Influence of recombinant bovine growth hormone on growth and feed intake in juvenile Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus)

Abstract

1. Slow-growing juvenile Nile crocodiles were injected with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rbGH) once a week for 6 weeks and then re-treated after 4 weeks. 2. The feed intake of the treated crocodiles was 26 g/kg/meal during the three periods, while the intakes of the controls were 15, 20 and 2 g/kg. 3. The treated gained 2.3 and 0.9%/week in weight during the first and second injection period and the feed conversion efficiencies were 28 and 13%. The controls lost weight. 4. The treated animals grew at rates of 0.98 and 0.43%/week during the first and the second injection period. 5. Bovine GH enhances growth in juvenile crocodiles and seems to have less adverse effects than human GH.