Phenotypic variation in American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) bred under intensive systems in Mexico: A preliminary report



Document title: Phenotypic variation in American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) bred under intensive systems in Mexico: A preliminary report
Journal: Veterinaria México OA
Database: PERIÓDICA
System number: 000438920
ISSN: 2007-5472
Authors: 1
2
1
Institutions: 1Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Ciudad de México. México
2Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Instituto de Investigaciones sobre los Recursos Naturales, Morelia, Michoacán. México
Year:
Season: Ene-Mar
Volumen: 7
Number: 1
Country: México
Language: Inglés
Document type: Artículo
Approach: Analítico, descriptivo
English abstract Commercial bullfrog farming has increased steadily in Mexico from 1925 to satisfy both the national and international markets. However, intensive production systems are still scarce, and there is a need for information to help further advance their development. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize and compare morphometric and physiological traits of bullfrogs bred under intensive culture systems. Three-year-old breeding adults (n = 100) from five farms in three different states, and one-year old juveniles (n = 60) from two of these locations, were used in the study. The scaled mass index (SMI) was calculated by considering body weight and snout-vent length measurements. Hematocrit and white blood cell concentrations were determined in juveniles, and a leukocyte profile was established. Eight linear body measurements and ten geometric landmarks of the skull were used for linear and geometric morphometric analyses, respectively. Results show that the SMI did not vary between localities or gender in juvenile frogs, while differences were found both between sexes (p < 0.026) and between farms (p < 0.001) in adult frogs. Hematocrit and neutrophil concentrations in juvenile individuals also differed between localities. Linear and geometric morphometric analyses in juvenile frogs showed differences between sexes (p < 0.001) and between localities (p < 0.001), the latter suggesting the existence of at least two morphotypes of this species. This study presents relevant information to help advance bullfrog farming in Mexico
Disciplines: Medicina veterinaria y zootecnia,
Biología
Keyword: Otras especies de interés zootécnico,
Anfibios y reptiles,
Ranas,
Lithobates catesbeianus,
Morfometría,
Cría artificial,
Variación fenotípica,
México
Keyword: Species of commercial interest,
Amphibians and reptiles,
Frogs,
Lithobates catesbeianus,
Morphometry,
Artificial breeding,
Phenotypic variation,
Mexico
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