Caiman's fat enriched with n-3 fatty acids: potential food supplement.

Broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) products (meat, fat and oil) are currently beginning to be valued as a food of special interest due to its high content of n-3 fatty acids. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize the fats of caiman fed with diets enriched with flaxseeds (Linus usitatissimun) rich in n-3 fatty acids, lignans and antioxidants. Caimans were fed six days a week with: a control diet (C), and a diet enriched with ground flaxseed = 90% C + 10% flaxseed ground (FS), during 30 (FS30) and 60 (FS60) days. Animals fed the flaxseed-enriched diets increased linolenic acid content and reduced the n-6/n-3 ratio of fats relative to controls, and this improvement increased over time. The proportion of eicosapentaenoic acid also increased, but there was no difference at the time the enriched diets were offered. Caiman fat of the FS30 and FS60, showed a decrease in lipoperoxidation (24% and 40%) and reactive oxygen species (44% and 76%) accompanied by an increase in antioxidant systems. Consumption of a flax-enriched diet by caimans increases the content of essential fatty acids and improves the lipoperoxidative status of fat. This provides an enriched fat with potential for the development products for human consumption.

Blood biochemistry parameters of Broad snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris subjected to stress conditions, appliying micro-volume techniques.

Plasma biochemistry values represent a crucial and minimally invasive tool for evaluating nutritional and physiological condition of the animal. Biochemical data provides valuable information in those species exposed to environmental stressors. In this study, we aimed to apply for the first time micro-volume plasma tests to measured total plasma protein, albumin, and glucose in juvenile Caiman latirostris and to compare our results with other studies reporting crocodilian biochemistry values. We found that caimans from heat treatment were heavier, longer and had higher levels of glucose than those from the control group. Conversely, food restricted caimans had less growth, body condition and had 32.1% lower albumin concentrations than those from the control group. While no significant differences were observed in any parameters measured from water restricted caimans compared with control group. The values obtained for each of the biochemical determinations were lower than those previously reported for adult of C. latirostris, but similar finding for protein concentration compared with Alligator mississippiensis. Micro technique offers the advantage of increasing information and at the same time a greater physiological understanding of the crocodilians species.

Presence of Leptospira spp. in Caiman latirostris (Crocodylia, Alligatoridae) populations in Santa Fe, Argentina.

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira, transmitted by wild and domestic animals. Rodents play a fundamental role in the transmission cycle of this zoonosis but the function of reptiles is unknown. For example, crocodilians could play an important role in the transmission of this disease by living in ideal environments (bodies of shallow water and high temperatures) for the colonization of this bacterium. However, few studies have documented the presence of zoonotic diseases in caiman populations. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of antibodies to leptospira and the presence of Leptospira spp. in wild and captive Caiman latirostris. Blood samples were taken from 45 individuals (20 wild and 25 captive). Before extraction, we cleaned each caiman's neck in order to prevent contamination of samples. We determined the presence of antibodies in serum by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect DNA of the bacteria. We excluded 9 of the 45 samples analyzed by MAT because 5 had lipemic serum and 4 were contaminated (colonized by other organisms). Of the 36 caimans studied by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), 56% (20/36) were considered reactive (titers ≥50). In 74% (14/19) of captive samples and 35% (6/17) of wild samples, antibodies to leptospira were detected by MAT. The serogroup with highest occurrence was Pyrogenes (85%, n = 17/20), presenting coagglutinations with Icterohaemorrhagiae (25%, n = 5/20). One sample from a captive animal was positive for PCR, and we could not isolate leptospires because of agar contamination. Of the 45 blood agar media, 17.8% were contaminated and the rest were negative. This work determined the presence of Leptospira spp. in one caiman and a high prevalence of antibodies in captive caiman relative to wild individuals.

Influence of temperature variation on incubation period, hatching success, sex ratio, and phenotypes in Caiman latirostris.

Temperature is crucial for reptiles, also during embryonic development, particularly for species with temperature-dependent sex determination. Under natural conditions, Broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) eggs are influenced by thermal changes in the interior of the nest related to the external environmental temperature. As nests are subject to variations in temperature and most lab studies on crocodilian incubation have been carried out at constant temperatures, we were interested in determining how temperature fluctuations may affect the development of caiman embryos. We investigated the effects of incubation at constant temperatures (31°C, 32°C, and 33°C) and fluctuating temperatures (31 ± 2, 32 ± 1, and 32 ± 2°C) on the following aspects: incubation period duration, hatching success, sex ratio, total length, and body mass of C. latirostris hatchlings. Eggs incubated at 31°C produced 100% females, those at 32°C produced 71.6% females (however, the sex ratio was nest related), and at 33°C produced 100% males. We found a masculinizing effect when incubation was at 31 ± 2°C compared with a constant 31°C; and temperature fluctuations at 32°C (32 ± 1 and 32 ± 2°C) had a negative effect on hatchlings size and mass, and hatching success compared with constant incubation temperatures of 32°C and 33°C. Finally, the effect of temperature variation during the incubation period on sex ratio, hatching success, and phenotype depends on the mean temperature, as the fluctuation around 31°C affected the sex ratios and incubation period, and the fluctuation around 32°C affected hatchling success and size.

Eggshell structure in Caiman latirostris eggs improves embryo survival during nest inundation.

Egg inundation often results in poor hatching success in crocodylians. However, how tolerant eggs are to submergence, and/or how eggshell ultrastructure may affect embryo survival when inundated, are not well understood. In this study, our objective was to determine if embryo survival in Caiman latirostris is affected by eggshell surface roughness, when eggs are submerged under water. Tolerance to inundation was tested early (day 30) versus late (day 60) in development, using eight clutches (four per time treatments), subdivided into four groups: (N = 9 per clutch per treatment; 9 × 4 = 36 eggs per group). 'Rough' eggshell represented the natural, unmodified eggshell surface structure. 'Smooth' eggshell surface structure was created by mechanically sanding the natural rough surface to remove surface columnar elements and secondary layer features, e.g. irregularities that result in 'roughness'. When inundated by submerging eggs under water for 10 h at day 30, 'smooth' eggshell structure resulted in more than twice as many dead embryos (16 versus 6, smooth versus rough; N = 36), and fewer than half as many healthy embryos (6 versus 13, smooth versus rough, respectively; N = 36). By contrast, at day 60, inundation resulted in very low hatching success, regardless of eggshell surface structure. Only two hatchlings survived the inundation, notably in the untreated group with intact, rough eggshells. Inundation produced a high rate of malformations (58% at day 30), but did not affect hatchling size. Our results indicate that eggshell roughness enhances embryo survival when eggs are inundated early in development, but not late in development. Apparently, the natural surface 'roughness' entraps air bubbles at the eggshell surface during inundation, thereby facilitating gas exchange through the eggshell even when the egg is submerged under water.

Phenotypic variability and heritability of the cephalic region of Caiman latirostris.

The study of the cephalic shape of crocodilian is relevant in the fields of ecology, systematics, evolution, and conservation. Therefore, the integration of geometric analysis within quantitative genetics allows the evaluation of the inheritable shape components. In this study, the dorsal cephalic region of 210 Caiman latirostris hatchlings was analyzed from seven populations in Santa Fe, Argentina, to detect intra-, and inter-population phenotypic variability, and to determine the heritability of biological shape and size, using newly available geometric morphometric tools. The principal component analysis showed two configurations of cephalic shape that could be related to sexual dimorphism. In the canonical variate analysis, Procrustes distances between groups indicated that there are differences in shape among populations. Furthermore, the method of partial least squares indicated a covariation between cephalic shape and environmental variables. Regarding to CS of the skull we found significant differences among populations, moreover the partial least squares was also significant. Estimates of the heritability of shape and size were high, indicating that the components of these features are susceptible to the selection.

Comparação da contenção farmacológica com cetamina e xilazina, administradas pela via intramuscular no membro torácico ou pélvico, em jacarés-do-papo-amarelo juvenis / Comparison of pharmacological restraint with ketamine and xylazine, administered intramuscularly in the forelimb or hindlimb, in broad-snouted caiman juveniles

Os répteis possuem um sistema porta-renal, o qual pode desviar parte do sangue proveniente das porções caudais do corpo aos rins antes que a mesma atinja a circulação sistêmica. Em vista disto, vem sendo aconselhada a administração de medicamentos injetáveis nos membros torácicos, para que se evite a filtração imediata pelo parênquima renal, causando redução do efeito esperado. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar aspectos qualitativos e quantitativos da associação de cetamina (30 mg/kg) e xilazina (1 mg/kg), injetada no membro torácico ou pélvico, em jacarés-do-papo-amarelo (Caiman latirostris) juvenis. Oito animais machos com peso médio (±DP) de 1,3 (±0,3) kg e, aproximadamente, dois anos de idade foram anestesiados em duas ocasiões distintas com intervalo de sete dias. Em cada ocasião, os animais receberam, de forma aleatória, a associação anestésica por via intramuscular em membro torácico (tratamento MT) ou pélvico (tratamento MP). Foram avaliados os intervalos de tempo entre a administração do tratamento e a perda do reflexo de endireitamento (período de indução), entre a perda e o retorno desse reflexo (duração do efeito clínico importante) e entre o retorno do reflexo de endireitamento e os primeiros movimentos de deambulação (duração do efeito residual), as frequências cardíaca e respiratória e as temperaturas ambiental e cloacal. Os escores de sedação/anestesia foram avaliados através de uma escala com variação de 0 (alerta/consciente) a 10 (anestesia profunda/sobredosagem). No tratamento MP, dois animais não apresentaram perda de reflexo de endireitamento. Considerando somente aqueles que apresentaram a perda desse reflexo, o tempo de indução (21±9 e 17±5 minutos) e a duração do efeito clínico importante (35±19 e 43±21 minutos) e residual (28±31 e 12±11 minutos) foram similares entre os tratamentos MT e MP (média±desvio padrão). O escore de sedação foi significativamente maior que o basal de 20 a 50 minutos nos dois tratamentos e, aos 30 minutos (pico de efeito), o escore mediano (interquartil) foi 3,5(2,3-4,0) no tratamento MT e 3,0(2,0-4,0) no tratamento MP. Assim como nos escores de sedação, diferenças entre tratamentos nas variáveis fisiológicas não foram observadas. Em ambos os tratamentos, o reflexo de retirada de membro ao pinçamento digital não foi abolido. A administração da associação de xilazina e cetamina em membro pélvico ou torácico de jacarés-do-papo-amarelo juvenis promove efeitos similares, sugerindo que a influência do sistema porta-renal não é clinicamente relevante. Nas doses empregadas, tal protocolo não promove anestesia cirúrgica e a imobilidade/contenção farmacológica é imprevisível e de curta duração.(AU)

Reptiles possess a renal portal system which can divert part of the blood from the caudal portions of the body to the kidney before it reaches the systemic circulation. In view of this, it has been recommended the administration of injectable medications in the forelimbs, in order to avoid immediate glomerular filtration, which might result in a reduction of the expected effect. The aim of this study was to compare qualitative and quantitative aspects of the pharmacological restraint provided by the combination of ketamine (30mg/kg) and xylazine (1mg/kg), injected into the forelimb or hindlimb, in broad-snouted caiman juveniles (Caiman latirostris). Eight male animals, with a mean weight (±SD) of 1.3 (±0.3) kg, and aged about 2 years old, were anesthetized on two separate occasions with an interval of 7 days. On each occasion, the animals were randomly assigned to receive the anesthetic combination intramuscularly into the forelimb (FL treatment) or hindlimb (HL treatment). The time intervals between administration of treatment and loss of the righting reflex (induction time), between the loss and return of this reflex (duration of important clinical effect), and between the return of the righting reflex and first movements of ambulation (duration of residual effect) were measured as well as heart and respiratory rates and cloacal and environmental temperatures. Sedation/anesthesia scores were evaluated using a scale ranging from 0 (alert/conscious) to 10 (deep anesthesia/overdose). In the HL treatment, loss of righting reflex was not observed in two animals. Considering only those animals whose loss of righting reflex was observed, the induction time (21±9 and 17±5 minutes), the duration of important clinical effect (35±19 and 43±21 minutes), and the duration of residual effect (28±31 and 12±11 minutes) were similar between the FL and HL treatments, respectively (mean±SD). Sedation/anesthesia scores were significantly higher than at baseline from 20 to 50 minutes in both treatments and, at 30 minutes (peak sedative effect), the median score (interquartile range) was 3.5(2.3-4.0) in the FL treatment and 3.0(2.0-4.0) in the HL treatment. Differences between treatments in physiological variables were not observed. In both treatments, withdrawal reflex in response to digital clamping was not absent at any timepoint. The administration of xylazine-ketamine combination in the forelimb or hindlimb of broad-snouted caiman juveniles provides similar effects, suggesting that the influence of the renal portal system is not clinically relevant. At the doses used, such combination does not induce surgical anesthesia and the immobility/pharmacological restraint is unpredictable and of short duration.(AU)

Comparação da contenção farmacológica com cetamina e xilazina, administradas pela via intramuscular no membro torácico ou pélvico, em jacarés-do-papo-amarelo juvenis / Comparison of pharmacological restraint with ketamine and xylazine, administered intramuscularly in the forelimb or hindlimb, in broad-snouted caiman juveniles

Os répteis possuem um sistema porta-renal, o qual pode desviar parte do sangue proveniente das porções caudais do corpo aos rins antes que a mesma atinja a circulação sistêmica. Em vista disto, vem sendo aconselhada a administração de medicamentos injetáveis nos membros torácicos, para que se evite a filtração imediata pelo parênquima renal, causando redução do efeito esperado. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar aspectos qualitativos e quantitativos da associação de cetamina (30 mg/kg) e xilazina (1 mg/kg), injetada no membro torácico ou pélvico, em jacarés-do-papo-amarelo (Caiman latirostris) juvenis. Oito animais machos com peso médio (±DP) de 1,3 (±0,3) kg e, aproximadamente, dois anos de idade foram anestesiados em duas ocasiões distintas com intervalo de sete dias. Em cada ocasião, os animais receberam, de forma aleatória, a associação anestésica por via intramuscular em membro torácico (tratamento MT) ou pélvico (tratamento MP). Foram avaliados os intervalos de tempo entre a administração do tratamento e a perda do reflexo de endireitamento (período de indução), entre a perda e o retorno desse reflexo (duração do efeito clínico importante) e entre o retorno do reflexo de endireitamento e os primeiros movimentos de deambulação (duração do efeito residual), as frequências cardíaca e respiratória e as temperaturas ambiental e cloacal. Os escores de sedação/anestesia foram avaliados através de uma escala com variação de 0 (alerta/consciente) a 10 (anestesia profunda/sobredosagem). No tratamento MP, dois animais não apresentaram perda de reflexo de endireitamento. Considerando somente aqueles que apresentaram a perda desse reflexo, o tempo de indução (21±9 e 17±5 minutos) e a duração do efeito clínico importante (35±19 e 43±21 minutos) e residual (28±31 e 12±11 minutos) foram similares entre os tratamentos MT e MP (média±desvio padrão)...

Reptiles possess a renal portal system which can divert part of the blood from the caudal portions of the body to the kidney before it reaches the systemic circulation. In view of this, it has been recommended the administration of injectable medications in the forelimbs, in order to avoid immediate glomerular filtration, which might result in a reduction of the expected effect. The aim of this study was to compare qualitative and quantitative aspects of the pharmacological restraint provided by the combination of ketamine (30mg/kg) and xylazine (1mg/kg), injected into the forelimb or hindlimb, in broad-snouted caiman juveniles (Caiman latirostris). Eight male animals, with a mean weight (±SD) of 1.3 (±0.3) kg, and aged about 2 years old, were anesthetized on two separate occasions with an interval of 7 days. On each occasion, the animals were randomly assigned to receive the anesthetic combination intramuscularly into the forelimb (FL treatment) or hindlimb (HL treatment). The time intervals between administration of treatment and loss of the righting reflex (induction time), between the loss and return of this reflex (duration of important clinical effect), and between the return of the righting reflex and first movements of ambulation (duration of residual effect) were measured as well as heart and respiratory rates and cloacal and environmental temperatures. Sedation/anesthesia scores were evaluated using a scale ranging from 0 (alert/conscious) to 10 (deep anesthesia/overdose). In the HL treatment, loss of righting reflex was not observed in two animals. Considering only those animals whose loss of righting reflex was observed, the induction time (21±9 and 17±5 minutes), the duration of important clinical effect (35±19 and 43±21 minutes), and the duration of residual effect (28±31 and 12±11 minutes) were similar between the FL and HL treatments, respectively (mean±SD). Sedation/anesthesia scores were significantly higher than at baseline...

Distribution of populations of broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris, Daudin 1802, Alligatoridae) in the São Francisco River basin, Brazil / Distribuição das populações de jacaré-do-papo-amarelo (Caiman latirostris, Daudin 1802, Alligatoridae) na bacia do Rio São Francisco, Brasil

We surveyed populations of the broad-snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris, throughout the São Francisco River basin, from Três Marias reservoir, State of Minas Gerais, to the river delta, at the boarder of Sergipe and Alagoas states. We registered the occurrence of crocodilians in 61 percent of all surveyed localities (n = 64), in which the presence of C. latirostris was confirmed in 44 percent of the surveyed sites. Caimans occurred in both lentic and lotic habitats, although there was a preference for small dams, oxbow lakes and wetlands. Despite the hunting pressure and human impact on natural habitats, our results indicate that the populations of C. latirostris in the São Francisco basin are not fragmented.

Fizemos o levantamento de populações do jacaré-de-papo-amarelo, Caiman latirostris, ao longo da bacia do rio São Francisco, a partir do reservatório de Três Marias, no Estado de Minas Gerais, até a foz do rio, na divisa entre os Estados de Sergipe e Alagoas. Registramos a ocorrência de jacarés em 61 por cento das localidades visitadas (n = 64), nas quais a presença de C. latirostris foi confirmada em 44 por cento dos casos. Os jacarés ocorreram em ambientes lênticos e lóticos, muito embora tenhamos observado uma preferência por pequenas represas, lagoas marginais e áreas alagáveis. Apesar da pressão de caça e da modificação dos hábitats naturais, nossos resultados são evidências de que as populações de C. latirostris ao longo da bacia do São Francisco não estão fragmentadas.

Distribution of populations of broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris, Daudin 1802, Alligatoridae) in the São Francisco River basin, Brazil

We surveyed populations of the broad-snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris, throughout the São Francisco River basin, from Três Marias reservoir, State of Minas Gerais, to the river delta, at the boarder of Sergipe and Alagoas states. We registered the occurrence of crocodilians in 61% of all surveyed localities (n = 64), in which the presence of C. latirostris was confirmed in 44% of the surveyed sites. Caimans occurred in both lentic and lotic habitats, although there was a preference for small dams, oxbow lakes and wetlands. Despite the hunting pressure and human impact on natural habitats, our results indicate that the populations of C. latirostris in the São Francisco basin are not fragmented.

Fizemos o levantamento de populações do jacaré-de-papo-amarelo, Caiman latirostris, ao longo da bacia do rio São Francisco, a partir do reservatório de Três Marias, no Estado de Minas Gerais, até a foz do rio, na divisa entre os Estados de Sergipe e Alagoas. Registramos a ocorrência de jacarés em 61% das localidades visitadas (n = 64), nas quais a presença de C. latirostris foi confirmada em 44% dos casos. Os jacarés ocorreram em ambientes lênticos e lóticos, muito embora tenhamos observado uma preferência por pequenas represas, lagoas marginais e áreas alagáveis. Apesar da pressão de caça e da modificação dos hábitats naturais, nossos resultados são evidências de que as populações de C. latirostris ao longo da bacia do São Francisco não estão fragmentadas.

Food conversion rate (FCR) in Caiman latirostris resulted more efficient at higher temperatures / La tasa de conversión alimenticia (FCR) de Caiman latirostris resulta más eficiente a temperaturas altas / A Taxa de conversão do alimento (FCR) do Caiman latirostris é mais eficiente a temperaturas mais elevadas

The effects of temperature on the growth of Caiman latirostris were investigated in order to evaluate the efficiency of food conversion at 29 and 33°C. Sixty-eight captive raised animals, two months old, taken from four nests, were used. All groups were maintained up to 70 or 72 days in similar environmental treatments except for temperature. Animals maintained at 33°C reached greater body mass (BM) and total length (TL) than those maintained at 29°C. A more efficient nutritional conversion rate was found in animals kept at 33°C. The increase of temperature could improve the amount of energy extracted from food, producing a more efficient FCR.

El efecto de la temperatura sobre el crecimiento de Caiman latirostris fue estudiado a fin de evaluar la eficacia de la conversión alimenticia en cautiverio a 29 y 33°C. Fueron utilizados 68 animales cautivos de dos meses de edad, provenientes de cuatro nidadas. Todos los grupos fueron mantenidos hasta por 70 o 72 días en tratamientos ambientales similares, a excepción de la temperatura. Los animales mantenidos a 33°C alcanzaron mayor peso y longitud total que aquellos mantenidos a 29°C. Una tasa de conversión alimenticia más eficiente fue encontrada en los animales criados a 33°C. El aumento de la temperatura podría mejorar la cantidad de energía extraída del alimento, produciendo un FCR más eficiente.

Para avaliação de um método econômico na criação em cativeiro de Jacaré-de-Papo-Amarelo (Caiman latirostris) estudio-se o consumo de ração, a taxa de conversão e o efeito da temperatura de cria no crescimento da espécie. Para este estudo foram utilizados 68 jacarés de dois meses de idade, nascidos de quatro ninhos coletados na natureza e incubados artificialmente. Durante o experimento os animais foram mantidos a duas temperaturas: 29ºC e 33ºC até 70 ou 72 dias. Como esperado, os animais mantidos a 33ºC mostraram maior taxa de crecimento (comprimento total e peso), e maior consumo de ração que aqueles mantidos a 29ºC. A taxa de conversão de alimento também foi mais efetiva quando a temperatura de cria foi maior. Concluí-se que o aumento da temperatura poderia melhorar a quantidade de energia extraída da ração, produzindo uma taxa de conversão mais eficiente.

Abate experimental de jacarés-de-papo amarelo (Caiaman latirostris) em Entreposto de Pescado no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: avaliação da composição centesimal / Slaghter experimental alligators yellow (Caiaman latirostris) in Fisheries Enterprise of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: evaluation of centesimal composition

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o valor nutricional, através da determinação da composição centesimalde carne de jacarés-de-papo-amarelo, Caiman latirostris, abatidos e comercializados em Entreposto de Pescado no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os animais foram submetidos a um jejum de 3 dias e a uma dieta hídrica de 12 horas e, posteriormente passaram pelo processo de insensibilização e foram abatidos. Durante o abate e realização dos cortes, foram retiradas as seguintes amostras de um exemplar do espécime para realização de composição centesimal: patas dianteiras e traseiras, lombo de cauda, rim, fígado e coração, que foram embaladas em sacos de polietileno, identificadas, mantidas sob refrigeraçãopara transporte até o laboratório e congeladas (-18°C) até a realização das análises. Dentre as vísceras, o fígado que é um órgão de reserva, apresentou teor de carboidrato mais elevado (11,48%), dos quais ,75% foram quantificados como glicogênio. Este órgão também apresentou o teor de gordura mais elevado (11,l7%) dentre as vísceras e os cortes avaliados. Segundo os resultados encontrados, a carne de jacaré é uma opção no mercado consumidor, que atualmente é mais exigente no que concerne ao valor nutricional dos alimentos, e mais consciente da necessidade de hábitos alimentares saudáveis, buscando alimentos protéicos com baixo teor de gordura e valor calórico. (AU)

The nutritional value of the broadsnouted Caiman, Caiman latirostris, slaughtered and commercialized in a Fisheries Enterprise of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil was evaluated through the centesimal composition determination. The animals were submitted to an abstinence from food period of 3days and to a hydric diet of 12 hours, and then were submitted to the insensibilization and slaughtering. Samples were taken from one of the specimens: fore and rear legs, fin portion, kidney, liver and heart and were packed in a polyethylene, labeled, and kept under refrigeration to be carry on to the laboratory and were frozen (-180 C) waiting for the chemical analysis. Liver as a maintenance organ show up the highest value for carbohydrate (11.48%), from these 6.75% were analyzed as glycogen. Liver show up also the highest value for lipids (11.17%). The authors concluded that the Caiman meat is a good option for consumers who are more exigent by now concerning to nutritional value of food. People are conscious of the role of feeding safety habits and they are looking for protein rich food with lowest tax of lipid and caloric value. (AU)

Abate experimental de jacarés-de-papo amarelo (Caiaman latirostris) em Entreposto de Pescado no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: avaliação da composição centesimal / Slaghter experimental alligators yellow (Caiaman latirostris) in Fisheries Enterprise of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: evaluation of centesimal composition

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o valor nutricional, através da determinação da composição centesimalde carne de jacarés-de-papo-amarelo, Caiman latirostris, abatidos e comercializados em Entreposto de Pescado no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os animais foram submetidos a um jejum de 3 dias e a uma dieta hídrica de 12 horas e, posteriormente passaram pelo processo de insensibilização e foram abatidos. Durante o abate e realização dos cortes, foram retiradas as seguintes amostras de um exemplar do espécime para realização de composição centesimal: patas dianteiras e traseiras, lombo de cauda, rim, fígado e coração, que foram embaladas em sacos de polietileno, identificadas, mantidas sob refrigeraçãopara transporte até o laboratório e congeladas (-18°C) até a realização das análises. Dentre as vísceras, o fígado que é um órgão de reserva, apresentou teor de carboidrato mais elevado (11,48%), dos quais ,75% foram quantificados como glicogênio. Este órgão também apresentou o teor de gordura mais elevado (11,l7%) dentre as vísceras e os cortes avaliados. Segundo os resultados encontrados, a carne de jacaré é uma opção no mercado consumidor, que atualmente é mais exigente no que concerne ao valor nutricional dos alimentos, e mais consciente da necessidade de hábitos alimentares saudáveis, buscando alimentos protéicos com baixo teor de gordura e valor calórico.

The nutritional value of the broadsnouted Caiman, Caiman latirostris, slaughtered and commercialized in a Fisheries Enterprise of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil was evaluated through the centesimal composition determination. The animals were submitted to an abstinence from food period of 3days and to a hydric diet of 12 hours, and then were submitted to the insensibilization and slaughtering. Samples were taken from one of the specimens: fore and rear legs, fin portion, kidney, liver and heart and were packed in a polyethylene, labeled, and kept under refrigeration to be carry on to the laboratory and were frozen (-180 C) waiting for the chemical analysis. Liver as a maintenance organ show up the highest value for carbohydrate (11.48%), from these 6.75% were analyzed as glycogen. Liver show up also the highest value for lipids (11.17%). The authors concluded that the Caiman meat is a good option for consumers who are more exigent by now concerning to nutritional value of food. People are conscious of the role of feeding safety habits and they are looking for protein rich food with lowest tax of lipid and caloric value.

Allometry of reproduction in broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris)

In the present study regression equations are established between broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) captive reproductive females snout-vent length (SVL) and body mass (BM) and the following clutch characteristics: egg mass, egg "length" (maximal diameter), egg "width" (minimal diameter), hatchling BM, hatchling SVL, clutch size (number of eggs), clutch mass and relative clutch mass (clutch mass/female BM). Female body-length presented a positive correlation with egg mass, egg length, egg width, hatchling BM and hatchling SVL. No clear correlation was found between female SVL and clutch size. Female BM showed a significantly positive correlation with egg mass, egg-length, egg-width, hatchling BM, hatchling SVL and clutch mass. A highly significant negative correlation was found between female BM and the relative clutch mass. No clear correlation was found between female BM and clutch size.

No presente estudo são estabelecidas equações de regressão entre comprimento e massa corpórea de fêmeas reprodutivas cativas de jacarés-de-papo-amarelo (Caiman latirostris) e as seguintes características relativas às ninhadas: massa, comprimento (isto é, diâmetro máximo) e largura (isto é, diâmetro mínimo) do ovo; massa e comprimento corpóreos dos filhotes; número de ovos, massa total e massa relativa da ninhada (isto é, massa total da ninhada/massa corpórea da fêmea). O comprimento corpóreo das fêmeas apresentou correlação positiva com a massa, o comprimento e a largura dos ovos e com a massa e o comprimento corpóreos dos filhotes. Não houve correlação entre o comprimento corpóreo da fêmea e o número de ovos da ninhada. A massa corpórea das fêmeas apresentou correlação positiva com a massa, o comprimento e a largura dos ovos e com a massa e o comprimento corpóreos dos filhotes. Uma correlação altamente significativa foi encontrada entre a massa corpórea das fêmeas e a massa relativa das ninhadas. Entretanto, não houve correlação entre a massa corpórea das fêmeas e o número de ovos da ninhada.

Allometry of reproduction in broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris)

In the present study regression equations are established between broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) captive reproductive females snout-vent length (SVL) and body mass (BM) and the following clutch characteristics: egg mass, egg "length" (maximal diameter), egg "width" (minimal diameter), hatchling BM, hatchling SVL, clutch size (number of eggs), clutch mass and relative clutch mass (clutch mass/female BM). Female body-length presented a positive correlation with egg mass, egg length, egg width, hatchling BM and hatchling SVL. No clear correlation was found between female SVL and clutch size. Female BM showed a significantly positive correlation with egg mass, egg-length, egg-width, hatchling BM, hatchling SVL and clutch mass. A highly significant negative correlation was found between female BM and the relative clutch mass. No clear correlation was found between female BM and clutch size.

No presente estudo são estabelecidas equações de regressão entre comprimento e massa corpórea de fêmeas reprodutivas cativas de jacarés-de-papo-amarelo (Caiman latirostris) e as seguintes características relativas às ninhadas: massa, comprimento (isto é, diâmetro máximo) e largura (isto é, diâmetro mínimo) do ovo; massa e comprimento corpóreos dos filhotes; número de ovos, massa total e massa relativa da ninhada (isto é, massa total da ninhada/massa corpórea da fêmea). O comprimento corpóreo das fêmeas apresentou correlação positiva com a massa, o comprimento e a largura dos ovos e com a massa e o comprimento corpóreos dos filhotes. Não houve correlação entre o comprimento corpóreo da fêmea e o número de ovos da ninhada. A massa corpórea das fêmeas apresentou correlação positiva com a massa, o comprimento e a largura dos ovos e com a massa e o comprimento corpóreos dos filhotes. Uma correlação altamente significativa foi encontrada entre a massa corpórea das fêmeas e a massa relativa das ninhadas. Entretanto, não houve correlação entre a massa corpórea das fêmeas e o número de ovos da ninhada.