In winter, when the northern climate turns cold, mink farmers often reduce the amount of water in the tanks, leading to frozen water. As a result, some farms choose to dilute feed and stop providing water altogether. This practice is highly detrimental to mink farming. The challenge lies in maintaining the right balance of feed concentration—too thin, and the mink won't get enough nutrients; too thick, and it can cause dehydration, impairing metabolism and toxin elimination.
Winter is a critical period for leeches as they prepare for breeding. Proper feeding and management during this time are essential to support reproductive health and overall body condition. Leeches require adequate amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and vitamins to meet their physiological needs. A daily intake of about 275 grams of feed is recommended, with 20–28 grams of protein, 5–7 grams of fat, and 11–16 grams of carbohydrates. If the feed is diluted, the dry matter decreases, leading to nutrient deficiencies. This results in thin bodies and poor development of reproductive organs. In males, this can lead to small, soft testicles and reduced fertility. In females, irregular estrus cycles, such as hidden or missed heat periods, can lower mating success and increase the rate of empty pregnancies, significantly affecting economic returns.
When feed is too concentrated, minks may not drink enough water after eating, causing dehydration. Water makes up about two-thirds of an animal's body, with 40% in cells, 20% in tissues, and 5% in blood. Even losing half of the body’s protein or fat might allow survival, but losing just 10% of water content can be fatal. Nutrient digestion and metabolism depend on a moist environment. Saliva, gastric juices, and intestinal fluids are over 98% water, while blood and urine contain more than 90% and 95% moisture, respectively. Without sufficient water, metabolic processes cannot function properly.
Providing enough water in winter is crucial for mink health. During illness or poisoning, minks may refuse food, but increased water intake helps flush out toxins and supports recovery. For example, excessive salt intake can be mitigated by increasing water supply. Studies show that adding 1.2–1.5 grams of salt per kilogram of body weight with three daily waterings had no adverse effects, while higher salt levels without water led to severe toxicity and even death. With adequate hydration, even high salt levels were tolerated safely. Therefore, ensuring sufficient drinking water is vital for mink health and well-being.
In conclusion, mink farms must ensure a constant supply of clean, warm water throughout the year. It’s not advisable to substitute water with diluted feed during winter. Even though minks drink less in cold weather, they should receive at least one fresh water supply daily to meet their physiological needs and maintain optimal health.
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