Re: Protein doesn't cause pyramiding!

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Posted by A. C. Highfield on May 21, 2000 at 02:26:11:

In Reply to: Re: Protein doesn't cause pyramiding! posted by Barbara K. on May 20, 2000 at 00:42:32:

Oh, dear dear...

Methodology... methodology.... great gaping holes... jumping to conclusions bases upon a very partial understanding of what is going on.

The one useful and accurate observation you make is that there is certainly a direct link between the degree of pyramiding observed and the availability of adequate levels of dietary calcium and environmental or dietary D3. Do you know what "pyramiding" actually is? It is a thickening of the underlying carapace bone in response to a lack of Ca. The bone thickens, but at he same time becomes soft, fragile a porous. Fibrous - hence fibrous osetodystrophy. Just section the shell of a tortoise with severe "pyramiding" and you'll see for yourself.

Now - high levels of protein result in high rates of growth (or is this a "myth" too Richand and others?). High rates of growth place a high Ca demand. If this is not met, then fibrous osteodystrophy occurs. Further, high protein intakes result in high rates of keratin production. The external stresses of high rates of keratin growth upon the pliable, frbrous underlying bone undoubtedly contributes in some degree to the characteristic distrortion. As a side effect, the keratin is thickened and darker, resulting in thermoregulatory effects...

Proper experiments? Yup. Been doing those for 15 years at least. Multiple experiments. Masses of data - all repeatable.

Andy C. Highfield

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: Oh, dear dear... : Methodology... methodology.... great gaping holes... jumping to conclusions bases upon a very partial understanding of what is going on. : The one useful and accurate observation you make is that there is certainly a direct link between the degree of pyramiding observed and the availability of adequate levels of dietary calcium and environmental or dietary D3. Do you know what "pyramiding" actually is? It is a thickening of the underlying carapace bone in response to a lack of Ca. The bone thickens, but at he same time becomes soft, fragile a porous. Fibrous - hence fibrous osetodystrophy. Just section the shell of a tortoise with severe "pyramiding" and you'll see for yourself. : Now - high levels of protein result in high rates of growth (or is this a "myth" too Richand and others?). High rates of growth place a high Ca demand. If this is not met, then fibrous osteodystrophy occurs. Further, high protein intakes result in high rates of keratin production. The external stresses of high rates of keratin growth upon the pliable, frbrous underlying bone undoubtedly contributes in some degree to the characteristic distrortion. As a side effect, the keratin is thickened and darker, resulting in thermoregulatory effects... : Proper experiments? Yup. Been doing those for 15 years at least. Multiple experiments. Masses of data - all repeatable. : Andy C. Highfield

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