1
|
Su L, Lu L, Si M, Ding J, Li C. Effect of Population Density on Personality of Crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1486. [PMID: 38791703 PMCID: PMC11117368 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Personality is widely observed in animals and has important ecological and evolutionary implications. In addition to being heritable, personality traits are also influenced by the environment. Population density commonly affects animal behavior, but the way in which it shapes animal personality remains largely unknown. In this study, we reared juvenile crayfish at different population densities and measured their personality traits (shyness, exploration, and aggression) after reaching sexual maturity. Our results showed repeatability for each behavior in all treatments, except for the shyness of females at medium density. There was a negative correlation between shyness and exploration in each treatment, and aggression and exploration were positively correlated in medium- and high-density females. These indicate the presence of a behavior syndrome. On average, the crayfish raised at higher population densities were less shy, more exploratory, and more aggressive. We found no behavioral differences between the sexes in crayfish. These results suggested that population density may affect the average values of behavioral traits rather than the occurrence of personality traits. Our study highlights the importance of considering population density as a factor influencing personality traits in animals and, therefore, might help us to understand animal personality development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Su
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (L.S.); (L.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Leiyu Lu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (L.S.); (L.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Mengdi Si
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (L.S.); (L.L.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Chunlin Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (L.S.); (L.L.); (M.S.)
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mwaura JG, Wekesa C, Ogutu PA, Okoth P. Whole Transcriptome Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes in Cultured Nile Tilapia (O. niloticus) Subjected to Chronic Stress Reveals Signaling Pathways Associated with Depressed Growth. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040795. [PMID: 37107553 PMCID: PMC10137778 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is a serious threat to aquaculture as it lowers fish growth performance and compromises fish welfare. The exact mechanism by which growth is retarded is, however, not clearly understood. This study sought to elucidate the gene expression profiles associated with chronic stress in cultured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared for 70 days at different ammonia concentrations and stocking densities. Fish in the treatment groups showed negative growth, while the controls showed positive allometric growth. The specific condition factor (Kn) ranged from 1.17 for the controls to 0.93 for the ammonia and 0.91 for the stocking density treatments. RNA was extracted from muscle tissue using TRIzol followed by library construction and Illumina sequencing. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed 209 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (156 up- and 53 down-regulated) in the ammonia and 252 DEGs (175 up- and 77 down-regulated) in the stocking density treatment. In both treatments, 24 and 17 common DEGs were up- and down-regulated, respectively. DEGs were significantly enriched in six pathways associated with muscle activity, energy mobilization and immunity. The heightened muscular activity consumes energy which would otherwise have been utilized for growth. These results bring to fore the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic stress’ suppression of growth in cultured Nile tilapia.
Collapse
|
3
|
Spitzer HB, Meagher RK, Proudfoot KL. The impact of providing hiding spaces to farmed animals: A scoping review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277665. [PMID: 36441732 PMCID: PMC9704605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Many wild animals perform hiding behaviours for a variety of reasons, such as evading predators or other conspecifics. Unlike their wild counterparts, farmed animals often live in relatively barren environments without the opportunity to hide. Researchers have begun to study the impact of access to hiding spaces ("hides") in farmed animals, including possible effects on animal welfare. The aims of this scoping review were to: 1) identify the farmed species that have been most used in research investigating the provision of hides, 2) describe the context in which hides have been provided to farmed animals, and 3) describe the impact (positive, negative or neutral/inconclusive) that hides have on animals, including indicators of animal welfare. Three online databases (CAB Abstracts, Web of Science, and PubMed) were used to search for a target population of farmed animals with access to hiding spaces. From this search, 4,631 citations were screened and 151 were included in the review. Fourteen animal types were represented, most commonly chickens (48% of papers), cattle (9%), foxes (8%), and fish (7%). Relatively few papers were found on other species including deer, quail, ducks, lobsters, turkeys, and goats. Hides were used in four contexts: at parturition or oviposition (56%), for general enrichment (43%), for neonatal animals (4%), or for sick or injured animals (1%). A total of 218 outcomes relevant to our objectives were found including 7 categories: hide use, motivation, and/or preference (47% of outcomes), behavioural indicators of affective state (17%), health, injuries, and/or production (16%), agonistic behaviour (8%), abnormal repetitive behaviours (6%), physiological indicators of stress (5%), and affiliative behaviours (1%). Hiding places resulted in 162 positive (74%), 14 negative (6%), and 42 neutral/inconclusive (19%) outcomes. Hides had a generally positive impact on the animals included in this review; more research is encouraged for under-represented species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah B. Spitzer
- Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Rebecca K. Meagher
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, Canada
| | - Kathryn L. Proudfoot
- Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
MacAulay S, Ellison AR, Kille P, Cable J. Moving towards improved surveillance and earlier diagnosis of aquatic pathogens: From traditional methods to emerging technologies. REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE 2022; 14:1813-1829. [PMID: 36250037 PMCID: PMC9544729 DOI: 10.1111/raq.12674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Early and accurate diagnosis is key to mitigating the impact of infectious diseases, along with efficient surveillance. This however is particularly challenging in aquatic environments due to hidden biodiversity and physical constraints. Traditional diagnostics, such as visual diagnosis and histopathology, are still widely used, but increasingly technological advances such as portable next generation sequencing (NGS) and artificial intelligence (AI) are being tested for early diagnosis. The most straightforward methodologies, based on visual diagnosis, rely on specialist knowledge and experience but provide a foundation for surveillance. Future computational remote sensing methods, such as AI image diagnosis and drone surveillance, will ultimately reduce labour costs whilst not compromising on sensitivity, but they require capital and infrastructural investment. Molecular techniques have advanced rapidly in the last 30 years, from standard PCR through loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to NGS approaches, providing a range of technologies that support the currently popular eDNA diagnosis. There is now vast potential for transformative change driven by developments in human diagnostics. Here we compare current surveillance and diagnostic technologies with those that could be used or developed for use in the aquatic environment, against three gold standard ideals of high sensitivity, specificity, rapid diagnosis, and cost-effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter Kille
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Joanne Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Brown GE, Crane AL, Demers EE, Chivers DP, Ferrari MC. Uncertain foraging opportunities and predation risk exert additive effects on induced neophobia in cichlids. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
6
|
Hossain TJ, Das M, Ali F, Chowdhury SI, Zedny SA. Substrate preferences, phylogenetic and biochemical properties of proteolytic bacteria present in the digestive tract of Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus). AIMS Microbiol 2022; 7:528-545. [PMID: 35071947 PMCID: PMC8712536 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2021032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate intestine appears to be an excellent source of proteolytic bacteria for industrial and probiotic use. We therefore aimed at obtaining the gut-associated proteolytic species of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). We have isolated twenty six bacterial strains from its intestinal tract, seven of which showed exoprotease activity with the formation of clear halos on skim milk. Their depolymerization ability was further assessed on three distinct proteins including casein, gelatin, and albumin. All the isolates could successfully hydrolyze the three substrates indicating relatively broad specificity of their secreted proteases. Molecular taxonomy and phylogeny of the proteolytic isolates were determined based on their 16S rRNA gene barcoding, which suggested that the seven strains belong to three phyla viz. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, distributed across the genera Priestia, Citrobacter, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Burkholderia, Providencia, and Micrococcus. The isolates were further characterized by a comprehensive study of their morphological, cultural, cellular and biochemical properties which were consistent with the phylogenetic annotations. To reveal their proteolytic capacity alongside substrate preferences, enzyme-production was determined by the diffusion assay. The Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas and Micrococcus isolates appeared to be most promising with maximum protease production on casein, gelatin, and albumin media respectively. Our findings present valuable insights into the phylogenetic and biochemical properties of gut-associated proteolytic strains of Nile tilapia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanim Jabid Hossain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh.,Biochemistry and Pathogenesis of Microbes Research Group, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Mukta Das
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh.,Biochemistry and Pathogenesis of Microbes Research Group, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Ferdausi Ali
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Sumaiya Islam Chowdhury
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh.,Biochemistry and Pathogenesis of Microbes Research Group, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Subrina Akter Zedny
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh.,Biochemistry and Pathogenesis of Microbes Research Group, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Simulated encounters with a novel competitor reveal the potential for maladaptive behavioural responses to invasive species. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02690-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AbstractDuring the early stage of biological invasions, interactions occur between native and non-native species that do not share an evolutionary history. This can result in ecological naïveté, causing native species to exhibit maladaptive behavioural responses to novel enemies, leading to negative consequences for individual fitness and ecosystem function. The behavioural response of native to non-native species during novel encounters can determine the impact of non-native species, and restrict or facilitate their establishment. In this study we simulated novel encounters between a widespread invasive fish species, the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and a threatened native Manyara tilapia (Oreochromis amphimelas). In the first experiment single adult O. niloticus were presented with a stimulus chamber (a transparent plastic cylinder) which was empty during control trials and contained a pair of juvenile O. amphimelas in stimulus trials. In the second experiment, the reciprocal set up was used, with pairs of juvenile O. amphimelas as the focal species and adult O. niloticus as the stimulus. Both species approached the stimulus chamber more readily during stimulus trials, a behavioural response which would increase the prevalence of interspecific interactions in situ. This included physical aggression, observed from the competitively dominant O. niloticus towards O. amphimelas. Despite an initial lack of fear shown by O. amphimelas, close inspection of the stimulus chamber often resulted in an energetically costly dart response. Under field conditions we predict that naïve native individuals may readily approach O. niloticus, increasing the likelihood of interactions and exacerbating widely reported negative outcomes.
Collapse
|
8
|
Whittaker BA, Consuegra S, Garcia de Leaniz C. Personality profiling may help select better cleaner fish for sea-lice control in salmon farming. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
9
|
Wing JDB, Champneys TS, Ioannou CC. The impact of turbidity on foraging and risk taking in the invasive Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and a threatened native cichlid (Oreochromis amphimelas). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-02984-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Anthropogenic activity can increase water turbidity, changing fish behaviour by reducing visibility. The spread of invasive species is also facilitated by human activity, further increasing the pressure on native species. In two experiments, we measured the foraging efficiency, risk perception and inter-individual consistency of risk-taking (personality variation in boldness) of an invasive species, the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and a threatened tilapia, the Manyara tilapia (Oreochromis amphimelas), in clear and turbid water. In experiment one, O. niloticus was faster to initiate feeding, encountered more food items and consumed more than O. amphimelas. The latency to start foraging by O. niloticus decreased in turbid water. Turbidity did not affect the latency to start foraging in O. amphimelas but the number of food items they encountered was highest at the intermediate turbidity. There was however no significant effect of turbidity in either species on the total food consumed. In contrast to this foraging context, in experiment two with a refuge and no food available, risk taking behaviour was similar in both species and they both responded with similarly reduced risk taking in turbid water. Evidence of personality variation was weak, being observed only in O. amphimelas when first leaving the shelter in turbid water. Overall, species differences were greater in the foraging context but turbidity was more important in the risk-taking context. O. amphimelas is more sensitive to turbidity during foraging, and O. niloticus is likely to have a competitive advantage in foraging situations, especially in degraded turbid habitats.
Significance statement
Under human-induced environmental change, native species are often exposed to multiple stressors. Here, we tested the responses of two cichlid fish to increasing turbidity, the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which is invasive throughout the tropics, and the Manyara tilapia (Oreochromis amphimelas), a threatened species, indigenous to Tanzania. We found that turbidity was beneficial to the foraging of O. niloticus, which in both clear and turbid water consumed and encountered more food than O. amphimelas. In contrast, without food present, both species displayed similar responses of increased risk perception in turbid water with little evidence of personality variation between individuals in either species. Our results suggest that invasive species tolerant of degraded habitats may outcompete less well-adapted native species for food.
Collapse
|
10
|
Thoré ESJ, Brendonck L, Pinceel T. Conspecific density and environmental complexity impact behaviour of turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri). JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 97:1448-1461. [PMID: 32845514 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fish models are essential for research in many biological and medical disciplines. With a typical lifespan of only 6 months, the Turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) was recently established as a time- and cost-efficient model to facilitate whole-life and multigenerational studies in several research fields, including behavioural ecotoxicology. Essential information on the behavioural norm and on how laboratory conditions affect behaviour, however, is deficient. In the current study, we examined the impact of the social and structural environment on a broad spectrum of behavioural endpoints in N. furzeri. While structural enrichment affected only fish boldness and exploratory behaviour, fish rearing density affected the total body length, locomotor activity, boldness, aggressiveness and feeding behaviour of N. furzeri individuals. Overall, these results contribute to compiling a behavioural baseline for N. furzeri that increases the applicability of this new model species. Furthermore, our findings will fuel the development of improved husbandry protocols to maximize the welfare of N. furzeri in a laboratory setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eli S J Thoré
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Brendonck
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Tom Pinceel
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
Ellison AR, Uren Webster TM, Rodriguez-Barreto D, de Leaniz CG, Consuegra S, Orozco-terWengel P, Cable J. Comparative transcriptomics reveal conserved impacts of rearing density on immune response of two important aquaculture species. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 104:192-201. [PMID: 32534231 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases represent an important barrier to sustainable aquaculture development. Rearing density can substantially impact fish productivity, health and welfare in aquaculture, including growth rates, behaviour and, crucially, immune activity. Given the current emphasis on aquaculture diversification, stress-related indicators broadly applicable across species are needed. Utilising an interspecific comparative transcriptomic (RNAseq) approach, we compared gill gene expression responses of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to rearing density and Saprolegnia parasitica infection. Salmon reared at high-density showed increased expression of stress-related markers (e.g. c-fos and hsp70), and downregulation of innate immune genes. Upon pathogen challenge, only salmon reared at low density exhibited increased expression of inflammatory interleukins and lymphocyte-related genes. Tilapia immunity, in contrast, was impaired at low-density. Using overlapping gene ontology enrichment and gene ortholog analyses, we found that density-related stress similarly impacted salmon and tilapia in key immune pathways, altering the expression of genes vital to inflammatory and Th17 responses to pathogen challenge. Given the challenges posed by ectoparasites and gill diseases in fish farms, this study underscores the importance of optimal rearing densities for immunocompetence, particularly for mucosal immunity. Our comparative transcriptomics analyses identified density stress impacted immune markers common across different fish taxa, providing key molecular targets with potential for monitoring and enhancing aquaculture resilience in a wide range of farmed species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Ellison
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
| | | | | | | | - Sofia Consuegra
- Biosciences Department, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
| | | | - Jo Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Berbel-Filho WM, Berry N, Rodríguez-Barreto D, Rodrigues Teixeira S, Garcia de Leaniz C, Consuegra S. Environmental enrichment induces intergenerational behavioural and epigenetic effects on fish. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:2288-2299. [PMID: 32434269 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Parental effects influence offspring phenotypes through pre- and post-natal routes but little is known about their molecular basis, and therefore their adaptive significance. Epigenetic modifications, which control gene expression without changes in the DNA sequence and are influenced by the environment, may contribute to parental effects. We investigated the effects of environmental enrichment on the behaviour, metabolic rate and brain DNA methylation patterns of parents and offspring of the highly inbreed mangrove killifish (Kryptolebias marmoratus). Parental fish reared in enriched environments had lower cortisol levels, lower metabolic rates and were more active and neophobic than those reared in barren environments. They also differed in 1,854 methylated cytosines (DMCs). Offspring activity and neophobia were determined by the parental environment. Among the DMCs of the parents, 98 followed the same methylation patterns in the offspring, three of which were significantly influenced by parental environments irrespective of their own rearing environment. Our results suggest that parental environment influences the behaviour and, to some extent, the brain DNA methylation patterns of the offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waldir M Berbel-Filho
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Nikita Berry
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Deiene Rodríguez-Barreto
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Carlos Garcia de Leaniz
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Sofia Consuegra
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Crane AL, Brown GE, Chivers DP, Ferrari MCO. An ecological framework of neophobia: from cells to organisms to populations. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:218-231. [PMID: 31599483 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Neophobia is the fear of novel stimuli or situations. This phenotype has recently received much ecological attention, primarily in the context of decision making. Here, we explore neophobia across biological levels of organisation, first describing types of neophobia among animals and the underlying causes of neophobia, highlighting high levels of risk and uncertainty as key drivers. We place neophobia in the framework of Error Management Theory and Signal Detection Theory, showing how increases in overall risk and uncertainty can lead to costly non-responses towards novel threats unless individuals lower their response threshold and become neophobic. We then discuss how neophobic behaviour translates into population and evolutionary consequences before introducing neophobia-like processes at the cellular level, where some phenomena such as allergy and autoimmunity can parallel neophobic behaviour. Finally, we discuss neophobia attenuation, considering how a sudden change in the environment from dangerous to safe can lead to problematic over-responses (i.e. the 'maladaptive defensive carry-over' hypothesis), and discuss treatment methods for such over-responses. We anticipate that bridging the concept of neophobia with a process-centered perspective can facilitate a transfer of insight across organisational levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Crane
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Pl., Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Grant E Brown
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Douglas P Chivers
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Pl., Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Maud C O Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, WCVM, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Linking stocking densities and feeding strategies with social and individual stress responses on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Physiol Behav 2020; 213:112723. [PMID: 31669232 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Intensive aquaculture and poor management practices can cause stress and compromise welfare of farmed fish. This study aimed to assess the potential links between stocking densities and feeding methods with social and individual stress responses on juvenile seabream (Sparus aurata) through risk-taking and hypoxia tests. Seabream was first experimentally reared under two different densities: high (HD: 11-65 kg m-3) and low (LD: 3-15 kg m-3). After 120 days under these conditions, increment in fish weight was not affected by different stocking densities. HD seemed to induce a stronger schooling behavior on seabream juveniles seeking for the group safety during the risk test; while LD increased the mean number of movements per fish recorded and the time of first response. Additionally, HD conditions delayed the time of first response of proactive fish during hypoxia tests. Glucose levels were higher in reactive fish compared to proactive ones, being highly significant in fish reared at HD. In parallel, juvenile seabream was also experimentally reared for 106 days under two different feeding strategies: hand-feeding (HF) and self-demanding feeding (DF), which influenced fish growth and foraging behavior at group and individual level. HF method induced a positive effect on fish weight compared to DF systems. Time of first response during both hypoxia and risk-taking tests was shorter in HF fish than DF fish, and the mean number of movements per fish during risk-taking behavior tests was lower for DF fish compared to HF fish. No differences were found in glucose and cortisol concentrations between behavioral traits (proactive/reactive) and feeding strategies. Triggering actions of seabream in DF systems were also assessed, which seemed to be highly dependent on particular individuals and not related to proactive individuals. DF systems however reinforce the social hierarchy within the fish group, which might lead to a higher competitiveness for resources among fishes, increasing the social hierarchy, and therefore, the stress. The findings of this study provide valuable information to the industry for the management of fish stress and welfare under production conditions at social and individual level.
Collapse
|
16
|
Balasch JC, Vargas R, Brandts I, Tvarijonaviciute A, Reyes-López F, Tort L, Teles M. Divergent personalities influence the myogenic regulatory genes myostatin, myogenin and ghr2 transcript responses to Vibrio anguillarum vaccination in fish fingerlings (Sparus aurata). Physiol Behav 2019; 212:112697. [PMID: 31622611 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Myogenic regulators of muscle development, metabolism and growth differ between fish species in a context-specific manner. Commonly, the analysis of environmental influences on the expression of muscle-related gene regulators in teleosts is based on differences in swimming performance, feeding behaviour and stress-resistance, but the evaluation of behavioural phenotyping of immune and stress-related responsiveness in skeletal muscle is still scarce. Here we challenge proactive and reactive fingerlings of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), one of the most commonly cultured species in the Mediterranean area, with highly pathogenic O1, O2α and O2β serotypes of Vibrio anguillarum, a widespread opportunistic pathogen of marine animals, to analyse skeletal muscle responses to bath vaccination. Transcripts related to inflammation (interleukin 1β, il1β; tumour necrosis factor-α, tnfα; and immunoglobulin M, igm), and muscle metabolism and growth (lipoprotein, lpl; myostatin, mstn-1; myogenin; and growth hormone receptors type I and II, ghr1 and ghr2, respectively) were analysed. Biochemical indicators of muscle metabolism and function (creatine kinase, CK, aspartate aminotransferase, AST; esterase activity, EA; total antioxidant status, TAC and glucose) were also determined. Our results indicate that proactive, but not reactive, fish respond to Vibrio vaccination by increasing the expression levels of mstn-1, myogenin and ghr2 transcripts at short-/medium- term (1 to 3 days' post vaccination). No effect of vaccination was observed in immune indicators or biochemical parameters in either phenotypes, except for elevated levels of EA in reactive fish one-week post vaccination. This suggests that behavioural divergence should be taken into account to evaluate the crosstalk between immune, metabolic and growth processes in muscle of immune-challenged fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J C Balasch
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Vargas
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI) SENACYT, Universidad de Panamá, Chiriquí, Panamá
| | - I Brandts
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Tvarijonaviciute
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis INTERLAB-UMU, Regional Campus of International Excellence Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - F Reyes-López
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Tort
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Teles
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rodriguez‐Barreto D, Rey O, Uren‐Webster TM, Castaldo G, Consuegra S, Garcia de Leaniz C. Transcriptomic response to aquaculture intensification in Nile tilapia. Evol Appl 2019; 12:1757-1771. [PMID: 31548855 PMCID: PMC6752142 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To meet future global demand for fish protein, more fish will need to be farmed using fewer resources, and this will require the selection of nonaggressive individuals that perform well at high densities. Yet, the genetic changes underlying loss of aggression and adaptation to crowding during aquaculture intensification are largely unknown. We examined the transcriptomic response to aggression and crowding in Nile tilapia, one of the oldest and most widespread farmed fish, whose social structure shifts from social hierarchies to shoaling with increasing density. A mirror test was used to quantify aggression and skin darkening (a proxy for stress) of fish reared at low and high densities, and gene expression in the hypothalamus was analysed among the most and least aggressive fish at each density. Fish reared at high density were darker, had larger brains, were less active and less aggressive than those reared at low density and had differentially expressed genes consistent with a reactive stress-coping style and activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis. Differences in gene expression among aggressive fish were accounted for by density and the interaction between density and aggression levels, whereas for nonaggressive fish differences in gene expression were associated with individual variation in skin brightness and social stress. Thus, the response to crowding in Nile tilapia is context dependent and involves different neuroendocrine pathways, depending on social status. Knowledge of genes associated with the response to crowding may pave the way for more efficient fish domestication, based on the selection of nonaggressive individuals with increasing tolerance to chronic stress necessary for aquaculture intensification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivier Rey
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research (CSAR), College of ScienceSwansea UniversitySwanseaUK
- Université de Perpignan Via DomitiaPerpignanFrance
| | - Tamsyn M. Uren‐Webster
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research (CSAR), College of ScienceSwansea UniversitySwanseaUK
| | - Giovanni Castaldo
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research (CSAR), College of ScienceSwansea UniversitySwanseaUK
- Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research, Department of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Sonia Consuegra
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research (CSAR), College of ScienceSwansea UniversitySwanseaUK
| | - Carlos Garcia de Leaniz
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research (CSAR), College of ScienceSwansea UniversitySwanseaUK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gesto M. Consistent individual competitive ability in rainbow trout as a proxy for coping style and its lack of correlation with cortisol responsiveness upon acute stress. Physiol Behav 2019; 208:112576. [PMID: 31207270 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
For a given fish species, individuals are different in their ability to cope with stressors; each individual has its own set of physiological and behavioral responses to stress (stress-coping style). This individual diversity is of importance when considering the welfare of fish reared in aquaculture facilities. In this study with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) we investigated the link between the ability to compete for food of each individual (used as a proxy of dominance behavior/proactive stress-coping style) and its ability to cope with stress; we hypothesized that fish that are better competitors would be more robust against common aquaculture stressors. We screened 680 rainbow trout individuals for competition ability. This was done by submitting groups of 20 individuals to a 1-week competition trial where they were kept at low stocking density and were provided a restricted amount of food. A 15% of the screened fish were selected as "winners" and another 15% were selected as "losers", based on growth rates during the competition trials. Fish were re-tested in a second competition trial after several weeks, to assess for consistency of competitive ability. Winner and loser fish were individually exposed to confinement and their neuroendocrine stress response was evaluated (serotonergic activity in telencephalon and brain stem, plasma levels of cortisol, glucose and lactate). Furthermore, behavioral responses to confinement and net restraining tests were also investigated. The results showed good temporal consistency of competitive ability in the lapse of time of the experiments. Besides, competitive ability showed a positive association to fish activity during the net restraining tests. However, plasma stress marker data showed a lack of relevant differences between the acute stress responses of winner and loser fish, adding up to the body of evidence suggesting that stress responsiveness might not be consistently linked to SCS in vertebrates. This, together with the inability of winner fish to outperform loser fish in usual stocking density conditions, suggests that there is no clear welfare or performance benefits in selecting fish of a specific coping style for fish farming, at least in the domesticated trout population used in the current study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Gesto
- Section for Aquaculture, DTU Aqua, Technical University of Denmark, Willemoesvej 2, 9850 Hirtshals, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|