Effect of different stocking densities in juveniles of American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus, Crocodilia, Crocodylidae) in captivity

• Martinez-Cárdenas, Leonardo ^[1] ; Torres-Aguilar, José L ^[1] ; Espinosa-Chaurand, Daniel ^[2] ; León-Fernández, Andrés E ^[1] ; Galaviz-Villa, Itzel ^[4] ; Hernández-Vázquez, Francisco ^[5] ; Castillo-Vargasmachuca, Sergio G ^[1] ; Álvarez-González, Carlos A. ^[3]
  1. [1] Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit

     Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit

     México

     
  2. [2] Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas

     Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas

     Madrid, España

     
  3. [3] Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco

     Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco

     México

     
  4. [4] Tecnológico Nacional de México. Instituto Tecnológico de Boca del Rí
  5. [5] Cocodrilario La Palma.

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• Localización: Agro Productividad, ISSN-e 2594-0252, Vol. 15, Nº. 6, 2022 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Junio), págs. 65-74
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Objective: To evaluate the effect of different stocking densities:12 (D12), 18 (D18) and 24 (D24) individuals m2 (ind m2) on growth (weight and length) and survival in juvenile river crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus).

    Design/methodology/approach: The crocodiles were cultured in each treatment by triplicate for 43-d in nine plastic tanks and fed a diet based on a mix of beef liver, fish and commercial dog food.

    Results: At the end of the experiment, there were not significant differences among treatments in the growth variables, recording a low increment in weight and total length (38.998.96 g and 4.191.36 cm; mean SD) in all densities as well as overall survival of 62.027.67% (mean SD). The stocking density of 24 ind m2 was significantly higher in biomass production by m2 for the stocking densities of 18 and 12 individuals (p0.05).

    Limitations on study/implications: The development of culture techniques is a tool to assess the potential of this ecologically important species for its conservation and eventual commercialization.

    Findings/conclusions: It can be recommended a stocking density of 24 ind m2 (D24) to optimize the use of space and infrastructure profitability.