Mating system vs. litter size in farm mink (Neovison vison) – effect of multiple paternity

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze various mating systems, mating dates, and the number of matings applied for farmed American mink in relation to resulting litter sizes. The observations were carried out on yearling females of two color varieties, Perl (P) and White Hedlund (WH), as well as yearling males belonging to four color varieties, namely P, WH, White Regal (WR) and Black Cross (BC). The color of the males was chosen so as to easily discern, which male sired which litter and what was the litter size resulting from the particular copulation date. The breeders were mated according to various mating schemes. The analysis revealed that if two matings were the case, most embryos conceived on the first date died.