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- Control of zootechnology leads to improved Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis, L.) reproduction performance up to pre-industrial levelsPublication . Capaz, Juan Carlos; Hernández-Brooke, Daniel; Balvet, Safia; Couto, Ana T.; Alves, Alexandra; Baptista Gonçalves, Rui; Frias, Paulo A.; Andrade, José Pedro; Sykes, AntónioCephalopods 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).
- The effects of feeding with shrimp or fish fry on growth and mantle lipid composition of juvenile and adult cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)Publication . Almansa, Eduardo; Domingues, Pedro; Sykes, António V.; Tejera, Noemi; Lorenzo, António; Andrade, José PedroIn the present study, cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) aged 60-day-old (age-group I) and 120-day-old (age-group II) were fed with live shrimp and live fish fry for 60 days, in order to study the diet influence on growth, mantle lipid composition, and astaxanthin content in the skin. The most noteworthy difference was the higher growth observed in shrimp-fed cuttlefish with respect to fishfed cuttlefish in both age groups. Total lipids (TL), lipid classes (LC) and their associated fatty acids (FA) from both diets and mantle of cuttlefish were analysed. The lipid profiles of both diets were clearly different in their LC distribution, with higher levels of Polar Lipids (PL) in shrimp with respect to fish fry. However, both diets did not show outstanding differences in the FA composition of TL except for 20:5n-3 (EPA), which was higher in shrimp than in fish fry. With respect to lipid composition of cuttlefish mantle, the TL content and cholesterol (CHO) percentage increased with age, while phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) percentage decreased. On the other hand, phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and PC percentages in both cuttlefish age groups were also affected by the different diets, although this difference was higher in agegroup I. The general pattern of fatty acid composition of TL in the mantle of cuttlefish was similar in all groups studied. It is remarkable the low levels of monoene FAs in both age-group cuttlefish mantle, despite of the high level of this FA group in both diets, which suggests that these FAs are not stored in the mantle. An opposite tendency was observed regarding the n-3 HUFA, especially 22:6n-3 (DHA) which remained constant despite the different age or diet. High levels of astaxanthin were found in shrimp with respect to fish, but this was only reflected on skin accumulation in age-group I, showing no differences in age-group II. This suggests differences in the astaxanthin metabolism according to the age. The results suggest that the growth differences observed in shrimp-fed cuttlefish with respect to fish-fed cuttlefish were not reflected in outstanding differences in mantle composition.
- Effects of culture density on growth and broodstock management of the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus, 1758)Publication . Correia, Miguel; Domingues, Pedro M.; Sykes, António V.; Andrade, José PedroThe effects of culture density on growth and broodstock management of the cuttlefish S. officinalis were studied. Cuttlefish used were one month old at the start of the experiment, on average; two densities were used (16 and 76 cuttlefish m 2). During the first experiment (until day 43), dead cuttlefish were replaced by individuals of similar weight. From that day onwards, no cuttlefish were replaced. No significant differences in growth and feeding rates, or food conversions were found between densities, during the first experiment. Results indicate that densities up to 76 cuttlefish m 2 are suitable for cuttlefish weighing approximately 10 g. After day 43 until first female layed eggs (second experiment), no statistical differences were found between densities for all the parameters studied with the exception of growth. In this case, cuttlefish cultured at the lower density grew more than those ones cultured at the higher density, with average weights at the start of egg laying of 137.3F21.6 and 91.8F12.3 g, respectively. This difference in growth could be explained mainly by the different culture densities and biomass associated. Fecundity obtained for cuttlefish cultured at the lower density (834 eggs female 1) was higher than for those ones cultured at the higher density (290 eggs female 1), however fertility was higher for the higher density. These results were expected, since fecundity is directly related to the size of females. Significant differences were found in fertility (hatching percentage) between densities. Mean hatching percentage was of 35.8F9.4% and 62.0F16.9% for low and high density, respectively. This difference was unexpected since we expected eggs from females cultured at lower densities to have higher quality. Mean hatchling weight was of 0.079F0.011 and 0.072F0.012 g for low and high density respectively, and significantly different. Results indicate that lower culture density promoted higher growth, larger eggs and hatchlings, but had no influence on juvenile and adult survival. On the contrary, eggs from females cultured at higher densities resulted in higher hatching rates.
- An insight on Octopus vulgaris paralarvae lipid requirements under rearing conditionsPublication . Reis, Diana; García-Herrero, I.; Riera, R.; Felipe, B. C.; Rodríguez, C.; Sykes, António V.; Martín, M. V.; Andrade, José Pedro; Almansa, E.In this study, two new alternative preys: Grapsus adscensionis zoeae (as sole prey) and Palaemon elegans zoeae (in cofeeding with Artemia sp.), as well as, Artemia sp. juveniles were used as feed for octopus paralarvae, as a way to understand its lipid requirements. Total lipid (TL) content, lipid class (LC) and fatty acid (FA) profiles of preys, octopus hatchlings and 9-day-old paralarvae were analysed. Growth and survival of the paralarvae were also determined. Regardless the prey provided, a notable shift in the lipid profile of paralarvae was registered after 9 days of rearing. The highest index of growth rate (IGR) recorded when decapod crustacean zoeae were supplied might have some relation with levels of 20:4n-6 (ARA) and DHA/EPA ratio observed. In this sense, Grapsus adscensionis zoeae leaded to a higher content of ARA and a lower content of EPA, which may indicate a possible competition between these two FA. For that a balanced EPA/ARA ratio might be significant in this species nutrition without disconsidering DHA levels as an essential fatty acid.
- Lipid characterization of both wild and cultured eggs of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalisL.) throughout the embryonic developmentPublication . Sykes, António V.; Alamansa, E.; Lorenzo, A.; Andrade, José PedroThe present work reports a characterization of mean wet weight and moisture, the lipid class and fatty acid (FA) composition from the total lipids (TL), of both culture and wild eggs of the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, throughout the embryonic development. Additionally, reproductive data, such as the number of spawnings, number and mean weight of eggs and duration of spawning period of cultured cuttlefish is provided. Both types of eggs were similar in mean wet weight, moisture content, TL content and lipid composition throughout embryonic development.
- Growth of young cuttlefish, sépia offcinalis (Linnaeus 1758) at the upper end of the biological distribution temperature rangePublication . Domingues, P. M.; Kingston, T.; Sykes, António V.; Andrade, José PedroIndividual growth rates, feeding rates (%BWd-1) and food conversions for cuttlefish (S. officinalis) hatchlings and juveniles were determined during this study. A flow-through system was used. Water temperature reached 30 °C during the hottest part of the day, gradually decreasing to 25 °C during the night; salinity varied between 37 6 3 ppt and lights were kept on for 14 h day-1. Hatchlings were placed in separate compartments with a water volume of 1.2 L. Juvenile cuttlefish (from 0.5 to 25 g) were placed in bigger baskets, with a water volume of 5.2 L. Water flow was 120 L h-1. The biggest cuttlefish used in these experiments (> 25 g) were gathered in groups of five and placed in circular tanks (water volume of 250-300 L).
- Nucleic acid derived indices or instantaneos growth rate as tools to determine different nutritional condition in cuttlefish (Sepia Officinalis, Linnaeus 1758) HatchingsPublication . Sykes, António V.; Domingues, Pedro M.; Andrade, José PedroWhen culturing any species in intensive aquaculture, time of first feeding is of extreme importance. Food should be available when larvae or hatchlings are finishing the absorption of the inner yolk reserves and starting to feed externally. Cuttlefish are known to be voracious feeders throughout their life cycle and accept a wide range of prey (Guerra 1985, Castro & Guerra 1989, Pinczon du Sel & Daguzan 1992, Domingues et al. 2001a, Domingues et al. 2003). Some authors (Wells 1958, Richard 1971, Richard 1975, Boletzky, 1983, Boletzky 1987, and Nixon 1985) have studied the embryonic development and the early life history of cuttlefish and set the end of the inner yolk reserves around the 3rd day of life.However, according to Domingues et al. (2001b), cuttlefish in unfed or poor nutritional condition (as result of prey with poor nutritional profile) can last as much as 20 days. The only way to determine optimal timetables for first feeding, thus optimizing cuttlefish production, is the use of condition analysis. Condition is a measure of the physical status or well being of an animal and may be used to evaluate growth or survival rates (Bolger & Connoly 1989, Ferron & Leggett 1994).
- Effects of culture density and live prey on growth and survival of juvenile cuttlefish, Sepia officinalisPublication . Domingues, P.; Poirier, R.; Dickel, L.; Almansa, E.; Sykes, António V.; Andrade, José PedroThe European cuttlefish, Sepia offıcinalis Linnaeus 1758, has a number of characteristics, such as a fast growth rate and benthic life style, which make this one of the most promising species for large-scale culture (Domingues 1999). One of the key factors in large-scale aquaculture is to optimise growth while minimizing the culture space required (Forsythe et al. 2002). Until now, only Nabhitabhata (1999) and Forsythe et al. (1994), Koueta and Boucaud-Camou (1999) indicated stocking densities for cultured cuttlefish populations. Laboratory-cultured cuttlefish have been studied in several aspects of their behaviour. Nevertheless, effects of tank size and animal density on growth, condition and reproduction are not known (Boal et al. 1999). Crowding can have a major effect on growth and behaviour in many species, and in aquaculture this factor can be very important (Sumpter 1993).
- The effects of light intensity on growth and survival of cuttlefish (sepia officinalis) hatchlings and juvenilesPublication . Sykes, António V.; Quintana, Daniel; Andrade, José PedroCephalopods, particularly the European cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), are considered to be potential species for aquaculture diversification due to their high growth rates in captivity (Domingues, Sykes & Andrade 2001; Domingues, Bettencourt & Guerra 2006) and great demand as food throughout different regions of the world (FAO 2009). Nonetheless, cuttlefish differ from fish in several biological aspects, thus requiring different approaches to solve similar or new problems associated with their culture. For instance, the hatchling stage has been identified as the most problematic due to mortality and the need of live prey. Several factors might influence growth and mortality of cuttlefish in captivity, such as culture conditions and nutritional requirements of the species. According to Downing and Litvak (1999), there is a need to understand the physical and biological factors that act on developing fish larvae to create protocols that maximize survival and growth under culture conditions. It is known that system design may promote stress and lower animal welfare in finfish (Conte 2004) and the same seems to apply to cuttlefish.
- Interrelationship between contractility, protein synthesis and metabolism in mantle of juvenile cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)Publication . Lamarre, Simon G.; MacCormack, Tyson J.; Bourloutski, Émilie; Callaghan, Neal I.; Pinto, Vanessa; Andrade, José Pedro; Sykes, António; Driedzic, William R.Young juvenile cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) can grow at rates as high as 12% body weight per day. How the metabolic demands of such a massive growth rate impacts muscle performance that competes for ATP is unknown. Here, we integrate aspects of contractility, protein synthesis, and energy metabolism in mantle of specimens weighing 1.1 g to lend insight into the processes. Isolated mantle muscle preparations were electrically stimulated and isometric force development monitored. Preparations were forced to contract at 3 Hz for 30 s to simulate a jetting event. We then measured oxygen consumption, glucose uptake and protein synthesis in the hour following the stimulation. Protein synthesis was inhibited with cycloheximide and glycolysis was inhibited with iodoacetic acid in a subset of samples. Inhibition of protein synthesis impaired contractility and decreased oxygen consumption. An intact protein synthesis is required to maintain contractility possibly due to rapidly turning over proteins. At least, 41% of whole animal ṀO2 is used to support protein synthesis in mantle, while the cost of protein synthesis (50 μmol O2 mg protein-1) in mantle was in the range reported for other aquatic ectotherms. A single jetting challenge stimulated protein synthesis by approximately 25% (2.51-3.12% day-1) over a 1 h post contractile period, a similar response to that which occurs in mammalian skeletal muscle. Aerobic metabolism was not supported by extracellular glucose leading to the contention that at this life stage either glycogen or amino acids are catabolized. Regardless, an intact glycolysis is required to support contractile performance and protein synthesis in resting muscle. It is proposed that glycolysis is needed to maintain intracellular ionic gradients. Intracellular glucose at approximately 3 mmol L-1 was higher than the 1 mmol L-1 glucose in the bathing medium suggesting an active glucose transport mechanism. Octopine did not accumulate during a single physiologically relevant jetting challenge; however, octopine accumulation increased following a stress that is sufficient to lower Arg-P and increase free arginine.
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