chelonia mydas. cayman islands “that’s odd”
TRANSCRIPT
Chelonia mydas
Cayman Islands
“That’s odd”
CONCLUSIONS
•% Hatch rates at 34” vs 4” the same•Post hatch mortality higher at shallower 4” depth
•Eggs incubated at natural depth produce stronger hatchlings with higher in-water survival?
What makes a good egg?
60 day life support system
• Amino acids• Fatty acids• Vitamins• Minerals• Antioxidants
Wild eggs vs Cayman Turtle Farm Eggs
Carotenoid differences Lutein, Zeaxanthin
Higher levels of PUFAs
Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids – building blocks for important hormones
Mice genetically engineered to lack the ability to produce DHA and EPA have fertility problems – low sperm count and mobility
The ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 Fas in the diet affects the proportion of inflammatory and non –inflammatory Fas procuced.
What is the N3:N6 ratio in wild diet?Turtle grass - 1:1
What is the N3:N6 ratio in CTF feed?Old diet - 1:5
Natural dietary sources of EPA and DHA include:
Fish oil (anchovies)Algae (Spirolina)
Where do green sea turles get their EPA and DHA?
Sources of alpha – linolenic acid:
Flax (<5% limit)Fish Oil ($$)EPA/DHA commercial procuct ($$$$$)Camelina meal?
CAMELINA MEAL
• Up to 45% Omega 3 FA• 35-45% alpha-linolenic acid• Rich in antioxidants such as tocopherols• Resists oxidation and rancidity
19-A
pr
28-A
pr
7-M
ay
16-M
ay
25-M
ay3-
Jun
12-J
un
21-J
un
30-J
un9-
Jul
18-J
ul
27-J
ul
5-Aug
14-A
ug
23-A
ug
1-Sep
10-S
ep
19-S
ep
28-S
ep0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
35000
40000
45000
Total Eggs Laid by Year
2012
2011
2010
2009
CURRENT RESEARCH
DNA FINGERPRINTING OF BREEDERS
ASSESSMENT OF CONSERVATION THROUGH GENTIC ANALYSIS OF WILD EGGS
AGING STUDYMEASURMENTS OF TELEMERE LENGTHS
TOPICAL LESION TREATMENTS W/ SDS
ISOTOPIC SIGNATURES
• www.turtle.ky/conervation/scientific-papers.cfm
