In the study, a total of 20 red-eared turtles （ half male and half female） were selected to conduct the measurement of liver size and intrahepatic blood flow of red-eared turtles by color Doppler ultrasound. The res...In the study, a total of 20 red-eared turtles （ half male and half female） were selected to conduct the measurement of liver size and intrahepatic blood flow of red-eared turtles by color Doppler ultrasound. The results showed that the fight hepatic lobe could be scanned through the right carotid anterior acoustic win- dow, and the left hepatic lobe could be scanned through the left carotid anterior acoustic window, but the vision would be obstructed by the air in trachea. The liver could also be scanned through the left femoral anterior acoustic window and the fight femoral anterior acoustic window when filling of bladder was good. The correla- tion regression analysis suggested that estimated values of liver showed no linear relationship with weight, the longest back curve and the widest back curve. Through the study, the normal indicators for ultrasound examination of red-eared turtle liver were established, in order to provide a reference for examination of turtle liver.展开更多
With their suitable habitats significantly affected by climate change and human activities,most of the seven globally recognized sea turtles are facing endangerment.In order to predict their present and future(2090−21...With their suitable habitats significantly affected by climate change and human activities,most of the seven globally recognized sea turtles are facing endangerment.In order to predict their present and future(2090−2100)potentially suitable habitats,we utilized the MaxEnt model,incorporating occurrence data for various sea turtle species and environmental datasets under current conditions,as well as under two climate scenarios from the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5).Our findings showed that the key environmental variables,such as temperature and distance from shore predominantly influence the prediction on the potentially suitable habitat for sea turtles.The most highly suitable habitats for sea turtles are predominantly found in the tropical coastal waters bordering continents,including South and North America,Asia,and Australia.Under the climate scenarios of SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 for 2090−2100,the anticipated loss of potential suitable habitats is expected to surpass any potential gains for all sea turtle species.The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle(Lepidochelys kempii)is especially vulnerable,with its potentially suitable habitat area projected to decrease by 0.43%under SSP1-2.6 scenario to 6.15%under SSP5-8.5 scenario.In contrast,the most resilient Dermochelys coriacea is projected with a reduction of 1.02%under SSP1-2.6 and 0.57%under SSP5-8.5 in its potentially suitable habitat.These varying responses to climate change inferred the necessity for species-specific conservation strategies.However,only 9.9%of the integrated potentially suitable habitat is protected within the World Database on Protected Areas(WDPA),which suggested the extending of WDPA for more efficiency on the sea turtle conservation.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
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
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
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
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
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
The rising average global temperature can lead to changes both in the physical and biological environments and affect the survival of organisms. Freshwater turtles are considered to be susceptible species since their ...The rising average global temperature can lead to changes both in the physical and biological environments and affect the survival of organisms. Freshwater turtles are considered to be susceptible species since their development is dependent on incubation temperature. In Thailand, although several species of freshwater turtle are present, the extent of their susceptibility to temperature change is unknown due to the lack of information on their developmental patterns. This research, therefore, is aimed at examining the effects of temperature on somatic development in Malayemys macrocephala, a native species and the most common freshwater turtle in Thailand. Turtle eggs were collected from rice fields in the central part of Thailand during December 2011 to February 2012 inclusive. Eggs （237-238 per condition） were incubated in microprocessor-controlled incubators at three different temperatures （26 ℃, 29℃ and 32℃） with a relative humidity in excess of 80%. Each week, until the remaining eggs hatched, eggs were randomly selected, removed and dissected to reveal the developing embryo to screen for developmental stage and any abnormalities. The incubation period （lay to hatch） was not significantly different among the three temperatures （115 ±11.3 d, 115 ±20.3 d and 109±17.8 d, respectively）, but the growth patterns, as indicated by the stages of development and carapace lengths, were significantly different. At a high temperature （32℃）, turtle embryos showed a significantly faster growth rate than at the intermediate and low temperatures （29 ℃and 26 ℃）, but had a significantly （over 3.3-fold） higher incidence of developmental abnormalities （especially deformed bodies） than at the lower temperatures. Overall, the results indicate that incubation temperature is an important variable affecting the somatic development of this tropical freshwater turtle species, whilst abnormalities in the embryonic body may be a sensitive indicator of extreme thermal stress.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
Turmeric residue（TR）, containing residual levels of curcumin, is a solid by-product waste generated after the extraction and separation of curcumin from turmeric root. A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the e...Turmeric residue（TR）, containing residual levels of curcumin, is a solid by-product waste generated after the extraction and separation of curcumin from turmeric root. A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of TR on the survival of Chinese soft-shelled turtles（SSTs）, Pelodiscus sinensis, under a high ambient temperature. A total of 320 female SSTs were assigned randomly to two diets： basal diet（the control group, n=160） and an interventional diet supplemented with 10% TR（the TR group, n=160）. Our results demonstrated that supplementation of TR increased the SST survival rate by 135.5%, and superoxide dismutase（SOD） activity of SST liver by 112.8%, and decreased the malondialdehyde（MDA） content of SST liver by 36.4%, compared to the control group. The skin of the SST fed TR showed a golden color. High-performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） analysis indicated that the concentrations of curcumin in TR and the skin of the SST fed TR were（1.69±0.30） and（0.14±0.03） μg/g, respectively. Our observation suggests that supplementation of TR increased the survival rate of SST under high ambient temperatures. We speculated that the increased survival rate and tolerance at the high ambient temperature were associated with the anti-oxidation activity of curcumin from TR. Moreover, curcumin in TR could be deposited in SST skin, which made it more favored in the market of China. Our findings provide new knowledge and evidence to effectively reuse TR as a feed additive in animal and aquatic farming.展开更多
文摘In the study, a total of 20 red-eared turtles （ half male and half female） were selected to conduct the measurement of liver size and intrahepatic blood flow of red-eared turtles by color Doppler ultrasound. The results showed that the fight hepatic lobe could be scanned through the right carotid anterior acoustic win- dow, and the left hepatic lobe could be scanned through the left carotid anterior acoustic window, but the vision would be obstructed by the air in trachea. The liver could also be scanned through the left femoral anterior acoustic window and the fight femoral anterior acoustic window when filling of bladder was good. The correla- tion regression analysis suggested that estimated values of liver showed no linear relationship with weight, the longest back curve and the widest back curve. Through the study, the normal indicators for ultrasound examination of red-eared turtle liver were established, in order to provide a reference for examination of turtle liver.
基金The National Key Research and Development Program of China under contract No.2023YFC2811400.
文摘With their suitable habitats significantly affected by climate change and human activities,most of the seven globally recognized sea turtles are facing endangerment.In order to predict their present and future(2090−2100)potentially suitable habitats,we utilized the MaxEnt model,incorporating occurrence data for various sea turtle species and environmental datasets under current conditions,as well as under two climate scenarios from the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5).Our findings showed that the key environmental variables,such as temperature and distance from shore predominantly influence the prediction on the potentially suitable habitat for sea turtles.The most highly suitable habitats for sea turtles are predominantly found in the tropical coastal waters bordering continents,including South and North America,Asia,and Australia.Under the climate scenarios of SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 for 2090−2100,the anticipated loss of potential suitable habitats is expected to surpass any potential gains for all sea turtle species.The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle(Lepidochelys kempii)is especially vulnerable,with its potentially suitable habitat area projected to decrease by 0.43%under SSP1-2.6 scenario to 6.15%under SSP5-8.5 scenario.In contrast,the most resilient Dermochelys coriacea is projected with a reduction of 1.02%under SSP1-2.6 and 0.57%under SSP5-8.5 in its potentially suitable habitat.These varying responses to climate change inferred the necessity for species-specific conservation strategies.However,only 9.9%of the integrated potentially suitable habitat is protected within the World Database on Protected Areas(WDPA),which suggested the extending of WDPA for more efficiency on the sea turtle conservation.
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℃.
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.
基金supported by the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity,Faculty of Science,Chulalongkorn University
文摘The rising average global temperature can lead to changes both in the physical and biological environments and affect the survival of organisms. Freshwater turtles are considered to be susceptible species since their development is dependent on incubation temperature. In Thailand, although several species of freshwater turtle are present, the extent of their susceptibility to temperature change is unknown due to the lack of information on their developmental patterns. This research, therefore, is aimed at examining the effects of temperature on somatic development in Malayemys macrocephala, a native species and the most common freshwater turtle in Thailand. Turtle eggs were collected from rice fields in the central part of Thailand during December 2011 to February 2012 inclusive. Eggs （237-238 per condition） were incubated in microprocessor-controlled incubators at three different temperatures （26 ℃, 29℃ and 32℃） with a relative humidity in excess of 80%. Each week, until the remaining eggs hatched, eggs were randomly selected, removed and dissected to reveal the developing embryo to screen for developmental stage and any abnormalities. The incubation period （lay to hatch） was not significantly different among the three temperatures （115 ±11.3 d, 115 ±20.3 d and 109±17.8 d, respectively）, but the growth patterns, as indicated by the stages of development and carapace lengths, were significantly different. At a high temperature （32℃）, turtle embryos showed a significantly faster growth rate than at the intermediate and low temperatures （29 ℃and 26 ℃）, but had a significantly （over 3.3-fold） higher incidence of developmental abnormalities （especially deformed bodies） than at the lower temperatures. Overall, the results indicate that incubation temperature is an important variable affecting the somatic development of this tropical freshwater turtle species, whilst abnormalities in the embryonic body may be a sensitive indicator of extreme thermal stress.
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.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31271848)the Foundation of Fuli Institute of Food Science of Zhejiang University(No.KY201404),China
文摘Turmeric residue（TR）, containing residual levels of curcumin, is a solid by-product waste generated after the extraction and separation of curcumin from turmeric root. A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of TR on the survival of Chinese soft-shelled turtles（SSTs）, Pelodiscus sinensis, under a high ambient temperature. A total of 320 female SSTs were assigned randomly to two diets： basal diet（the control group, n=160） and an interventional diet supplemented with 10% TR（the TR group, n=160）. Our results demonstrated that supplementation of TR increased the SST survival rate by 135.5%, and superoxide dismutase（SOD） activity of SST liver by 112.8%, and decreased the malondialdehyde（MDA） content of SST liver by 36.4%, compared to the control group. The skin of the SST fed TR showed a golden color. High-performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） analysis indicated that the concentrations of curcumin in TR and the skin of the SST fed TR were（1.69±0.30） and（0.14±0.03） μg/g, respectively. Our observation suggests that supplementation of TR increased the survival rate of SST under high ambient temperatures. We speculated that the increased survival rate and tolerance at the high ambient temperature were associated with the anti-oxidation activity of curcumin from TR. Moreover, curcumin in TR could be deposited in SST skin, which made it more favored in the market of China. Our findings provide new knowledge and evidence to effectively reuse TR as a feed additive in animal and aquatic farming.
