Effects of group size and space allocation on physiological, behavioural and production-related welfare parameters in farmed silver fox cubs

Traditionally farmed silver fox cubs are raised after weaning either in pairs or singly in a traditional fox cage (1.2 m2). However, this way of housing foxes has been criticised because the foxes may have limited chance to exercise and to show social behaviour. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different social and spatial conditions on the welfare of silver fox cubs. The cubs were housed singly, in pairs or in quartets with space allocation of either 0.6 or 1.2 m2 per animal. Behavioural, physiological and production-related welfare parameters were assessed. The results revealed that space allocation had only minor effects on the measured welfare related parameters. With regard to social conditions, the results showed that the possibility for social behaviour is important for the welfare of young cubs. However, the welfare of the cubs may be jeopardised if they are kept in quartets beyond their natural dispersal time. Therefore, the welfare of silver fox cubs could be enhanced by allowing the cubs to enjoy of social companionship during the first months of their lives and by separating them into pairs in later autumn.