Application of formulated diets and their effects on nutrient digestibility and reproductive performance of female mink (Neovison vison) during gestation. Issue 1 (1st January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jiang, Qingkui; Li, Guangyu; Zhang, Tietao; Zhang, Haihua; Gao, Xiuhua; Xing, Xiumei; Yang, Fuhe
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied animal research. Volume 46:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 129
• Publication Date: 2018-01-01
• Subjects: Mink -- protein level -- formulated diet -- gestation -- reproductive performance; Animal culture -- India -- Periodicals; Animal culture -- Tropics -- Periodicals; 636.005
• DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2016.1271335
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0971-2119

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study was designed to investigate the possibility of total replacement of conventional diet by formulated experimental feed in farmed mink during gestation. Ninety female mink ( Neovison vison ) were randomly assigned to three groups: control group was fed conventional diet with normal (36%, C) protein level composed of fresh or frozen animal by-products and extruded corn. Formulated experimental diets contained animal meals, vegetable ingredients and fat, with normal (36%, E1) or high (44%, E2) protein level, and were mixed with water prior to administration. Nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N)-balance and reproductive performance were determined to compare the effect of diets fed to female mink during gestation. Mink fed both experimental diets had lower nutrient digestibility than the control. Higher barren females, decreased birth survival rate and birth weight were noted for the two experimental groups, especially diet E1 with normal dietary protein, indicating impaired reproduction performance, but signs of improvement were seen in the experimental group with high protein level (44%, E2).