Ultrasonic Imaging of the Ovaries and Eggs in Sea Turtles
Rostal D, Robuck T, Owens D, Louis E, Kraemer D. 1989. Ultrasonic Imaging of the Ovaries and Eggs in Sea Turtles. Pages 257 - 258+. In Eckert KL and Richardson TH: Proceedings of the ninth annual workshop on sea turtle conservation and biology. Jekyll Island, Georgia. February 7-11, 1989. National Oceanic Atmospheric Association
The development of non-invasive and low risk techniques for studying the reproductive biology of sea turtle' as well as other endangered species is a high priority. Radioimmunoassay techniques for measuring circulating hormone levels provide only part of the overall picture required to properly understand the reproductive systems of marine turtles. X-ray has long been available to detect the presence of eggs In turtles but it is cumbersome and ineffective for studying ovarian structures. The most effective technique 10 date for studying ovarian morphology has been laparoscopy. Laparoscopy, although very useful, does involve risk of injury or death to the animal and is considered an invasive technique. We have been developing the use of ultrasound techniques to improve our ability to monitor follicular development more accurately and at more frequent intervals, as well as for the detection of oviducal eggs. Ultrasound also reduces risk of injury to the turtles and has application towards monitoring general health of both captive and wild populations.
- Type
- Conference Proceeding Paper
- Authors
- Rostal, David; Robuck, Todd; Owens, David; Louis, Edward; Kraemer, Duane
- Units
- SFCN
- Keywords
- Breeding, Clutch, Hatchlings, Health, Nesting