title: Ammonia levels in the whelping nests of farmed raccoon dogs and polecats.
abstract: Ammonia concentrations were measured in the nests of farmed raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes-procyonoides Gray, 1834) and polecats (Mustela putorius) at weaning time. Ammonia levels in the nests of raccoon dogs and polecats varied from 1 to 43 ppm and from 0 to 5 ppm, respectively. In the raccoon dog, with increasing litter size, the ammonia concentrations tended to increase exponentially. In the polecat, no marked relationship between litter size and ammonia levels were found. The results show that no special adaptations are required in farm life because even the highest ammonia concentrations measured were below the harmful level.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Korhonen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harri
mesh_terms: D000641:Ammonia / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D002335:Carnivora / Q000502:physiology*; D002980:Climate; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008098:Litter Size; D012889:Mephitidae / Q000502:physiology*; D008834:Microclimate; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D000641:Ammonia