Ethological Study and Breeding Trials of Aulacodes (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck, 1827) Captured in the Forest Area of Sika-Komenankro (Ivory Coast)

Koffi Marius KPRIE, Kouadio Kevin N'GUESSAN, KOFFI Oi Koffi Vincent, Bessekon Denis ASSI

Abstract: Aulacod meat is highly appreciated by the Ivorian population for its tenderness and flavor. Its breeding would be an alternative for the conservation of this species and a probability to satisfy the demand in animal protein of the populations. The aim of this study was to condition wild aulacodes into docile strains for sustainable breeding. Ethological parameters such as flight, hiding, aggressiveness and tolerance were evaluated on aulacodes captured in cultivated and forested areas and in fallow land in the village of Sika-komenankro. A matching test and intra-specific confrontation were carried out before the breeding groups were formed. Zootechnical parameters were monitored for 24 months. The results showed that the captured aulacods were indocile, with a 100% rate of flight, hiding and intolerance, and a 0% rate of aggression. After 30 days, the bonding test revealed that the aulacodines acquired docile behavior with a 0% rate of escape, hiding, tolerance and aggression. The aulacodines performed well reproductively, with an average litter size of 4, an overall fertility rate of 100% and an overall fecundity rate of 400%. Mortality rate of 2.08% and escape rate of 8.5% were recorded. The matchmaking method seems to be the best way of achieving sustainable breeding. It produces docile, reproductive aulacods.

Keywords: Capture, Thryonomys swinderianus, ethologie, aulacodiculture, Sika-komenankro

How to Cite?: Koffi Marius KPRIE, Kouadio Kevin N'GUESSAN, KOFFI Oi Koffi Vincent, Bessekon Denis ASSI, "Ethological Study and Breeding Trials of Aulacodes (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck, 1827) Captured in the Forest Area of Sika-Komenankro (Ivory Coast)", Volume 13 Issue 9, September 2024, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 880-890, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR24908214219, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR24908214219