Facility design and associated services for the study of amphibians
The role of facilities and associated services for amphibians has recently undergone diversification. Amphibians traditionally used as research models adjust well to captivity and thrive with established husbandry techniques. However, it is now necessary to maintain hundreds of novel amphibian species in captive breeding, conservation research, and biomedical research programs. These diverse species have a […]
Quantifying the vitamin D3 synthesizing potential of UVB lamps at specific distances over time
Abstract The purpose of this study was to quantify the ultraviolet B (UVB) output and in vitro previtamin D3 synthesis over time from various artificial light sources. Three incandescent lamps, T-Rex Active UVHeat 160 watt spot, T-Rex Active UVHeat 160 watt flood, and ZooMed PowerSun 160 watt flood, and two 1.2 m fluorescent lamps, Sylvania Blacklight […]
Evaluation of UVB reduction by materials commonly used in reptile husbandry
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20148.abs Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation (285–320 nm) is considered important for metabolic processes and reproduction in many reptile species by facilitating the synthesis of vitamin D3. In captivity, UVB radiation reaching an animal may be diminished by the properties of the materials used in enclosure construction. We investigated the UVB-attenuating properties of 14 materials commonly […]
Effects of Artificial Ultraviolet Light Exposure on Reproductive Success of the Female Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) in Captivity
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10054.abs Having previously documented experimentally the need for ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation (290–315 nm) in the light environment of captive female panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) to ensure hatching success of their eggs, we investigated optimal UVB irradiation levels. From 1996–1998 28 hatchling female panther chameleons were raised to maturity and bred (using vitamin and […]
Provision of ultraviolet basking lights to indoor housed tropical birds and their effect on suspected vitamin D3 deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency (measured as 25(OH)D 3 ) can occur if birds are fed a vitamin D deficient diet and do not have access to ultraviolet B light (UVB). This can result in eggs with deficient yolks and consequent metabolic bone disease (MBD) in chicks. In this study, hypovitaminosis D was suspected in 31 adult […]