Activated mammary number and litter size in the mink.

Abstract

The dependence of activated mammary number on litter size was studied in standard type farmed mink in an attempt to clarify its effects on early kit mortality. The results showed highly positive correlations between litter size and the number of activated teats at 2 days, 4 weeks and 8 weeks of age. Total kit mortality was rather low and independent of litter size. The body weights of the mothers were independent of either litter size or age during the lactation period. The body weights of male kits were of the same order of magnitude in spite of litter size or age until weaning. In female kits, the body weights in the largest litters were lowest at weaning.