Maria Neil

Plasma thyroxine concentration in non-pregnant and lactating mink, and effect of dietary rapeseed oil in the reproduction period.

Effect of dietary rapeseed oil from 00-varieties of rapeseed (0, 1.5% or 3% respectively in the wet compounded diets) on plasma thyroxine (T4), reproductive performance and kit weight gain during lactation was investigated with 3 groups of each 20 mink females. Plasma T4, which has not previously been reported for female mink, was significantly lower in lactating than in non-pregnant females. Unlike in an earlier experiment with growing male mink, it was not affected by dietary rapeseed oil. Reproductive performance, female weight development, feed consumption, and kit weight gain was normal in all treatment groups and there were no significant effects of the experimental treatment.

Vitamin B12 Supplementation to Mink (Mustela vison) in the Prevention of Feed-Induced Iron Deficiency Anaemia: II. Effect on Haematological Parameters and Mineral Content of the Liver

Abstract An effect of oral vitamin B12 administration on growth performance and fur quality characteristics in mink kits fed an anaemiogenic diet has earlier been found. The present data confirmed that kits fed the unsupplemented anaemiogenic diet developed anaemia with low haemoglobin, haematocrit and erythrocyte counts, microcytosis, anisocytosis, and low iron and cobalt contents in the liver. Oral vitamin B12 supplementation, but not injections, partly restored iron status, documented by haemoglobin and haematocrit values not being significantly different from the control group, and increased liver cobalt content. Iron therapy alone or combined with vitamin B12 resulted in normal iron status. A mechanism for the effect of vitamin B12 in preventing anaemia is suggested.

Vitamin B12 Supplementation to Mink (Mustela vison) in the Prevention of Feed-Induced Iron Deficiency Anaemia: I. Effect on Growth Performance and Fur Quality Characteristics

Abstract Vitamin B12 supplementation in the prevention of feed-induced iron deficiency anaemia was evaluated with six treatment groups of mink kits, comprising a control group and five groups fed an anaemiogenic diet either unsupplemented, supplemented with vitamin B12 orally, or by intramuscular injection, with iron therapy by ferrous fumarate and cysteine, and iron therapy plus vitamin B12 orally. Unsupplemented animals showed symptoms of anaemia including poor growth performance, achromotrichia and poor fur quality. Oral vitamin B12 supplementation, but not injections, had some effect in preventing anaemia, indicating an influence on intestinal iron absorption. Iron therapy completely prevented the occurrence of anaemia, and simultaneous addition of vitamin B12 had no further positive effect.