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Oh S, Lee S. Fish Welfare-Related Issues and Their Relevance in Land-Based Olive Flounder ( Paralichthys olivaceus) Farms in Korea. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1693. [PMID: 38891740 PMCID: PMC11171225 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111693] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Korean aquaculture has expanded considerably in recent decades; however, this growth has often prioritized quantity over fish welfare. Therefore, we analyzed the aquaculture practices of olive flounder, the predominant species in Korean consumption and production, within the framework of fish welfare. We conducted extensive interviews and surveys across olive flounder farms in Jeju-do and Wando to examine prevalent issues impacting fish welfare in aquaculture. These issues include stressors, mass mortality events, and disease outbreaks, all of which strain the welfare of farmed fish. Moreover, our survey revealed farmers' varying perceptions of fish welfare, highlighting the necessity for a cohesive approach. Accordingly, we propose recommendations to enhance fish welfare and establish a more sustainable aquaculture model in Korea. Ensuring fish welfare in aquaculture operations requires a comprehensive approach that considers the physiological and behavioral needs of fish throughout the farming lifecycle. By prioritizing fish welfare, Korean aquaculture can strengthen its growth while maintaining ethical standards and ensuring the well-being of farmed fish. This welfare-centric approach is crucial for the long-term sustainability and resilience of the Korean aquaculture industry. By addressing welfare concerns and promoting responsible practices, Korean aquaculture can foster an ethically sound and sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seoyeon Oh
- Fisheries Policy Research Department, The Korean Maritime Institute Busan, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seunghyung Lee
- Major of Aquaculture and Applied Life Sciences, Division of Fisheries Life Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
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Pedrazzani AS, Cozer N, Quintiliano MH, Tavares CPDS, Biernaski V, Ostrensky A. From egg to slaughter: monitoring the welfare of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, throughout their entire life cycle in aquaculture. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1268396. [PMID: 37808101 PMCID: PMC10551173 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1268396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the welfare of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) throughout their entire life cycle within aquaculture, spanning from reproduction to slaughter. The methodology was structured to identify welfare indicators closely aligned with the principles of animal freedoms defined by the Farm Animal Council, encompassing environmental, health, nutritional, behavioral, and psychological freedom. Notably, psychological freedom was inherently considered within the behavioral and physical analyses of the animals. To accomplish this, an integrative systematic literature review was conducted to define precise indicators and their corresponding reference values for each stage of tilapia cultivation. These reference values were subsequently categorized using a scoring system that assessed the deviation of each indicator from established ideal (score 1), tolerable (score 2), and critical (score 3) ranges for the welfare of the target species. Subsequently, a laboratory experiment was executed to validate the pre-selected health indicators, specifically tailored for the early life stages of tilapia. This test facilitated an assessment of the applicability of these indicators under operational conditions. Building on the insights gained from this experimentation, partial welfare indices (PWIs) were computed for each assessed freedom, culminating in the derivation of a general welfare index (GWI). Mathematical equations were employed to calculate these indices, offering a quantitative and standardized measure of welfare. This approach equips tilapia farmers and processors with the tools necessary for the continuous monitoring and enhancement of their production systems and stimulate the adoption of more sustainable and ethical practices within the tilapia farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Silvia Pedrazzani
- Wai Ora—Aquaculture and Environmental Technology Ltd., Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
| | - Nathieli Cozer
- Wai Ora—Aquaculture and Environmental Technology Ltd., Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
- Integrated Group of Aquaculture and Environmental Studies (GIA), Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Camila Prestes dos Santos Tavares
- Wai Ora—Aquaculture and Environmental Technology Ltd., Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
- Integrated Group of Aquaculture and Environmental Studies (GIA), Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Zoology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
| | - Vilmar Biernaski
- Integrated Group of Aquaculture and Environmental Studies (GIA), Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
| | - Antonio Ostrensky
- Wai Ora—Aquaculture and Environmental Technology Ltd., Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
- Integrated Group of Aquaculture and Environmental Studies (GIA), Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
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Vakili F, Roosta Z, Safari R, Raeisi M, Hossain MS, Guerreiro I, Akbarzadeh A, Hoseinifar SH. Effects of dietary nutmeg ( Myristica fragrans) seed meals on growth, non-specific immune indices, antioxidant status, gene expression analysis, and cold stress tolerance in zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Front Nutr 2023; 9:1038748. [PMID: 36778969 PMCID: PMC9908599 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1038748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction A medicinal plant, Myristica fragrans seed meal (nutmeg), was utilized to evaluate its impact on the growth, immunity, and antioxidant defense of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Methods In this regard, zebrafish (0.47 ± 0.04 g) (mean ± S.D.) were fed with 0% (control), 1% (T1-nutmeg), 2% (T2-nutmeg), and 3% (T3-nutmeg) of powdered nutmeg for 70 days. At the end of the feeding trial, growth performance, survival rate of fish, and temperature-challenge effects were recorded. Immune and antioxidant parameters were also assessed through the collection of serum and skin mucus samples. Results The results indicated that nutmeg supplementation did not significantly influence the growth of zebrafish (P > 0.05); however, the survival rate of fish fed with 2 and 3% of nutmeg supplementation significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The skin mucus and serum total protein, total immunoglobulin (Ig), and lysozyme activity were significantly increased in T3-nutmeg treatment in comparison to the control (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were also enhanced in the T3-nutmeg group (P < 0.05). Nutmeg supplementation significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of growth hormone (gh) and insulin growth factor-1 (igf-1). Moreover, the nutmeg inclusion upregulated the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), lysozyme, sod, and cat. The dietary supplementation of nutmeg significantly increased the resistance of zebrafish against cold-water shock and survivability afterward (P < 0.05). Discussion In conclusion, the supplementation of 3% powdered nutmeg in zebrafish diets could be suggested as an effective immune stimulator that improves antioxidant defense and stress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Vakili
- Department of Fisheries, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Roosta
- Fisheries Department, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Someh Sara, Gilan, Iran
| | - Roghieh Safari
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Raeisi
- Food, Drug and Natural Products Health Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Md. Sakhawat Hossain
- Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station, University of Idaho, Hagerman, ID, United States
| | - Inês Guerreiro
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, University of Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Arash Akbarzadeh
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, University of Hormozgan, Bandarabbas, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Hoseinifar
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
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Holhorea PG, Felip A, Calduch-Giner JÀ, Afonso JM, Pérez-Sánchez J. Use of male-to-female sex reversal as a welfare scoring system in the protandrous farmed gilthead sea bream ( Sparus aurata). Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1083255. [PMID: 36699328 PMCID: PMC9868933 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1083255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gilthead sea bream is a highly cultured marine fish throughout the Mediterranean area, but new and strict criteria of welfare are needed to assure that the intensification of production has no negative effects on animal farming. Most welfare indicators are specific to a given phase of the production cycle, but others such as the timing of puberty and/or sex reversal are of retrospective value. This is of particular relevance in the protandrous gilthead sea bream, in which the sex ratio is highly regulated at the nutritional level. Social and environmental factors (e.g., contaminant loads) also alter the sex ratio, but the contribution of the genetic component remains unclear. To assess this complex issue, five gilthead sea bream families representative of slow/intermediate/fast growth were grown out with control or a plant-based diet in a common garden system from early life to the completion of their sexual maturity in 3-year-old fish. The plant-based diet highly enhanced the male-to-female sex reversal. This occurred in parallel with the progressive impairment of growth performance, which was indicative of changes in nutrient requirements as the result of the different energy demands for growth and reproduction through development. The effect of a different nutritional and genetic background on the reproductive performance was also assessed by measurements of circulating levels of sex steroids during the two consecutive spawning seasons, varying plasma levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) with age, gender, diet, and genetic background. Principal component analysis (PCA) of 3-year-old fish displayed a gradual increase of the E2/11-KT ratio from males to females with the improvement of nutritional/genetic background. Altogether, these results support the use of a reproductive tract scoring system for leading farmed fish toward their optimum welfare condition, contributing to improving the productivity of the current gilthead sea bream livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Holhorea
- Nutrigenomics and Fish Growth Endocrinology Group, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal, CSIC, Castellón, Spain
| | - Alicia Felip
- Group of Fish Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal, CSIC, Castellón, Spain
| | - Josep À Calduch-Giner
- Nutrigenomics and Fish Growth Endocrinology Group, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal, CSIC, Castellón, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Afonso
- Aquaculture Research Group, Institute of Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (IU-ECOAQUA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Jaume Pérez-Sánchez
- Nutrigenomics and Fish Growth Endocrinology Group, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal, CSIC, Castellón, Spain
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Álvarez CA, Santana PA, Cárcamo CB, Cárdenas C, Morales-Lange B, Ramírez F, Valenzuela C, Boltaña S, Alcaíno J, Guzmán F, Mercado L. Effect of Fish Stock Density on Hormone Genes Expression from Brain and Gastrointestinal Tract of Salmo salar. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091174. [PMID: 35565600 PMCID: PMC9102067 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Various long-term stress conditions may exist in fish cultivation, damaging the physiological responses that regulate the fish growth and feed. Different signalers connect the brain with the gastrointestinal tract, including the perception of stress factors for the regulation of physiological responses. Here, we evaluated the effect of varying culture densities of Salmo salar post-smolt on the gene expression of some brain and gastrointestinal hormone signalers. We found that high stock densities could promote the levels of molecules associated with feed inhibition, which could be related to the stress pathway regulated by corticoids. Thus, the expression of these peptide hormones could be used as biological markers to improve production practices in fish aquaculture. Abstract A variety of long-term stress conditions may exist in fish cultivation, some of which are so severe that fish can no longer reestablish homeostasis. In teleost fish, the brain and gastrointestinal tract integrate signals that include the perception of stress factors regulating physiological responses, such as social stress by fish population density, where peripheral and central signals, such as peptide hormones, are the main regulators. Therefore, we proposed in this study to analyze the effect of different stock densities (SD) in the gene expression of brain neuropeptide Y (NPY) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), together with the gastrointestinal peptide hormones leptin (Lep), vasointestinal peptide (VIP), and protachykinin-1 (Prk-1) in Salmo salar post-smolt. The coding sequence of S. salar VIP and Prk-1 precursors were firstly cloned and characterized. Then, the mRNA expression of these genes, together with the NPY, Lep, and CGRP genes, were evaluated in post-smolts kept at 11 Kg/m3, 20 Kg/m3, and 40 Kg/m3. At 14 days of culture, the brain CGRP and liver leptin mRNA levels increased three and tenfold in the post-smolt salmons kept at the highest SD, respectively. The high levels of leptin were kept during all the fish culture experiments. In addition, the highest expression of intestine VIP mRNA was obtained on Day 21 in the group of 40 Kg/m3 returning to baseline on Day 40. In terms of stress biochemical parameters, cortisol levels were increased in the 20 Kg/m3 and 40 Kg/m3 groups on Day 40 and were the highest in the 20 Kg/m3 group on Day 14. This study provides new insight into the gastrointestinal signals that could be affected by chronic stress induced by high stock density in fish farming. Thus, the expression of these peptide hormones could be used as molecular markers to improve production practices in fish aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio A. Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Genética Marina, Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile;
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile
- Correspondence: (C.A.Á.); (L.M.)
| | - Paula A. Santana
- Instituto de Ciencias Químicas Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, San Miguel, Santiago 8910060, Chile;
| | - Claudia B. Cárcamo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Genética Marina, Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile;
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile
- Centro de Innovación Acuícola, Aquapacifico, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile
| | - Constanza Cárdenas
- Núcleo Biotecnología Curauma (NBC), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2374631, Chile; (C.C.); (F.G.)
| | - Byron Morales-Lange
- Grupo de Marcadores Inmunológicos, Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2374631, Chile; (B.M.-L.); (F.R.); (C.V.)
| | - Felipe Ramírez
- Grupo de Marcadores Inmunológicos, Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2374631, Chile; (B.M.-L.); (F.R.); (C.V.)
| | - Cristian Valenzuela
- Grupo de Marcadores Inmunológicos, Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2374631, Chile; (B.M.-L.); (F.R.); (C.V.)
| | - Sebastián Boltaña
- Department of Oceanography, University of Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile;
| | - Javier Alcaíno
- AquaAdvise-Fundación Chile, Puerto Montt 5480000, Chile;
| | - Fanny Guzmán
- Núcleo Biotecnología Curauma (NBC), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2374631, Chile; (C.C.); (F.G.)
| | - Luis Mercado
- Núcleo Biotecnología Curauma (NBC), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2374631, Chile; (C.C.); (F.G.)
- Grupo de Marcadores Inmunológicos, Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2374631, Chile; (B.M.-L.); (F.R.); (C.V.)
- Correspondence: (C.A.Á.); (L.M.)
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Advantage of Species Diversification to Facilitate Sustainable Development of Aquaculture Sector. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11030368. [PMID: 35336742 PMCID: PMC8945328 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The aquaculture sector must be well-founded to undergo robust growth and sustainable development in the years ahead. Species diversity must reflect species compatibility and complementarity to manage the complexity in polyculture systems. There is a need for the implementation of innovative strategies that facilitate sustainable aquaculture development, enhance profitability, improve resilience, and support conservation and environmental protection. An aquaculture development scenario must look beyond the economic profitability and strategize aquatic food production systems to attain food and nutrition security and benefits for all stakeholders. Abstract Intensified agrochemical-based monoculture systems worldwide are under adoption to meet the challenge of human population growth and the ever-growing global demand for food. However, this path has been opposed and criticized because it involves overexploitation of land, monoculture of few species, excessive input of agrochemicals, and adverse impacts on human health and the environment. The wide diversity among polyculture systems practiced across the globe has created confusion over the priority of a single strategy towards sustainable aquaculture development and safer products. Herein, we highlight the significance of polyculture and integrated aquaculture practices in conveying the successful transition of the aquaculture industry towards sustainable development. So far, the established thought is that the precise selection of aquatic species and a focus on compatible and complementary species combinations are supposed to facilitate rapid progress in food production with more profitability and sustainability. Therefore, the advantages of species diversification are discussed from an ecological perspective to enforce aquaculture expansion. This account asserts that a diverse range of aquaculture practices can promote synergies among farmed species, enhance system resilience, enable conservation, decrease ecological footprints, and provide social benefits such as diversified income and local food security.
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Gaffney LP, Lavery JM. Research Before Policy: Identifying Gaps in Salmonid Welfare Research That Require Further Study to Inform Evidence-Based Aquaculture Guidelines in Canada. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:768558. [PMID: 35155641 PMCID: PMC8835349 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.768558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaculture is a growing industry worldwide and Canadian finfish culture is dominated by marine salmonid farming. In part due to increasing public and stakeholder concerns around fish welfare protection, the first-ever Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farmed Salmonids was recently completed, following the National Farm Animal Care Council's (NFACC) rigorous Code development process. During this process, both the Scientific (responsible for reviewing existing literature and producing a peer-reviewed report that informs the Code) and Code Development (a diverse group of stakeholders including aquaculture producers, fish transporters, aquaculture veterinarians, animal welfare advocates, food retailers, government, and researchers) Committees identified research gaps in tandem, as they worked through the literature on salmonid physiology, health, husbandry, and welfare. When those lists are combined with the results of a public "top-of-mind" survey conducted by NFACC, they reveal several overlapping areas of scientific, stakeholder, and public concern where scientific evidence is currently lacking: (1) biodensity; (2) health monitoring and management, with a focus on sea lice infection prevention and management; (3) feed quality and management, particularly whether feed restriction or deprivation has consequences for welfare; (4) enclosure design, especially focused on environmental enrichment provision and lighting design; and (5) slaughter and euthanasia. For each of these five research areas, we provide a brief overview of current research on the topic and outline the specific research gaps present. The final section of this review identifies future research avenues that will help address these research gaps, including using existing paradigms developed by terrestrial animal welfare researchers, developing novel methods for assessing fish welfare, and the validation of new salmonid welfare indices. We conclude that there is no dearth of relevant research to be done in the realm of farmed salmonid welfare that can support crucial evidence-based fish welfare policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh P. Gaffney
- National Animal Welfare Representative, Code Development Committee (NFACC) for the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC), Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - J. Michelle Lavery
- Scientific Committee (NFACC) for the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farmed Salmonids, National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC), Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Jones NAR, Webster MM, Salvanes AGV. Physical enrichment research for captive fish: Time to focus on the DETAILS. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 99:704-725. [PMID: 33942889 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Growing research effort has shown that physical enrichment (PE) can improve fish welfare and research validity. However, the inclusion of PE does not always result in positive effects and conflicting findings have highlighted the many nuances involved. Effects are known to depend on species and life stage tested, but effects may also vary with differences in the specific items used as enrichment between and within studies. Reporting fine-scale characteristics of items used as enrichment in studies may help to reveal these factors. We conducted a survey of PE-focused studies published in the last 5 years to examine the current state of methodological reporting. The survey results suggest that some aspects of enrichment are not adequately detailed. For example, the amount and dimensions of objects used as enrichment were frequently omitted. Similarly, the ecological relevance, or other justification, for enrichment items was frequently not made explicit. Focusing on ecologically relevant aspects of PE and increasing the level of detail reported in studies may benefit future work and we propose a framework with the acronym DETAILS (Dimensions, Ecological rationale, Timing of enrichment, Amount, Inputs, Lighting and Social environment). We outline the potential importance of each of the elements of this framework with the hope it may aid in the level of reporting and standardization across studies, ultimately aiding the search for more beneficial types of PE and the development of our understanding and ability to improve the welfare of captive fish and promote more biologically relevant behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick A R Jones
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Mike M Webster
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
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Brandão ML, Dorigão-Guimarães F, Bolognesi MC, Gauy ACDS, Pereira AVS, Vian L, Carvalho TB, Gonçalves-de-Freitas E. Understanding behaviour to improve the welfare of an ornamental fish. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 99:726-739. [PMID: 34076258 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Some common practices in aquaculture, ornamental trade and fish facilities may disturb the behavioural repertoire of fish and its natural adaptive value, reducing welfare and impairing fish production. Hence, it is necessary to understand fish behaviour, as well as the factors affecting it, to improve the quality of fish's life under artificial environment. Here, we reviewed the behaviour of the angelfish Pterophyllum scalare, an Amazonian cichlid used worldwide both as an ornamental fish and as a fish model in scientific research. We characterized social, reproductive and feeding behaviour, as well as the amazing cognitive ability of the angelfish. In addition, we reviewed the effects of environmental enrichment and suggested some important variables that need to be considered for rearing P. scalare. In this review, we show for the first time a synthesis on behaviour and a best practice overview to improve the welfare of angelfish as a target species. Nonetheless, most topics reviewed fit a broader set of fish species, particularly ornamental ones. This synthesis can therefore open a path for further behavioural research applied to the welfare of angelfish and bring insights to other fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Lombardi Brandão
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Dorigão-Guimarães
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcela Cesar Bolognesi
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centro de Aquicultura da Universidade Estadual Paulista, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Dos Santos Gauy
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centro de Aquicultura da Universidade Estadual Paulista, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Vitor Salinas Pereira
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lethicia Vian
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Eliane Gonçalves-de-Freitas
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centro de Aquicultura da Universidade Estadual Paulista, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
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Saraiva JL, Nogueirinha M, Teodósio R, Aragão C, Engrola S, Arechavala-Lopez P. The effect of tank cover on welfare of farmed Nile tilapia. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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11
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Preference and Motivation Tests for Body Tactile Stimulation in Fish. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11072042. [PMID: 34359170 PMCID: PMC8300383 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Body tactile stimulation, such as human massage therapy, is a way to relieve stress in humans and other animals, therefore it could improve animal health and welfare. This physical stimulation can also be done through artificial devices, as a sensory enrichment. However, before using it in an artificial environment, it is imperative to test whether animals perceive such enrichment as positive (searching for it spontaneously) or negative (avoiding it). Here, we tested whether the Nile tilapia fish search for or avoid tactile stimulation. We used a rectangular PVC frame, filled with vertical plastic sticks sided with silicone bristles that provided tactile stimulation when fish passed through them. We carried out preference and motivation tests, in which fish could choose to cross through the device with and without tactile stimulus. The same procedure was repeated after fish were exposed to either isolation or social stress. We found that fish crossed less by tactile device than by open areas. However, as fish spontaneously crossed through the bristles, and overcame an aversive high-intensity lighted route to reach the device, we conclude that tactile stimulation is not a negative condition. Thus, further studies can be designed to test several effects of tactile stimulation on the welfare of fish. Abstract We tested whether territorial fish (Nile tilapia) perceive body tactile stimulation as a positive or negative resource. Individual male fish were placed for eight days in an aquarium containing a rectangular PVC frame, which was filled with vertical plastic sticks sided with silicone bristles in the middle of the tank. Fish passing this device received a tactile stimulus. The fish then underwent a preference test by choosing between areas half-with and half-without tactile bristles. Then, fish were submitted to a motivation test where they had to pass an aversive stimulus (bright light) to access the device. Fish were, then, paired to settle social rank, which occurs by way of fights (social stressor), and were assigned again to preference and motivation tests. A group without social stress was used as a control. Contrary to our expectations, fish preferred the area without tactile bristles, although subordinate fish reached tactile stimulation more than the dominant one. Social stress did not affect the preference and motivation, suggesting that fish do not perceive tactile stimulation as a stressor reliever. However, as fish did not avoid the stimulation, reached the device spontaneously, and faced an aversive stimulus to access it, we conclude that tactile stimulation is not a negative condition and, therefore, can be used in further studies regarding fish welfare.
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Calibrating Accelerometer Tags with Oxygen Consumption Rate of Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Their Use in Aquaculture Facility: A Case Study. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061496. [PMID: 34064216 PMCID: PMC8224291 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Measuring metabolic rates in free-swimming fish would provide valuable insights about the energetic costs of different life activities this is challenging to implement in the field due to the difficulty of performing such measurements. Thus, the calibration of acoustic transmitters with the oxygen consumption rate (MO2) could be promising to counter the limitations observed in the field. In this study, calibrations were performed in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and a subsample of fish was implanted with such a transmitter and then followed under aquaculture conditions. The use of acoustic transmitters calibrated with MO2 appeared to be a promising tool to estimate energetic costs in free-swimming rainbow trout, and for welfare assessment in the aquaculture industry. Abstract Metabolic rates are linked to the energetic costs of different activities of an animal’s life. However, measuring the metabolic rate in free-swimming fish remains challenging due to the lack of possibilities to perform these direct measurements in the field. Thus, the calibration of acoustic transmitters with the oxygen consumption rate (MO2) could be promising to counter these limitations. In this study, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792; n = 40) were challenged in a critical swimming test (Ucrit) to (1) obtain insights about the aerobic and anaerobic metabolism throughout electromyograms; and (2) calibrate acoustic transmitters’ signal with the MO2 to be later used as a proxy of energetic costs. After this calibration, the fish (n = 12) were implanted with the transmitter and were followed during ~50 days in an aquaculture facility, as a case study, to evaluate the potential of such calibration. Accelerometer data gathered from tags over a long time period were converted to estimate the MO2. The MO2 values indicated that all fish were reared under conditions that did not impact their health and welfare. In addition, a diurnal pattern with higher MO2 was observed for the majority of implanted trout. In conclusion, this study provides (1) biological information about the muscular activation pattern of both red and white muscle; and (2) useful tools to estimate the energetic costs in free-ranging rainbow trout. The use of acoustic transmitters calibrated with MO2, as a proxy of energy expenditure, could be promising for welfare assessment in the aquaculture industry.
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Franks B, Ewell C, Jacquet J. Animal welfare risks of global aquaculture. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabg0677. [PMID: 33811081 PMCID: PMC11057778 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg0677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The unprecedented growth of aquaculture involves well-documented environmental and public-health costs, but less is understood about global animal welfare risks. Integrating data from multiple sources, we estimated the taxonomic diversity of farmed aquatic animals, the number of individuals killed annually, and the species-specific welfare knowledge (absence of which indicates extreme risk). In 2018, FAO reported 82.12 million metric tons of farmed aquatic animals from six phyla and at least 408 species-20 times the number of species of farmed terrestrial animals. The farmed aquatic animal tonnage represents 250 to 408 billion individuals, of which 59 to 129 billion are vertebrates (e.g., carps, salmonids). Specialized welfare information was available for 84 species, only 30% of individuals; the remaining 70% either had no welfare publications or were of an unknown species. With aquaculture growth outpacing welfare knowledge, immediate efforts are needed to safeguard the welfare of high-production, understudied species and to create policies that minimize welfare risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becca Franks
- Department of Environmental Studies, New York University, 285 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10003, USA.
| | - Christopher Ewell
- Department of Environmental Studies, New York University, 285 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Yale Law School, Yale University, 127 Wall Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Jennifer Jacquet
- Department of Environmental Studies, New York University, 285 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10003, USA
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Tschirren L, Bachmann D, Güler AC, Blaser O, Rhyner N, Seitz A, Zbinden E, Wahli T, Segner H, Refardt D. MyFishCheck: A Model to Assess Fish Welfare in Aquaculture. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010145. [PMID: 33440704 PMCID: PMC7826897 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Welfare is a key aspect in animal husbandry. However, in aquaculture, scientifically validated and practically proven methods to evaluate fish welfare are largely missing. With raising societal requirements for animal-friendly husbandry, this lack represents a problem for farmers and scientists alike. We therefore developed MyFishCheck, a comprehensive model and a user-friendly app to assess and document welfare as part of the working routines in fish husbandry. The app enables an easy and standardised measurement of relevant, practicable and reliable parameters, from which the model calculates intuitive welfare grades. Both the model and the app are explicitly designed to be adaptable to new knowledge and any fish species and husbandry system. MyFishCheck allows a standardised evaluation and digital documentation of fish welfare. As a result, improvements can be tracked and problems identified early. We hope that MyFishCheck proves to be a useful tool for fish farmers and supports them in their effort to improve welfare in aquaculture. Abstract Welfare in animal husbandry includes considerations of biology, ethics, ecology, law and economics. These diverse aspects must be translated into common quantifiable parameters and applicable methods to objectively assess welfare in animals. To assist this process in the field of aquaculture, where such methods are largely missing, we developed a model to assess fish welfare. A network of information was created to link needs, i.e., fundamental requirements for welfare, with parameters, i.e., quantifiable aspects of welfare. From this ontology, 80 parameters that are relevant for welfare, have practicable assessment methods and deliver reliable results were selected and incorporated into a model. The model, named MyFishCheck, allows the evaluation of welfare in five distinct modules: farm management, water quality, fish group behaviour, fish external and fish internal appearance, thereby yielding five individual grades categorising welfare ranging from critical, to poor, to acceptable, and good. To facilitate the use of the model, a software application was written. With its adaptability to different fish species, farming systems, regulations and purposes as well as its user-friendly digital version, MyFishCheck is a next step towards improved fish welfare assessment and provides a basis for ongoing positive developments for the industry, the farmers and the fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Tschirren
- Research Group for Aquaculture Systems, Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland; (D.B.); (A.C.G.); (O.B.); (A.S.); (D.R.)
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Berne, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (T.W.); (H.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-(0)-58-934-52-31
| | - David Bachmann
- Research Group for Aquaculture Systems, Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland; (D.B.); (A.C.G.); (O.B.); (A.S.); (D.R.)
| | - Ali Cem Güler
- Research Group for Aquaculture Systems, Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland; (D.B.); (A.C.G.); (O.B.); (A.S.); (D.R.)
| | - Oliver Blaser
- Research Group for Aquaculture Systems, Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland; (D.B.); (A.C.G.); (O.B.); (A.S.); (D.R.)
| | - Nicola Rhyner
- Research Group for Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology, Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland;
| | - Andreas Seitz
- Research Group for Aquaculture Systems, Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland; (D.B.); (A.C.G.); (O.B.); (A.S.); (D.R.)
| | - Erich Zbinden
- Research Group for Knowledge Engineering, Institute of Applied Simulation, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland;
| | - Thomas Wahli
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Berne, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (T.W.); (H.S.)
| | - Helmut Segner
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Berne, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (T.W.); (H.S.)
| | - Dominik Refardt
- Research Group for Aquaculture Systems, Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland; (D.B.); (A.C.G.); (O.B.); (A.S.); (D.R.)
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Thomas M, Pasquet A, Aubin J, Nahon S, Lecocq T. When more is more: taking advantage of species diversity to move towards sustainable aquaculture. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:767-784. [PMID: 33320418 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12677] [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: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human population growth has increased demand for food products, which is expected to double in coming decades. Until recently, this demand has been met by expanding agricultural area and intensifying agrochemical-based monoculture of a few species. However, this development pathway has been criticised due to its negative impacts on the environment and other human activities. Therefore, new production practices are needed to meet human food requirements sustainably in the future. Herein, we assert that polyculture practices can ensure the transition of aquaculture towards sustainable development. We review traditional and recent polyculture practices (ponds, recirculated aquaculture systems, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, aquaponics, integrated agriculture-aquaculture) to highlight how they improve aquaculture through the coexistence and interactions of species. This overview highlights the importance of species compatibility (i.e. species that can live in the same farming environment without detrimental interactions) and complementarity (i.e. complementary use of available resources and/or commensalism/mutualism) to achieve efficient and ethical aquaculture. Overall, polyculture combines aspects of productivity, environmental protection, resource sharing, and animal welfare. However, several challenges must be addressed to facilitate polyculture development across the world. We developed a four-step conceptual framework for designing innovative polyculture systems. This framework highlights the importance of (i) using prospective approaches to consider which species to combine, (ii) performing integrated assessment of rearing environments to determine in which farming system a particular combination of species is the most relevant, (iii) developing new tools and strategies to facilitate polyculture system management, and (iv) implementing polyculture innovation for relevant stakeholders involved in aquaculture transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Thomas
- University of Lorraine, INRAE, URAFPA, Research Unit Animal and Functionalities of Animal Products, University of Lorraine - INRAE, 2 Avenue de la Forêt de Haye, BP 172, 54505, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Alain Pasquet
- University of Lorraine, INRAE, URAFPA, Research Unit Animal and Functionalities of Animal Products, University of Lorraine - INRAE, 2 Avenue de la Forêt de Haye, BP 172, 54505, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Joël Aubin
- UMR SAS, INRAE, Institut Agro, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Sarah Nahon
- INRAE, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, UMR 1419, Nutrition, Métabolisme, Aquaculture, F-64310, Saint Pée sur Nivelle, France
| | - Thomas Lecocq
- University of Lorraine, INRAE, URAFPA, Research Unit Animal and Functionalities of Animal Products, University of Lorraine - INRAE, 2 Avenue de la Forêt de Haye, BP 172, 54505, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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Pedrazzani AS, Quintiliano MH, Bolfe F, Sans ECDO, Molento CFM. Tilapia On-Farm Welfare Assessment Protocol for Semi-intensive Production Systems. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:606388. [PMID: 33324705 PMCID: PMC7723968 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.606388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop and test a tilapia on-farm welfare assessment protocol, based on Brazilian semi-intensive production systems. The study included two mains steps: the elaboration of tilapia welfare protocol and its on-field feasibility test. The protocol, including the potential indicators organized into health, environmental, nutritional, and behavioral categories, was tested on three farms. Skin, eyes, gills, jaws, fins, and vertebral spine were individually examined in 139 individual tilapias. Water physicochemical parameters and production system were considered. The overall nutritional status of individuals was assessed through body condition factor, feed conversion ratio, feed crude protein ratio, and feed ingestion behavior. During massive capture, signals of stress, level of crowding, and duration of air exposure were registered. Time required for loss of consciousness was evaluated by clinical reflexes and other behaviors during slaughter. Eye, jaw, and gill scores were different across farms (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.011; 0.015; 0.043, respectively), showing good discrimination power. Critical welfare points were extremely low dissolved oxygen in water, fin and skin lesions, prolonged air exposure during pre-slaughter handling and non-humane slaughter techniques, as decapitation or asphyxia. The protocol presents practical viability and it is an initial step for the development of a tilapia welfare strategy, where the prioritization of critical welfare points, implementation of corrective actions and monitoring of the results is part of a permanent welfare management system.
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Evaluation of the Effects of the Enriched-Organic Diets Composition on European Sea Bass Welfare through a Multi-Parametric Approach. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse8110934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Three groups of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were fed for seven months, with either a conventional diet or two different organic diets, which contain organic vegetables and a natural antioxidant compound. The two organic diets differed themselves in terms of raw proteins, fish oil, and lipid contents. Sea bass welfare condition was assessed in relation to these three diets, using 16 different indicators. These were: swimming activity (recovery test, muscle activity), haematological and serological stress indicators (haematocrit, haemoglobin, red-blood-cell count, cortisol, glucose, lactate), aspecific immunity parameter (lysozyme), indicators of exposure to organic contaminants (7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase and glutathione-S-transferase), and growth parameters (weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and hepato-somatic index). Most of these parameters individually did not give consistent responses, but their integration can provide an accurate evaluation of the fish welfare conditions among the three diet experimental groups. The multiparametric approach outlined a comprehensive picture of sea bass physiological state. The principal component analysis and the multi-criteria-decision-analysis were found to be useful tools for an integrated fish welfare assessment, highlighting that the best welfare condition was achieved in the experimental group fed with the protein-rich organic diet.
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Sánchez-Suárez W, Franks B, Torgerson-White L. From Land to Water: Taking Fish Welfare Seriously. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091585. [PMID: 32899510 PMCID: PMC7552193 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This article aims to use contemporary (terrestrial) animal welfare science as a lens to evaluate the state of knowledge concerning welfare in fish species, focusing on farmed fishes. We take advantage of the vast expertise-including previous pitfalls and accomplishments-in the investigation of welfare in terrestrial vertebrates, borrowing questions and methodologies from terrestrial animal welfare science in order to (1) better understand the challenges and opportunities in the study of welfare in fish species, and (2) propose strategies for filling knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Sánchez-Suárez
- Department of Research, Mercy for Animals, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Becca Franks
- Department of Environmental Studies, New York University, New York City, NY 10003, USA;
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Arechavala-Lopez P, Caballero-Froilán JC, Jiménez-García M, Capó X, Tejada S, Saraiva JL, Sureda A, Moranta D. Enriched environments enhance cognition, exploratory behaviour and brain physiological functions of Sparus aurata. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11252. [PMID: 32647185 PMCID: PMC7347547 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68306-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment is considered as a recommended tool to guarantee or improve the welfare of captive fish. This study demonstrates for the first time that structural environmental enrichment enhances cognition, exploratory behaviour and brain physiological functions of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Seabream was reared in groups (n = 15) during 60 days under two different treatments: enriched tanks with plant-fibre ropes (EE) or bare/non-enriched tanks (NE). Fish were then exposed to a purpose-built maze for 1 h every second day in four trials. Analysis of video recordings showed that seabream under EE conditions presented higher overall exploratory behaviour, spatial orientation and learning capability compared to seabream from NE conditions. Results from brain monoamines analyses may suggest increased recent dopaminergic activity in telencephalon, known to be involved in learning processes; and increased serotonergic activity in cerebellum, involved in the coordination of balance, movements and orientation. In addition, EE-reared fish showed increased antioxidant activity in whole brain, with no apparent oxidative damage. Structural EE seemed to induce an hormetic response on juvenile seabream, improving their welfare status during captivity. Application of this kind of physical structure might be feasible at fish farms as a passive and non-invasive tool to improve welfare of intensively cultured seabream.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Arechavala-Lopez
- Fish Ethology and Welfare Group, CCMAR, Faro, Portugal.
- Fish Ecology Group, IMEDEA (CSIC/UIB), Esporles, Spain.
| | - J C Caballero-Froilán
- Laboratory of Neurophisiology, Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - M Jiménez-García
- Laboratory of Neurophisiology, Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - X Capó
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands and Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - S Tejada
- Laboratory of Neurophisiology, Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - J L Saraiva
- Fish Ethology and Welfare Group, CCMAR, Faro, Portugal
| | - A Sureda
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands and Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - D Moranta
- Laboratory of Neurophisiology, Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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Abstract
The concept of fish welfare is fairly recent and was overlooked for many years, based on a popular misconception that fish were “stupid” creatures devoid of any kind of sentience or mental capability [...]
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