DEVELOPMENTAL CONTROL OF BULLFROG TADPOLE (Rana catesbeiana SHAW, 1802) FOR COMMERCIAL CULTIVATION. (Population density, protein quality in the ration and tank localization.)

Abstract

At a commercial frogculture firm in Ubatuba (23°24'S - 45°07'W; 5.0 m altitude), São Paulo State, Brazil, it was compared the development (through the weight gain) of bullfrog tadpoles, when reared in sheltered tank (under a shed) and in outdoor tank, at high and at low stocking rate with ration containing vegetable protein and ration containing animal protein, from Dec., 10^th, 1985 through June, 4^th, 1986. lt was concluded that in highly stocked and sheltered tanks, the end of the transformation is delayed permitting large amounts of tadpoles during all year round, which can be used as a supplemental frog food.