Vetere A, Ablondi M, Bigliardi E, Rizzi M, Di Ianni F. Sex Determination in Immature Sierra Nevada Lizard (Timon nevadensis).
Animals (Basel) 2022;
12:2144. [PMID:
36009737 PMCID:
PMC9405137 DOI:
10.3390/ani12162144]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary
Sex determination in reptiles is frequently requested by reptile breeders, and it is a real challenge in reptiles with little or no sexual dimorphism, such as in immature subjects. Twenty-three clinically healthy young Sierra Nevada lizards (Timon nevadensis) aged between 4 and 6 months were included for sex determination using two techniques: cloacal probing and contrast radiography. Results showed that contrast radiography may have major sensitivity for sex determination compared to probing. Given the above, this technique could represent a valid and less invasive aid for sexing young lizards.
Abstract
Sex determination has a fundamental role in a captive breeding context, both for commercial reasons and in relation to animal welfare itself. However, this can be particularly difficult, especially in reptiles with little or no sexual dimorphism. Twenty-three clinically healthy young Sierra Nevada lizards (Timon nevadensis) were included in this study for sex determination. The first attempt at sexing was carried out by cloacal probing. A small, buttoned probe was inserted very gently into the hemipenal pouches, and the length of the inserted part was evaluated and measured. Subsequently, for each animal, a contrast medium was administered into the cloaca, and radiography was performed within 5 min. Through probing, 11 males and 8 females were recognized. The test was, however, equivocal in four subjects. In contrast radiography, 14 males and 9 females were identified. All the animals were rechecked after 8 months through an ultrasound examination, confirming 15 of the 14 previously male sexed animals based on contrast radiography. All the animals identified as female (n = 9) by contrast radiography were confirmed. From these results, it seems that contrast radiography may have major sensitivity in sex determination compared to probing. This technique could represent a valid and less invasive aid for sexing young lizards.
Collapse