1. The Promising Role of Synthetic Flavors in Advancing Fish Feeding Strategies: A Focus on Adult Female Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Growth, Welfare, Appetite, and Reproductive Performances.
- Author
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Conti, Federico, Olivotto, Ike, Cattaneo, Nico, Pavanello, Massimiliano, Şener, İdris, Antonucci, Matteo, Chemello, Giulia, Gioacchini, Giorgia, and Zarantoniello, Matteo
- Subjects
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REWARD (Psychology) , *LIFE cycles (Biology) , *ZEBRA danio , *IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY , *AQUACULTURE industry , *DOPAMINE receptors , *FISH feeds , *DOPAMINE - Abstract
Simple Summary: Natural feed attractants are regularly used in aquafeeds to improve their palatability but show a number of disadvantages related to their natural origin, such as inconsistent quality of the raw materials, variable availability, and their dependency from natural sources. Contrariwise, synthetic flavors obtained through standardized processes are emerging as novel, more sustainable and effective substitutes to natural ones. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of synthetic flavors as novel feed attractants in zebrafish (Danio rerio) diet. A multidisciplinary approach was used to evaluate the dietary effects of the tested flavors—two attractive and one repulsive—on fish feed intake and growth, as well as on appetite regulation, brain reward system, and reproductive performances. Both diets containing the attractive flavors enhanced zebrafish feed intake and growth, promoting the fish reproductive performances without affecting fish welfare. Having ingested more feed, fish were able to invest to a greater extent in high-metabolic-demanding processes such as growth and reproduction. Improving the feeding practices of aquaculture, especially obtaining a quick feeding response by the fish, is a critical aspect for aquafeed production to minimize both the economic and environmental impacts. The present study aimed to test over a six-month period different synthetic flavors in zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an experimental model. Specifically, two attractive and one repulsive synthetic flavors were added (1% w/w) to a specific zebrafish diet, which was administered to the fish during the whole life cycle (from larvae to adults), to evaluate their physiological responses, emphasizing fish welfare, feed intake, growth, reward mechanisms, and reproductive performances. Fish welfare was not affected by all tested flavors, while both attractive flavors promoted fish feed ingestion and growth. The results were supported by both molecular and immunohistochemical analyses on appetite-regulating neurohormonal signals, along with the influence of the feed hedonic properties induced by the brain reward sensation, as demonstrated by the dopamine receptor gene expression. Finally, the present study demonstrated that a higher feed intake also had positive implications on fish reproductive performances, suggesting a promising role of synthetic flavors for the aquaculture industry. In conclusion, the results highlighted the potential of synthetic flavors to improve fish feeding strategies by providing a consistent and effective alternative to traditional stimulants, thereby reducing dependence on natural sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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