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

2. 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

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

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

5. 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 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 eggs with hatchability 50-90%

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Diseases Only 2 antibiotics used in disease prevention Oxytetracycline
Virginiamycin

10. 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.

11. Questions?