60 research outputs found

    Corrigendum: hypoxic induced decrease in oxygen consumption in cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) Is Associated with minor increases in Mantle Octopine but no changes in markers of protein turnover

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    Corrige o artigo http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/10858 [This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00344.].info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    Nucleic acid derived indices or instantaneous growth rate as tools to determine different nutricional condition in cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis, linnaeus 1758) hatchlings

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    Two groups of 100 cuttlefish hatchlings each were used to determine the duration of the yolk reserves, during which growth can be obtained with no food supply. One group was fed live grass shrimp ad libitum from the 3rd day of life onwards, while the other was starved during the whole experiment. The experiment lasted 7 days, because this was the 1st day where a negative growth rate was obtained. Nucleic acid derived indices and instantaneous growth rates (IGR) were used as a way to describe their condition, when all the yolk reserves would be exhausted and to determine the most accurate tool to express growth and condition. RNA/DNA ratios described clearly the differences (P 0.05) between groups and did not displayed a clear pattern with increasing age. Correlation between IGR and DNA was only attained for the fed population (R −0.90; P 0.0374). RNA concentration values were different from day 5 onwards. Any of the nucleic acid derived indexes were not accurate enough to express growth and condition, so IGR seems to be the most accurate and inexpensive way to describe hatchlings growth and condition in controlled conditions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    Camouflage during movement in the European cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)

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    A moving object is considered conspicuous because of the movement itself. When moving from one background to another, even dynamic camouflage experts such as cephalopods should sacrifice their extraordinary camouflage. Therefore, minimizing detection at this stage is crucial and highly beneficial. In this study, we describe a background-matching mechanism during movement, which aids the cuttlefish to downplay its presence throughout movement. In situ behavioural experiments using video and image analysis, revealed a delayed, sigmoidal, colour-changing mechanism during movement of Sepia officinalis across uniform black and grey backgrounds. This is a first important step in understanding dynamic camouflage during movement, and this new behavioural mechanism may be incorporated and applied to any dynamic camouflaging animal or man-made system on the move.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) performance when including fasting on feeding schemes: preliminary data regarding a formulated feed

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    The common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) has aroused great interest in recent years as a new species for aquaculture. The current research is focused on developing a formulated feed, although a proper diet management has also promoted rearing success of other commercial cultured species. It is documented that wild animals eat depending on prey availability and most experience fasting in nature. Hence, O. vulgaris subadults were subjected to two different feeding schemes, with a similar semi-moist diet, including either 2 (2FDb, control) or 3 (3FDb) non-consecutive days of fasting per week. Growth, feed efficiency (FE), digestibility and condition were assessed after 56 days of rearing. Both feeding schemes promoted similar growth and digestibility (P>0.05), 100% of survival and higher food-intake after fasting. Interestingly, feed efficiency (FE) was enhanced with the 3 fasting days scheme (58.6% vs. 48.3% for 2FDb scheme; P<0.05). Results might indicate that O. vulgaris has the ability to compensate fasting days through an increase in food intake on the subsequent day or a better use of its reserves. Moreover, a reduction on feeding days might promote a decrease in production costs at commercial scale.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    On the use of live grass shrimp (Palaemonetes varians) as the only prey for cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) culture throughout the life cycle

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    Dissertação de Mestrado em Ciências do Mar- Recursos Marinhos, área de especialização em Aquacultura, apresentada ao Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar da Universidade do Port

    Control of zootechnology leads to improved Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis, L.) reproduction performance up to pre-industrial levels

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    Cephalopods are gaining momentum as an alternate group for aquaculture species diversification, not only because they are a good food source (highly appreciated in some worldwide markets) but they also have the potential to quickly reach a market size. However, there are some bottlenecks impeding the transition of culture technology from the laboratory to industry. One is related to control over reproduction in captivity. The objective of the present experiment was to verify the effects of tanks with different bottom areas/volumes on the reproduction performance of S. officinalis breeding stocks, when sex ratios were controlled a priori; and the food cost associated with such performance when individuals are fed a natural frozen diet. One hundred and ninety two juvenile cuttlefish were used to compare three different round-shaped tanks: one type with 3000L volume and two types with 9000L volume (with differences in bottom areas and water column). Individuals had their sex and maturity stage determined to establish a sexual ratio of 2 female:1 male per tank and assure that cuttlefish were still immature. Biological data was collected during both growth and reproduction stages and until the death of all females in each tank. The experiment lasted nearly 300 days. Temperature differences between tank types were registered during both stages. The optimizing of rearing conditions has allowed for higher growth and a higher amount of cuttlefish available for breeding purposes. A total of 123,751 eggs (in 85 batches) was obtained during this experiment, which is a number that may meet a small scale cuttlefish commercial hatchery facility requirements. The present conditions contributed to a better and predictable reproduction performance in specific 9000L tanks, with values reaching pre-industrial numbers (approximate to 24,000 eggs/tank). Moreover, both the amount of eggs per batch and the overall quality of eggs has increased. Three of these 9000L tanks have an overall consumption of approximate to 38.64 Kg tank(-1), which translates in an investment in feed of approximate to 193 (sic) tank(-1), 8.40 (sic) per cuttlefish and an overall daily tank expense of 1.76 (sic) d(-1).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    Preliminary results on the daily and seasonal rhythms of cuttlefish Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus, 1758) locomotor activity in captivity

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    Cephalopods are considered as an alternate group for aquaculture species diversification [1,2], not only because they are a good food source (highly appreciated in some worldwide markets, e.g., Portugal, Spain, Italy and Asia) and have the potential to quickly reach a market size, but also because they are considered animal models in several fields of research [3–5], and it is expected that such models are progressively obtained from bioteriums instead of being captured from nature. Despite the recent advances in culture protocols of several cephalopod species [2], there is still little information available about the biological rhythms of cephalopods in captivity. In fact, to the best of our knowledge, there are only 4 published papers concerning this theme, and these are focused on octopus species [6–9]. This issue assumes increasing importance with the enforcement of EU welfare legislation (Directive 2010/63/EU), and this information is critical for the future update of Annex III (housing conditions) for cephalopods of that Directive, and for a future update of the Guidelines for the Care and Welfare of Cephalopods in Research [10]. If it is considered that the European cuttlefish Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus, 1758) may have, at the least, two different sleep‐like states [11], the importance of this study becomes even more evident.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    A sensory and nutritional comparison of mussels (Mytilus sp.) produced in NW Iberia and in the Armona offshore production area (Algarve, Portugal)

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    A biometric, nutritional and sensory analysis of raw and cooked mussels comparing Mytilus sp. from the north-west coast of Portugal and Spain (Minho and Galicia, respectively) and the new offshore production site of Armona (Algarve, south Portugal) was carried out. In addition, multiple factorial analysis was performed to explore potential relationships between sensory attributes and nutritional content properties between the different mussels. Results showed that, at similar times of sale, biometrics of mussels from Armona and Vigo were similar and bigger than the remaining. Nonetheless, despite some similarities in proximate composition, mussels presented differences in lipid classes, fatty acid content and free amino acids profiles. These differences were not fully reflected in the sensory assessment by the panel, which were able to distinguish different production sites in raw specimens but displayed problems in discrimination these in cooked mussels. Some nutritional components were related to specific sensory sensations

    Felasa working group report: capture and transport of live cephalopods – recommendations for scientific purposes

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    On 1 January 2013, research using cephalopod molluscs, from hatchlings to adults, became regulated within Directive 2010/63/EU. There are significant difficulties in captive breeding in the great majority of currently utilised species. Thus, scientific research relies upon the use of wild-caught animals. Furthermore, live cephalopods are shared and transported between different stakeholders and laboratories across Europe and other continents. Despite existing European and national legislation, codes, guidelines and reports from independent organisations, a set of recommendations specifically addressing the requirements for the capture and transport of animals belonging to this taxon are missing. In addition, although training and development of competence for all people involved in the supply chain are essential and aim to ensure that animals do not suffer from pain, distress or lasting harm, the requirements for those capturing and transporting wild cephalopods have not been considered. This Working Group reviewed the current literature to recognise scientific evidence and the best practice, and compiled a set of recommendations to provide guidance on the ‘techniques’ to be used for the capture and transport of live cephalopods for their use in scientific procedures. In addition, we propose to (a) develop standardised approaches able to assess recommended methods and objectively quantify the impact of these processes on animals’ health, welfare and stress response, and (b) design a training programme for people attaining the necessary competence for capture and transportation of live cephalopods, as required by Directive 2010/63/EU.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
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