The Nome nugget., 1928-11-17

we are tOl0 ol seven Itmdies whose meat ration from the first of the year was not more than five ounces daily. The fatty tissue of all these was completely absorbed early in February and every fox raised litter. Seven others were 1 fed nearly half d pound of meat daily during the same season. Wit h them there was not complete ab- sorption of the tissue and none be- came pregnant, some not even com i ing in heat
 RatiOnS Cut in Half
 In other instances there were vixens that had not mated at the end of February and their meat rations were cut in half. Some of them then mated in April and rais- ed late May filters.
 It has been mentioned that at times the fatty tissue of the medial line of the abdomen is hard Dr Smith states that when in this con- dition it is apparently difficult to absorb. continuing:
 On Starvation Rations
 While this condition is still un- der investigation the evidence at present indicates that it would be advisable with females that show a large, hard accumulation of fatty tissue around the accessory breed ing glands to feed them on nearly a starvation diet, that is. not more than two or three ounces of meat daily until they come in heat Then increase that amount to probably five or six ounces of meat daily for period of four weeks; and then to reduce the ration again to not more than four ounces of meat"
 Warning is given against over feeding The female nursing pups may be given larger rations but the meat portion should not exceed a half pound of meat daily. given in two meals Also the meat ration during the latter part of the gesta- tion period should be strictly limit d to not more than four or five ounces daily. The feeding of small amounts of liver two or three times a week is recommended as an aid to the production of milk.
 How to Keep Weight Down
 How can the foxes be kept from putting on weight during the sum mer? The article says: "The meat ration should not exceed more than two or three ounces on the average daily. During the summer it prob about two ounces of cereal or bis cults daily but in this case We would advise that only one ounce should be fed ar meal. fThis i; dry weight before water is added There should be a reduction in the amount of cereals that are being fed; and an increase in the amount of meat at the beginning of Sep tember.
 While the cereals would tend to the production of clear color in the fur, without meat or pro- tein diet there is not favorable growth of the fur. Therefore, it is necessary at that time to increase the meat or protein content of the rations. On the other hand. if high meat or protein diet is fed earlier in the season, the foxes are liable to develop premature growth of the guard hair. which is extremely liable to go off color"
 Causes Tingcd Fur
 This substantiates the opinion held by most breeders that feeding too much meat will cause a tinged fur. However. it is perhaps less generally known that full develop meDt of the guard hair requires d certain amount of meat. Dr. Smith goes on:
 After the female has obtained her maximum weight in the month of December it appears essential, in order that she should come in heat, that the subcutaneous fatty tissues on the abdomen should be ahSNrhed IIndnnhtedl heau faad