Regularities of growth and development of young blended sables in postnatal ontogenesis

Sable skins have always been valued on the international fur market due to their unique performance and aesthetic properties. In recent years, sales have seen a downward trend in consumer demand and the average selling price for caged sable skins compared to commercial ones. One of the possible reasons for the decline in demand is the low variability of hair color of sable pelts produced in fur farms. For many years, sable breeding was aimed at darkening the hairline and obtaining products of a uniform color. An analysis of the demand for furs shows that buyers demand variety, including light-colored pelts. In connection with this problem, in 2020-2021, an experimental batch of sables caught in Siberia was brought to Savvatievo Animal Breeding Plant LLC in order to carry out work on crossing game and purebred animals and obtaining skins that meet modern market requirements. In July 2021, commercial sables were mated with purebred sables, in April 2022 the first crossbred puppies were obtained. For further work, it is required to study the patterns of growth and development of the resulting young in postnatal ontogenesis. This article provides a comparative analysis of developmental features, live weight dynamics, body length, chest girth behind the shoulder blades, absolute and relative weight gain and body length in purebred and crossbred sable puppies aged 45 to 150 days.