Agricultural Research Management Information System

Home
Research Summary
Search
About Us
- ARMIS
- Brochure
Contact Us
Report
User Request
Data Input
Help
- Operation Manual
  - PDF
  - Video
- Program Area & Commodity
We have reached 37600 number of research entries at this moment.

- Logout

Research Detail

Home
Research
Detail

Food Consumption of Saltwater Crocodile (crocodylus Porosus) in a Reptile Farm of Bangladesh

Md. Sakhawat Hossain
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

M. Firoj Jaman*
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Mushtaq Ahmed
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Md. Mokhlesur Rahman
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Mayen Uddin
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

An extensive study was conducted on food consumption and feeding behavior of saltwater crocodile ( Crocodylus porosus ) in the Reptiles Farm Ltd. (RFL) located at Hatiber village, Bhaluka, Mymensingh. The study was mainly based on direct observation and previous data collected by the technicians of the RFL. Average temperature (ºC) in the farm area was significantly correlated with average food consumption (g) of the hatchlings (r = 0.714, p<0.05, n = 12). The average temperature and the average food consumption were highest in August and it was 30.5 ±5.5 ºC and 45.02 ±13.05 g, respectively. Monthly feeding of hatchlings was different in three individual tubs. The highest food consumption was in August although; hatchery’s temperature was constant (32ºC). Crocodilians can increase their level of consumption during warmer months of the year while decreasing it in the cooler months. The highest quantity of food was given in October, probably for accumulation of fat in their body which would provide energy in the whole winter season. A total of 93.1 kg provisioned food was supplied to an adult crocodiles per year . Food consumption of crocodile is temperature dependent and the potentiality of crocodile farming is embedded in it, by considering this factor it may gain prosperity of crocodile farming in our country.

Keywords: Food consumption, Crocodile farm, Bangladesh

Location: Reptiles Farm Ltd. (RFL), Bhaluka, Mymensingh , Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-03-2011

End Date: 00-02-2012

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Crocodile

Objectives:

To study the food consumption and feeding behavior of saltwater crocodiles in captivity that may ultimately help in increasing scientific knowledge.

Methodology:

The study was conducted from March 2011 to February 2012 in the Reptiles Farm Ltd. (RFL), Bhaluka, Mymensingh , Bangladesh. Observation were started early in the morning and continued till afternoon. The study was mainly based on direct field observations and some previous data were collected by the farm technicians. Weather data were collected by weather recording devices (thermometer, hygrometer and rain gauge) located at the reptiles farm. All crocodiles of the RFL depend on provisioned food provided from outside the farm. A total of 32 breeder ponds wi th the volume of 4,334,024.19 cft accumulate with 46 breeder crocodiles. In the RFL, one nursery with three tubs for rearing of hatchlings up to one year was kept under observation. After incubation, hatchlings were transferred from incubator to hatchery 1 after 48 hours and kept in three equal tubs of same size and provided the same facilities in the same ground. Up to one year, hatchlings were reared at 32ºC in order to maintain better growth and survival. All the tubs were kept with same temperature, humidity, and volume and kept undisturbed. One technician always provided provisioned food on regular basis. Food was minced before providing to hatchlings. Chicken and beef were the main sources of minced food. In first three months, minced food was provided to the new born hatchlings everyday. Thereafter, they were given provisioned food for 5-6 days per week. Quality and quantity of the minced food were maintained in the hatchery for better development and lowering stress related disease in the farm. All rejected food were collected and measured from tubs and ponds. The farm was equipped with modern facilities (water heater, water flow, generator etc.) for maintaining constant temperature (32 ºC) in the hatchery. Breeders were given food at the evening and one feed per week in summer and monsoon. No food was given in winter. Food and feeding data of hatchlings and breeders were also recorded by curator of the farm. The time of feeding and types of food and number of crocodiles were recorded according to date. Feed was given to the breeder crocodiles once a week except in winter, when they were kept without food. Estimation of food consumption of hatchlings and adults (breeders) were calculated by the following formula- Food consumption = Supplied food - Rejected food/ no. of individuals. MS-excel were used to process and analyze the obtained data. No visitor was allowed during the mating season as it might disturb the crocodiles.

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(2): 173-179, 2013

Article Link (Online Journal): http://www.banglajol.info/index.php/BJZ/article/view/23319/16022

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The climate of Bangladesh is suitable for crocodile farming. Proper care during hatching, breeding and feeding time would unveil the potentiality of crocodile farming in our country. Our observation suggests that sufficient space is needed for the hatchlings in RFL. Study of feeding behavior of crocodiles in captivity may help better management of crocodiles that may turn help into the well being of captive crocodiles. Therefore, this study might play a vital role to establish a successful crocodile farm in the country.

Knowledge Management: Journal