Response to selection and genotype-environment interaction in mink (Neovison vison) selected on ad libitum and restricted feeding

Abstract

Nielsen, V. H., Moller, S. H., Hansen, B. K. and Berg, P. 2011. Response to selection and genotype-environment interaction in mink (Neovison vison) selected on ad libitum and restricted feeding. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 231-237. Mink were selected for high November weight (AL line) and low feed conversion ratio (FC line) on ad libitum feeding and for high November weight on restricted feeding (RF line). After three generations of selection, the average estimated breeding value for November weight was 533, 326, and 150 g in males and 168, 82, and -85 g in females in the AL, RF, and FC lines. The breeding value for feed conversion ratio was -1.39, -0.84 and -0.68 kg feed kg-1 gain in males and -0.39, -0.31 and -0.23 kg feed kg-1 gain in females in the selection lines. In generation 4, the AL, RF and FC lines were tested on both ad libitum and restricted feeding. The estimated breeding value for November weight in males in the AL line (533 g) was significantly greater than that in the RF line (384 g) on ad lib...