| Grant number: | 23/02991-6 |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral |
| Start date: | August 01, 2024 |
| End date: | July 31, 2026 |
| Field of knowledge: | Agronomical Sciences - Fishery Resources and Fishery Engineering - Aquaculture |
| Principal Investigator: | Eliane Gonçalves de Freitas |
| Grantee: | Ana Carolina dos Santos Gauy |
| Host Institution: | Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José do Rio Preto. São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil |
| Associated scholarship(s): | 25/11260-0 - Effect of natural vs. artificial body tactile stimulation on the client fish, Chaetodon auriga, BE.EP.PD |
Abstract Body tactile stimulation (TS), similar to human therapeutic massage, has been used to increase welfare in fish, by reducing stress. In previous studies, we observed a reduction in aggressiveness and an increase in growth in Nile tilapia, demonstrating that TS is a promising tool to improve the welfare of this species. However, this is a new topic whose mechanisms are little explored. Thus, the objective of this study is to test the mechanisms that lead to positive effects in Nile tilapia in free choice condition by tactile stimulation. We will test the effect of these conditions on the levels of brain monoamines (serotonin and dopamine), which is one of the possible mechanisms for reducing aggression in vertebrates. For this, an apparatus formed by a rectangular PVC structure with plastic rods containing silicone bristles on the sides will be used. The apparatus is in the center of the aquarium and the fish receive the TS when it passes through the bristles. Groups of 4 males will be submitted for 21 days to 3 treatments: 1) with TS; 2) without TS; 3) with the possibility of choosing an area half with and half without TS (15 replicates each treatment). Filming (10 min/day) will be performed every 3 days to quantify aggressive interactions. The use of the apparatus (fish crossings) will be recorded by a remote system with electronic tags (PIT tags). We will evaluate the aggressive interactions, growth, plasma cortisol, glycemia, brain monoamines, as well as the association of these variables with the use of the apparatus. In all cases, it is expected that the free choice of TS will increase the levels of monoamines and improve productive performance as a result of the reduction in energy expenditure with fights and social stress. This proposal is innovative and could generate low-cost technology to mitigate the impacts of fish farming and management systems, adding value to the aquaculture trade. | |
| News published in Agência FAPESP Newsletter about the scholarship: | |
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