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Posted by Richard Fife on May 19, 2000 at 11:00:38:
Protein doesn’t cause pyramiding!
I have been very hesitant in stating my opinion that “high” protein levels are not the major factor in causing pyramiding in tortoises; because of the flack I will receive and that diet and proper protein levels are very important to the health of a tortoise. The myth of protein causing pyramiding has been propitiated and promoted for too long!
On the positive side, by promoting high protein as the cause of pyramiding people’s attentions have been directed to diet. This however has masked the real cause of pyramiding and has stifled research into other possible causes. Unfortunately almost all information concerning protein and pyramiding has been antidotal and there has been very little (if any) “good” scientific research into the problem. Why would a researcher look into other causes of pyramiding when it is the prevailing thought that high protein is the cause? Most researchers may not even know the real questions to ask or what other possible causes there could be.
Most hobbyists don’t really understand what protein is, why it is important in the diet, it’s relationship to other nutrients, or even what a normal level or high level actually is. All they know is that protein is (supposedly) bad!
After working with tortoises for over 35 years I have found that if I raise tortoises in an environmental chamber (producing correct environmental conditions) I can produce tortoises with perfect shells. It makes no difference what the protein level is except that if protein levels are too low the tortoises will not survive!
It is time we start looking at our husbandry techniques and try to define the environmental conditions that promote natural growth and stop blaming pyramiding on to much protein. I certainly don’t have the answers but I know we are “barking up the wrong tree”.
I am not proposing that we ignore diet. Diet is extremely important in raising a healthy tortoise. I am proposing that we start looking beyond protein to find the complete answer and cause of pyramiding.
Thank you,
Richard Fife
