Reproductive management of silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in captivity.
Specific protocols need to be developed that take into consideration the requirements of silver foxes. This study was designed to investigate the reproduction of 26 pairs of silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Reproduction parameters (breeding season, age at puberty, fecundity and fertility) of the foxes were examined under experimental conditions, and new techniques to optimize fox breeding were assessed. Staining of the vaginal smears with the double Harris-Schorr stain allowed for the precise detection of estrus and proved to be more reliable than simply measuring vaginal resistance. Ultrasonography was demonstrated to be useful for pregnancy diagnosis and prediction of parturition. Results demonstrate that the methods reported in this paper are easily applicable to similar studies carried out on small groups of animals within the framework of fox animal experimentation.
Boue
F
F
AFSSA Nancy, Health and Management of Wildlife Unit BP9, F-54220 Malzéville, France.
Delhomme
A
A
Chaffaux
S
S
D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic / Q000502:physiology; D001391:Azo Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004801:Eosine Yellowish-(YS) / Q000737:chemistry; D004972:Estrus Detection / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005589:Foxes / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008739:Methyl Green / Q000737:chemistry; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast / Q000662:veterinary; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000662:veterinary; D011247:Pregnancy; D011897:Random Allocation; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000662:veterinary; D014621:Vagina / Q000166:cytology; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000662:veterinary
D001391:Azo Compounds; D004396:Coloring Agents; C017768:trichrome stain; D008739:Methyl Green; D004801:Eosine Yellowish-(YS)