Aquaculture Unit 6 Lesson 1 Alligator Production Aquaculture Unit 6 Lesson 1

Objectives: List problems associated with alligator production Describe the uses of alligator products. Identify the requirements for alligator culture Describe the dietary needs of alligators

Species that are used in production American Alligator Most popular in US Readily available Crocodile or Caiman Used in foreign countries

Habitat of Alligators Fresh and brackish waters from North Carolina to Mexico Marshes, swamps, creeks, rivers, lakes and ponds

Seedstock and Breeding Breeding occurs in water that is a minimum of 6 feet deep Courtship includes vigorous swimming and bellowing activities Alligators are reptiles and lay eggs Wild females reach sexual maturity at 9-10 years of age Optimum temperature for growth is 85-91 degrees F Captive females reach maturity in 5-6 years Breeding season between April and July Nesting activity occurs in a 2 week period Clutch size averages 35-40 eggs with hatchability 50-90%

Culture Method Hatchling moved to small tanks at 86-69 degrees Fahrenheit Hatchlings grow 3 inches or more per month.

Stocking Rate Hatchlings 1 sq. ft. per animal 3 sq. ft. needed per 2-4 foot alligator 6 sq. ft. needed per 4-6 foot alligator

Feeding Young alligators – crawfish and insects Larger alligators eat fish or mammals Captive alligators eat mostly a processed diet with 45% protein and 8% fat

Diseases Only 2 antibiotics used in disease prevention Oxytetracycline Virginiamycin

Harvesting and Marketing Harvesting size 4-6 feet in length Processing plants must abide by state regulations Hide and meat marketed to restaurants and tanneries.

Questions?