Growth and fur parameter variations of farmed raccoon dogs.

Abstract

Growth, body composition and hair coat parameter variations were evaluated in farmed raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) reared in a conventional two animals -in-cage-system. Daily rate of body weight gain (BWG) of litters very significantly (p less than 0.001) correlated with their time of birth (r = 0.879); the later in spring they were born the faster they gained weight. Final body weight (FBW) of the whelps was to be predicted from their body weight (BW) in early August (r = 0.689). There was no significant correlation between litter size and FBW, BWG or daily rate of BWG. Social competition for food produced great variation in FBW of the animals; the difference between the heavier and lighter raccoon dogs within a cage averaged 1.2 kg (p less than 0.001). Except in FBW and obesity index, there was no significant differences in other parameters between these social groups. Social status within a cage explained only 3.6% of the pelt quality variation while it could explain 52% of the BW variation. Litter explained 36% of the pelt quality, whereas it could explain 4.9% of the BW variation only. Social status and litter did not show any significant two-way interactions. Pelt weight very significantly (p less than 0.001) correlated with pelt quality (r = 0.48) and mass (r = 0.55). Also mass very positively (p less than 0.001) correlated with pelt quality (r = 0.82), indicating that the subjectively estimated pelt quality, in fact, can be derived directly from its weight. We conclude that differences in growth parameters and fur characteristics are mainly produced by social and hereditary factors, respectively.