Phenotypic and Genetic Parameters for Body Size and Fur Characteristics in Mink

Abstract

Abstract Kits of black (standard and jetblack) and royal pastel genotypes were judged for body size and fur traits on five farms in August and November. Phenotypic and genetic parameters were estimated for the traits. Variation in scores was generally greater for males than for females and differences in variation were observed between farms. The frequency of the kits with pelt defects at different stages varied from 15 to 31%. The most common defects were metallic in black, and white hairs and spots in pastel. Some defects, particularly metallic reduced general appearance scores. Heritability estimates for general appearance in August and November were 0.43±0.20 and 0.20±0.16 for black males, and 0.07±0.12 and 0.05±0.12 for pastel males. Phenotypic correlation coefficients for type and sex between general appearance graded in August and in November varied from 0.11 to 0.25. Nevertheless, half the kits which scored highly in August remained in the best group after moulting. The correlations between the traits indicated that general appearance measures the separate traits in a manner which can be predicted by an assessor.