Project description:
The purpose of the project is to examine the possibility of increased cub survival in mink breeding.
The 1-year study is based on data from the test farm at Aarhus University and the Kopenhagen Fur farm. At both farms, mortality is registered from first count to pelting on litter/individual level, with indication of the date of death. From Aarhus University’s test farm, we have many years of pedigree data available, and based on this we will calculate genetic parameters and develop a model for survival analysis. The model will both take into consideration that survival is affected by the mother’s as well as the cub’s own genes, and that the genetic components change over time from birth to pelting.
The results are expected to form the base of breeding for more robust mink with an increased survival potential.
