Sex determination has a fundamental role in a captive breeding context, both for commercial reasons and in relation to animal welfare itself.However, this can be particularly difficult, especially in reptiles with little or no sexual dimorphism.Twenty-three clinically healthy young Sierra Nevada lizards (Timon nevadensis) were included in this study for sex determination.The first attempt at sexing was carried out by cloacal probing.
A small, buttoned probe was inserted very gently into the hemipenal pouches, and the length of the inserted part was evaluated and measured.Subsequently, for each animal, a Condoms contrast medium was administered into the cloaca, and radiography was performed within 5 min.Through probing, 11 males and 8 females were recognized.The test was, however, equivocal in four subjects.
In contrast radiography, 14 males and 9 females were identified.All the animals were rechecked after 8 months through an Neff D94BHM1N0B 90cm Black Stainless Steel Chimney Hood ultrasound examination, confirming 15 of the 14 previously male sexed animals based on contrast radiography.All the animals identified as female (n = 9) by contrast radiography were confirmed.From these results, it seems that contrast radiography may have major sensitivity in sex determination compared to probing.
This technique could represent a valid and less invasive aid for sexing young lizards.