Eggshell ultrastructure and mineral composition during the osteogenesis of Kinosternon scorpioides (Testudines: Kinosternidae)

One of the challenges in the management of Kinosternon scorpioides is related to egg quality, since mineral deficiencies affect egg production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrastructure and mineral composition of eggshells, and their relation to K. scorpioides embryonic skeletogenesis. Eggs were collected, incubated and distributed into three groups: 1- pre-ossification (PO); 2- bone ossification (BO); and 3- complete ossification (CO). Nine samples were included in the PO and BO groups, and six in the CO group, for a total of 24 eggs. The morphological and mineral analyses of the eggs were performed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The embryos from the BO and CO groups were cleared with potassium hydroxide and stained with alcian blue and alizarin red to observe osteogenesis. The results showed a significant difference ( p