Alligator Production

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 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

6
Culture Method

• Hatchling moved to small tanks at 86-69 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?