Determine the Gender of Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus) through Probing and Contrast Radiography

This title will be presented on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 08.35-08.45 GMT+7

Abstract

This title will be presented on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 08.35-08.45 GMT+7

The reticulated python, like most snakes which do not exhibit obvious sexual dimorphism; therefore, further steps need to be carried out to determine gender. Gender determination is important for both snake breeders and pet owners because it can help manage and monitor the breeding activity of snakes. In this study, probing and contrast radiography were selected among the sex determination methods to compare and determine their consistency and effectiveness. Six reticulated pythons with body length ranges between 128-167 cm, tail length between 5.4-9.6 cm, and body diameter between 1.4-3.4 cm were examined by both probing and contrast radiography twice. The results were compared and the accuracy of the methods was determined. Among the snakes, four were male and two were female. The probing results shows 100% accuracy, and the probe inserted for male snake ranged from 1.37-3.60 cm, while for female the probe can could only enter 0.3-0.76 cm. The accuracy of contrast radiography was 75%. The hemipenis appeared as a white silhouette with a length of 1.13-1.93 cm and the female snake appeared colourless. Based on this research, the results of probing are very accurate and consistent, while contrast radiography shows some false-positive and false-negative results. Therefore, probing is a reliable, consistent, and efficient method. Contrast radiography is more suitable for snakes with larger body size.