Preferences of farmed blue foxes for different floor types

Harri, Mikko; Kasanen, Sari; Mononen, Jaakko; Sepponen, Juhani

doi:10.1016/s0376-6357(00)00079-6

Cited by 10 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…This finding is actually in good agreement with our previous studies Korhonen et al 1999) in which foxes spent most of their time in the wire mesh cage, but used available earthen floor of the pen also. The preference tests (Harri et al 2000;, in which wire mesh, sand, dry wood and wet wood were compared, additionally support the assumption that farmed foxes do not choose only one floor material, but use each one that is available, but with variable preference. This is because different floors and resources serve different behaviours and needs.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 53%

In-cage sandbox as a ground substitute for farmed blue foxes (Alopex lagopus): Effects on digging activity and welfare

Korhonen¹,

Jauhiainen²,

Rekilä³

2003

Can. J. Anim. Sci.

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Korhonen, H. T., Jauhiainen, L. and Rekilä, T. 2003. In-cage sandbox as a ground substitute for farmed blue foxes (Alopex lagopus): Effect on digging activity and welfare. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 83: [703][704][705][706][707][708][709][710][711][712]. A study on the behavioural and welfare effects of in-cage sandboxes was carried out on juvenile farm-bred blue foxes (Alopex lagopus) with special reference to digging behaviours and time spent on sand substrate. Twelve juvenile male blue foxes were used in each of two experimental groups: (1) a test group and (2) a control group. Animals were raised singly in cages measuring 120 cm long × 105 cm wide × 70 cm high, from weaning in July to pelting in December. All experimental animals were housed conventionally but cages of the test group contained in-cage sandboxes (80 cm long × 40 cm wide × 14 cm high). Various physiological, behavioural, health and productionrelated variables were measured during the study. Final body weights of test animals were significantly (P = 0.05) lower than controls. Occurrence of endoparasites (Toxascaris leonina, Isospora sp.) did not substantially differ between groups. Open field activity was greater (P = 0.02) and latency to touch novel objects shorter (P = 0.02) in the test group compared with the control. Cortisol-creatinine ratio, incidence of stereotypes, size of adrenals or other organs, blood screen and fur quality parameters were not significantly different. Sandbox hygiene deteriorated rapidly during the experimental period. Fur coats of test animals were dirtier than those of controls at pelting. Claw length of test animals was significantly shorter (front foot; P < 0.005, back foot, P < 0.001) than in controls only in October. Altogether nine different sandbox behaviours were observed in the test foxes. Digging was the fifth most common behavior, comprising 5.8% of total sandbox use. Amount of time spent in the sandbox peaked in July, averaging 117 min/24 h, and declined towards winter. The most common sandbox behaviours observed were walking (24.3% of total time), sitting (22.0%) and resting (17.5%). Results indicated low motivation to use in-cage sandboxes as a digging substrate. On the other hand, the presence of in-cage sandboxes may provide opportunities for foxes to engage in other species-specific activities and/or seek sensory comfort through contact with the sand. The effects of in-cage sandboxes on animal welfare need further study. (2) un groupe témoin. Les animaux ont été élevés séparément dans des cages de 120 cm de longueur par 105 cm de largeur et 70 cm de hauteur du sevrage, en juillet, à la récolte des peaux en décembre. Les sujets du groupe expérimental disposaient de cages ordinaires, mais celles de l'autre groupe contenaient un carré de sable (80 cm de longueur par 40 cm de largeur et 14 cm de profondeur). Durant l'étude, les auteurs ont mesuré plusieurs variables associées à la physiologie, au comportement, à la santé et à la production des animaux. Les sujets expérimentaux étaient sensiblement plus maigres...

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 53%

In-cage sandbox as a ground substitute for farmed blue foxes (Alopex lagopus): Effects on digging activity and welfare

Korhonen¹,

Jauhiainen²,

Rekilä³

2003

Can. J. Anim. Sci.

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“…Vasconcellos (2009) showed that this difference was related to the animal's temperament profile. Other studies used analyses that considered the individual differences in temperament or personality as explanatory variables (Bremner-Harrison, Prodohl & Elwood, 2004;Cooper & Mason, 2000;Harri et al, 2000;Kirkden & Pajor, 2006;Koolhaas et al, 1999;Mason, Cooper & Clarebrough, 2001;Powell & Svoke, 2008;Raffa, Havill & Nordheim, 2002;Walsh & Cummins, 1976).…”

Section: Possible Limits and Advancesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Limites e avanços possíveis do enriquecimento ambiental para animais silvestres

Vasconcellos¹,

Ades²

2012

reveto

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The field of research in environmental enrichment aims at enhancing the welfare of captive animals through the assessment and establishment of adequate environmental and social features. It has generated significant amount of data about procedures which may reduce stress and undesirable behaviors, and promote the performance of the species-specific behaviors in captivity contexts. We here present a brief introduction on the concepts and methods used in the area followed by indications of possible advances through the integration of behavioural and physiological data, the adoption of a comparative perspective and the use of an individual approach in research and in husbandry.

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“…Farmed blue foxes are traditionally housed in plastic coated wire mesh floor cages. However, recent research has shown that an earthen floor, a natural surface for the wild V. lagopus, may have some importance for blue foxes (e.g., [2][3][4][5][6][7]). However, recent research on the effects of sand or earth floors on the behaviour and physiology of blue foxes has suffered from several confounding factors.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, recent research on the effects of sand or earth floors on the behaviour and physiology of blue foxes has suffered from several confounding factors. In the previous experiments, blue foxes have been farmed in male-male pairs [8,9] or singly [4,6,10,11] which differs from the normal farming practices where foxes are housed most often in male-female pairs. For example, single housing per se may jeopardise the welfare of social animals [12], especially when they are juvenile (for farmed silver foxes Vulpes vulpes see [13]).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sand Floor for Farmed Blue Foxes: Effects on Claws, Adrenal Cortex Function, Growth and Fur Properties

Ahola

Koistinen

Mononen

2009

International Journal of Zoology

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Farmed blue foxes (Vulpes lagopus) are traditionally housed on mesh floors where they are unable to perform certain species-specific behaviours, such as digging, which may compromise the animals' welfare. This study describes how a possibility to use in-cage sand floor affects welfare-related variables like growth of the claws, adrenal cortex function, and fur properties in juvenile blue foxes. The foxes (N=32) were housed in male-female sibling pairs in an outdoor fur animal shed in cage systems consisting of two traditional fox cages. For the eight male-female sibling pairs of the Control group, there was a mesh floor in both cages of each cage system, whereas for the eight pairs of the Sand group there was a mesh floor in one cage and a 30–40 cm deep earth floor in the other cage. The results show that sand floor is beneficial for the wearing of the claws of foxes. Furthermore, an early experience of sand floor may have positive effects on the foxes' fur development. The results, however, also suggest that there might appear welfare problems observed as disturbed claw growth and increased adrenal cortex activation if foxes that are once provided with clean and unfrozen sand floor are not allowed to enjoy this floor all the time.

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Preferences of farmed blue foxes for different floor types

Cited by 10 publications

References 24 publications

In-cage sandbox as a ground substitute for farmed blue foxes (Alopex lagopus): Effects on digging activity and welfare

In-cage sandbox as a ground substitute for farmed blue foxes (Alopex lagopus): Effects on digging activity and welfare

Limites e avanços possíveis do enriquecimento ambiental para animais silvestres

Sand Floor for Farmed Blue Foxes: Effects on Claws, Adrenal Cortex Function, Growth and Fur Properties

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