Chelonia mydas

Cayman Islands

“That’s odd”

CONCLUSIONS

•% Hatch rates at 34” vs 4” the same•Post hatch mortality higher at shallower 4” depth

•Eggs incubated at natural depth produce stronger hatchlings with higher in-water survival?

What makes a good egg?

60 day life support system

• Amino acids• Fatty acids• Vitamins• Minerals• Antioxidants

Wild eggs vs Cayman Turtle Farm Eggs

Carotenoid differences Lutein, Zeaxanthin

Higher levels of PUFAs

Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids – building blocks for important hormones

Mice genetically engineered to lack the ability to produce DHA and EPA have fertility problems – low sperm count and mobility

The ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 Fas in the diet affects the proportion of inflammatory and non –inflammatory Fas procuced.

What is the N3:N6 ratio in wild diet?Turtle grass - 1:1

What is the N3:N6 ratio in CTF feed?Old diet - 1:5

Natural dietary sources of EPA and DHA include:

Fish oil (anchovies)Algae (Spirolina)

Where do green sea turles get their EPA and DHA?

Sources of alpha – linolenic acid:

Flax (<5% limit)Fish Oil ($$)EPA/DHA commercial procuct ($$$$$)Camelina meal?

CAMELINA MEAL

• Up to 45% Omega 3 FA• 35-45% alpha-linolenic acid• Rich in antioxidants such as tocopherols• Resists oxidation and rancidity

19-A

pr

28-A

pr

7-May

16-M

ay

25-M

ay3-J

un

12-Ju

n

21-Ju

n

30-Ju

n9-J

ul

18-Ju

l

27-Ju

l

5-Aug

14-A

ug

23-A

ug1-S

ep

10-S

ep

19-S

ep

28-S

ep0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

45000

Total Eggs Laid by Year

2012201120102009

CURRENT RESEARCH

DNA FINGERPRINTING OF BREEDERS

ASSESSMENT OF CONSERVATION THROUGH GENTIC ANALYSIS OF WILD EGGS

AGING STUDYMEASURMENTS OF TELEMERE LENGTHS

TOPICAL LESION TREATMENTS W/ SDS

ISOTOPIC SIGNATURES

• www.turtle.ky/conervation/scientific-papers.cfm