Comparison of clutch size from natural nests and oxytocin induced clutches in the red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans
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Published source details
Tucker J.K. (2007) Comparison of clutch size from natural nests and oxytocin induced clutches in the red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans. Herpetological Review, 38, 40-40.
Published source details Tucker J.K. (2007) Comparison of clutch size from natural nests and oxytocin induced clutches in the red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans. Herpetological Review, 38, 40-40.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Use hormones and/or other drugs during captive-breeding programmes to induce reproduction/birth Action Link |
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Use hormones and/or other drugs during captive-breeding programmes to induce reproduction/birth
A replicated, controlled study (years not provided) on four river banks in Illinois, USA (Tucker 2007) found that using oxytocin to induce egg-laying in red-eared sliders Trachemys scripta elegans did not affect the total number of eggs laid. Oxytocin-induced red-eared sliders laid similar numbers of eggs (14 eggs/turtle) to sliders that were not induced (15 eggs/turtle). Female red-eared sliders were collected from four nesting sites by one of two rivers. Twenty-four turtles were found laying natural nests. These turtles were caught, palpated to confirm that egg-laying was complete and eggs were counted in nests. Oxytocin (0.2 ml/kg) was used to induce egg laying in 241 turtles.
(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
