Effect of different dietary supplements on the growth and blood parameters of bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Metabolic bone disease of nutritional origin (Ca/vitamin D3 deficiency) is common in pet reptiles. This study aimed to investigate the effects of four dietary supplements with or without artificial UVB irradiation. Selected blood parameters, health and growth were also examined. Thirty-six, one-month-old bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) were housed individually and fed five times a week; dietary supplements were given daily. Blood samples were taken from 3 animals in each group (n = 18) seven times, once at 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15, and twice at 16 months of age (with 2 weeks difference). Measured parameters were Ca (2.6 ± 0.5 mmol*L-1), Ca2+ (1.2 ± 0.2 mmol*L-1), uric acid (358 ± 243 µmol*L-1), total protein (66.2 ± 14.9 g*L-1), alanine-aminotransferase (<1-83 U*L-1), Na+ (161 ± 8.0 mmol*L-1) and K+ (3.9 ± 1.1 mmol*L-1). The UVB exposure enhances both the Ca (P = 0.0489) and Ca2+ (P = 0.0222) levels. The 24-h fasting before sampling resulted in significantly (P < 0.0001) lower uric acid values. The effect of age seems clinically relevant in total protein, with lower levels in juveniles (P = 0.0016). Treatments did not affect the animals' body weight and length; all of them were clinically healthy.