Broad snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) growth under different rearing densities

Abstract

The effect of density on growth in body mass (BM) and total length (TL) of Caiman latirostris hatchlings raised in small pens (area 0.36 m2), for 3 months, was investigated. Twelve animals from each of three clutches were randomly distributed (1, 2 or 3 individuals) to two replicates at low rearing density (LRD: 0.12 m2/individual), medium rearing density (MRD: 0.06 m2/individual) and high rearing density (HRD: 0.04 m2/individual. Growth at LRD [BM: 150.75 ± 43.83 g (SE); TL: 11.58 ± 0.93 cm] and MRD (BM: 141.96 ± 22.55 g; TL: 8.38 ± 1.26 cm) was significantly more than at HRD (BM: 57.19 ± 14.38 g; TL: 4.61 ± 0.89 cm; p < 0.001). Density is important to achieving optimal growth and maintaining the well-being of C. latirostris in commercial ranching programs.