Effects of pantothenic acid derivates on welfare and production-related variables in blue foxes

The possible beneficial effects of supplementation of pantothenic acid (PaA ) derivates (Pancal G Powder, Pancal G Granules + Dexpanthenol) were studie d in farmed blue foxes (Alopex lagopus) during their growing and breeding s easons. Experiment 1 was conducted on three groups of juvenile blue foxes b etween July and November (n = 30 males in each group). The experimental par ameters were growth, food consumption, fear responses during in-cage tests, stress reactivity as evaluated by cortisol response after capture treatmen t, adrenal and liver weights and fur properties. Experiment 2 was carried o ut on two groups of adult blue foxes during January-June. The experimental groups comprised controls and animals receiving Pancal G Powder (n = 50 fem ales and n = 16 males in each group). The variables measured were body weig ht, food consumption, breeding result, fearfulness and open-field behaviour . The results showed that no distinct beneficial effects of PaA derivate su pplementation on farmed blue foxes were found. Body growth as well as weigh ts and conditions of livers were normal in each group. However, adrenal gla nd weights were lowest in the PaA-supplemented animals. No differences were found in fur properties or temperament between the juvenile dietary groups . After capture stress, a clear tendency was found for higher cortisol leve ls in the PaA-supplemented juvenile groups in comparison with controls. The adult blue foxes that were fed a diet that was supplemented with PaA deriv ates tended to be more fearful and less explorative and to have a poorer re production result. On the basis of the present results, it seems that the b asic PaA level in feed is sufficient for the normal growth and health of fa rmed blue foxes. The PaA derivates studied here cannot be recommended for u se on fox farms.