FUR FARMING 



The increased participation of European buyers in the Canadian Mink pelt 

 market was probably the most important factor in creating the feverish bidding for 

 all types of ranch mink. The result was an exceptionally good selling season for 

 the Ranching industry. 



Compared to the previous year, with the exception of Pastels, increased prices 

 were obtained for all colours. Dark mink advanced up to 25%. Light and Blue 

 colours were up 25% to 30% and the Dark Blue and Whites were up 20%. 



The increased prices were maintained throughout virtually all sales, and 

 clearances ran to 90% in most auction offerings. 



It was estimated that by the end of February 95% of the current Canadian 

 ranch mink crop was sold. 



With the buoyant economy in Europe, especially West Germany and Italy, 

 retail furriers enjoyed a very successful fall season and inventories were depleted. 

 To a lesser extent similar conditions existd in North America. As a result, brokers 

 and buyers attended sales with firm orders to buy large quantities of mink and 

 were prepared to pay what was necessary to obtain them. At the same time, large 

 quantities were offered on American and Scandinavian sales which attracted spirited 

 bidding at increased prices. Turnover in these sales was exceptionally good and 

 by the end of March, two thirds of the world's production estimated at 

 approximately 21 million mink pelts was sold. 



Ranch raised foxes and almost all wild fur species sold at increased prices. 

 While Europe consumed a large portion of the wild furs, Japan took most of the 

 foxes. 



The Ontario Fur Breeders' Association in addition to the regular monthly 

 meeting of the Directors, held the annual meeting and two special general meetings, 

 as well as a field day and a live mink show. The Association also appointed three 

 delegates to the annual meeting of Canada's Mink Breeder's Association. 



One of the special meetings was called to consider the poor production and 

 deaths caused by the inadvertent use of diethylstilbestrol. Some twenty ranches 

 were affected in varying degrees from no production to 2 kits per female. Normal 

 production is from 3.5 to 4 kits per female. 



It became apparent early in the breeding season that the reproductive organs 

 of a large number of male mink were affected on the ranches concerned and 

 difficulty was experienced in breeding these mink. Arrrangements were made, 

 where possible, to borrow male mink from unaffected ranches in order to breed 

 females and also to determine to what extent the females were affected by the drug. 



On examination of the carcasses of dead mink at the Ontario Veterinary 

 College, it was determined that the cause was the effects of diethylstilbestrol. The 

 task of ascertaining which of the many ingredients in the feed that contained it, 

 was a formidable one. A list of the ingredients of the feeding ration was collected 

 from each ranch. Samples of the feeds common to all rations were obtained where 

 these were available and tested. Finally it was found that the cereal which was 

 used contained the drug in varying amounts. 



Some 300 breeder mink died from the affects of DES and 5,200 breeders 

 were so affected that their future use as breeders would be extremely hazardous. 

 These mink were allowed to prime and were pelted. In addition to the breeder 



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