Reproductive performance of Macrobrachium acanthurus (Crustacea, Palaemonidae) females subjected to unilateral eyestalk ablation

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of eyestalk ablation on the reproductive performance of females from the native caridean shrimp Macrobrachium acanthurus. The reproduction parameters fertility, fecundity, egg volume, larvae size, loss of embryos and number of females with viable eggs/larvae were evaluated. Females presenting carapace length of 12–15 mm and spent stage of gonadal development were divided into two groups, one undergoing unilateral eyestalk ablation and the other remaining intact. The specimens were kept in aquarium until ovarian maturation, then brought together with males for mating (proportion of two females for each male). Fecundity and fertility were greater in intact females (1,741 eggs and 1,045 larvae) than in ablated ones (1,373 eggs and 741 larvae). Ablation also reduced the percentage of females with viable eggs (68% intact versus 49% ablated) and larvae (82% intact versus 64% ablated), besides increasing the loss of embryos. Egg volume and shape (ellipsoid) and larvae size were similar, as was the duration of embryonic development. The results of this study suggest that, although ablated females exhibit a high rate of survival, their reproductive performance is reduced; therefore, the ablation technique is not recommended in M. acanthurus farming, so as to protect the animals from physiological stress.

Insect feed in sustainable crustacean aquaculture

“…Information campaigns could be integrated into or supported by certificates or labels -for example, 'fishmeal free' -that extend existing ones such as the ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices), and ATBF (Antibiotic Free) to promote sustainable, insect-based aquaculture. Consumer acceptance could be further improved by implementing higher animal welfare standards for insects and crustaceans, because current widespread production techniques such as eye ablation to enhance crustacean reproductive success remain controversial (Bardera et al, 2019;Gjerris et al, 2016;Rodrigues et al, 2021;Zacarias et al, 2019). For example, EU regulations on animal welfare currently exclude most invertebrates (cephalopods are an exception), which contradicts the stated aim of protecting sentient beings (Gjerris et al, 2016).…”

Efecto de variación de proteínas y lípidos en dietas para Macrobrachium tenellum, respecto a indicadores reproductivos

“…y es utilizado en estudios de biología reproductiva, calidad reproductiva y fecundidad en decápodos(Paschoal et al 2019, Rodrigues et al 2022. Sin embargo, algunos estudios han evidenciado que, a pesar de la inclusión de lípidos y proteínas en las dietas experimentales, el VH no varía, como lo demostraron Cavalli et al(2000) con M. rosenbergii, Villafuerte-Mojica et al (2016) y Hernández-Abad et al (2018), con M. acanthurus, y García-Guerrero et al (2021) y el presente estudio con M. tenellum.…”