Effect of incubation temperature and substrate moisture on embryonic development, hatchling phenotypes and post-hatching growth in the Reeves' Turtle, Mauremys reevesii.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Reeves' Turtles (Mauremys reevesii) are economically important in aquaculture in China. Understanding the effects of incubation temperature and substrate moisture on embryos and hatchlings is of great significance for improving the artificial culture of M. reevesii. However, available studies have not yet determined the thermal and hydric optima for M. reevesii eggs, and the potential interaction between the two factors.

Methods

In this study, eggs of M. reevesii were incubated at five temperature levels (23, 26, 29, 32 and 35 °C, fluctuation range ± 0.5 °C). In each temperature level, there were three substrate moisture levels (1:0.5, 1:0.9 and 1:1.2, weight ratio of vermiculite to water). Thus, a total of 15 combinations of temperatur

SUBMITTER: Wei Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7883692 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature