Abstract:
1. Recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) showed somatotropic activity in juvenile Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus).
2. Body weight of crocodiles receiving 3.25 μg hGH/g body weight twice a week was increased by 49% after five weeks of treatment, compared to 31% increase in controls.
3. Total length was increased by 15 and 5%, respectively, in the two groups.
4. Food conversion efficiency increased from 28% in the controls to 36% in the hormone injected animals.
5. Cessation of hormone treatment was followed by reduced appetite and decreasing body growth.
