Different dietary protein levels for Podocnemis unifilis subadult farming: hematological and biochemical assessment

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the physiological responses of subadult yellow-spotted Amazon river turtle, Podocnemis unifilis, to incremental crude protein levels (29%, 32%, 35%, and 39% CP) as extruded commercial feeds. The hematological and plasma biochemical parameters of P. unifilis were analyzed at 60, 120, and 180 days of the feeding trial. The increase in total thrombocyte, leukocyte, lymphocyte, heterophil, and eosinophil numbers, besides high respiratory burst activity showed an improvement in animal immune defense response to incremental protein in diets, acting together to maintain the integrity of the tissues against antigens and infectious agents. Elevated subadult P. unifilis plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride levels observed after increasing the feeding time (until 180 days) with incremented protein levels in artificial diets during captivity are a nutritional warning, related to the condition of being less physically active. Based on these results, periodic physiological evaluations are particularly important to ensure the healthy and adequate nutritional conditions of captive-bred animals, such as maintaining lower stocking densities of animals to avoid stress and, if possible, providing them with fresh food in addition to extruded artificial feed.