Effect of different temperatures on body weight gain in chinchillas

Jana Hanusová,Martina Miluchová

doi:10.15414/afz.2016.19.si.52-54

Abstract

In fur animals especially important is the size of the skin, which is aÂ determinant of its value. In studies carried out by different authors at finn racoons, foxes and mink shown that there is aÂ positive correlation between the body weight and the size of the skin of animals. Some authors reported that thermoregulatory mechanisms are susceptible to modification by early postnatal experience. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in body weight gain in dependence on temperature. Animals were divided into 2 groups in dependence on temperature. The 1st group was kept in temperature 17Â°C and 2nd group was kept in temperature 24Â°C. To calculate basis statistic characteristics, to determine significance of differences and to compare results t-test were performed at P<0.05 level. The packed SAS 9.3 of SAS Enterprise Guide 5.1 was used. The highest body weight gain of chinchillas was found in group of animal, which were breed in conditions with highest temperature (24Â°C). In this group body weight was 0.4972 kg in average. The effect of different temperature on body weight gain was significant in male chinchillas.

Highlights

In fur animals especially important is the size of the skin, which is a determinant of its value
Body weight of one day chinchilla puppies should be achieve from 24 to 64 grams after birth, in 30 day of life we should weighted about 100 g, ending the second month of life occur rearing of puppies cubs and in this time we should achieve a minimum of 240 g and in third month should by live weight on minimal value of 360 g (Konrád, 1996)
The first group was kept in temperature 17 °C and second group was kept in temperature 24 °C

Summary

Introduction

In fur animals especially important is the size of the skin, which is a determinant of its value. In studies carried out by different authors at finn racoons, foxes and mink shown that there is a positive correlation between the body weight and the size of the skin of animals (Gugołek et al, 2002). Animals reared at lower environmental temperatures exhibit improved defense on subsequent exposure to cold than those reared at higher temperatures (Hahn, 1956; Cooper et al, 1980; Jensen et al, 1980). Animals reared at elevated temperatures are more tolerant of exposure to heat than those reared at lower temperatures (Ingram, 1977, Heath and Ingram, 1983). Young and Yasunobu (1998) presents that rats reared in cool environments are more tolerant of cold as adults, whereas those reared in warm conditions are more tolerant of heat. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in body weight gain in dependence on temperature

Analyzed material

Methods

Results and discussion

Conclusions