Commercial crocodile farming in Botswana

Tropical Animal Health and Production volume 40, pages377–381(2008)Cite this article

Abstract

A survey-based study was carried out to assess the state of crocodile farming in Botswana. A prepared, structured questionnaire was dispatched to crocodile farmers based on a directory provided by the Fisheries section of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and National Parks. The oldest farm was established in 1986. An average of three farms have been in operation since then, all of which obtained their stock from the Okavango and Thamalakane rivers in Botswana. The current stock averages 5 419 animals as follows: breeders 4%, hatchlings 56%, and growers 40%. The average clutch size and average hatchability were 47 eggs/clutch and 67% respectively. Mortality among hatchings and growers averaged 8.3% up to 12 weeks of age. Only one farm encountered some problems with Salmonella and fungal infections of the belly. Raw skins are sold to South Africa as a result of the absence of a tannery. Crocodile farming should be encouraged in Botswana since a good market for crocodile products already exists.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Health, University of North West (Mafikeng), P. Bag X 2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa

    B. M. Dzoma

  2. Department of Animal Science and Production, Botswana College of Agriculture, P. Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana

    B. M. Dzoma, S. Sejoe & B. V. E. Segwagwe

Authors
  1. B. M. Dzoma
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  2. S. Sejoe
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  3. B. V. E. Segwagwe
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Correspondence to B. M. Dzoma.

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Dzoma, B.M., Sejoe, S. & Segwagwe, B.V.E. Commercial crocodile farming in Botswana. Trop Anim Health Prod 40, 377–381 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-007-9103-4

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Keywords

  • Crocodile farming
  • Diseases
  • Hatchling survivability
  • Marketing
  • Reproductive performance