DOCSLIB.ORG

Crocodile Farming Research: Hatching to Harvest

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Crocodile Farming Research: Hatching to Harvest Crocodile Farming Research: Hatching to Harvest A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation by SKJ Peucker, BM Davis and Dr RJ van Barneveld September 2005 RIRDC Publication No 05/152 RIRDC Project No DAQ-287A © 2005 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 1 74151 215 8 ISSN 1440-6845 Crocodile Farming Research: Hatching to Harvest Publication No. 05/152 Project No. DAQ-287A The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable industries. The information should not be relied upon for the purpose of a particular matter. Specialist and/or appropriate legal advice should be obtained before any action or decision is taken on the basis of any material in this document. The Commonwealth of Australia, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, the authors or contributors do not assume liability of any kind whatsoever resulting from any person's use or reliance upon the content of this document. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. Researcher Contact Details Steve Peucker Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries PO Box 1085 TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810 Phone: 07 4722 2608 Fax: 07 4778 2970 Email: [email protected] In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form. RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 4819 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected]. Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Published in September 2005 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint ii Foreword The primary objective of this broad based crocodile research and development program is to assist with the profitability and sustainability of commercial crocodile production in Australia. The program addresses industry priorities such as pelleted feed, husbandry practices and industry economics. The development of manufactured feed for crocodiles is the main focus of the research program. Traditionally, crocodiles are fed on diets of red meat, poultry or poultry by-products such as chicken heads or necks. Fresh meat contains large amounts of water, which in itself is a cost to farmers. The feed necessitates the use of large freezers for storage. Transport and handling can be difficult and expensive. Manufactured feed should reduce the feed costs associated with growing crocodiles by improving the supply of nutrients, the efficient of nutrients and reducing the cost of diets. Crocprofit was developed in response to enquiries, by people interested in investigating establishment of or investment in crocodile farming. Crocprofit is an information package developed to assist producers and potential investors. The program is based on the cost-benefit analysis technique. It allows people to evaluate the economics of crocodile farming by using their own input parameters before any establishment or investment occurs. Part of the research program deals with crocodile diseases. Observational studies have been carried out on the bacterial and fungal contamination of farmed Johnstone River crocodile eggs. The report presents some interesting results and forms a framework that should be repeated on the more commercially orientated estuarine crocodile where its value would have a greater impact. The second phase of the electrical stunning equipment project is reported. This aspect deals with the animal welfare issue and effects of using this equipment on crocodiles. In a trial comparing the capture of crocodiles using electrical stunning and the traditional noose and pole method the former proved less stressful to the animals and also to the people doing the capturing. This project was funded from RIRDC Core Funds which are provided by the Australian Government. This report, an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1500 research publications, forms part of our New Animal Products R&D program, which aims to accelerate the development of viable new animal industries. Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website: • downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/fullreports/index.html • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop Peter O’Brien Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation iii Acknowledgments Organisational support is imperative for the successful delivery of crocodile research and development outcomes. Central to this support is the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) which is responsible for having financed the very fine, environmentally controlled crocodile research facility at Townsville. RIRDC is thanked for its operational financing of the project. Australia’s commercial crocodile industry is thanked for its contribution of animals for research purposes. The Crocodile Nutrition Group (CNG) is thanked for its participation, advice, and encouragement for the manufactured feed research/development program. Several individuals have made a special contribution to the crocodile R&D program and include: • Dr Peter McInnes from RIRDC • Rob Jack, Lyndell Morrissy and Bill Johnston from DPI&F • Ian Graham, Electrical Contractor, Tolga • Dr Craig Franklin, University of Queensland • John and Lillian Lever and staff from Koorana Crocodile Farm • Peter Fisher and David Wilson, Melaleuca Crocodile Farm • Beth Symonds, Dr David Booth and Dr Leigh Ward, University of Queensland • Dr Annette Thomas DPI&F Presenting research outcomes to producers at distant locations such as the Northern Territory is difficult. The R&D group have been assisted in this task, by the Northern Territory’s Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries (NTDPI&F). A special thanks is extended to Vicki Simlesa who assisted with the organisation and delivery of manufactured feed for on-farm trials in the Northern Territory. The following people are thanked for their contribution to the research report: • Bob Mayer from DPI&F for statistical analysis • Honor Stephenson for editing and proof reading. iv Contents Foreword..............................................................................................................................................III Acknowledgments................................................................................................................................IV Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................VI 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1 Crocodile Farming in Australia: 2002-2005........................................................................................ 1 The 2002-2005 Crocodile Research Program ..................................................................................... 1 2. Objectives.......................................................................................................................................... 3 3. Methodology ..................................................................................................................................... 4 4. Nutrition............................................................................................................................................ 5 Background ......................................................................................................................................... 5 Response of growing crocodiles to increasing levels of dietary fat and the inclusion of the dietary additive kaolin..................................................................................................................................... 6 The influence of dietary Kaolin and Sodium Bentonite on the growth and feed conversion efficiency of growing crocodiles......................................................................................................... 8 The development of feeding frequency strategies for grower crocodiles............................................ 9 Newly hatched crocodiles and their initiation and response to manufactured feeds......................... 14 Weaning trial to determine the effect of using fresh blood on feed intake of manufactured diet to hatchling Crocodylus porosus........................................................................................................... 18 2004 Hatchling weaning trial comparing a control and a rapid weaning strategy. ........................... 21 The influence of lupin inclusion on the digestibility of manufactured diets for Crocodylus porosus24 Measuring body condition in farmed crocodiles using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis............... 31 5. Disease ............................................................................................................................................. 33 Observations on freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) eggs collected from two farms in northern Queensland.......................................................................................................................... 33 6. Capture...........................................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • IATTC-94-01 the Tuna Fishery, Stocks, and Ecosystem in the Eastern
    INTER-AMERICAN TROPICAL TUNA COMMISSION 94TH MEETING Bilbao, Spain 22-26 July 2019 DOCUMENT IATTC-94-01 REPORT ON THE TUNA FISHERY, STOCKS, AND ECOSYSTEM IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN IN 2018 A. The fishery for tunas and billfishes in the eastern Pacific Ocean ....................................................... 3 B. Yellowfin tuna ................................................................................................................................... 50 C. Skipjack tuna ..................................................................................................................................... 58 D. Bigeye tuna ........................................................................................................................................ 64 E. Pacific bluefin tuna ............................................................................................................................ 72 F. Albacore tuna .................................................................................................................................... 76 G. Swordfish ........................................................................................................................................... 82 H. Blue marlin ........................................................................................................................................ 85 I. Striped marlin .................................................................................................................................... 86 J. Sailfish
    [Show full text]
  • Nile Crocodile Fact Sheet 2017
    NILE CROCODILE FACT SHEET 2017 Common Name: Nile crocodile Order: Crocodylia Family: Crocodylidae Genus & Species: Crocodylus niloticus Status: IUCN Least Concern; CITES Appendix I and II depending on country Range: The Nile crocodile is found along the Nile River Valley in Egypt and Sudan and distributed throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Habitat: Nile crocodiles occupy a variety of aquatic habitats including large freshwater lakes, rivers, freshwater swamps, coastal estuaries, and mangrove swamps. In Gorongosa, Lake Urema and its network of rivers are home to a large crocodile population. Description: Crocodylus niloticus means "pebble worm of the Nile” referring to the long, bumpy appearance of a crocodile. Juvenile Nile crocodiles tend to be darker green to dark olive-brown in color, with blackish cross-banding on the body and tail. As they age, the banding fades. As adults, Nile crocodiles are a grey-olive color with a yellow belly. Their build is adapted for life in the water, having a streamlined body with a long, powerful tail, webbed hind feet and a long, narrow jaw. The eyes, ears, and nostrils are located on the top of the head so that they can submerge themselves under water, but still have sensing acuity when hunting. Crocodiles do not have lips to keep water out of their mouth, but rather a palatal valve at the back of their throat to prevent water from being swallowed. Nile crocodiles also have integumentary sense organs which appear as small pits all over their body. Organs located around the head help detect prey, while those located in other areas of the body may help detect changes in pressure or salinity.
    [Show full text]
  • Crocodile Facts and Figures
    Crocodile facts The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile species. It can grow up to six metres and is a serious threat to humans. Saltwater crocodiles have evolved special characteristics that make them excellent predators. • Large saltwater crocodiles can stay underwater for at least one hour because they can reduce their heart rate to 2-3 beats per minute. This means that crocodiles can wait underwater until they see prey, or if people are using the same spot regularly, the crocodile can wait underwater until someone approaches the water’s edge. • A crocodile can float with only eyes and nostrils exposed, enabling it to approach prey without being detected. • When under water, a special transparent eyelid protects the crocodile’s eye. This means that crocodiles can still see when they are completely submerged. • The tail of a crocodile is solid muscle and a major source of power, making it a strong swimmer and able to make sudden lunges out of the water to capture prey. These strong muscles also mean that for shorts bursts of time crocodiles can move faster than humans can on land. • Crocodiles have a thin layer of guanine crystals behind their retina. This intensifies images, allowing crocodiles to see better at low light levels. • Crocodiles have a ‘minimum exposure’ posture in the water, which means that only their sensory organs of eyes, cranial platform, ears and nostrils remain out of the water. This means that they often go unseen by prey, but if they are observed, the prey is often not able to tell how big the crocodile is.
    [Show full text]
  • Fascinating Folktales of Thailand
    1. The rabbiT and The crocodile Once upon a time the rabbit used to have a long and beautiful tail similar to that of the squirrel and at that time the crocodile also had a long tongue like other animals on earth. Unfortunately, one day while the rabbit was drinking water at the bank of a river without realizing possible danger, a big crocodile slowly and quietly moved in. It came close to the poor rabbit. The crocodile suddenly snatched the small creature into its mouth with intention of eating it slowly. However, before swallowing its prey, the crocodile threatened the helpless rabbit by making a loud noise without opening its mouth. Afraid as it was, the rabbit pretended not to fear approaching death and shouted loudly. “A poor crocodile! Though you are big, I’m not afraid of you in the least. You threatened me with a noise not loud enough to make me scared because you didn’t open your mouth widely.” Not knowing the rabbit’s trick, the furious crocodile opened its mouth widely and made a loud noise. As soon as the crocodile opened its mouth, the rabbit jumped out fast and its sharp claws snatched away the crocodile’s tongue. At the moment of sharp pain, the crocodile shut its mouth at once as instinct had taught it to do. At the end of the episode, the rabbit lost its beautiful tail while the crocodile lost its long tongue in exchange for its ignorance of the trick. From then on, the rabbit no longer had a long tail while the crocodile no longer had a long tongue as other animals.
    [Show full text]
  • European Bison
    IUCN/Species Survival Commission Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan The Species Survival Commission (SSC) is one of six volunteer commissions of IUCN – The World Conservation Union, a union of sovereign states, government agencies and non- governmental organisations. IUCN has three basic conservation objectives: to secure the conservation of nature, and especially of biological diversity, as an essential foundation for the future; to ensure that where the Earth’s natural resources are used this is done in a wise, European Bison equitable and sustainable way; and to guide the development of human communities towards ways of life that are both of good quality and in enduring harmony with other components of the biosphere. A volunteer network comprised of some 8,000 scientists, field researchers, government officials Edited by Zdzis³aw Pucek and conservation leaders from nearly every country of the world, the SSC membership is an Compiled by Zdzis³aw Pucek, Irina P. Belousova, unmatched source of information about biological diversity and its conservation. As such, SSC Ma³gorzata Krasiñska, Zbigniew A. Krasiñski and Wanda Olech members provide technical and scientific counsel for conservation projects throughout the world and serve as resources to governments, international conventions and conservation organisations. IUCN/SSC Action Plans assess the conservation status of species and their habitats, and specifies conservation priorities. The series is one of the world’s most authoritative sources of species conservation information
    [Show full text]
  • Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles)
    6-3.1 Compare the characteristic structures of invertebrate animals... and vertebrate animals (fish, amphibians, and reptiles). Also covers: 6-1.1, 6-1.2, 6-1.5, 6-3.2, 6-3.3 Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles sections Can I find one? If you want to find a frog or salamander— 1 Chordates and Vertebrates two types of amphibians—visit a nearby Lab Endotherms and Exotherms pond or stream. By studying fish, amphib- 2 Fish ians, and reptiles, scientists can learn about a 3 Amphibians variety of vertebrate characteristics, includ- 4 Reptiles ing how these animals reproduce, develop, Lab Water Temperature and the and are classified. Respiration Rate of Fish Science Journal List two unique characteristics for Virtual Lab How are fish adapted each animal group you will be studying. to their environment? 220 Robert Lubeck/Animals Animals Start-Up Activities Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles Make the following Foldable to help you organize Snake Hearing information about the animals you will be studying. How much do you know about reptiles? For example, do snakes have eyelids? Why do STEP 1 Fold one piece of paper lengthwise snakes flick their tongues in and out? How into thirds. can some snakes swallow animals that are larger than their own heads? Snakes don’t have ears, so how do they hear? In this lab, you will discover the answer to one of these questions. STEP 2 Fold the paper widthwise into fourths. 1. Hold a tuning fork by the stem and tap it on a hard piece of rubber, such as the sole of a shoe.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 19-01 Misc Recommendation by Iccat on Fishes Considered to Be Tuna and Tuna-Like Species Or Oceanic, Pelagic, and Highly
    19-01 MISC RECOMMENDATION BY ICCAT ON FISHES CONSIDERED TO BE TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE SPECIES OR OCEANIC, PELAGIC, AND HIGHLY MIGRATORY ELASMOBRANCHS RECALLING the work of the Working Group on Convention Amendment to clarify the scope of the Convention through the development of proposed amendments to the Convention; FURTHER RECALLING that the proposed amendments developed by the Working Group on Convention Amendment included defining “ICCAT species” to include tuna and tuna-like fishes and elasmobranchs that are oceanic, pelagic, and highly migratory; NOTING the work of the Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS) to determine which modern taxonomic groupings correspond to the definition of “tuna and tuna-like fishes” in Article IV of the Convention, and which elasmobranch species would be considered “oceanic, pelagic, and highly migratory”; THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE CONSERVATION OF ATLANTIC TUNAS (ICCAT) RECOMMENDS THAT: 1. Upon the entry into force of the amendments to the Convention as developed by the Working Group on Convention Amendment, the term “tuna and tuna-like fishes” shall be understood to include the species of the family Scombridae, with the exception of the genus Scomber, and the sub-order Xiphioidei. 2. Upon the entry into force of the amendments to the Convention as developed by the Working Group on Convention Amendment, the term “elasmobranchs that are oceanic, pelagic, and highly migratory” shall be understood to include the species as follows: Orectolobiformes Rhincodontidae Rhincodon typus (Smith
    [Show full text]
  • Shelf Life and Microbiological Safety of Selected New and Emerging Meats
    Shelf life and microbiological safety of selected new and emerging meats Destined for export markets A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation by Joanne Bobbitt May 2002 RIRDC Publication No 02/038 RIRDC Project No DAV-181A © 2002 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 0 642 58437 0 ISSN 1440-6845 Shelf life and safety of selected new and emerging meats Publication No. 02/038 Project No. DAV-181A. The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. Researcher Contact Details Ms Joanne Bobbitt Natural Resources and Environment 475 Mickleham Road Attwood VIC 3049 Phone: 03 9217 4334 Fax: 03 9217 4111 Email: [email protected] In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form. RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 4539 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected]. Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Published in May 2002 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint ii Foreword Australian products have a distinct advantage in Asian export markets as they are perceived as being ‘clean and green’.
    [Show full text]
  • Year 3-4 Food Chains and Energy
    Science Sessions Crocodile Bites KS2 Year 3 and 4 Outcomes: I can draw a food chain I understand Predators and Prey I understand all about Producers and Consumers I understand how energy goes up the food chain! We’re going to be working scientifically! Step 2: So, plants form the basis of all food on earth. Next time you leave your peas on the plate, remember how important they are for life on earth! Step 1: We know also that animals eat plants to get the energy they need to survive. We all need energy to survive. Here on Earth, that means SUNLIGHT. The Sun is where the energy cycle starts for us. The Sun’s energy goes into plants, and from the plants it The animals that eat plants directly are called _____________ consumers. then goes to animals. These guys are often eaten by other animals, which are called ____________ Since all animals need energy, the way that energy transfers from one LIVING THING to consumers. another is called a FOOD CHAIN. After this, larger animals then feed on these secondary consumers. These large animals are called ___________ . Predators that rarely get eaten themselves are called __________ predators. Crocodiles are apex predators within their Fill in the missing words: environments. Energy comes from ____________ . Plants turn the Sun’s energy into food. Because Despite people being scared of apex predators, these predators are critical for they produce food from the Sun’s energy, they are called _______________ . Animals a healthy ecosystem. Every link in the food chain is needed, or the ecosystem then eat these plants, and they are called _________________ .
    [Show full text]
  • Crocodile Birds Bats Elephant
    1 Bats Let’s take a close look at bats. They have plenty of special features, but the easiest to see are the wings! Bats are great flyers that use their flying skills to catch insects. You might know about a group of prehistoric creatures that were also amazing flyers--pterosaurs! Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that lived in the Mesozoic Era, the Age of Dinosaurs, but they aren’t dinosaurs themselves. The most famous pterosaurs are pteranodons, like Tiny, Shiny, and Don! But pterosaurs came in a lot of different sizes, from tiny bat-like Peteinosaurus to giant, airplane-sized Quetzalcoatlus! The biggest pterosaur, Quetzalcoatlus, had a wingspan—the distance from one wingtip to the other—of about 40 feet, around the same length as a T. rex! How big is your wingspan? Stretch out your arms and measure from the tip of one hand to the tip of the other! Birds Great job! You’ve found the dinosaurs! I mean, the birds! Well, actually, they’re both. You see, all living birds are the direct descendents of theropod dinosaurs that lived long ago in the Jurassic time period! And that means birds are really living dinosaurs! Because birds are such close cousins of ancient raptors like Velociraptor, these animals share a lot in common, including feathers, hollow bones, and three-toed feet! So the next time you go bird watching you’ll really be dinosaur watching! Pay attention today, how many birds will you see? Try and count them! Crocodile Let’s look closely at the crocodiles. What does their skin look like? Crocodiles have thick, scaly skin for protection.
    [Show full text]
  • Who's Got the Biggest?
    WHO’S GOT THE BIGGEST? Rom Whitaker and Nik Whitaker [Adapted by inclusion of additional images from article in Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 27(4): 26-30] The fascination for ‘fi nding the biggest’ is deeply engrained, and when fi lm producer Harry Marshall at Icon Films (UK) offered a chance to search for the world’s largest crocodilian - who could refuse? Claims of giant crocodiles are as wild as those for outsize fi sh and snakes. “It was longer than the boat”, has been earnestly related in a dozen languages, from the Rift Valley lakes of Figure 2. Alistair Graham with skull of 6.2 m (20’) long C. Ethiopia to the mighty Fly River in Papua New Guinea. And porosus from the Fly River, Papua New Guinea (see Fig. the Fly River is where this ‘skull quest’ (for that’s what it’s 1). Photograph: Rom Whitaker. become) began. Largest Crocodile with Photographic Documentation The note that Jerome published on this fi nd (Montague 1983) didn’t exactly shake the world. People were (and still are) quite In 1980 I (RW) was working for the United Nations crocodile convinced that C. porosus well over 20’ long are on record. program in Papua New Guinea as ‘Production Manager’; the But when the quest for the biggest started to get serious, it second author (NW) was also there, see illustration. Along was soon obvious that these ‘records’ are mostly anecdotes with UN volunteer Jerome Montague, also a biologist, we with no solid evidence. Some colleagues are ready to accept went off on patrol down the Fly River, checking on the anecdotal total lengths - we are much more skeptical.
    [Show full text]
  • African Nile Crocodile Bite of the Forearm: a Case Report
    Case report East African Orthopaedic Journal AFRICAN NILE CROCODILE BITE OF THE FOREARM: A CASE REPORT M. Venter, FC Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (SA), Milpark Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, A. Kelly FC Neurosurgery (SA), Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa, K. Boffard, FCS (SA), R. Pretorius, FCS (SA), Milpark Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa and A. Younus, FC Orthopedics (SA), Orthopedic Surgeon, Helen Joseph Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa Correspondence to: Dr. Adrian Kelly, P.O Box: Medunsa, Pretoria, South Africa. Email: adriankelly1000@yahoo. co.uk ABSTRACT African Nile crocodiles are the only species of crocodile consistently found across central and sub-Saharan Africa. A large and specifically aggressive species of the African Nile crocodile is solely responsible for almost all unprovoked attacks on humans, the exact incidence of which is unknown. The reported mortality rate of an African Nile crocodile attack is between 65-91% with up to 70% of surviving individuals with a bite of a limb ultimately requiring amputation. We describe an adult male patient whom, during the course of performing his daily duties, slipped on a riverbank and fell into the water where he was immediately seized on the left forearm by an African Nile crocodile. Through fighting back the African Nile crocodile released its hold and he was able to survive the attack and reach our unit. Despite relatively benign looking wounds the initial surgical exploration revealed the true extent of the underlying muscle damage and within hours a flexor compartment syndrome developed needing surgical management.
    [Show full text]