Whole blood fatty acid concentrations in the San Cristóbal Galápagos tortoise (Chelonoidis chathamensis) (original) (raw)
Related papers
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1999
The fatty acid composition of total lipids extracted from seven different tissues (fat, liver, cerebrum, cerebellum, lung, kidney and muscle) of 10 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) (weight 75.7916.2 kg) found dead or moribund during a morbillivirus epizootic, and from two tissues (fat and liver) of 54 loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) (18.5 910.5 kg) seized dead after illegal capture, both from the Mediterranean Sea, have been determined by high resolution chromatography techniques. When comparing both species, fatty acid composition is surprisingly similar, with a predominance of the monoenoic followed by the saturated group of fatty acids, and a very close ratio of polyunsaturates n-3/n-6. The relatively high arachidonic acid content in the liver of the two marine species is remarkable. The similar diet can play an important role in these findings, but it is suggested that probably metabolic pathways and essential fatty acid requirements between both marine vertebrates are similar, more than is expected from their earlier filogenetic evolutionary divergence.
The influence of diet on fatty acids in the egg yolk of green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas
Fatty acid concentrations found in the yolk of green sea turtles reXect diVerences in the diet of the mothers. All of the 12 fatty acids measured in yolk samples were signiWcantly diVerent between eggs produced from the pellet and wild-type diets. However, the relative pattern of yolk fatty acids in the green turtle mirrored those of other reptiles. Yolk samples contained mostly (63-67%) 14:0. 16:0, 16:1n-7 and 18:1n-9. Yolks from captive animals on pellet diet contained an additional 17.64% of the total yolk lipid as 12:0 and 18:2n-6. Wild yolks contained an extra 11.41% of lipid as 18:0 and 18:1n-7. Selection of fatty acids for the yolk should balance the energetic and anabolic needs of the embryo. Eggs are provisioned based on maternal metabolism of available nutrients and subtle diVerences between natural foods and those available in captivity could aVect the viability of future eggs.
Influence of fats, carotenoids and POPs on the reproduction of the leatherback turtle
2019
This study provides baseline data on fatty acid profiles and carotenoids in eggs of the leatherback sea turtle, Dermochelys coriacea. Correlations among such compounds, persistent organic pollutants, and reproductive parameters are also investigated. A number of 18 clutches were evaluated during June and August of 2008 at Reserva Pacuare Beach, in the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Viability and fertility were calculated for each nest. Concentration levels of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (SFAs and PUFAs), carotenoids and different congeners of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were determined from eggyolk samples. Mean ± SD values were calculated for each compound and for each clutch. Correlations were performed searching for interactions among different compounds and for potential effects on reproductive parameters, thus all the studied compounds were related to each other and to any of the reproductive parameters. Low carotenoid levels characterized all eggs of this species, and a positive relationship between carotenoid concentrations and the viability rate was found. POPs and PUFA were positive and strongly correlated, suggesting molecular interactions. PUFAs appeared to increase fertility rate and hatchling length. This study provides potential evidences of PUFA enhancing fertility and hatchling size, and of carotenoids limiting vitellogenesis. The positive correlation found between POPs and PUFAs may indicate that harmful effects of these contaminants on the reproduction of leatherback turtles could be masked.
Zoo Biology, 2001
The major lipid classes, their fatty acid profiles, and the amounts of the lipidsoluble components, vitamin E, vitamin A, and carotenoids, were determined for egg yolks of the Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri) with the aim of identifying any features that may potentially impair the adaptation of this endangered species to deteriorations in habitat. Total lipid formed 16% (wt/wt) of the fresh yolk and consisted of (wt/wt) 74.4% triacylglycerol, 18.1% phospholipid, 3.0% cholesteryl ester, and 3.4% free cholesterol. Despite a diet based on green plants, contributing α-linolenic acid as the main polyunsaturate, this fatty acid formed only 3.8% of the total mass of fatty acid of the total lipid. The main acyl component of the yolk lipids was the monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid, which formed 45.6% of the total. The most striking feature of the yolk composition was the almost complete lack of two nutrients, docosahexaenoic acid and vitamin A, which are essential for the developing embryo. Although it is feasible that the embryo synthesizes docosahexaenoic acid from yolk-derived α-linolenic acid and also converts yolk-derived β-carotene to vitamin A, the yolk is poorly endowed with both these precursors. The stringencies displayed by the yolk composition in this species may limit the flexibility to adapt to changes in the availability of food items when the habitat is threatened. Zoo Biol 20: 75-87, 2001.
Conservation physiology, 2018
As part of a planned introduction of captive Galapagos tortoises () to the San Cristóbal highland farms, our veterinary team performed thorough physical examinations and health assessments of 32 tortoises. Blood samples were collected for packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS), white blood cell count (WBC) differential, estimated WBC and a biochemistry panel including lactate. In some cases not all of the values were obtainable but most of the tortoises have full complements of results. Despite a small number of minor abnormalities this was a healthy group of mixed age and sex tortoises that had been maintained with appropriate husbandry. This work establishes part of a scientific and technical database to provide qualitative and quantitative information when establishing sustainable development strategies aimed at the conservation of Galapagos tortoises.
Chelonian Conservation and Biology, 2010
The green sea turtle (also known locally as black turtle; Chelonia mydas) is 1 of 5 species of sea turtles found along the coast of the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico, where several bays and lagoon systems provide an important growth and feeding habitat. We characterized blood biochemistry values of 67 green turtles captured at 2 mangrove estuaries along the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, from 2005 to 2007. Blood samples were collected from live turtles for biochemical analysis of 18 parameters and analyzed by physical state (healthy, injured), size classes, season, and geographic location. Green turtles showed differences in the variability of the biochemical parameters between the 2 sites. In Punta Abreojos, injured sea turtles had lower calcium (28%), potassium (28%), and inorganic phosphorus (34.5%) levels and higher cholinesterase activity (16%) compared to healthy turtles. Juvenile turtles collected in Bahía Magdalena had higher glucose levels (34%) than subadults. Levels of triglycerides, total proteins, and albumin correlated positively with size. During the summer and during the years 2005 (Bahía Magdalena, BMA) and 2006 (Punta Abreojos, PAO), individuals had significantly higher concentrations of lipid (cholesterol and triglycerides), glucose, uric acid, and protein. Differences in the habitat, food availability, and environmental conditions between BMA and PAO were reflected in the variability of the biochemical parameters when compared by different factors, such as physical state, size, and seasonality. This is the first report of blood biochemical values of green sea turtles in the Pacific coast of Baja California, Mexico. All serum chemistry values of green sea turtles were within published reference ranges of healthy sea turtle population.
PLOS ONE, 2018
Blood parameters provide an excellent tool to evaluate the health status of wildlife. However, there are few studies about health parameters of sea turtles in Mexico. For olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), no information was available to establish the health baseline for the species. The objective of this study was to establish reference blood biochemistry values for olive ridley turtles in the northern Sinaloa foraging area. Between 2013 and 2015, 82 olive ridley turtles were captured. Body condition index (BCI) presented a mean of 1.46 ± 0.14 (1.17-2.02) that categorized the population with excellent body condition; in addition, 99% of the turtles captured had a good physical appearance. Blood was collected for biochemistry analysis from 60 turtles. Significantly higher values of total protein, albumin, A/G ratio (albumin/globulin) and PCV (packed cell volume or hematocrit) were observed in adult when compared to subadult turtles. On the other hand, no significant differences were found when females and males were compared. Based on the BCI, physical assessment, and blood parameters, and compared to other sea turtle species, olive ridley turtles in northern Sinaloa were considered in excellent health. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to establish normal blood biochemistry values of foraging olive ridley turtles in northern Sinaloa.
The Eastern Pacific green turtle (EPGT) has been differentiating from the green turtle and is currently being considered a separate population. In this study, values for hematology and biochemistry of 85 green turtles captured from 2010 to 2014 were analyzed. These animals correspond to a resident foraging population at Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. All of them underwent a physical examination and were deemed apparently healthy. Hematological analyses were done using manual methods, while seric metabolites were determined with automated and semi-automated spectrophotometry. According to the curved carapace length (CCL) measurements, the subadult individuals were the most frequent (n = 74). The predominant cells were heterophils, followed by lymphocytes. Basophils were observed in 75% of the slides and in a proportion as high as 43%. Up to 80 samples were analyzed for the following seric parameters: total protein (2.6-6.2 g/dL), albumin (1-2.7 g/ dL), globulin (1.2-4.1 g/dL), glucose (54-145 mg/dL), cholesterol (58-336 mg/dL), ureic nitrogen (0-12 g/dL), creatinine (0.1-0.7 mg/dl), phosphorus (3.4-17 mg/dl), calcium (4.9-10.2 mg/dl), magnesium (5.2-12.8 mg/dl), uric acid (0.1-2.8 mg/ dL), triglycerides (14-743 mg/dl), alanine aminotransferase (0-13 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (82-289 U/L) and seric alkaline phosphatase (41-1263 U/L). These data can aid health status and conservation programs for the EPGT in this and nearby, similar locations.
Patterns of lipid storage and mobilisation in the female green sea turtle ( Chelonia mydas )
Journal of Comparative Physiology B: Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology, 2002
Reproductive data from southern Queensland indicate that vitellogenesis in female Chelonia mydas takes approximately 8 months and is followed by a migration to a breeding area. At Heron Island, females lay multiple clutches over approximately 3 months. To investigate how females mobilise and store lipid during the breeding season we collected plasma, yolk, and fat tissue samples from females at a variety of stages during the nesting season. In breeding females, concentrations of plasma triglyceride increased seasonally. They reached peak concentrations during vitellogenesis and courtship, remained high throughout the nesting season, and then declined to a nadir after the last clutch. Plasma protein concentration increased throughout the breeding season, peaking following the last clutch for the season. Yolk lipids were highest during courtship and were similar throughout the nesting season, suggesting that uptake of lipid by ovarian follicles is completed prior to the beginning of the nesting season. Plasma triglyceride decreases in females with prolonged periods of unsuccessful nesting, and total lipid levels in adipose tissue and follicle yolks were significantly lower in atretic females. It appears that: (1) endogenous energy reserves can be reduced by stochastic environmental events (such as those reducing nesting success), and (2) a metabolic shift signalling the end of the nesting season is characterised by a drop in plasma triglycerides and slight increase in total plasma protein.