[Moderator's note: This was sent over a week ago - I just found it now.
Sorry for the delay.  BIG]
 
>From:    Paul Ogles <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: gene pool size
 
>I'm not sure this is useful information 8^), but I wonder how limited the
>gene pool is for domestic ferrets?  I'm getting concerned about in-breeding
>w/ my own stock.  I can find safe crosses next year, but need a solid
>'cinnamon/dilute blaze/DEW' out cross to go much further w/ this color
>strain.
 
Is a ferret from Swedish stock far enough away for you?  Come up and visit
us VA/MD/PA breeders and you'll have quite a selection.
 
What I've noticed is pockets where ferrets get bred in.  Occaisionally we go
outside our area to find "new blood".  Last few excursions have been
international - England and Sweden.
 
>It is unlikely that any mammals are as diverse as fruit flies.
 
I'll have to think about that.  You have two factors: number of animals and
number of chromosones that can vary.  Ferrets have more ways they can vary I
suspect.
 
>has shown that at least 30% of the 10,000 gene loci on Drosophila fruit
>flies are polymorphic, w/ up to 6 variations.
 
If ALL 10,000 gene loci had 6 variations you'd have only 60,000 different
possibilities.  As you said only 30 percent can vary you are down to 1,800
variations.  Bet we have a few more ferrets than that in the world.  What
we'd need to know is how many of the loci can vary and by how much in
ferrets.  Bet its higher.
 
>From:    [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Kodo----
>Of course there is no way in hell that I would do this.  But how is animal
>control to know otherwise.
 
Rumor has it that someone successly used a similar tactic to protect a
different animal.  No need to "fink" out who it might have been since its
just a rumor.  Heard a buried carcass from one that had previously died was
involved.  <wink>
 
>Have there ever been fund raisers from which 110% of proceeds go to a fund
>to help out animals?
 
No.  My problem with groups such as the HSUS relate to where donations go.
For example HSUS's top officers are extremely well paid especiaaly by animal
welfare/rights standards.  A good third of the money goes back into raising
more.  Enough on this as it it isn't ferrets.
 
>It's just hard for me to swallow that millions of dollars couldn't build
>large no-kill animal facilities in at least a few states.
 
Back to my point about ferret population vs.  dog and cat.  There are just
too many dogs and cats.  There is not enough money to house all of the
extras.  The fact they go feral more easily is also a factor.
 
Just like with ferrets though it is the private shleters that canfigure out
ways to be "no-kill".  Breed specific and other private shelters can afford
things the bigger shelters that get hunderds of animals can not.
 
>From:    Gary M Sadger <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: If KODO could talk!
>I feel that Mr. Jacobs did not use good judgment when having his ferrets
>out in public!
 
Ferrets SHOULD be taken out in public.  They shouldn't be closed away.
Public exposure does more good that these occaisional accidents do harm.  It
is a part of the public education you mentioned as high priority.
 
bill and diane killian
zen and the art of ferrets
http://www.zenferret.com/
mailto:[log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 1939]