Changes in the fur quality of caged brushtail possums
(Trichosurus vulpecula) maintained in captivity
A.J. Pearson, M.G. Ashby, R.J. MacGibbon
MAF Technology, Ruakura Agricultural Centre, Hamilton
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1990, 50: 311-316
Sixty-four wild possums, housed in individual cages, were
divided into four groups based on sex and colour phase (dark or grey).
The animals were assessed for fur quality and growth in March and were
pair-matched for sex, colour phase, fur quality and growth. One possum
from each pair was implanted with a 18 mg melatonin implant. By June
there was a small improvement in fur quality which was independent of
the localised regrowth of patches of missing fur. No overall change in
the level of fur growth representing seasonal pelage renewal was
recorded. The younger possums had a higher fur quality than older
animals (p<0.001) but over the course of the experiment the difference
(p0.05) than male pelts. Melatonin had no effect, either on pelt
characteristics or on live weights.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Possum; opossum; fibre; fur growth; melatonin; pelt quality
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
