Application of probiotic supplementation in the nutrition of farm American mink (Neovison vison)

Abstract

The study focused on an analysis of body weight, fur quality and selected blood biochemical indices in farm mink fed a diet with an addition of probiotics containing effective microorganisms. The feeding trial was conducted in 2013 on a population of Silverblue mink. The experimental group was offered the probiotics supplement with their daily ration. The control group did not receive a probiotic supplement. Body weight gains, blood AST and ALT content and the quality of fur were analyzed. The probiotic supplement positively and statistically significantly influenced the body weight gains of the mink, particularly in males. The supplement had a beneficial effect also in terms of pelt quality, since the animals fed the probiotic yielded pelts in the highest class of quality.

Keywords

• blood biochemical parameters
• fur-bearing animals
• nutrition
• probiotics
• quality of fur