Long-term effects of different handling procedures on behavioural, physiological, and production-related parameters in silver foxes

摘要: Fifty-one silver fox vixens, subjected to three different handling treatments as cubs (no-handling, gentle or forced handling), were studied for long-term effects on behavioural, physiological and production-related parameters in a one half year period following the last session. As juveniles, animals exposed behavioural tests at 18, 22, 28, 32 weeks of age. Both forcibly gently handled showed reduced fear responses compared with nonhandled controls test situations involving close contact humans (P 0.05). Early post-weaning made foxes less fearful towards humans. Forced seemed somewhat superior means produce which, long term, adapted better farm environment both behaviourally physiologically. Non-handled control suffered from stress reflected by high levels enlarged adrenals. Thus may be beneficial term wellbeing farmed foxes. When applied management routine, had no significant influence later was not considered an economic risk.