Fur Farming History And Trend

The fur trade has a long an interesting history that takes it back as far as man. From the early days of using skins and fur as protection and warmth to the fashions and status of the Roman era; fur became the ultimate commodity, changing the lives of many small communities in struggling countries across the world.

These days, the industry is one of the most regulated around, ensuring that not only do underdeveloped countries receive fair trade but that the animals receive such high levels of care, since the introduction of fur farming.

Fur farming is now the basis for the entire industry, with a massive 85% of the trade deriving from this highly evolved practice. Well over 50 million pelts are farmed each year, with the majority done in Europe with over 6,000 farms. There is a much smaller percentage that takes place in North America, and the rest of the farming is in countries such as Argentina, China, Russia and the Ukraine. For small holdings in these nations, fur farming can be a crucial non-weather dependent addition to their business.

The introduction of fur farming in the 19th century, changed the way the industry did business; and nowadays after centuries of prominence, these well looked after, domesticated animals can expect sheltered and customised housing, top veterinary care and good nutritional meals.

Every step of the farming process is humane and regulated by governing bodies and despite reports to the contrary, the housing used in fur farming gives the animals the liberty to roam. What’s especially more important with the commonly farmed fox and mink, is that their space allows them to fulfil their inquisitive natures. After serious study into behavioural patterns, their homes have been developed and tailored to suit their specific needs. They are raised from the ground to make sure that waste is filtered below and keeps their homes hygienic and they have roofing panels with open-sides, which gives them protection from the elements but also a freedom, innate temperature and natural light.

The feeding on fur farms is an important part of the food chain that keeps down the cost of global food production as both minks and foxes are fed mainly on a diet of fish, dairy, poultry and animal by-products that are perfect for them but human’s don’t use, so waste is kept to a minimum. The animals are also given water and nutrients through additional supplements for health and general welfare. Nest boxes are provided as well, with straw and wood shavings to encourage breeding and a good, comfortable rest at night. Furthermore, the importance of keeping fox cubs and mink kits together with their mothers until they are 7-8 weeks old and weaned is essential for their wellbeing.

Once the furs are farmed, they reach an international auction house where they are sold to an array of interested parties. Fur fashion really begins its journey when designers and manufacturers take them home and begin to harness their creative genius as seen in the autumn/winter collections of giant fashion houses such as Roberto Cavalli and Jean Paul Gaultier.

By: Arghya Roy

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Readers also can visit iftf.com for Fur Trade and Fur Farming related information.