Effects of two dietary vitamin and mineral supplements on the growth and health of Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni)

The aim of the study was to determine the long-term effects of two different vitamin and mineral supplements on the growth and health of Hermann's tortoises. Twelve one-month-old tortoises were randomly divided into two groups of six animals (group A and B). Diets were supplemented on a daily basis with two different products ("A": vit. D-3 50 000 IU/kg, 150 g/kg Ca or "B": vit. D-3, 2000 IU/kg, 148 g/kg Ca) for 12 months. Product "B" was richer in most of the vitamins. Weight and shell parameters were measured weekly. After one year animals in group B had significantly higher final body weights than those in group A (186.7 g vs. 131.6 g). The shell of the individuals in group A was firm and healthy, while all the tortoises in group B (in different levels) had weakened shells. The loss of bone tissue was not so serious to have visual signs on x-rays. High amount of vitamins (vitamin E, K, B-1,B- 2,B- 6,B- 12, biotin) given for safety reasons and relatively low level of vitamin D3 (like in product "B") applied on a daily basis seem to be disadvantageous. The moderate metabolic bone disease that developed in group B during the experiment could be treated after the study by using the supplement "A'' The authors recommend such supplements which have similar ingredients to product "A" for growing tortoises housed indoor with low or without irradiation exposure to UVB.