SEASONAL-CHANGES IN PLATFORM USE BY FARMED BLUE FOXES (ALOPEX-LAGOPUS)

Seasonal changes in platform use were investigated in farm-raised blue foxes (Alopex lagopus) by daytime scan sampling observations and 24-h video recordings. Seasonal comparisons were made in both sexes, but o ther experimental treatments were applied mainly to females. Platform use was minimal in Jan.-Mar. (Period I) and Nov.-Dec. (Period (IV). Du ring the whelping season (Period II: Apr.-Jul.) the amount of use by m ales and non-breeding females was high, but lower in breeding and lact ating females, which preferred either the roofs or interiors of nestbo xes. Platform use by all experimental animals was high during Period I II (Aug.-Oct.). The scan sampling and video data indicated parallel se asonal trends. Platforms were mainly used for sleeping but the amount of use for jumping and lying was slight in comparison. All of these ac tivities showed seasonal variations, The pattern of a total 24 h of sl eep was constant throughout the year, but during Periods I and IV the animals preferred to sleep on the cage floor instead of on the platfor ms. The platform model affected the level of use but not the seasonal variation pattern. Platforms made of net material were favored over wo oden ones. The platform ceiling height did not essentially influence u se. Melatonin treatment significantly increased animals' autumn body w eight but did not decrease platform use. On the basis of the present d ata, platforms can be recommended for practical farming purposes parti cularly during the spring and summer.