Gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and gut, has been reported in blue foxes. The bacteria isolated was Clostridium perfingens – Type C. The source was likely seal, whale meat or poor quality fish.
In this outbreak, some adults and most kits of 600 foxes died. It is unlikely to be seen if food is of high quality.
Infection in the skin of the head of foxes has been reported. It is also known as “big head.” In one case, Clostridium septicum was isolated form the swollen skin. The probable source was feeding a cow infected with the organism. This condition is rare and can be prevented by avoiding such carcasses.
Wendy Stewart (nee Faulkner) 1995. Factors affecting gastrointestinal development in growing ranched silver foxes. Supervisor: Dr. D. M. Anderson.
A study of young growing ranched foxes (birth to 170 d) was conducted to examine factors affecting gastrointestinal development in animals maintained under typical commercial farm conditions. Very little is currently known of the development of the digestive system of this species. To achieve more effective and economical feeding of growing silver foxes, additional information is required. A total of 64 silver foxes (32 per sex) were sampled over 16 time periods by serial slaughter technique. Four animals were sacrificed per timing. Sampling occurred at 10 d intervals beginning at birth and continuing to 120d. Three additional sampling occurred to investigate the effects of early and late weaning and to verify gut maturity at 170 d. All feed (commercial pellets with 20% meat byproducts for foxes under 40 d) and water ad libitum. Chromic oxide was used (1%) as an inert feed marker for the purposes of digestibility calculations. Sexual dimorphism in body weight was evident at 50 d with the males generally being heavier than the females. Body growth and growth of the organs increased most rapidly during the first 30 d. During this time, body length and weight increased by 3.43 and 22.7% per day. Between birth and 170 d, the foxes grew from 13.8 to 69.0 cm in length from 92.8 to 6106 g in weight. The organs approximated adult size by 90 d. The relative size of all abdominal organs (except the stomach) compared to body size was reduced as the foxes approached maturity. Even with body weight used as a covariant, the effect of sex was significant for the weights of the stomach, kidney and liver. These organs in the male foxes tended to be heavier than those in the females. Measured activity of pancreatic trypsin (per gram of pancreas) was the same for all age groups studied. Relative activity of trypsin (expressed as units per gram of body weight or per gram of metabolic body weight) was significantly higher in foxes at birth than at any other age studied. Foxes weaned at 30 d and reared to 40 d on exclusive non-milk feed suffered from no obvious setbacks and tended to grow better than the regularly weaned 40 d foxes left with their dams. Body size and size of abdominal organs were somewhat higher in these foxes than in regularly weaned animals of the same age. Activity of pancreatic trypsin (per gram pancreas) was not affected by this early weaning. Apparent digestibility in the stomach and jejunum did not differ among age groups studied. Across all age groups apparent digestibility in the stomach averaged 43.4, 16.2, 16.8 and 15.8 % for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and the energy fraction (EF) respectively. In the jejunum, apparent digestibility averaged 70.5, 38.2, 51.7 and 30.7 % for DM, OM, CP, and EF respectively. Apparent digestibility of DM in the ileum, CP in the caecum as well as DM and CP in the colon were significantly different among the age groups studied, however these differences occurred in foxes less than 100 d of age and mainly concerned comparisons with the early weaned 40 d foxes. Apparent digestibility of DM had neared completion (97.9 %) in the jejunum and digestibility of CP was essentially complete in the ileum. Apparent digestibility of OM and EF were further increased in the colon. Significant reductions in apparent digestibility of CP in the caecum indicate that endogenous protein secretions and microbial action in the caecum of the foxes may have been substantial. Although body and organ size changed greatly between birth and maturity, trypsin activity per gram of pancreas was unchanged. Apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP and EF differed in certain sites within the tracts but only for a select few age groups. This study was successful in providing valued baseline data regarding gastrointestinal development in the young silver fox.
Melatonin as a furring enhancer: effect on growth rate, feed consumption and reproduction in silver fox. M. L. Connor, Department of Animal Science, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
Two trials were conducted in separate years to investigate the influence of melatonin and low illumination on fur growth, feed consumption, animal size, pelt quality and reproduction in silver fox. In trial 1, 60 silver fox pups were allotted to one of 3 treatments in early July: 12 mg melatonin capsule S.C.; housed under very low light conditions (<45 lux); or housed under normal pelter shed conditions (control). For trial 2, 90 silver fox pups, in 3 equal groups, were assigned to receive either 12 mg, 8 mg or 0 mg melatonin. Implanted animals grew and furred out more quickly reaching full prime 4-6 weeks before controls. Animals under low light did not significantly outperform the controls. Final size, pelt quality and guard hair length were similar between implanted pups and controls in trial 1. More implanted animals were off color at pelting in trial 2 (4/25, 9/25, and 2/25 for 12 mg, 8 mg and 0 mg respectively). As well, guard hair length was shorter on implanted pets in trial 2, however, this was not reflected in negative auction results. Feed consumption was similar between treatments to 23 weeks of age (trial 2) but was greater for controls from 23 weeks to pelting. Testicular development was advanced in implanted males, and semen could be collected by mid-December (trial 2) approximately one month before controls. Signs of proestrus were evident by mid-December (trial 2), 3 of 8 vixens were mated during the normal breeding season and whelped litters of 1, 6 and 7 pups respectively. Two other vixens necropsied had luteal tissue and functional mammary glands indicative of ovulation and pseudopregnancy.
If you know of a valuable supplier for the fox ranching industry that is not in this list, please let us know.
Wire, Hoppers, Water Cups and SuppliesKlubertanz Equipment
Website: http://www.klubertanz.com/
1165 State Rd. 73
Edgerton, Wisconsin, USA 53534
Toll-Free Ordering and Customer Service: 800-237-3899
Email: klubertanz@ticon.net
Illinois Mink Wire Company – Source for fox tongs
Website: http://www.illinoisminkwire.com
38614 North Fairfield Road
Lake Villa, Illinois 60046 USA
Tel. +1 847 356 5661
Fax +1 847 356 1617
Email: dennis@illinoisminkwire.com
Sissiboo Farm Supplies
Website: http://www.sissiboofarmsupplies.com
4552 Hwy #1 Weymouth NS B0W 3T0
Farm Supplies Enquiries: 902 – 837 – 5867
Farm Supplies Fax No.: 902 – 837 – 7775
Email: sissiboo@sissiboofarmsupplies.com
Muthig Industries
Website: http://www.muthigindustries.com
33 East Larsen Drive
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 54937
Phone: 920-922-9814
Fax: 920-922-8088
Email: info@muthigindustries.com
AB Ostrocenter OY – Source for Fox Rut Gauges and Fox Handling Tongs
Website: http://www.ostrocenter.fi
Frillmossavägen 2
66900 Nykarleby
Finland
Tel. +358 6 7817465
Email: info@ostrocenter.fi or roland.kock@ostrocenter.fi
Skinning and Fleshing EquipmentOy Ercomek (their products can be purchased thru Illinois Mink Wire Co.)
Website: http://www.ercomek.fi
+358 6 3447717
Email: info@ercomek.fi
Foster & Smith Inc. (offer reasonable canine vaccines)
Website: http://www.drsfostersmith.com
2253 Air Park Road, P.O. Box 100
Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501
Phone: 715-369-9312
Best Vet Solutions
Website: https://www.bestvetsolutions.com
Phone: 515-836-4001 or 1-888-378-4045
United Vaccines
Website: http://www.unitedvaccines.com
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-283-6465
United Feeds, Inc.
W8414 State Road 67
Plymouth, WI 53073
Phone: 920-526-3211
Fax: 920-526-3213
Whelan Foods, Inc. (primarily wet feed ingredients/dog food)
Website: http://whalenfoodsinc.com
P.O. Box 305
Chaska, MN 55318
Phone: 866-547-6510 or 952-368-6077
Fax: 866-432-3189
Email: info@whalenfoodsinc.com
Medford Fur Food (primarily wet feed ingredients)
N3528 State Highway 13
Medford, WI 54451
Phone: (715) 748-2255
Fax: (715) 748-4548
Purina Mills – Mazuri Exotic Animal Nutrition
1-800-227-8941
National
P.O. Box 51
Maria Stein, Ohio 45860
800-558-5803
Fax: 419-925-5026
NAFA Fox has maintained world famous clarity and is medium to pale in color, perfectly fitting for today’s fashions. This fur is silky and soft to touch and is ideal for trimming and for a full garment.
That means we only use part of what nature produces each year without depleting wildlife populations or damage the natural habitat s that sustain them. The goal is to maintain long-term ecological balance.1
In nature, each plant and animal species generally produces more offspring than the land can support to maturity. Like other species, we live by making use of part of this surplus that nature creates. We also have a responsibility to protect the wilderness areas that provide these valuable resources. Modern conservationists define this as the “sustainable use” of renewable resources.1
Synthetics, by contrast, are generally made from petroleum (a non-renewable resource), which is NOT consistent with the sustainable use of our environment. The production, transportation and disposal of petrochemicals can cause environmental problems.1
Worldwide, the fur industry is an excellent example of an industry based on sustainable use. All the furs used by the trade are abundant and absolutely no endangered species are used. This is assured by strict provincial/state, national and international regulations. Government wildlife officials and biologists ensure responsible use by establishing controlled hunting and trapping, harvest quotas, licensing, and training courses for trappers. Strict government regulations ensure that these quotas and seasons are respected.1
Thanks to modern wildlife management and trapping regulations, there are as many beavers and muskrats in North America now as when the Europeans first arrived in the continent. Raccoons, coyotes and foxes are more abundant than ever.1
Well cared-for, a fur garment will remain functional and beautiful for many, many years – far longer that any other clothing material. In fact, fur coats are one of the few clothing items that are often passed down and used by two or even three generations.1
Unlike other textiles, fur garments can also be re-cut and restyled (“remodeled”) as fashions change. Your old fur coat can even be “recycled” to make bags, pillows, throws or other home accessories. At a time when the true ecological cost of “cheap”, mass-produced, disposable “fast-fashion” is just beginning to be calculated – think millions of tons of poor-quality fibers and short-life garments filling up landfills – the naturally durable and recyclable qualities of fur makes more sense than ever!1
In terms of fur farming, Canadian and American fur farmers abide by national codes of practice and regulations to ensure that their animals are well cared for and harvested humanely. Both wild fur and ranched fur from North America qualify for Origin Assured labels guaranteeing consumers the highest standard of care.2
Fur Information Council of America – Fur Insider http://www.furinsider.com/
Fur is Green http://www.furisgreen.com/
Fur Fashions http://www.furfashions.com/
Beautiful Canadian http://www.beautifullycanadian.com
Fur.com http://www.fur.com
Kaufman Furs http://kaufmanfurs.com/
Saks Fifth Avenue http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/
Tsontos Furs http://www.tsontosfurs.com/
A.J. Ugent Furs http://www.ugentfurs.com/
Schwartz Furs, Inc. http://www.schwartzfurs.com/
Glacier Wear http://www.glacierwear.com
Domestication and artificial selection of livestock have made farm animals dependent on humans. Consequently, according to the currently accepted moral and ethical standards of our society, humans have no choice but to accept this dependence as a commitment to practice humane conduct toward domestic animals and to prevent avoidable suffering at all stages of their lives.
These guidelines represent a step toward meeting that commitment. These guidelines are intended to be used by the fur industry, scientists, and animal welfare groups as an educational tool in the promotion of sound husbandry and welfare practices.
The Guidelines are designed to assist farmers in providing a humane environment for their animals. They were prepared by leaders in the United States fur farming industry including professionals in the fields of veterinary medicine, animal nutrition and wildlife management.
It is the sincere hope of the USFSC that American fur farmers will study and adhere to the high standards set out in the Guidelines. This will greatly benefit their animals and the fur industry as a whole. Farmers who are certified will be publicly recognized for adhering to the Guidelines. Certification procedures are outlined within the Code of Ethics document.
We proudly submit these self-regulatory guidelines to the fox farmers of North America.We commend you for your commitment to excellence in farm management and vigilant attention to the maintenance of these humane standards.
As a fox rancher, you have options in where or to whom you sell your final product. Members of the U.S. Fox Shipper’s Council include all fox ranchers who market their fox pelts through North American Fur Auctions (NAFA). But other individuals sell pelts in other facets including to the specialty market, i.e. hat makers and novelty collectors. USFSC encourages fox ranchers to sell their pelts with NAFA, which allows us to work as a group toward producing the best product with the utmost attention to ethical management to obtain the best possible price for all involved.
There are things that the fox rancher can do to make marketing their pelts more effective and bring higher dollars for their fox pelts. If you have gone through the trouble of maintaining breeding stock, having a successful whelp and raising the kits to adult size, there is no reason to sell yourself short on the final steps of preparing your product for market.
Board SizeWhether you put up your own furs or have a professional complete this task, one thing you must be certain when selling thru NAFA: You must use the correct board size. Pelts dried on boards with dimensions different from these specifications will be penalized accordingly during sorting.
Members of the U.S. Fox Shipper’s Council include all fox ranchers who market their fox pelts through North American Fur Auctions (NAFA). NAFA currently handles three million North American ranch mink, 2.5 million European ranch mink, ranch fox and all varieties of wild fur including beaver, raccoon, sable, muskrat, wild mink, lynx, lynx cat otter, red fox, and coyote.
North American Fur Auctions’ principal business is the sale of raw fur pelts. The pelts are received on consignment from producers of ranched-raised furs and harvesters of wild furs. The fur pelts are sold to fur garment manufacturers and fur pelt dealers worldwide. The Company is the largest fur auction house in North America, and the third largest fur auction in the world.
If you have ranch-raised fox which you may be interested in selling through NAFA, contact the designated representative for your area. Their representatives will be happy to provide you with important information on how to sell your furs through NAFA.
View NAFA’s Rancher Receiving Dates
Energy is high at the February 2012 NAFA auction as buyers demand high quality fur.
Fur consignments are sorted by the company according to type, size, shade, color and quality, and offered for sale at auction or by private treaty. Auctions are conducted several times each year in Toronto, Canada.
Attendance at auctions is international, with representation from the world’s major fur markets, which includes China and Korea in the Far East; Russia and Eastern Europe; the Western European centres of Greece, Italy, Germany and the UK; and the North American markets of New York, Montreal and Toronto. Customer support is drawn from the fur manufacturing and merchandising communities, who may be represented by brokers or agents. All buyers must be credit approved prior to participating in an auction. A buyer fee is charged on each auction purchase to cover the grading, cataloguing and auction services provided by NAFA, which include: auction catalogues; porter services; meals (breakfast and lunch); wireless internet access; telephone and fax services.
Dennis Basso (New York) NAFA Silver Fox Jacket and Handbag
NAFA sells its fur pelts under the NAFA quality brand label and conducts a significant international advertising and promotion program for its NAFA brand in partnership with its customers and world renowned fashion designers. Learn more about Studio NAFA and their focus on utilizing ranch fox and other specific furs in modern fashion trends.
NAFA Gold Fox is the ranched fox quality equivalent of NAFA Gold Mink. As in mink there are many natural fox colors but certainly NAFA is best known for its collection of dramatic NAFA Silver Fox. Our Fox is unique in the world for its shorter nap, deep under wool and silky texture.
Buyers can VERIFY LABEL AUTHENTICITY on NAFA’s website.
NAFA’s corporate head office and auction facility is located in Toronto, Ontario with a satellite office in Winnipeg, Manitoba. NAFA’s U.S. head office, grading facility and pelt processing operation is located in Stoughton, Wisconsin. NAFA also has a state-of-the art grading facility in Poland and a European mink representative office in Holland.
To learn more about NAFA, visit their website at www.nafa.ca.
This old photograph is on display at the historic Fromm Bros Estate. It shows two men, visitors to the Fromm Estate, with silver fox pelts once marketed so effectively they were considered the best fox furs in world often fetching prices over $1,000 even during the Great Depression.
The fox is a member of the canine family and is known throughout the world in its wild state. Its size varies greatly depending on species.1
The following species of fox are farm raised for fur production: red fox (Vulpes vulpes), bue fox (Alopex lagopus) and the inter species hybrids (Vulpes X Alopex).1
Domestic fox farming was initiated in the 1880s by Sir Charles Dalton at Prince Edward Island, Canada, utilizing captured “black” fox (a naturally occurring color phase of red fox). These animals were the ancestors of our present herds of farmed foxes.1
Through countless generations of selective breeding for color, size, quality of fur, fecundity, docility, mothering ability, growth rate, and litter survival, the farm-raised fox has evolved to be very different from its wild counterpart. Good nutrition, veterinary care, and adequate, secure accommodations have resulted in a larger, more robust animal exhibiting a much quieter temperament.1
In the 1930’s, fox hides were selling for a month’s wage. Farmers were desperate to get their hands on breeding stock. Fox fur and breeding animals became a major export for Prince Edward Island and brought tremendous wealth to the area during a time when most places were struggling. There is a film called “Those Little Silver Mines“ which documents the explosive rise of the silver fox industry on Prince Edward Island. It can be seen at the International Fox Museum and Hall of Fame in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Breeding pens where large consuming huge tracks of land at the Fromm Fox Farm. This photo is on display at the historic Fromm Bros Estate in Hamburg, Wisconsin.
If you are in the fox ranching industry, you may have read the book Bright With Silver by Kathrene Pinkerton. An engrossing biography of the Fromms who established the once-world-famous silver fox farm in Hamburg, Wisconsin. She tells of the heart-breaking first years, of hard work and perseverance and faith in their ideal, of how the silver fox became a “fashion first.” Then of sidelines in mink ranching and mutations. First edition copies of Bright With Silver are hard to come by, but reproductions of this book can be purchased at Janke Book Store in Wausau, Wisconsin.
The original Fromm Fur Farm and Estate was established as a National Historic Place and titled Fromm Bros. Historical Preservation Society in 2011. The facilities remain partially intact and can be toured or reserved for private events including the infamous, lavish-in-its-time clubhouse with pin setting by hand on the custom Brunswick bowling lanes. For more information, visit www.frommhistory.org.