| Effects of dietary administration of synthetic flavors on zebrafish (Danio rerio) growth, welfare, appetite stimulation and reproductive performances |
| Paper ID : 1029-ICIAQUA |
| Authors |
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Federico Conti *1, Matteo Zarantoniello1, Nico Cattaneo1, Matteo Antonucci2, Massimiliano Pavanello1, Ike Olivotto1 1Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy 2Independent Researcher, Via Pola 18, 64014 Martinsicuro, Italy |
| Abstract |
| Purpose: The inclusion of novel ingredients in aquafeed often impairs palatability, affecting fish nutrient intake and growth, with implications for farm economics and the environment. As reported in the literature, while marine-derived feed attractants pose unsustainability issues, alternative attractive substances have led to controversial results. In this regard, synthetic flavors from standardized processes may improve aquaculture feeding strategies. This study aimed to test different synthetic flavors in a six-month feeding trial on zebrafish (Danio rerio), to assess their potential role as feed attractants by evaluating the fish physiological responses. Method: Two attractive and one repulsive flavor were added to a commercial zebrafish diet, used as Control, obtaining four experimental diets. Zebrafish were daily fed the experimental diets up to adult stage, and then sampled for biometric, histological, and molecular analyses, with emphasis on appetite stimulation, reward mechanisms, and reproductive performances. Results: Fish welfare was not affected by all flavors tested, while groups fed attractive diets showed higher growth and feed intake, supported by molecular analyses on appetite regulation. In addition, they showed a positive modulation of the brain reward system, highlighting reinforcing mechanisms due to the attractive flavors exposure. Finally, good reproductive performance was evidenced in all the experimental groups; however, the attractive ones showed a vtgs upregulation possibly due to the higher nutrient availability. Conclusions: The attractive flavors tested effectively improved feed palatability, promoting higher feed intake and growth. This represents a promising result, as improving feeding practices has both ecological and economic benefits for the aquaculture sector. |
| Keywords |
| feed attractant; fish welfare; histology; feed intake; growth performance; reproduction |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Oral Presentation) |