Weight gain, size and survival of Crocodylus Moreletii (Crocodylia: Crocodylidae) fed with extracts of three types of insects

Abstract

In order to evaluate weight gain, size and survival of Crocodylus Moreletii pups fed with different diets based on insect extracts, in the first six months of life, 24 newborn reptiles were studied, separated into two groups of 12 animals each. One group was used for the evaluation of the experimental diets (group A), while Group B was used as a control. Saurians were weighed and measured. The total length (TL) V, snout-cloaca length (SCL), head length (HL) and body height (BH) were determined. In addition, the width of the belly of each specimen was measured as another development criterion and the survival of the animals in each group. The experimental design was formed as follows: Group A was fed a flour-based diet of three species of grasshoppers (Sphenarium Histrio, S. purpurasens and Melanoplus mexicanus) mixed with chicken liver, as a binder and attractant; and Group B was fed with fish fillet. To determine the conversion of food into weight per organism, the Protein Efficiency Ratio method was used. The results obtained show that the arthropods studied have a high protein content, besides other important nutritional components. The total length and weight acquired by the crocodiles in group A showed a significant difference (p<0.001) in relation to Group B. The conversion of food into weight per animal was greater in the animals of Group A; in the same way they had a greater survival. The results show the nutritional contribution of the diet with grasshopper flour.