Dietary protein level for growth of captive hawksbill sea turtles ( Eretmochelys imbricata )

Information from the abstract

Feeding regimens are critical for the success of sea turtle headstarting programs. This study investigates, over eight weeks, the dietary protein requirement of the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in support of an ex situ conservation program. Five-month-old turtles (51.9 ± 1.0 g initial weight, 7.34 ± 0.04 cm initial carapace length, n = 45) were randomly distributed among 15 experimental tanks (three replicate tanks per dietary treatment, with three turtles per tank). The turtles received isocaloric fish meal-based feeds containing various proportions of protein (30, 35, 40, 45, and 50%). At the end of the feeding trial, turtles that received a feed containing 35% protein showed the highest growth performance (weight gain = 64.7 g) (P < 0.05) but no difference in feed utilization among the other dietary groups. The outperforming group showed significantly higher fecal amylase activity and amylase/trypsin ratio (P < 0.05), while other fecal digestive enzymes were unaffected. Fecal thermal properties also differed significantly among treatments (P < 0.05). The observed thermal dynamics may reflect differences in the residual nutrient composition of the feces. The feces of turtles that received the 35% protein diet showed a pattern of thermal behavior consistent with a lower amount of undigested nutrients. Although some hematological and biochemical parameters differed among dietary treatments, all values remained within published reference intervals, while carapace elemental composition was unaffected. These findings suggest an optimal protein level of around 35% for maximizing growth in captive-reared juvenile hawksbill turtles before their reintroduction into the wild.

Why this record is monitored

This record has an Impact Signal of 72/100 based on recency, source, collaboration, and bibliographic signals. It prioritizes monitoring and is not a judgment of research quality.

Related topics: Turtle Biology and Conservation · Aquaculture Nutrition and Growth · Echinoderm biology and ecology