Ssp Breeding Case Study

Breeding: Luyster et al. (2006) state that before breeding season starts, around January, the breeding animals should be given a physical exam, and any health problems should be addressed. During this time, the facilities need to determine the SSP breeding recommendations. A list of up to four males should be made, with the first choice being housed in the adjourning cage. It is found that females are more fertile in their first three years, and males are more fertile until they are about five. January is the start of when both the males and females need to be watched for testicular enlargement/firmness and swelling of the vulva. Their reproductive pattern is cyclical and the increased day length starts it. Behavioral changes to watch for include stalking territory lines, advertising for a male, and spending more time near the divider if a male is housed next door. Once the females start showing signs of estrus, vaginal flushing should be done for a cytological examination by catching them up in restraint …show more content…
One group was raised under normal SSP recommendations and fed live hamsters and prairie dog meat three times a week. The second group was also raised under normal SSP recommendations and fed live prairie dogs and hamsters. The last group was born and raised in outside pens with prairie dog burrows and fed live prairie dogs. They were tagged and released when they were old enough to disperse from their mothers. It was found that ferrets raised in the pens did not move away from their source prairie dogs, and thus reducing possible mortality. The authors feel that the pens helped them gain the skills they need to survive in the wild. Those raised in standard SSP conditions but with live prairie dogs for food could find food, but that did not mean they survived as well. Their recommendation is the use of these pens before BFFs are