Characteristics of Kinosternon scorpioides turtle embryos through egg candling

Abstract

Effective management practices are critical for the successful reproduction of animals in captivity or in in situ environments. One of the techniques used in egg quality control is candling. In ex situ reproduction of Kinosternon scorpioides, it is important to establish incubation protocols, which, through egg management, allow control of embryonic development and improved birth rates. We incubated eggs and monitored embryonic development of K. scorpioides through egg candling. Fertile eggs were incubated, and candling analyses were performed weekly. Embryonic development in the early stages (first third of incubation) presented the following characteristics: presence of the vitelline circulatory system, expansion of this system, and descent of the embryo onto the yolk. Then, in the middle stages (second third of incubation), the intense pigmentation of the embryo was observed, with the body moving to prone position. Subsequently, in the late stages, the embryo grew, filling a large part of the internal space of the egg. The incubation period took on average 116.50 ± 13.11 days. Candling can be used to monitor the embryonic development of K. scorpioides. It is a useful tool to improve the production of hatchlings, from fertility detection to hatching.