Abstract:
The nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is a reptile that lives in the aquatic environment and occurs widely in almost all Mozambican rivers, where it is often associated with the conflict between man and the crocodile. However, due to the value of their fur on the international market, many companies have dedicated themselves to the captive breeding of this species. The breeding process begins with the harvesting of crocodile eggs, in nests located in the natural habitat, followed by artificial incubation in captivity at a controlled temperature of about 32oC. One of the main challenges of crocodile breeding companies (crocodile farms) is the identification of a low-cost type of feed that stimulates the rapid growth of the young crocodile to reach the size of commercial slaughter (1.5 m) or sale in specimens alive at 5 or 9 months of age. The present study aims to identify, among different types of feed (containing carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, minerals and vitamins) which determine the rapid growth of this reptile, thus reducing feeding costs, in order to convert the potential human-to-human conflict. crocodile in the country in an opportunity for economic development. The methodology of the study was the collection of eggs, incubation and feeding of crocodile chicks with ground meat, corn flour and ground fish, in environments with different temperatures. The results of the study suggested that crocodiles fed only ground meat, during five months, developed a higher average weight (about 250.0 g) than those fed with a mixture of fish, ground meat and cornmeal (158.0 g) , during the same period; Crocodiles fed at different temperatures, 25o C and 32o C, for nine months, had average values of weight, width and length, also different. Temperature variation influenced the growth of crocodiles in captivity; The type of food provided did not affect the skin quality of the young crocodiles in all trials (TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)
