Breeding

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The figure above illustrates the stages and factors which affect fur-bearing animals throughout their lives and up to killing. Boxes 4-5 are direct effects of handling at the time of killing. Boxes 1-3 involve factors that affect individuals’ circumstances indirectly at the time of killing. Discussing these factors in the section which follows will clarify the image of the situation of fur-bearing animals, which may lead to a greater understanding which in turn will promote animal welfare. Illustration: SLU.

1) Breeding
Targeting breeding with a view to producing calm, inquisitive animals gives the animals a positive ability to deal with stress and new experiences. This has been tested in selective trials with mink, where good results were achieved when it came to selection in order to produce less fearful animals. What is known as the “stick test” is the most common way of testing the temperament of mink. This involves inserting a stick (tongue depressor or similar) through the bars of the cage. The immediate reaction of the mink is deemed as: inquisitive, fearful, aggressive or dubious.
Selection through breeding is regulated in the

Swedish Board of Agriculture’s regulations and guidelines (SJVFS 2012:14) on the breeding and keeping of fur-bearing animals, ref. no. L103. See below.

Chap. 1(10), L103
During breeding work and when selecting animals for breeding, particular attention must be paid to qualities which promote and may result in improvement of the health and welfare of the animals. Very fearful animals must not be used for breeding.

Previous experiences
Previous negative experiences of handling or humans can result in more stress for the animals at the time of killing; if the animal has been injured and then needed treatment which it viewed in a negative light. The same is applicable to previous positive experiences, which can result in less stress for the animals during ongoing handling. Studies have also shown that mink that are handled regularly become calmer and less fearful during handling, even if they initially perceived handling to be negative.

The animals’ environment is also of significance with regard to how well the animals cope with stressful situations. Animals kept in a calm but stimulating environment deal with stressful situations more effectively than animals in opposing environments. Thus an enriching cage environment that gives the animals something to do can be a positive aspect in connection with handling.

Conclusion

Important messages

• As a breeder, you bear overall responsibility for the animals and your activities
• Training and knowledge are important in order to carry out killing correctly
• Well maintained equipment which works well is important for the quality of the killing