Research helps Australia capitalise on crocodiles
Australia has nurtured a sizeable crocodile industry with the help of farms that were started as tourist attractions. There are now 15 farms in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, with production ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 skins per year.
Research has helped to improve the animals' welfare, handling and nutrition management, but there is always pressure to improve quality and efficiency.
The quality of crocodile skins is crucial to the price they can achieve. First grade skins fetch 25% more than second grade twice the price of third grade examples. The key to increasing the proportion of first grade skins is improved feed conversion rates and management, genetic selection for skin patterns, and safe handling equipment.
Skin production makes up around 80 percent of average farm income. However there is also the potential to increase meat returns through better marketing and presentation. Commercial growth rates mean that most salt-water crocodiles are harvested at 1.5 to 2 metres in length or between 2 and 3 years old.
