Association between Live Grading Scores, Skin Characteristics and Auction Price in Mink

Abstract

The relationships between scores for general appearance assessed in August and November and the size and quality of scanblack and pastel male pelts were studied. The size of pelt was more closely associated with general appearance graded in August than in November. The reverse situation was found for the quality of pelt. Fur defects observed in live minks reduced pelt quality. Size, quality and colour of pelts in scanblack males differed between farms, and in pastel males, differences between farms were found in pelt quality and clarity. The pelts of males with high scores in live animal grading were sold for 4–14 Finnmark more than medium or low scoring ones. Skin prices were more affected by the date of auction than by grading scores.