The first results of the use of dietary carotenoids at growing of juveniles Lacerta media Lantz et Cyrén, 1920 (Lacertidae, Squamata)
Vladimir Olegovich Erashkin,
Ksenia Igorevna Andreeva,
Daria Vladimirovna Guridova,
Artem Aleksandrovich Kidov https://doi.org/10.26897/2949-4710-2025-3-2-4-04
Abstract
Carotenoids are essential substances for animal physiology, fulfilling antioxidant functions and participating in color regulation. Consequently, the development of methodologies for using synthetic and natural carotenoids in animal feeding is increasingly relevant. This study presents findings on the effects of carotenoids on the rearing of juvenile Lacerta media. Subjects (n = 24) were equally divided into two groups (control and experimental), with each group maintained in triplicate. Prior to the experiment, each individual was labeled, measured, and weighed, and a dorsal photograph was taken. Lizards in the experimental group received dietary carotenoid supplementation every third feeding via dusting of the insect prey. Results indicated that dietary carotenoid intake did not significantly affect the growth of juveniles Lacerta media across the experimental period. However, RGB model comparison of coloration revealed statistically significant differences in blue and green parameters throughout the study: the control group exhibited higher values for these parameters than the experimental group. The authors propose that these differences in coloration are attributable to the depletion of the upper xanthophore pigment layer in control group individuals due to carotenoid deficiency, resulting in a dominance of blue-green hues conferred by the underlying iridophore layer.
Supporting agencies: The research was financially supported by the Program of Development of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy within the Program of Strategic Academic Leadership «Priority-2030».
About the Authors
Vladimir Olegovich Erashkin
Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Vladimir O. Erashkin, Assistant at the Department of Zoology, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy; 49 Timiryazevskaya St., Moscow, 127434, Russian Federation
Ksenia Igorevna Andreeva
Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ksenia I. Andreeva, student of the Institute of Animal Sciences and Biology, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy; 49 Timiryazevskaya St., Moscow, 127434, Russian Federation
Daria Vladimirovna Guridova
Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Daria V. Guridova, student of the Institute of Animal Sciences and Biology, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy; 49 Timiryazevskaya St., Moscow, 127434, Russian Federation
Artem Aleksandrovich Kidov
Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Artem A. Kidov, CSc (Bio), Professor, Head of the Department of Zoology, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy; 49 Timiryazevskaya St., Moscow, 127434, Russian Federation
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Review
For citations:
Erashkin V.O., Andreeva K.I., Guridova D.V., Kidov A.A. The first results of the use of dietary carotenoids at growing of juveniles Lacerta media Lantz et Cyrén, 1920 (Lacertidae, Squamata). Timiryazev Biological Journal. 2025;3(2):202532404. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26897/2949-4710-2025-3-2-4-04
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