Pond type and pre-tanning processes affect size and quality of captive Nile crocodile skins
Journal Title: Agricultural Advances - Year 2015, Vol 4, Issue 4
Abstract
The skin of Crocodylus niloticus is one of the best among alligator species. Understanding proper rearing of crocodiles and processing of their skins is very essential for farmers because quality is very crucial in marketing the skins. A study was done to assess the effects of processing stages and pond type on crocodile skin size and quality. A total of 400 skins were assessed, of which 200 skins were from each pond. The skins had their belly sizes measured before and after being subjected to the processing stages. The skins were also graded in terms of quality after every stage. Data analysed using a paired t-test for initial and final skin size within and across ponds showed that there was a significant (P =0.00) effect of pond type on both initial and final skin size. Earth ponds showed high skin size but had a low quality compared to cement ponds. Further, there was a significant effect of processing stages on final quality (P value =0.00). The conclusion of the study was that crocodile rearing environment and skin processing techniques influence final size and quality of skins. As such, it was recommended that producers monitor rearing conditions and pre-tanning processing stages in order to improve skin quality, minimise losses due to shrinkage and thus maximise profits.
Authors and Affiliations
C. N. B. Mpofu| Lupane State University, P. O. Box AC255, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe., M. Mhlanga*| Lupane State University, P. O. Box AC255, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe., N. Moyo| Lupane State University, P. O. Box AC255, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP571
- DOI 10.14196/aa.v4i4.1858
- Views 523
- Downloads 29
Effect of moisture levels and storage periods on the seed quality of lentil (Lens culinaris L.)
To evaluate the effect of moisture levels (ML) and storage periods (SP) on the seed quality of lentil was investigated in the laboratory of Agronomy Department, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (...
Evaluation of salt tolerance of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)
The response of tomato genotype Chef against five salinity levels (distilled water or control, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM) were studied at germination and early seedling stages. An experiment with conducted by using a compl...
The effect of human activities on growth and survival of acacia tortilis habila area, White Nile State, Sudan
Acacia tartilis subsp.raddiana (sayal) plays an important role in the life of desert animals, is a major source of livestock feed, and firewood for the pastoral rural societies in Habila area, White Nile state Sudan....
Influence of temperature humidity index on skin temperature of West African dwarf goats raised in Nigeria
The influence oftemperature humidity index (THI) on skin temperature of West African Dwarf(WAD) goats was evaluated. Based on the recordings of farm ambient temperatureand relative humidity, the study was conducted durin...
Effects of organic manure types on the growth, yield as well as root and soil populations of root-knot nematodes (Meloid
Studies on the effects of some organic manure types on plant-parasitic nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) was conducted at Kabba College of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Kogi S...