Animal Science Abstract
Water absorption and the drying and cooling rates in mink (Mustela vison) following simulated diving
H. T. Korhonen1 and P. Niemelä1
1E-mail: hannu.t.korhonen@mtt.fiAbstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate water absorbing capacity and the drying and cooling rates of fur in farmbred male mink (Mustela vison) following 10 s of simulated diving. Comparisons were made between adult animals with summer and winter fur. The water loss from a swimming pool following diving in summer amounted to 146 (s.e. 14) g and 152 (s.e. 9) g in dry and wet mink, respectively (P > 0•05). During winter the corresponding values averaged 148 (s.e. 9) and 125 (s.e. 7) g, respectively (not significant: P > 0•05). No significant differences between summer and winter were found for dry mink. In wet-coated mink, on the other hand, water loss from the swimming pool was significantly greater (P < 0•05) in summer than in winter. Drying of the fur was slow and significantly (P < 0•05) affected by season so that half of the 100 g water absorbed by fur evaporated within 20 min during winter (at -2°C) whereas in summer (at +18°C) it took 60 min. A slower drying rate in summer could be benefical as it allows long-term body cooling in warm environment. Cooling constants of winter-coated dry mink (0•01955 (s.e. 0•00183) per min) were not significantly different (P > 0•05) from those of winter-coated wet mink (0•02091 (s.e. 0•00144) per min) indicating that energy costs of wet fur after diving are not critical for the survivial of the mink during winter.
Keywords: animal welfare, energy cost of activities, fur, mink, swimming, thermoregulation
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