Parameters Affecting the Growth of the Estuarine Crocodile, Crocodylus-Porosus, in Captivity

Abstract

The effects of variation in diet, density and handling frequency on the growth, intake and conversion efficiency of immature Crocodylus porosus were tested under experimental conditions. The clutch of origin explained most of the variation in all variables. Only after taking clutch into account could it be concluded that diets of pork and beef were superior to fish. Significant interactions between clutch and density and clutch and handling frequency prevented analysis of these treatments: individuals from some clutches responded positively to stress, those from other clutches responded negatively. It was concluded that these clutch-related factors, whether they be genetic or environmental, must be elucidated before the effects of other treatments on crocodile growth can be determined.