Dynamics of growth and development of males and females of young snow fox in postnatal ontogenesis

Objective: to conduct a comparative analysis of the dynamics of exterior parameters in young crossbred foxes obtained by crossing snow fox males with silver fox females.
Materials and Methods. The study sample consisted of crossbred snow fox males with silver fox females bred at the Vyatka Animal Breeding Farm in the Kirov Region. Using the paired analog method, groups of male (n=50) and female (n=50) puppies were formed. The study was conducted from 2019 to 2024. Immature puppies aged 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 months were used. Linear measurements were measured with a first-class precision measuring tape with a 0.2 cm division value in accordance with zootechnical regulations for fur farming.
Results. This article presents the results of a study examining the growth and development rates of males and females of crossbred types, using snow foxes as an example, during postnatal ontogenesis during the period of active growth: from the third to the seventh month. Changes in key linear measurements were studied: body weight, head length, cheekbone width, linear body length, chest circumference behind the shoulder blades, chest width and depth. Body conformation indices were calculated: broad-headedness, weight, compactness, and chest. The age periods of active growth and development of young male and female snow foxes under current housing and feeding conditions were determined. Using these parameters, the timing of the onset of sexual dimorphism in foxes of the original snow coloration was determined.

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