Effect of Lysine Addition on Growth of Black Iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2013 |
Authors: |
Juan José Ortiz Guzmán, Arcos-García José Luis, Germán D. Mendoza Martínez, Fernando Xicoténcatl Plata Pérez, Gisela Fuentes Mascorro, Gabriela Ruelas Inzunza |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Keywords: |
black iguana, ctenosaura pectinata, growth, lysine |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
The effects of the addition of lysine to commercial feed given to captive black iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) were evaluated in terms of growth and feed digestibility. Twenty-eight-day-old black iguana with an initial weight of 5.5 ± 0.3 g were housed individually in cages measuring 45 × 45 × 45 cm. The experiment lasted 150 days. The ambient temperature ranged from 28 to 35°C with a relative humidity of 60 to 95%. Treatments consisted of the addition of different percentages of lysine to the feed (0.0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3%, dry matter [DM] base). There was a linear response (P < 0.01) in daily gain (68, 112, 118, and 151 mg/d) and daily intake (251, 289, 297, and 337 mg/d) for levels from 0 to 0.3%, respectively, as well in the growth in head size, snout–vent length, and total length. The digestibility of DM, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were reduced linearly (P < 0.01) as lysine levels increased. Intake and digestibility were negatively correlated (r = –0.74; P < 0.001). It is concluded that the addition of lysine to the black iguana diet in the first months of life is important to stimulate growth and intake. Zoo Biol 32:277–280, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.