The population of the green sea turtle(Chelonia mydas)is under decline,threatened by bycatch and illegal acquisition despite worldwide protection efforts.However,the confiscation of illegally acquired sea turtles coul...The population of the green sea turtle(Chelonia mydas)is under decline,threatened by bycatch and illegal acquisition despite worldwide protection efforts.However,the confiscation of illegally acquired sea turtles could aid in tracking their origin and movement patterns,crucial for effective conservation strategies.Combining satellite tracking and genetic analysis offers an opportunity to investigate the relationship between the origins and migration directions of green sea turtles in the western Pacific.Here,we applied two methods to investigate the spatial ecology of 18 green turtles caught as bycatch in the South China Sea.Our results revealed the genetic origins and diverse movements of the turtles.Bayesian Mixed Stock Analysis(MSA)suggested that these turtles originated from the rookery of the Xisha Islands(49.6%),central Ryukyu(24.6%),NE Borneo(8%),and the Sulu Sea(5.2%),with other rookeries in meagre proportions(<2%each).Satellite tracking showed the ranges of their travel were smaller than the whole contributed rookery range,but diverse.The haplotype diversity of these turtles is high,and CmP19 stands out as both the most frequent and the most diverse haplotype in terms of swimming destinations.These results indicate that the South China Sea is likely an important transportation hub and mating spot for green turtles.Our findings provided evidence for the rehabilitation of these green turtles in the wild and illustrated the complexity of movement during the green turtle’s life history,and the“mixed backgrounds”of the green turtles also highlight the need for joint conservation efforts of neighbouring countries in the South China Sea.展开更多
The Antarctic Paleogene marine fossil record has been the key to reconstructing the evolution of the Weddellian Sea and final dismemberment of Southern Gondwana.In this context,Eocene marine vertebrates from Seymour(M...The Antarctic Paleogene marine fossil record has been the key to reconstructing the evolution of the Weddellian Sea and final dismemberment of Southern Gondwana.In this context,Eocene marine vertebrates from Seymour(Marambio)Island have provided valuable information.We present the first Eocene record of marine reptiles from the southern Atlantic Coast of South America.This corresponds to several postcranial turtle remains represented by a proximal end of the right humerus,three caudal and one thoracic vertebrae,a fragment of the left pubis,and ten ossicles of the dorsal carapace,coming from the Leticia Formation(late-mid Eocene)at Cabo Tiburones,Tierra del Fuego,Argentina.These materials show severalfeatures such as the size and general morphology of the humerus and vertebrae,and the presence of relatively small,irregular,smooth,and unkeeled ossicles,which allow us to assign them to Dermochelyidae indet.Dermochelyids are a cosmopolitan group ofcryptodiran turtles,registered from the late Cretaceous up to the recent,with some physiological-biological peculiarities(e.g.,endothermy and an exclusive jellyfish-based diet)and characterized by the presence of an osseous carapace formed by ossicles.The new finding from the Leticia Formation is an addition to the scarce and extremely fragmentary record of Eocene dermochelyids from the southern seas like those from the La Meseta and Submeseta formations(Antarctica)and the Waihao and Burnside formations(New Zealand).This new information allows us to discuss the presence of these turtles in such high latitudes in the past and its implication in the evolution of the Weddellian fauna.展开更多
Objective:To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of the spirit turtle eight method acupuncture therapy in the treatment of insomnia,to better serve the clinic and provide reference ideas for the treatment ...Objective:To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of the spirit turtle eight method acupuncture therapy in the treatment of insomnia,to better serve the clinic and provide reference ideas for the treatment of insomnia.Methods:Search CNKI,CBM,Wanfang,Weipu,China Clinical Trial Registry databases on the use of the spirit turtle eight method compared with others interventions to treat insomnia.The search period is from the library until August 1,2021,two researchers will conduct independent quality evaluation and effect size extraction on the literature,and use STATA16.0 and Review5.3 to conduct Meta analysis and quality evaluation on the literature.Through screening,a total of 18 eligible documents participated in the meta-analysis,with a total of 1583 cases.Results:①The effective rate of the spirit turtle eight method in the treatment of insomnia is higher than the control group[RR=1.213,95%CI(1.155,1.274),Z=7.71,P<0.01];②The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score is lower than other acupuncture treatments[WMD=-2.33,95%CI(-2.75,-1.91),Z=10.97,P<0.01];③The one-month follow-up PSQI score after the treatment of insomnia by the spirit turtle eight method is lower than the control group[WMD=-3.263,95%CI(-3.446,-3.080),Z=34.96,P<0.01];④No studies have reported serious adverse reactions in the treatment group and control group.Conclusion:Based on the current research,the spirit turtle eight method are better than the control group in the treatment of insomnia,and are suitable for clinical application.However,more high-quality clinical studies are still needed to prove its efficacy.展开更多
Deltamethrin is a widespread environmental hormone with endocrine-disrupting properties, but its effect on embryonic development of reptiles is largely unexplored. We investigated the effects of deltamethrin on embryo...Deltamethrin is a widespread environmental hormone with endocrine-disrupting properties, but its effect on embryonic development of reptiles is largely unexplored. We investigated the effects of deltamethrin on embryonic development and offspring traits in two turtle species, one with parchment-shelled eggs and the other with rigidshelled eggs. Deltamethrin exposure during egg incubation did not affect hatching success and hatchling body size in either species. However, embryonic exposure to deltamethrin resulted in reduced hatchling locomotor performance in the red-eared slider turtle(Trachemys scripta) with parchment-shelled eggs, but not in the Chinese three-keeled pond turtle(Chinemys reevesii) with rigid-shelled eggs. These results suggest that parchment-shelled eggs are likely more vulnerable to deltamethrin than rigid-shelled eggs.展开更多
[Objective] This study aimed to isolate and identify the pathogens of soft-shelled turtle fulminant infectious disease,to provide the basis for the prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases.[Method] Commercial...[Objective] This study aimed to isolate and identify the pathogens of soft-shelled turtle fulminant infectious disease,to provide the basis for the prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases.[Method] Commercially available sick soft-shelled turtles were used as experimental materials,to isolate and identify the causative pathogens;pathogenicity test and toxin determination of the isolates were carried out;in addition,hyperimmune serum was prepared and its therapeutic effect was detected.[Result] Nine bacteria were isolated from the livers of sick soft-shelled turtles,including seven Aeromonas sobria strains(JA-1) and two A.caviae strains(JA-2).The median lethal dose(LD50) of JA-1 and JA-2 was 4.3×10^5/ml and 5.5×10^7/ml,respectively;the broth culture supernatant of the two bacteria contains a type of toxin with hemolytic activity,indicating that the soft-shelled turtle fulminant infectious disease is caused by A.sobria and A.caviae.Vaccine was prepared by using the two bacteria and rabbit immunization with immunopotentiator,showing a titer of 1:512 and a cure rate of 100%.[Conclusion] This study laid foundation for the prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases.展开更多
Morphological changes during the embryonic development of limbs of the green turtle,Chelonia mydas,were studied during the entire period of incubation,using transmission and scanning electron microscopy(TEM and SEM). ...Morphological changes during the embryonic development of limbs of the green turtle,Chelonia mydas,were studied during the entire period of incubation,using transmission and scanning electron microscopy(TEM and SEM). Limb buds were first observed at Stage 2. At that stage,the tip was covered with an apical ectodermal ridge(AER) which began to regress at Stage 6. Associated with AER was the presence of the mesenchymal cells which,consequently,differentiated into muscles,cartilage and bones. The gross features of the skeletal development appeared as a condensation of the cartilaginous structures in the proximal distal region of the limbs. The primordial digits were gradually enclosed by hard keratinized webbed skin. The increase in rate of ossification and skin pigmentation was correlated with the growth of the limbs. The development of the limbs was closely related to the transitional appearance of mucus secretion from the epidermis.展开更多
People are familiar with modern turtles, but the evolution of turtles remains one of the biggest mysteries in paleontology. The turtle has a unique body form of tetrapods (four-leg vertebrates,or vertebrates except fi...People are familiar with modern turtles, but the evolution of turtles remains one of the biggest mysteries in paleontology. The turtle has a unique body form of tetrapods (four-leg vertebrates,or vertebrates except fishes, such as lizards/crocodiles,birds, and mammals).展开更多
A 120-day feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of partial replacement of brown fish meal (BFM) by fermented soybean meal (FSBM) in diets of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). The...A 120-day feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of partial replacement of brown fish meal (BFM) by fermented soybean meal (FSBM) in diets of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). The turtles (initial mean body weight, (115.52 ± 1.05) g) were fed with three experimental diets, in which 0%, 4.72% and 9.44% BFM protein was replaced by 0%, 3% and 6% FSBM, respectively. Results showed that the feeding rate (FR), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency ratio (FER) of turtles fed with the diet containing 3% FSBM were not significantly different from the control group (0% FSBM) (P > 0.05). However, FR, SGR and FER of turtles fed with the diet containing 6% FSBM were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the activities of serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase and glutamicpyruvic transaminase among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). However, the uric acid concentration in turtles fed with the diet containing 3% or 6% FSBM was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the activities of lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase and total superoxide dismutase among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). The results suggested that FSBM could replace 4.72% BFM protein in turtle diets without exerting adverse effects on turtle growth, feed utilization and measured immune parameters.展开更多
Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Trionyx sinens) in culture farms using an artificial warming system in Zhejiang, China, often show typical signs of white-spot disease such as white spots on their bodies, skin lesions,...Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Trionyx sinens) in culture farms using an artificial warming system in Zhejiang, China, often show typical signs of white-spot disease such as white spots on their bodies, skin lesions, anorexia and eventually death. The sick turtles were mostly 5-80 g in weight. A suspected fungal pathogen was isolated from the sick turtles and verified as Paecilomyces lilacinus by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of its ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Detailed morphological examinations were also conducted to confirm the white-spot disease.展开更多
In 1998,a study on forty-five four-eyed turtles(Sacalia quadriocellata) was initiated to gather preliminary biological data of this species and to investigate the feasibility of its captive reproduction.In the followi...In 1998,a study on forty-five four-eyed turtles(Sacalia quadriocellata) was initiated to gather preliminary biological data of this species and to investigate the feasibility of its captive reproduction.In the following six years,no courtship behavior was found occurring in males and no oviposition in females.From 2004 to 2007,two successful techniques were applied to initiate reproductive behavior:1) injecting exogenous reproductive hormones; and 2) reducing the stress of living in captivity.As a result of the hormone treatments,courtship behavior and copulation were observed during September and October,2005.However,no courtship displays were seen from the CK males,which were not treated with hormones.Ovulation occurred between December and March,and the correlation was not significant between behavior of ovulation and food intake.Females laid only one clutch of eggs each year,with 2.47 eggs(n=34,range=1–4) at average,and 84 eggs were totally obtained,of which 13 were damaged,52 were infertile and 19 fertile.Of the fertile eggs,nine were hatched with mean incubation period of 105.9 days(n=9,range=89–122 days) at temperature ranging from 24 to 27℃.展开更多
Vitamin C (Vc) is an important antioxidant that helps turtles tolerating stressful environment. This work quantified changes in tissue Vc levels during winter hibernation in the soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis...Vitamin C (Vc) is an important antioxidant that helps turtles tolerating stressful environment. This work quantified changes in tissue Vc levels during winter hibernation in the soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis , to reveal the stress response pattern of tissue Vc during hibernation and contribute basic data for turtle culture. We sampled juvenile soft-shelled turtles at pre-hibernation (17.0°C mud temperature;MT), during hibernation (5.8°C MT) and after arousal (20.1°C MT) in the field. The transcript levels of the gene encoding L-gulonolactone oxidase (GLO), the key enzyme for Vc synthesis, decreased significantly during hibernation. However, GLO activity did not match the GLO transcription patterns and remained stable during hibernation, and showed temperature-dependent kinetic characteristics. Vitamin C levels in the brain, liver, kidney, and spleen (but not muscle) all decreased significantly during hibernation, but recovered to pre-hibernation levels or even higher levels after arousal. The soft-shelled turtle endured 5 months of hibernation with no significant oxidative damage in most tissues, except in the spleen. Splenic Vc was nearly exhausted during hibernation, accompanied by a significantly elevated malonaldehyde (MDA) level. Although the high level of oxidative damage quickly decreased after arousal, the potential tissue damage in the spleen during hibernation might account for the weakened immune capacity of turtles after hibernation.展开更多
Soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis is important aquatic species in China, and searching for alternatives protein resources to fish meal (FM)-based feeds in feed has become urgent and important for its sustainabi...Soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis is important aquatic species in China, and searching for alternatives protein resources to fish meal (FM)-based feeds in feed has become urgent and important for its sustainability development. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary soy protein concentrate (SPC) on growth, digestive enzymes and target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway of juvenile P. sinensis (4.56 ± 0.09 g). SPC was applied to replace FM protein at 0%, 15%, 30% and 60% (designated as T0, T15, T30 and T60, respectively), and each diet was fed to triplicate groups. The results showed that there was no significant difference in growth performance and feed utilization except of the turtles fed with T60 diet, of which showed poorer daily weight gain and feed conversion rate. The pepsin/trypsin and Na+-K+ ATP-ase activities decreased dramatically when SPC level increased, and lipase activities in liver and intestinal tract also showed decline tendency. However, amylase activities were unaffected. No significant differences were observed in TOR, S6K1 and 4E-BP1 genes mRNA expression level of TOR signaling pathway among the treatments. However, the relative phosphorylated level of these proteins decreased significantly when SPC level increased. The present study indicated that high SPC substitution level would suppress digestive enzymes and TOR signaling pathway proteins phosphorylated level and eventually result in growth reduction of P. sinensis.展开更多
The gastrointestinal tracts of four Chelonia mydas hatchlings were examined at the anatomical, histological and ultrastructural level. Our results show that the gastrointestinal tract(GI) is composed by esophagus, s...The gastrointestinal tracts of four Chelonia mydas hatchlings were examined at the anatomical, histological and ultrastructural level. Our results show that the gastrointestinal tract(GI) is composed by esophagus, stomach, small intestine(SI) and large intestine(LI), and histologically of mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa(ME) and serosa. The esophagus is marked by conical papillae lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, whereas the remaining GI by simple columnar epithelium; esophageal diverticulum is absent. The stomach covered with mucous granule cells, contains cardia, fundic regions and pylorus, which are separately characterized by cardiac glands, fundic glands and pyloric glands, and have the thickest submucosa and ME of the GI. The ME of the esophagus mainly consist of one layer of circular smooth muscle whereas the rest of GI of two layers, inner circular muscle and outer longitudinal muscle. The SI is slightly longer than the LI and the GI is approximately 5.11 times of the carapace length. The SI is lined with longitudinal zigzag folds and characterized by absorptive cells with longer and denser microvilli, whereas the LI by transversal folds, goblet cells and lymphoid nodules. Only intestinal glands appear in duodenum. Endocrine cells are observed in all sections of the GI and accounted for the largest proportion in duodenum. The results demonstrate a perfect combination of the structure and function of the GI and reveal that the digestion and absorption primarily occurs in the foregut. C. mydas hatchling may prefer carnivorous diet.展开更多
The effects of ration level and feeding frequency on digestibility in juvenile soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, were investigated. Four ration levels 1.5%, 2.5%, 4.0% and satiation (6.0% BW/d) were used. Ap...The effects of ration level and feeding frequency on digestibility in juvenile soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, were investigated. Four ration levels 1.5%, 2.5%, 4.0% and satiation (6.0% BW/d) were used. Apparent digestibility (AD) of dry matter (DMAD), protein (PAD) and protein real digestibility (PRD) were significantly affected by ration level, but not by feeding frequency when the ration level was similar. However, the feeding frequency affected the AD, DMAD, PAD and PRD significantly when the turtles were fed to satiation. The relationship between fecal protein content (Y) and protein intake (At) can be expressed as a quadric equation: Y=-0.1742+0.1476X-0.0003X^2 (r^2=0.876, n=27, F=93.92, P〈0.01).展开更多
基金supported by the Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology,the Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Branch of the China Wildlife Conservation Association,and Ocean Park Hong Kong.
文摘The population of the green sea turtle(Chelonia mydas)is under decline,threatened by bycatch and illegal acquisition despite worldwide protection efforts.However,the confiscation of illegally acquired sea turtles could aid in tracking their origin and movement patterns,crucial for effective conservation strategies.Combining satellite tracking and genetic analysis offers an opportunity to investigate the relationship between the origins and migration directions of green sea turtles in the western Pacific.Here,we applied two methods to investigate the spatial ecology of 18 green turtles caught as bycatch in the South China Sea.Our results revealed the genetic origins and diverse movements of the turtles.Bayesian Mixed Stock Analysis(MSA)suggested that these turtles originated from the rookery of the Xisha Islands(49.6%),central Ryukyu(24.6%),NE Borneo(8%),and the Sulu Sea(5.2%),with other rookeries in meagre proportions(<2%each).Satellite tracking showed the ranges of their travel were smaller than the whole contributed rookery range,but diverse.The haplotype diversity of these turtles is high,and CmP19 stands out as both the most frequent and the most diverse haplotype in terms of swimming destinations.These results indicate that the South China Sea is likely an important transportation hub and mating spot for green turtles.Our findings provided evidence for the rehabilitation of these green turtles in the wild and illustrated the complexity of movement during the green turtle’s life history,and the“mixed backgrounds”of the green turtles also highlight the need for joint conservation efforts of neighbouring countries in the South China Sea.
基金funded by the Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica-Proyectos de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica-PICT 2017-0607(to M.Reguero)and PICT 2019-00327(to M.Buono).
文摘The Antarctic Paleogene marine fossil record has been the key to reconstructing the evolution of the Weddellian Sea and final dismemberment of Southern Gondwana.In this context,Eocene marine vertebrates from Seymour(Marambio)Island have provided valuable information.We present the first Eocene record of marine reptiles from the southern Atlantic Coast of South America.This corresponds to several postcranial turtle remains represented by a proximal end of the right humerus,three caudal and one thoracic vertebrae,a fragment of the left pubis,and ten ossicles of the dorsal carapace,coming from the Leticia Formation(late-mid Eocene)at Cabo Tiburones,Tierra del Fuego,Argentina.These materials show severalfeatures such as the size and general morphology of the humerus and vertebrae,and the presence of relatively small,irregular,smooth,and unkeeled ossicles,which allow us to assign them to Dermochelyidae indet.Dermochelyids are a cosmopolitan group ofcryptodiran turtles,registered from the late Cretaceous up to the recent,with some physiological-biological peculiarities(e.g.,endothermy and an exclusive jellyfish-based diet)and characterized by the presence of an osseous carapace formed by ossicles.The new finding from the Leticia Formation is an addition to the scarce and extremely fragmentary record of Eocene dermochelyids from the southern seas like those from the La Meseta and Submeseta formations(Antarctica)and the Waihao and Burnside formations(New Zealand).This new information allows us to discuss the presence of these turtles in such high latitudes in the past and its implication in the evolution of the Weddellian fauna.
基金supported by Guangxi Natural Science Foundation Project(2017GXNSFAA198257)。
文摘Objective:To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of the spirit turtle eight method acupuncture therapy in the treatment of insomnia,to better serve the clinic and provide reference ideas for the treatment of insomnia.Methods:Search CNKI,CBM,Wanfang,Weipu,China Clinical Trial Registry databases on the use of the spirit turtle eight method compared with others interventions to treat insomnia.The search period is from the library until August 1,2021,two researchers will conduct independent quality evaluation and effect size extraction on the literature,and use STATA16.0 and Review5.3 to conduct Meta analysis and quality evaluation on the literature.Through screening,a total of 18 eligible documents participated in the meta-analysis,with a total of 1583 cases.Results:①The effective rate of the spirit turtle eight method in the treatment of insomnia is higher than the control group[RR=1.213,95%CI(1.155,1.274),Z=7.71,P<0.01];②The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score is lower than other acupuncture treatments[WMD=-2.33,95%CI(-2.75,-1.91),Z=10.97,P<0.01];③The one-month follow-up PSQI score after the treatment of insomnia by the spirit turtle eight method is lower than the control group[WMD=-3.263,95%CI(-3.446,-3.080),Z=34.96,P<0.01];④No studies have reported serious adverse reactions in the treatment group and control group.Conclusion:Based on the current research,the spirit turtle eight method are better than the control group in the treatment of insomnia,and are suitable for clinical application.However,more high-quality clinical studies are still needed to prove its efficacy.
文摘Deltamethrin is a widespread environmental hormone with endocrine-disrupting properties, but its effect on embryonic development of reptiles is largely unexplored. We investigated the effects of deltamethrin on embryonic development and offspring traits in two turtle species, one with parchment-shelled eggs and the other with rigidshelled eggs. Deltamethrin exposure during egg incubation did not affect hatching success and hatchling body size in either species. However, embryonic exposure to deltamethrin resulted in reduced hatchling locomotor performance in the red-eared slider turtle(Trachemys scripta) with parchment-shelled eggs, but not in the Chinese three-keeled pond turtle(Chinemys reevesii) with rigid-shelled eggs. These results suggest that parchment-shelled eggs are likely more vulnerable to deltamethrin than rigid-shelled eggs.
基金Supported by Project of Science and Technology Bureau of Hebei Province(09220402D)~~
文摘[Objective] This study aimed to isolate and identify the pathogens of soft-shelled turtle fulminant infectious disease,to provide the basis for the prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases.[Method] Commercially available sick soft-shelled turtles were used as experimental materials,to isolate and identify the causative pathogens;pathogenicity test and toxin determination of the isolates were carried out;in addition,hyperimmune serum was prepared and its therapeutic effect was detected.[Result] Nine bacteria were isolated from the livers of sick soft-shelled turtles,including seven Aeromonas sobria strains(JA-1) and two A.caviae strains(JA-2).The median lethal dose(LD50) of JA-1 and JA-2 was 4.3×10^5/ml and 5.5×10^7/ml,respectively;the broth culture supernatant of the two bacteria contains a type of toxin with hemolytic activity,indicating that the soft-shelled turtle fulminant infectious disease is caused by A.sobria and A.caviae.Vaccine was prepared by using the two bacteria and rabbit immunization with immunopotentiator,showing a titer of 1:512 and a cure rate of 100%.[Conclusion] This study laid foundation for the prevention and control of aquatic animal diseases.
文摘Morphological changes during the embryonic development of limbs of the green turtle,Chelonia mydas,were studied during the entire period of incubation,using transmission and scanning electron microscopy(TEM and SEM). Limb buds were first observed at Stage 2. At that stage,the tip was covered with an apical ectodermal ridge(AER) which began to regress at Stage 6. Associated with AER was the presence of the mesenchymal cells which,consequently,differentiated into muscles,cartilage and bones. The gross features of the skeletal development appeared as a condensation of the cartilaginous structures in the proximal distal region of the limbs. The primordial digits were gradually enclosed by hard keratinized webbed skin. The increase in rate of ossification and skin pigmentation was correlated with the growth of the limbs. The development of the limbs was closely related to the transitional appearance of mucus secretion from the epidermis.
文摘People are familiar with modern turtles, but the evolution of turtles remains one of the biggest mysteries in paleontology. The turtle has a unique body form of tetrapods (four-leg vertebrates,or vertebrates except fishes, such as lizards/crocodiles,birds, and mammals).
基金financially supported by the Project of Hangzhou Producing, Study and Researching Cooperation of China (Grant No. 20092632E27)
文摘A 120-day feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of partial replacement of brown fish meal (BFM) by fermented soybean meal (FSBM) in diets of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). The turtles (initial mean body weight, (115.52 ± 1.05) g) were fed with three experimental diets, in which 0%, 4.72% and 9.44% BFM protein was replaced by 0%, 3% and 6% FSBM, respectively. Results showed that the feeding rate (FR), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency ratio (FER) of turtles fed with the diet containing 3% FSBM were not significantly different from the control group (0% FSBM) (P > 0.05). However, FR, SGR and FER of turtles fed with the diet containing 6% FSBM were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the activities of serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase and glutamicpyruvic transaminase among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). However, the uric acid concentration in turtles fed with the diet containing 3% or 6% FSBM was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the activities of lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase and total superoxide dismutase among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). The results suggested that FSBM could replace 4.72% BFM protein in turtle diets without exerting adverse effects on turtle growth, feed utilization and measured immune parameters.
基金the Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province, China (No. 2004C26026)the Science and Technology Department of Hangzhou City, China (No. 20051322 B33)
文摘Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Trionyx sinens) in culture farms using an artificial warming system in Zhejiang, China, often show typical signs of white-spot disease such as white spots on their bodies, skin lesions, anorexia and eventually death. The sick turtles were mostly 5-80 g in weight. A suspected fungal pathogen was isolated from the sick turtles and verified as Paecilomyces lilacinus by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of its ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Detailed morphological examinations were also conducted to confirm the white-spot disease.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30910103916)the Key Project of Science and Technology Program of Hainan,China(06122)
文摘In 1998,a study on forty-five four-eyed turtles(Sacalia quadriocellata) was initiated to gather preliminary biological data of this species and to investigate the feasibility of its captive reproduction.In the following six years,no courtship behavior was found occurring in males and no oviposition in females.From 2004 to 2007,two successful techniques were applied to initiate reproductive behavior:1) injecting exogenous reproductive hormones; and 2) reducing the stress of living in captivity.As a result of the hormone treatments,courtship behavior and copulation were observed during September and October,2005.However,no courtship displays were seen from the CK males,which were not treated with hormones.Ovulation occurred between December and March,and the correlation was not significant between behavior of ovulation and food intake.Females laid only one clutch of eggs each year,with 2.47 eggs(n=34,range=1–4) at average,and 84 eggs were totally obtained,of which 13 were damaged,52 were infertile and 19 fertile.Of the fertile eggs,nine were hatched with mean incubation period of 105.9 days(n=9,range=89–122 days) at temperature ranging from 24 to 27℃.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.31172383,31670419)the Scientific Start-up Funding for Doctors(No.Z109021614 to CHEN B J)of Northwest A&F University
文摘Vitamin C (Vc) is an important antioxidant that helps turtles tolerating stressful environment. This work quantified changes in tissue Vc levels during winter hibernation in the soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis , to reveal the stress response pattern of tissue Vc during hibernation and contribute basic data for turtle culture. We sampled juvenile soft-shelled turtles at pre-hibernation (17.0°C mud temperature;MT), during hibernation (5.8°C MT) and after arousal (20.1°C MT) in the field. The transcript levels of the gene encoding L-gulonolactone oxidase (GLO), the key enzyme for Vc synthesis, decreased significantly during hibernation. However, GLO activity did not match the GLO transcription patterns and remained stable during hibernation, and showed temperature-dependent kinetic characteristics. Vitamin C levels in the brain, liver, kidney, and spleen (but not muscle) all decreased significantly during hibernation, but recovered to pre-hibernation levels or even higher levels after arousal. The soft-shelled turtle endured 5 months of hibernation with no significant oxidative damage in most tissues, except in the spleen. Splenic Vc was nearly exhausted during hibernation, accompanied by a significantly elevated malonaldehyde (MDA) level. Although the high level of oxidative damage quickly decreased after arousal, the potential tissue damage in the spleen during hibernation might account for the weakened immune capacity of turtles after hibernation.
文摘Soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis is important aquatic species in China, and searching for alternatives protein resources to fish meal (FM)-based feeds in feed has become urgent and important for its sustainability development. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary soy protein concentrate (SPC) on growth, digestive enzymes and target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway of juvenile P. sinensis (4.56 ± 0.09 g). SPC was applied to replace FM protein at 0%, 15%, 30% and 60% (designated as T0, T15, T30 and T60, respectively), and each diet was fed to triplicate groups. The results showed that there was no significant difference in growth performance and feed utilization except of the turtles fed with T60 diet, of which showed poorer daily weight gain and feed conversion rate. The pepsin/trypsin and Na+-K+ ATP-ase activities decreased dramatically when SPC level increased, and lipase activities in liver and intestinal tract also showed decline tendency. However, amylase activities were unaffected. No significant differences were observed in TOR, S6K1 and 4E-BP1 genes mRNA expression level of TOR signaling pathway among the treatments. However, the relative phosphorylated level of these proteins decreased significantly when SPC level increased. The present study indicated that high SPC substitution level would suppress digestive enzymes and TOR signaling pathway proteins phosphorylated level and eventually result in growth reduction of P. sinensis.
文摘The gastrointestinal tracts of four Chelonia mydas hatchlings were examined at the anatomical, histological and ultrastructural level. Our results show that the gastrointestinal tract(GI) is composed by esophagus, stomach, small intestine(SI) and large intestine(LI), and histologically of mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa(ME) and serosa. The esophagus is marked by conical papillae lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, whereas the remaining GI by simple columnar epithelium; esophageal diverticulum is absent. The stomach covered with mucous granule cells, contains cardia, fundic regions and pylorus, which are separately characterized by cardiac glands, fundic glands and pyloric glands, and have the thickest submucosa and ME of the GI. The ME of the esophagus mainly consist of one layer of circular smooth muscle whereas the rest of GI of two layers, inner circular muscle and outer longitudinal muscle. The SI is slightly longer than the LI and the GI is approximately 5.11 times of the carapace length. The SI is lined with longitudinal zigzag folds and characterized by absorptive cells with longer and denser microvilli, whereas the LI by transversal folds, goblet cells and lymphoid nodules. Only intestinal glands appear in duodenum. Endocrine cells are observed in all sections of the GI and accounted for the largest proportion in duodenum. The results demonstrate a perfect combination of the structure and function of the GI and reveal that the digestion and absorption primarily occurs in the foregut. C. mydas hatchling may prefer carnivorous diet.
基金Project supported by the Scientific and Research Bureau of Shenzhen, China
文摘The effects of ration level and feeding frequency on digestibility in juvenile soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, were investigated. Four ration levels 1.5%, 2.5%, 4.0% and satiation (6.0% BW/d) were used. Apparent digestibility (AD) of dry matter (DMAD), protein (PAD) and protein real digestibility (PRD) were significantly affected by ration level, but not by feeding frequency when the ration level was similar. However, the feeding frequency affected the AD, DMAD, PAD and PRD significantly when the turtles were fed to satiation. The relationship between fecal protein content (Y) and protein intake (At) can be expressed as a quadric equation: Y=-0.1742+0.1476X-0.0003X^2 (r^2=0.876, n=27, F=93.92, P〈0.01).