Reproductive performance and weaning success in fur-chewing chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera)

Galeano, María G.; Cantarelli, Verónica Inés; Ruiz, Rubén Daniel; Cúneo, Marta Fiol de; Ponzio, Marina Flavia

doi:10.1016/j.repbio.2014.06.002

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Moreover, in at least two non‐carnivore species, stereotypic mothers have higher infant mortality rates ( cf . Jeppesen et al, ): this has been reported in chinchillas Chinchilla lanigera (Galeano et al, ), and in bank voles Myodes glareolus (Schønecker, ), a species where stereotypic dams often move offspring around the cage and stereotype while carrying them in their mouths, so potentially harming their infants (Sørensen and Randrup, ). Maternal stereotypic behavior has also anecdotally been related to poor maternal care in other non‐carnivore species.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of environmental enrichment and stereotypic behavior on maternal behavior and infant viability in a model carnivore, the American mink (Neovison vison)

Díez-León

Mason

2015

Zoo Biology

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In several species, stress compromises maternal behaviors that are important for infant viability (e.g. licking and grooming). Understanding how stress in captivity affects maternal behavior could therefore be beneficial, especially for carnivores in zoos and breeding centers where infant mortality is often high. We used a model carnivore--American mink--to test two hypotheses, namely that maternal investment and/or behavior is i. improved by environmental enrichment; and ii. compromised by stereotypic behavior. We observed 22 females raised in an indoor facility, 9 enriched, 13 non-enriched. At birth, and at post-natal day 20 when altricial infants were still fully dependent on their mothers, the following offspring variables were recorded: litter size, infant mortality, litter sex ratio (post-natal day 1), and weight. Maternal behavior was assessed by recording nest shape (post-natal day 1), and the frequency of licking and grooming (post-natal days 1-7). Non-enriched females stereotyped more, had female-skewed litters at birth, and tended to make poorer, flatter nests. Maternal licking and grooming showed large, stable individual differences, but appeared unaffected by enrichment. High levels of maternal stereotypic behavior predicted slower offspring growth, replicating previous findings for farmed mink. Nevertheless, enrichment did not significantly increase infant growth rates nor decrease infant mortality. Due to small sample sizes, our study now needs replicating, particularly to explore the potential benefits of enrichment on nest building, sex ratio effects, and the implications of maternal licking and grooming for offspring stress reactivity. Findings could then apply to endangered mustelids like the European mink.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of environmental enrichment and stereotypic behavior on maternal behavior and infant viability in a model carnivore, the American mink (Neovison vison)

Díez-León

Mason

2015

Zoo Biology

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“…Under this perspective, the environmental factors become particularly important. It is theorized that the genetic predisposition to develop abnormal repetitive behaviors is expressed when the animals are exposed to certain environmental experiences, which can be associated to inappropriate environments, early or abrupt weaning, or other forms of stress during development [ 34 , 39 , 40 ]. In addition, it has been demonstrated that development in a barren environment leads to permanent changes in the central nervous system (CNS).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determination of the Genetic Component of Fur-Chewing in Chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) and Its Economic Impact

González

Yáñez

Tadich

2018

Animals

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Simple SummaryMany chinchillas kept in captivity develop fur-chewing. This behavior does not only affect fur price, but most importantly it can be the result of an animal welfare problem. The causes of this behavior are not well understood and a genetic component could exist. This is why the aim of this study was to determine the genetic component and the effect of this behavior on fur price. The data from a commercial fur-farm was used, it included information on 10,196 chinchillas recorded between 1990 and 2011. The heritability of the behavior and its effect on fur price were determined. The results show a significant genetic variation in fur-chewing with an estimated heritability of 0.16. At the same time, the behavior had an important negative effect on fur price. The selection and management practices used in fur-farming should be improved in order to decrease the incidence of this behavior.AbstractFur-chewing is a common behavioral disorder developed by chinchillas kept in confinement that can indicate a past or present welfare problem. It also has a negative productive impact associated. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic component of fur-chewing, and the effect of this undesired behavior on fur price in a commercial fur-farming system of chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera). The data for the analysis was derived from a commercial population of 10,196 chinchillas, recorded between the years 1990 and 2011. For determining differences in fur price according to presence of fur-chewing behavior, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used, considering 3007 animals. For estimation of variance components of fur-chewing a sire-dam threshold (probit) mixed model was used, using data of 9, 033 individuals, and then heritability on the underlying liability scale was calculated. The analysis revealed a significant negative impact on fur price from fur-chewing chinchillas (p-value < 0.05). In addition, the study showed that fur-chewing presents significant genetic variation, with an estimated heritability of 0.16. The presentation of fur-chewing should be taken into account when selecting broodstock in these systems, in order to reduce the number of affected individuals.

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“…Further, seasonal changes in androgen metabolites and the quality of semen of male chinchillas with natural photoperiod were addressed (Dominchin et al., 2014) as well as seasonal changes in the structure of male testicles (Surmacki et al., 2011). Joint chinchilla male and female reproductive performance and fertility have also been studied (Călămar et al., 2008; Galeano et al., 2014; Morales et al., 2000; Novikov & Shumilina, 2015). However, relatively little attention has been paid so far to the reproductive life performance of male chinchillas and their length of use in reproduction.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The analysis of chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera, M.) male reproduction. The case of a leading polish breeding farm

Kania-Gierdziewicz

Otwinowska-Mindur

Bieniek

2020

Animal Science Journal

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Research into the chinchilla male fertility concerned mainly semen quality. Little attention has been paid to lifetime reproductive performance, essential from the economical point of view. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze factors affecting the intensity of breeding use and lifetime performance of male chinchillas. After data transformation, the analysis of variance was performed to evaluate the effect of male birth litter size and age at the first effective mating. Additionally, the correlation coefficients for both litter sizes and litter rearing efficiency were calculated. For all traits, the linear regression on the sire's age at the first effective mating was found non‐significant. Litter sizes differed slightly between seasons. The length of sire reproductive use was highly correlated (about 0.8) with the total number of litters and kits born and weaned. The total rearing efficiency was low, and in some cases negatively correlated with other traits, that is, with the total number of litters and kits born and weaned. Most sires were mated up to six dams; they were used in one polygamous set each. In total, the males sired about 60 litters each, hence the conclusion is that they could be extensively used and produce more benefits to chinchilla breeders.

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Reproductive performance and weaning success in fur-chewing chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera)

Cited by 5 publications

References 23 publications

Effects of environmental enrichment and stereotypic behavior on maternal behavior and infant viability in a model carnivore, the American mink (Neovison vison)

Effects of environmental enrichment and stereotypic behavior on maternal behavior and infant viability in a model carnivore, the American mink (Neovison vison)

Determination of the Genetic Component of Fur-Chewing in Chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) and Its Economic Impact

The analysis of chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera, M.) male reproduction. The case of a leading polish breeding farm

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