Abstract
Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between age and temperament as well as reproductive results in female raccoon dogs. The study was carried out at two raccoon dog breeding farms located in south-eastern Poland. A total of 189 foundation stock females were evaluated for temperament using a modified behavioural empathy test. Animals were classified into five temperament groups: very fearful (VF), fearful (F), confident (C), aggressive (A) and very aggressive (VA). The animals with calm temperament (C) formed the largest group (49.9%) whereas the smallest number of animals was classified as VA (5.6%). The influence of age on the temperament of raccoon dog females and the number of young born and weaned (P≤0.01) was revealed. At the same time, temperament did not affect reproductive parameters (P>0.05). Summing up, the results of this study indicate lack of correlation between temperament and reproductive parameters. It can be assumed that the elimination of aggressive animals from the foundation stock will not compromise production results and can help to facilitate handling and improve animal welfare.
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