Changes in food-derived minerals and molecules during different growth phases of freshwater tortoise (Geochelone nigra) under intensive management system: implication for public health

Jameslove I. Kperegbeyi; Omhenkeghan E. Okhale; Onyinye S. Onwumere-Idolor; Patricia T. Osunu; Ezekiel U. Nwose

doi:10.18203/issn.2454-2156.IntJSciRep20251778

Authors

Jameslove I. Kperegbeyi Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Nigeria
Omhenkeghan E. Okhale Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Nigeria
Onyinye S. Onwumere-Idolor Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Nigeria
Patricia T. Osunu Department of Public Health, Bayelsa Medical University, Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Ezekiel U. Nwose Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University, Amai Campus, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1318-9853

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.IntJSciRep20251778

Keywords:

Nutritional values, Minerals, Health values, Growth phases, Freshwater tortoise, Biochemical values, Ecosystem

Abstract

Background: Freshwater tortoises (Geochelone nigra) are the most popular in the rainforest region. Their growth phases include hatchling growth phase (HGP), juvenile growth phase (JGP), sub-adult growth phase (SAGP) and adult growth phase (AGP). Objective of the study was to investigate the impact of minerals value on the different growth phases of the Nigerian freshwater tortoise.

Methods: This was an observational comparative study. The HGP, JGP, SAGP and AGP comprised four groups. 5-serial blood samples taken every two-months. The Ca²⁺, Cl^-1, Na⁺, and PO₄^-2 were assessed as minerals; while blood glucose, lipids and proteins comprised food-derived molecules. Comparison was by simple ANOVA.

Results: Highest concentration of glucose and lipids were recorded at the SAGP (72.00 mg/dl and 64.10 mg/dl); while the concentration of protein showed gradient increase as the tortoises progressed from HGP to AGP. Growth phases significantly (p˂0.05) differed in the mineral composition of the tortoises with SAGP showing highest values in Ca²⁺, PO₄^-2and Na⁺.

Conclusions: SAGP of Geochelone nigra has better serum biochemical values than HGP, JGP and AGP. This finding can be used to inform choice of the growth of tortoise when considering consumption and the desired relative nutritional value. Further implication on recreational and farmed are addressed.

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