title: Effect of lysine addition on growth of black iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata).
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.
authors.affiliation: Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca, Medicina Veterinaria, Juquila, Oaxaca, México.
authors.forename: Juan José Ortiz
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Guzmán
authors.forename: Arcos-García José
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Luis
authors.forename: Germán D Mendoza
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Martínez
authors.forename: Fernando Xicoténcatl Plata
authors.initials: FX
authors.lastname: Pérez
authors.forename: Gisela Fuentes
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Mascorro
authors.forename: Gabriela Ruelas
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Inzunza
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D001837:Body Weights and Measures / Q000662:veterinary; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D007076:Iguanas / Q000254:growth & development*; D008239:Lysine / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D008239:Lysine