IMPORTANCE OF ANIMAL WELFARE
The feeding of fur animals is a balanced diet of fish, meat and poultry by-products, cereals and vitamins to achieve good quality, healthy, shiny fur pelts.
Farmed fur animals have been subjected of international research for some 50 years.
During the first 30 years, most research was done on feedstuff and diseases, whereas for the past 20 years more and more studies have been carried out to investigate ethological questions, issues that deal with animal behaviour and well-being. An important research finding relating to the domestication of farmed fur animals reveals that they can be considered as quite adapted to a farm environment. Based on the discussion regarding the revision of the Council of Europe Recommendation, the animals will be given more space and, furthermore, attention will be paid to research for cage enrichment, group housing and social needs of the animals. Currently, research is looking at introducing a resting platform for mink and foxes, so that the animals can observe the farmer and their surroundings from above and can withdraw if necessary from their kits/cubs.
Several European countries have their own fur research facilities. Research is carried out partly by the sector itself and partly in co-operation with the governments when fundamental matters that may have long-term consequences, are involved. In addition, independent research sponsored by governments is undertaken at several universities.
Researchers have formed their own organisation, the International Fur Animal Scientific Association (IFASA) reflecting the international nature of work in this field. IFASA publishes its own scientific journal, ‘Scientifur’.