1931 ANNUAL REPORT, 1930 7 



Two bulletins were issued, namely. "Feeding and Diseases of the Fox," and 

 ''The Mink in Captivity." Both publications are meeting with a steady demand. 



At the request of the Ontario Fox Breeders' Association the technical staff, 

 in conjunction with the lecturers of the Ontario Veterinary College, gave a series 

 of lectures and practical demonstrations at the Summer School held in Guelph, 

 Ont. The course was well recei\ed by the breeders present. 



Four hundred and two autopsies were performed and findings reported to 

 the owners. One hundred and four animals were treated for sickness and 

 injuries. Eight hundred tests to determine parasitic infections were done. 



Observations ox Feed 



Two bulletins were published dealing with the feeds and feeding of the fox 

 and mink. Both were written from the practical viewpoint. The methods 

 advised are in daily use at the Experimental Fur Farm and, while subject to 

 revision, they have proven to be satisfactory. There is much to be said for and 

 against the publication of feed charts, giving exact quantities fed daily per 

 animal. Feed charts are only a guide to the novice, and should be accepted as 

 such. When more experience is gained in feeding he can adjust his charts 

 to meet the individual requirements and particular environment of his animals. 

 Feed charts do, however, prevent serious errors in diet and in the quanti- 

 ties fed. 



The Fur Farm has consistently advocated a high meat ration for adults 

 and pups. The latter should receive meat with the first feed. Heavy cereal 

 rations are entirely unsuited for the fox. 



A number of observations on the digestibility of a variety of feeds used for 

 foxes were made this year. These were pelting foxes, and examinations were 

 carried out at varying intervals after feeding. 



Meat and Fish. — Meat and fish appear to be about equal in digestibility, 

 and are by far the most thoroughly digested of all the feeds fed. Herring fed 

 whole were better digested than when ground. 



Cereals. — A variety of cereals were used; all of them were held for longer 

 periods in the stomach than meat or fish, and digestion in the intestines was 

 very slow. A large residue of undigested material was found in the intestines. 



Vegetables. — Unless finely ground to a pulp, vegetables are practicalh" in- 

 digestible for the fox. Even when finely ground a large residue remains in the 

 intestines. Canned tomatoes were found to be superior to either beets or carrots. 



Eggs and Milk. — When fed without the addition of other feeds, eggs and 

 milk are not assimilated to any extent by the fox. If mixed with bread and 

 other solids, their digestibility is increased. 



These observations are confirmed with practical experience in the living 

 animal. Foxes to obtain maximum development require a high meat protein 

 diet and cereals should be looked upon as purely supplementary feed and not 

 used to replace meat or fish. Pups are unable to handle bulky cereal feeds in 

 large quantities. To obtain maximum nourishment easily digested food is 

 essential. 



Eggs and milk should be fed mixed with other food and not as a single item 

 of diet. Sick foxes should not receive either eggs or milk, but should be fed 



