MINK KIT GROWTH-PERFORMANCE IN THE SUCKLING PERIOD .1. ENVIRONMENTAL-FACTORS AFFECTING BODY-SIZE OF KITS

Growth performance was studied in 2918 standard black mink kits, The k its originated from a divergent selection experiment for body growth b etween two and four weeks. Growth was influenced by sex, litter size, age of dam, and production year. Sex dimorphism was found already at b irth. Litter size had a negative effect on body weight and body length from birth to pelting, The age of the dam (yearlings vs. adults) had a positive influence on body weight, especially during the suckling pe riod, and after weaning until September (age about 4.5 months) and eve n longer in female kits. The effect on body length was significant for female kits until July (age about 3 months). (C) 1997 Scandinavian Un iversity Press.