Abstract
MINK reproduction is characterized by several remarkable features, among which the variability of gestation length is of outstanding interest. Hansson1 and Enders2 have emphasized this variability (from 37 to 91 days) in their classic studies on mink reproduction. It is generally accepted that this range in gestation length is due to varying periods of delayed implantation, when the fertilized ova reside in the uterus for an extended period of time before nidation occurs. This communication reports some investigations which I made of the normal variations of gestation length in four modern colour phases (strains) of mink and the effects of the age of the female, the date of mating and litter size on gestation length.
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References
Hansson, A., Acta Zool., 28, 1 (1947).
Enders, R. K., Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc., 96, 691 (1952).
Dukelow, W. R., J. Reprod. and Fertil., (in the press).
Apelgren, R., Vara Pälsdjur, 12, 349 (1941).
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DUKELOW, W. Variations in Gestation Length of Mink (Mustela vison). Nature 211, 211 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1038/211211a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/211211a0
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