The American Ferret Association presents
Breeding Better Ferrets: The AFA Ferret Breeder Symposium
June 20-21, 2008 (1 1/2 days)
Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen, VA

The American Ferret Association is an organization devoted to the
health and welfare of ferrets. We are offering this one and half day
educational symposium geared to the experienced ferret breeder, the
novice ferret breeder, and even those considering breeding ferrets in
the not so distant future. That's why AFA is sponsoring this in-depth
ferret breeder symposium, with the following goals in mind:

- The AFA believes breeders should strive to provide each ferret with
the best possible existence, through good husbandry, knowledge of
breeding and breeding principles, and the education of others.

- The AFA further believes that because we, as humans, are entirely
responsible for the control of the gene pool of ferrets (Mustela furo),
that once we take a hand in the creation of life (i.e.; breeding
ferrets), we are responsible for that life for its lifetime.

- The AFA recommends that the practice of breeding ferrets not be
undertaken without careful consideration of the responsibilities
involved.

AFA is proud to introduce Dr. Carmen Battaglia, world renown speaker
and author of Breeding Better Dogs. Dr. Battaglia will take a highly
sophisticated, scientific and technical subject like genetics and make
it not only easy to understand but even fun. He will take the material
he developed for dog breeders and provide ferret breeders with an easy
method for understanding and analyzing their pedigrees. Dr. Battaglia
will be speaking on Saturday, June 21, and his topics will include:

- Breeding principles and how to develop a breeding plan.
- Developing and maintaining records for breeding.
- What information is important in selecting your breeding stock.
- How to pick the right sire and dam.
- Pedigree analysis, recessive and dominate traits, heritability
  of traits.
- How to understand the strengths and weaknesses in your pedigrees.
- Evaluating litters and choosing the best ferret kit.
- How to develop the competitive edge, and win in the show ring.

The symposium will start on Friday afternoon with a session all ferrets
breeders need to attend. A knowledgeable ferret veterinarian will
discuss ferret repro issues. This session will include information on:
Pyometra; Pregnancy Toxemia; Problem deliveries; When to do a
C-section; Congenital neonate issues; Ovarian tumors, carcinoma;
Vaginal cysts; Mastitis, regular and gangrenous; Vasectomy;
Cryptorchids; Testicular tumors; Hand raising kits; A list of items all
breeders need to have prior to starting breeding; and more. The rest of
the Friday afternoon agenda is being worked out and registration
information will be available soon.

In addition to the 1 1/2 day symposium, a winery tour is being planned
for Sunday. Details to come.

Wintergreen Resort: The resort is located in the heart of Central
Virginia adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway, just 90 minutes from
Richmond, Va. and approximately three hours from Washington, D.C.
and North Carolina.

If you have any questions or have suggestions for topics on Friday,
please contact me at jbferret @ mindspring.com (no spaces).

Vickie

Vickie McKimmey

Just a Business of Ferrets
www.jbferret.com
American Ferret Association
Director of Shows and Special Events
www.ferret.org
Author of Ferrets:  An Animal Planet Pet Care Library Series Book

[Posted in FML 5789]