Growth effects of lysine in compounded diets for American alligator, <scp> <i>Alligator mississippiensis</i> </scp>

Nutritional requirements of the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, are largely unknown despite value farm-raised alligator as an aquaculture product. We conducted a 10-month growth trial to determine effects graded levels dietary lysine on measured by increase in body length, weight gain, and free concentration blood plasma. One-hundred-ninety-two hatchling alligators were fed 50% crude protein, pelletized diets, composed primarily practical feed ingredients, with 1.5, 2.25, 3.0, or 3.75% lysine. Diets for 326 days under temperature-controlled, laboratory conditions. Body lengths weights at 60-day intervals, samples taken final weighing. Increases level plasma indicated that least 2.25% (as fed)—about 4.5% protein—was adequate conditions this study. Results suggest requirement is similar reported other species, including some fishes, crustaceans, amphibians.