Abstract
Knowledge on chemical components of the post-hatching eggshell of reptiles may provide indicators of the quality of the diet offered to females kept in captivity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the chemical characteristics of the calcareous layer, as well as the thickness of Podocnemis expansa post-hatching eggshells. Eggshell thickness was 183±1.405 µm. This value is similar to that of the eggs of other Testudines with flexible eggshells. As for the chemical composition, the following percentages were observed: nitrogen 7.983 ± 0.054; crude protein 49.91 ± 0.324; crude fat 0.068 ± 0.002; mineral matter 20.302 ± 0.807; calcium 13.374 ± 0.647; and phosphorus 0.176 ± 0.003. Knowledge on chemical composition of the eggshell may aid the nutrition of P. expansa raised in commercial facilities, once this species is an alternative and promising source of exotic meat.
Highlights
The eggshell is a fundamental structure in the incubation period
The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical characteristics of the calcareous layer, as well as the thickness of Podocnemis expansa posthatching eggshells
Interspecific differences in the chemical composition of recently hatched eggshells and in the percentage of these elements may be explained by the diet of the female, by the different nutritional requirements of the embryo, and by differences in exposure to external agents, once each species has different nesting habits
Summary
The eggshell is a fundamental structure in the incubation period It protects the embryo against microorganisms, controls the flow of gases and water through its pores, and is a source of calcium for the embryo during their development. The outer layer is calcareous, made up of different types of minerals (Kitimasak, Thirakhupt, & Moll, 2003) and other components, mainly calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, oxygen, crude fat, protein, and nitrogen (Kitimasak et al, 2003; Cusack, Fraser, & Stachel, 2003). These eggshell elements are organized in a characteristic way in each species. Intrinsic characteristics of the egg may lead to differences in the chemical composition of Testudines eggshells (Mine, 1995)
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