RESUMO

Assisted reproductive technologies such as cooling, freezing, and artificial insemination are essential in conserving genetic diversity of critically endangered reptiles like the golden lancehead pitviper (Bothrops insularis). Therefore, we examined viability of semen samples from captive golden lanceheads diluted in coconut‐water based extender over a 48‐h period of cooling (5°C). Semen evaluations were performed immediately after the dilution and at 6, 24, and 48 h, using computer‐assisted sperm analysis and stains to assess plasma membrane and acrosomal status. Our findings showed that the extender and protocol employed here were effective in preserving golden lancehead pitviper spermatozoa for a short periods of time (48 h), allowing semen samples to be transported to distant locations for immediate use without the setbacks of cryopreservation.

RESUMO

The Painted Coral Snake Micrurus corallinus is one of the Brazilian species kept in captivity to obtain venom for antivenom production. Difficulties in establishing a sizeable breeding colony make it necessary to find alternatives that increase the reproductive efficiency of captive individuals. Here, we tested a semen collection protocol and characterize the seminal parameters of captive M. corallinus. We collected semen during the mating season of the species (spring-summer) and were successful at every first attempt. Spermatozoa of M. corallinus are elongated and filiform, and the midpiece is the longest part. Sperm motility and progressive motility reached values of 80% and 3.6%, respectively, during the reproductive period of this species. Our results will allow further studies to improve husbandry, reproductive rates, and conservation of captive M. corallinus.

RESUMO

Reproductive seasonality is common among snakes, with mating, pregnancy, and birth or oviposition occurring only during few months of the year and modulated mainly by two environmental phenomena—temperature and rainfall. Species of Bothrops inhabit regions with varied climatic conditions, including those that are tropical, subtropical, equatorial, and semiarid. Bothrops atrox is an endemic and widespread species of the Amazon rain forest. Such habitat is characterized by an equatorial climate with little variability in temperature and humidity, but marked seasonality in intense precipitation. We investigated several aspects of the reproductive biology of B. atrox, including the reproductive cycle, the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK), sperm storage, and the possible influence of temperature and rainfall on pregnancy duration, birth, and spermatogenesis. Specifically, we examined museum specimens to describe sexual dimorphism, litter size, and male and female urogenital cycles through macroscopic and histological analyses. Females of B. atrox exhibited follicular recrudescence mainly from January to April (part of the wet season). Pregnant females were found throughout the year (except May), but births were found to occur mainly at the end of the dry season (August–October). Males exhibited SSK hypertrophy and sperm production in the wet season (November–April). Females were found to be larger than males, but males of B. atrox—as with other members of the B. atrox species complex—obtain relatively larger body sizes when compared with other species of Bothrops, which might be an adaptive response to male–male combat in this species. Together, our results show that B. atrox from Amazonia has a unique reproductive strategy (for each sex) among pit vipers, indicating greater reproductive plasticity when compared with its congeners.

RESUMO

The species snakes Boa constrictor (red-tailed boa) is representatives of the family Boidae. Boa constrictors feed on small or medium mammals, birds and even lizards, and their food is directly related to biochemical differences of the animal. This aim of this review is address data that highlight the importance of understanding the biochemical profile of wild species, aiming reviews for possible treatment and breed in captivity, as well as rehabilitate wild animals. Among the laboratorial exams, serum biochemical profiles reflect cellular integrity and organ function. These patterns reflect both the leakage of cellular constituents to the serum, and regulation of damaged absorption, production or excretion of various serum components. In this context, the study of hematology it is essential to determine the health status of reptiles.(AU)

As serpentes da espécie Boa constrictor (jiboias) são representantes da família Boidae. As jiboias alimentam-se de mamíferos pequenos a médios, aves e até mesmo lagartos e sua alimentação está diretamente relacionada com diferenças nos valores bioquímicos do animal. Esta revisão teve por objetivo abordar dados que destacam a relevância de se conhecer o perfil bioquímico de espécies silvestres, visando possíveis avaliações para tratamento e criação destes animais em cativeiro, assim como reabilitar animais de vida livre. Dentre os exames laboratoriais, os perfis bioquímicos séricos refletem a integridade celular e a função orgânica. Esses padrões refletem tanto o extravasamento de constituintes celulares para o soro, quanto à regulação prejudicada da absorção, produção ou excreção dos vários componentes séricos. Neste contexto, o estudo da hematologia torna se fundamental para a determinação do estado de saúde dos répteis.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

The species snakes Boa constrictor (red-tailed boa) is representatives of the family Boidae. Boa constrictors feed on small or medium mammals, birds and even lizards, and their food is directly related to biochemical differences of the animal. This aim of this review is address data that highlight the importance of understanding the biochemical profile of wild species, aiming reviews for possible treatment and breed in captivity, as well as rehabilitate wild animals. Among the laboratorial exams, serum biochemical profiles reflect cellular integrity and organ function. These patterns reflect both the leakage of cellular constituents to the serum, and regulation of damaged absorption, production or excretion of various serum components. In this context, the study of hematology it is essential to determine the health status of reptiles.

As serpentes da espécie Boa constrictor (jiboias) são representantes da família Boidae. As jiboias alimentam-se de mamíferos pequenos a médios, aves e até mesmo lagartos e sua alimentação está diretamente relacionada com diferenças nos valores bioquímicos do animal. Esta revisão teve por objetivo abordar dados que destacam a relevância de se conhecer o perfil bioquímico de espécies silvestres, visando possíveis avaliações para tratamento e criação destes animais em cativeiro, assim como reabilitar animais de vida livre. Dentre os exames laboratoriais, os perfis bioquímicos séricos refletem a integridade celular e a função orgânica. Esses padrões refletem tanto o extravasamento de constituintes celulares para o soro, quanto à regulação prejudicada da absorção, produção ou excreção dos vários componentes séricos. Neste contexto, o estudo da hematologia torna se fundamental para a determinação do estado de saúde dos répteis.

Assuntos

RESUMO

It was determined the average values of the following blood biochemical indicators of boas (Boa constrictor): glucose, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), amylase and lipase, and compared the results obtained concerning sex. A total of 12 Boa constrictor specimens were used, seven males and five females. The average of the biochemical indicators between males and females had no significant difference. The traditional biochemical techniques have been useful to determine these indicators to this species...

Foram determinados os valores médios dos indicadores bioquímicos sanguíneos: glicose, ureia, creatinina, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), amilase e lipase de jiboias (Boa constrictor) e comparados os valores das concentrações encontradas entre os grupos de machos e fêmeas. Foram utilizados 12 espécimes de Boa constrictor, dos quais sete machos e cinco fêmeas. A comparação das médias dos indicadores bioquímicos entre os grupos de machos e fêmeas indicou ausência de influência significativa de fatores sexuais. As técnicas bioquímicas tradicionais foram adequadas para a determinação desses indicadores para esta espécie...

Assuntos

RESUMO

It was determined the average values of the following blood biochemical indicators of boas (Boa constrictor): glucose, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), amylase and lipase, and compared the results obtained concerning sex. A total of 12 Boa constrictor specimens were used, seven males and five females. The average of the biochemical indicators between males and females had no significant difference. The traditional biochemical techniques have been useful to determine these indicators to this species(AU)

Foram determinados os valores médios dos indicadores bioquímicos sanguíneos: glicose, ureia, creatinina, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), amilase e lipase de jiboias (Boa constrictor) e comparados os valores das concentrações encontradas entre os grupos de machos e fêmeas. Foram utilizados 12 espécimes de Boa constrictor, dos quais sete machos e cinco fêmeas. A comparação das médias dos indicadores bioquímicos entre os grupos de machos e fêmeas indicou ausência de influência significativa de fatores sexuais. As técnicas bioquímicas tradicionais foram adequadas para a determinação desses indicadores para esta espécie(AU)

Assuntos