Preserving Animal Specimen Using Liquid

Preservatives

Preservation

Preservation- is the process by which a

specimen is conserve and avoid its

decomposition.

Preservative- is any agent or substances

that hinder the decomposition process

of a specimen.

Liquid Preservative

Objectives and importance

of preservation• representative type of specimen may be used as a reference for other work to consult in future. • to maintain the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of a specimen that would be a an avenue for further study in the future.

The Preserving Agents

1. Formaldehyde (Formalin)- an agent used in the preservation of vertebrates specimen.

Advantages: • inexpensive• readily available• specimen almost never

decay in it.

Disadvantages• has a very irritating odor• has a tendency to make specimen brittle. • remove or fade the color of the specimen.• it requires a rust proof container.

2. Alcohol- used mainly for preserving invertebrates specially Arthropods.

-Safe to handle.- highly flammable.Types of alcohol readily

available in the market:Isoprophyl (70-90%)Ethyl alcohol

Receptacles

• Water-tight bottles- -Plastic or glass- the container should be as tall as the size of the specimen/s , such the specimen can be set straight.

• Plastic bag- useful for large specimen, specially those who contain mud and leaf-litter samples

-those who have thicker materials should be used.

• Shallow tray- maybe plastic or metal, it is used for fixing and setting specimen of reptiles and amphibians.

Steps for preservation of specimen

1. Euthanizing2. Injection or Slitting3. Fixing4. Labeling 5. Storage

1. Euthanizing-

2. Injection and Slitting- liquid preservatives must be introduced into the body cavity, limbs and tail either by injection or slitting.

3. Fixing- While the specimens are still relaxed, they should be arranged in trays so they will harden in proper position.

4. Labeling- the specimen should be accompanied by certain data. Either attached directly on the receptacle are recorded in a notebook.

5. Storage- specimen should be stored in liquid preservative. The specimen should be submerged in the preservative properly. - Proper storage of the receptacle should exercise for us to achieve long term preservation.

Preserving Mollusk Specimen

Preserving Arthropods Specimen

Preserving Amphibian Specimen

Preserving Reptile Specimen