Influence of environmental humidity and dietary protein on pyramidal growth of carapaces in African spurred tortoises (Geochelone sulcata)
The carapaces of captive-raised tortoises (terrestrial chelonians of the zoological family Testudinidae, often develop pyramidal-shaped osseous growth centrally within the horny plates. With very few exceptions (e.g. Geochelone elegans, Psammobates sp.), this conical growth pattern is considered to be pathologic. This very common defect is believed to be an important indicator of the quality of […]
Calcium and phosphorus supplementation decreases growth, but does not induce pyramiding, in young red-eared sliders, Trachemys scripta elegans
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1998)17:13.3.CO;2-L It has been speculated that pyramiding, a condition in which the scutes of the carapace become deformed and elevated, may be caused by an imbalance in dietary calcium (Ca) and/or phosphorus (P). This was tested by feeding 48 red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), 12–14 weeks old, one of four diets for 150 days. […]