| Body size development of captive and free-ranging Leopard tortoises (Geochelone pardalis). | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 19722272 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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The growth and weight development of Leopard tortoise hatchings (Geochelone pardalis) kept at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP), Qatar, was observed for more than four years, and compared to data in literature for free-ranging animals on body weight or carapace measurements. The results document a distinctively faster growth in the captive animals. Indications for the same phenomenon in other tortoise species (Galapagos giant tortoises, G. nigra; Spur-thighed tortoises, Testudo graeca; Desert tortoises, Gopherus agassizi) were found in the literature. The cause of the high growth rate most likely is the constant provision with highly digestible food of low fiber content. Increased growth rates are suspected to have negative consequences such as obesity, high mortality, gastrointestinal illnesses, renal diseases, "pyramiding," fibrous osteodystrophy or metabolic bone disease. The apparently widespread occurrence of high growth rates in intensively managed tortoises underlines how easily ectothermic animals can be oversupplemented with nutrients. |
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Authors:
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Julia Ritz; Catrin Hammer; Marcus Clauss |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Zoo biology Volume: 29 ISSN: 1098-2361 ISO Abbreviation: Zoo Biol. Publication Date: 2010 Jul-Aug |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-08-10 Completed Date: 2010-11-30 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 8807837 Medline TA: Zoo Biol Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 517-25 Citation Subset: IM |
Copyright Information:
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(c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. |
Affiliation:
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Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Age Factors Animals Animals, Zoo* Body Size / physiology* Body Weights and Measures Qatar Species Specificity Turtles / growth & development* |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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