Increasing the Profitability of Florida Alligator Carcasses

The American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, is thought by many to be one of Florida's true natives. This native Floridian has been prized over the years for its commercially valuable skin. In the past, this has unfortunately led to widespread, abusive harvesting of wild alligators that nearly led to their extinction. However, today under strict federal and state scrutiny, the wild alligator is making a strong comeback. Also, today we are witnessing the increase in numbers of "farm-raised" alligators. Unlike their wild counterparts, these animals are raised under controlled conditions and "harvested" for their valuable skin and for their meat. The farm-raised alligator industry is rapidly growing and the amount of alligator meat available for sale to the public is also growing. Unfortunately, we currently have little information regarding all aspects of alligator processing and the characteristics of the meat itself. Therefore, this study was designed to develop information regarding this subject using the following objectives: 1. To determine the percentages of hide, useable lean meat, fat, and waste of a 6 to 6½ foot gator carcass. 2. To determine the composition of alligator fat and to explore the possible uses of this fat. 3. To develop uses for or products to be made from the residual lean tissue currently being left on alligator carcasses after processing.

The link address is: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an137