Detailed Explanation of Melatonin Application in Fox Farming

Melatonin is an indole hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain of animals, also known as pineal gland hormone. It was first applied in fur farms in North America in 1985. In China, the technology for artificially synthesizing melatonin from domestic chemical raw materials and manufacturing melatonin implants was solved in early 1993. After 1998, melatonin became widely used in the fur farming industry in Northeast China. The Dongjin Fine Breed Livestock Farm in Xiangfan City, Hubei Province began using melatonin in 1999. During 8 years of practical application, melatonin has shown good results in inducing early fur maturation in foxes and delaying estrus in male silver black foxes.

Inducing early fur maturation in foxes. Using exogenous melatonin during the long-day period in summer can simulate the effect of short-day conditions by raising melatonin levels in the fox's body, inducing early growth and maturation of winter fur in foxes. This helps reduce weight loss and fur damage caused by cold stress, thereby lowering feeding costs.

(1) Dosage: 2 capsules (20 mg) per animal.

(2) Method of use: Subcutaneous implantation between the shoulder blades at the back of the neck.

(3) Time of use: Mid-June is suitable for adult animals; it should not be used too early on young animals, as later use gives better results, generally July 10 to 15 is suitable; foxes kept for breeding generally do not use melatonin.

(4) Effects: After melatonin implantation, foxes show increased appetite, greater feed intake, faster growth, and longer sleep time. The fur of adult foxes can mature 30 to 70 days earlier, and that of young foxes can mature 15 to 30 days earlier. Silver black foxes are generally pelted 105 to 120 days after melatonin implantation, while blue foxes are pelted at 90 to 95 days.

Delaying estrus in male silver black foxes. Silver black foxes generally enter estrus in January to February, while blue foxes enter estrus in March to April. In the fox farming industry, in order to produce frost foxes, the estrus time of male silver black foxes often needs to be delayed. Foxes are seasonally breeding animals, and their gonadal development, estrus mating, and pregnancy are all regulated by light. To change their estrus time, the traditional method is to adopt light-control farming techniques. Using melatonin can save labor and reduce cumbersome daily management while achieving the same expected results.

(1) Dosage: 4 capsules (40 mg) per animal.

(2) Method of use: Subcutaneous implantation between the shoulder blades at the back of the neck.

(3) Time of use: November 15 to December 20.

(4) Effects: When melatonin is used from November 15 to December 20, the estrus time of male silver black foxes can be delayed until April, basically synchronized with the estrus of blue foxes.