TITLE:
Effects of Feeding Intensity and Ca:P Ratio on Foot Welfare in Blue Foxes (Vulpes lagopus)
AUTHORS:
Hannu T. Korhonen, Pekka Eskeli, Teijo Lappi, Hanna Huuki, Juhani Sepponen
KEYWORDS:
Farmed Fox, Animal Welfare, Feet Condition, Feeding Level, Animal Production
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.4 No.4,
July
8,
2014
ABSTRACT: The aim was to clarify effects of ad libitum and restricted feeding with Ca:P ratios on foot welfare in blue foxes. Experiment was started at weaning on August 6th and finished at pelting on November 26th, 2013. Treatments were: 1) restricted feeding, Ca:P ratio 1.5:1; 2) restricted feeding, Ca:P ratio 2.9:1; 3) restricted feeding Ca:P ratio control level; 4) ad libitum feeding, Ca:P ratio 1.5:1; 5) ad libitum feeding, Ca:P-ratio 2.9:1; 6) ad libitum feeding Ca:P ratio control level. Body growth variables, feed intake and welfare variables were measured. The behaviour was video recorded. Foreleg carpal joint angle as an indicator of leg weakness and the fox’s ability to move were evaluated. During weeks 32 - 35 and 37 - 47 animals from restricted groups ate 60% - 65% and 67% - 68% of the given feed, respectively. Body weight gain was faster in foxes fed ad libitum than with a restricted diet (P ad libitum groups compared to restricted ones. The body condition score was significantly (P ad libitum animals. Body length was greater for ad libitum than for restricted groups (P ad libitum and restricted groups (P