OXYGEN-CONSUMPTION OF EGGS AND HATCHLINGS OF THE NILE CROCODILE (CROCODYLUS-NILOTICUS)

VO2 of Nile crocodile embryos was measured at 32 degrees C during the last half of the incubation period and for 10 days after hatching, Pea k VO2 occurred when incubation was 87% completed, Thereafter, VO2 decr eased until hatching, following the same peaked pattern as in embryos of other crocodilians. After hatching, VO2 increased to 119% of peak V O2, indicating a higher gas exchange capacity during pulmonary respira tion than during chorioallantoic respiration.