Abstract:

The aim of this study was to investigate the phenotypic correlations among some morphological and pelt traits in Chinchilla lanigera. Male chinchillas aged 9-12 months were used. The average body weight at pelting was 466.22 g, the body length was 23.66 cm, the head length was 8.76 cm, chest circumference was 17.65 cm and the pelt length was 32.39 cm. The phenotypic correlation coefficients between the body weight and the chest circumference, the ear length, the ear width and the tail length were 0.180, 0.294, 0.361 and 0.233, respectively (P < 0.01). The correlation coefficients between the body weight and pelt length and head length were found to be 0.160 and 0.150, respectively (P < 0.05). The correlation coefficients between the pelt length and body length, head length, ear length, fur hair lengths of back of neck, back and rump were found as 0.896, 0.615, 0.365, 0.212, 0.307 and 0.296, respectively (P < 0.01). In conclusion, performing selection using some morphological characteristics correlated highly with some pelt traits could contribute to improved fur quality for the production or breeding of chinchillas.

Keywords: