in estrus, pairing should begin when the vulva starts to retract and turns dark red, generally once a day, and continuous pairing 2-3 times is enough. Mink are seasonal, repeated estrus animals. During the estrus season, there are generally 5-8 estrus cycles, and the estrus cycle is 7 days. Farmers are advised to mate around February 20 (in coastal, northern and cold places, and in cold-winter years, it should be appropriately postponed by 7-15 days), using the 1+1 method.
5. Separate litters at the right time
After each of the above steps is done as required, at about 35-40 days, the young can be separated into their own cages at the right time according to their individual size. The standard body weight for separating fox and raccoon dog litters is more than 3 jin, female mink at 7 or 8 liang, and male mink at about 1 jin.
6. Enhance nutrition
After hormone implantation, nutrition must be enhanced, especially the balance of protein and amino acids. One month later, switch to the winter fur period feed formula; about 60 days after hormone implantation, female mink begin to be pelted, and male mink can mature and be pelted at more than 70 days.
7. Control feed quality
Strict quality awareness is required in every link from procurement and processing to feed storage.
8. Strengthen epidemic prevention and environmental hygiene
When injecting vaccines, it is better to go slowly, but it must be carried out as required. Regularly clean up feces, accumulated water and dirt. Disinfect regularly.