Loading...
"CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOUN WHATSAPP GROUP"
Digital Clock With Date
Day, Month 00, Year
   
00: 00: 00 AM
     

National Open University of Nigeria NOUN Admission for 2025 Academic Session still ONGOING/ACTIVE. Due to ongoing upgrade this App is currently NOT available for TMA Answers for Self Submission. You reach out to us for TMA Submission with HIGH grades. Contact Us for NOUN Admission assistance/enquiry. Whatsapp 08133898192

GET the full Project Material


Categories

ANIMAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS

PERFORMANCE INDICES AND WATER CONSUMPTION OF TORTOISE (KINIXYX EROSA, SCHWEIGGER, 1812) FED BOILED UNRIPE PLANTAIN UNDER DIFFERENT WATERING REGIME IN CAPTIVITY

Project Material on PERFORMANCE INDICES AND WATER CONSUMPTION OF TORTOISE (KINIXYX EROSA, SCHWEIGGER, 1812) FED BOILED UNRIPE PLANTAIN UNDER DIFFERENT WATERING REGIME IN CAPTIVITY

PERFORMANCE INDICES AND WATER CONSUMPTION OF TORTOISE (KINIXYX EROSA, SCHWEIGGER, 1812) FED BOILED UNRIPE PLANTAIN UNDER DIFFERENT WATERING REGIME IN CAPTIVITY

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      Background of Study

Tortoises are widely kept as pets and are also an important part of many ecosystems, playing a vital role in seed dispersal and nutrient cycling (Bertolero et al., 2011). However, their care and management in captivity can be challenging, particularly in terms of nutrition and hydration (Fisher et al., 2017). Kinixys erosa, also known as the serrated hinge-back tortoise, is a species of tortoise found in West and Central Africa, including countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Iverson, 1992). They are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants, including grasses, leaves, and fruits (Auffenberg, 1964).

In captivity, tortoises require a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs, and boiled unripe plantain is a potential food source that has been suggested as a nutritious and easily digestible option (Olayemi et al., 2013). Plantains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and boiling them can increase their bioavailability (Adeyemi et al., 2016). However, there is limited research on the effects of boiled unripe plantain on tortoise performance and water consumption, particularly under different watering regimes.

Water is essential for tortoise health, and dehydration can lead to a range of health problems, including metabolic disorders and kidney damage (Donoghue, 2011). Tortoises have a unique physiology that allows them to conserve water, but they still require access to clean water for drinking and hygiene (Bentley et al., 2015). In captivity, tortoises may be subjected to different watering regimes, including ad libitum access to water, restricted access, or misting (Köhl et al., 2017). However, the optimal watering regime for tortoises fed boiled unripe plantain is not well understood.

Studies have shown that tortoises have different water requirements depending on their age, size, and environmental conditions (Horne et al., 2018). For example, juvenile tortoises require more water than adults, and


GET the full Project MaterialCLICK HERE