Application of melatonin in Fox Industry

Melatonin is an indole hormone secreted by pineal glands in the animal brain, also known as pineal hormone. In 1985, melatonin was first applied in fur farms in North America. In early 1993, China solved the technology of artificial synthesis of melatonin from domestic chemical raw materials and manufacturing melatonin implants. After 1998, melatonin was widely used in fur farming in Northeast China. Melatonin has been used in Dongjin Breeding Farm of Xiangfan City, Hubei Province since 1999. During the 8 years of practical application, melatonin has good effect on inducing fox fur to mature ahead of time and delaying male silver fox oestrus.

To induce foxes to mature prematurely. Exogenous melatonin can stimulate the growth and maturity of winter fur by increasing melatonin level in fox during long day period in summer, which is helpful to reduce weight loss and fur damage caused by cold stress, thus reducing feeding cost.

(1) Dosage: 2 capsules (20 mg)/one.

(2) Application method: subcutaneous implantation in neck between shoulder bones on back.

(3) Use time: adult animals should be used in mid-June; the offspring should not be used too early, and the effect is better later, generally July 10 ~15 is appropriate; the foxes reserved for breeding generally do not use melatonin.

(4) Effect: After melatonin implantation, the fox showed increased appetite, increased feed intake, increased growth and prolonged sleep time. Adult foxes can mature their fur 30 ~70 days ahead of time, and young foxes can mature 15 ~30 days ahead of time. Generally, the skin of silver black fox is removed from 105 to 120 days after melatonin implantation, and the skin of blue fox is removed from 90 to 95 days.

Delayed male silver fox estrus. Silver foxes generally come into estrus from January to February, while blue foxes come into estrus from March to April. In order to produce frost foxes, the oestrus time of male silver black foxes is often delayed, and foxes belong to seasonal breeding animals, and their gonad development, oestrus mating and pregnancy are regulated by light. In order to change their oestrus time, the traditional method is to adopt light control breeding technology. Melatonin can save labor, reduce cumbersome daily management, and achieve the desired effect.

(1) Dosage: 4 capsules (40 mg)/one.

(2) Application method: subcutaneous implantation in neck between shoulder blades on back.

(3) Use time: November 15 ~ December 20 mouth.

(4) Effect: Melatonin was used from November 15 to December 20, the oestrus of male silver black fox could be delayed to April, and the oestrus of male silver black fox was basically synchronized with that of blue fox.