Growth rate and plasma corticosterone levels in juvenile alligators maintained at different stocking densities

摘要: Sixty-six captive-reared, juvenile alligators maintained in environmentally con- trolled chambers were randomly assigned to four treatments consisting of stocking densities 0.35, 0.18, 0.12, and 0.09 m'/alligator. Alligators a t these for 3.5 months. At approximately 4 week intervals the weighed, measured, bled via cardiac puncture. Duplicate aliquots plasma assayed corticosterone. All continued grow during experiment, but lowest density significantly heavier grew faster (P < 0.01) had lower corticosterone than highest density. These results indicate tha crowding (i.e., high-density rearing) inhibits maximum growth that subsequent stress associated with this chronically elevated Plasma showed strong negative correlation change body weight; rate growth, hormone levels. also show single blood sample taken at monthly is sufficient monitor species.