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Method Article
마취된 암컷 게에 대해 두 가지 안구 절제 프로토콜(즉, 소작 및 수술 접근법)을 수행했습니다. 진흙 게의 눈썹 절제는 생존율을 감소시키지 않으면서 난소의 숙성을 앞당겼습니다.
머드 크랩(Scylla spp.)은 인도-서태평양 지역에서 볼 수 있는 상업적으로 중요한 갑각류 종입니다. 배양 중에 난소 성숙의 유도는 성숙한 머드 크랩에 대한 소비자 수요를 충족시키고 종자 생산을 촉진하는 데 중요합니다. 눈썹 절제술은 진흙 게의 난소 성숙을 향상시키는 효과적인 도구입니다. 그러나 진흙 게의 눈웍 절제에 대한 표준 프로토콜은 없습니다. 이 연구에서는 소작(마취된 게의 눈줄기를 제거하기 위해 뜨거운 금속을 사용하는 것)과 수술(수술용 가위를 사용하여 눈줄기를 제거하는 것)의 두 가지 안자 절제 기술에 대해 설명합니다. 안자 절제 전에 성적으로 성숙한 여성(CW > 86mm)을 바닷물과 함께 얼음 주머니(-20°C)를 사용하여 마취했습니다. 수온이 4°C에 도달했을 때, 얼음 주머니를 물에서 제거하였다. 흐르는 바닷물(주위온도: 28°C)은 안쌥절제 직후 마취 회복을 위해 사용하였다. 사망률은 안구 절제 과정 중 또는 이후에 발생하지 않았습니다. 여기에 제시된 안대 절제 프로토콜은 진흙 게의 난소 성숙을 가속화했습니다.
Scylla 속에 속하는 4 종의 머드 크랩 종은 모두 양식업에서 상업적으로 중요한 갑각류 종입니다 1,2. 진흙 게를 포함한 갑각류의 성장과 미숙 (아성체 또는 사춘기) 단계에서 성적으로 성숙한 (성체) 단계로의 전환은 오래되고 작은 외골격을 주기적으로 흘리는 탈피 과정을 통해 발생합니다. 갑각 너비(CW), chelipeds 및 복부 플랩 형태는 Scyll a spp.의 성적 성숙도를 결정하는 데 널리 사용됩니다. 3,4,5. 털갈이 과정은 다양한 호르몬의 작용에 의해 조절되며 엄청난 양의 에너지가 필요합니다6. 정상적인 털갈이 과정 외에도, 자발적으로 또는 외부 요인에 의해 유발 된 팔다리의 손실은 생존율에 영향을 미치지 않으면 서 게의 털갈이를 촉진합니다 7,8,9. 따라서 사지 자율절제술은 연질 껍질 머드 크랩 양식 산업 7,9에서 털갈이 유도에 일반적으로 사용됩니다.
일방적 또는 양측 눈썹 절제술은 생식선 성숙 및 종자 생산을 위해 민물 새우와 해양 새우에서 주로 인기가 있습니다10,11,12,13. 갑각류의 일반적인 안자 절제 기술은 다음을 포함한다: (i) 끈을 이용한 안자 기저부에서의 결찰14,15; (ii) 고온 집게 또는 전기 소작 장치(16)를 사용한 안자의 소작; (iii) 열린 상처를 남기기 위해 눈썹을 제거하거나 직접 꼬집는 단계(12); 및 (iv) 면도칼로 눈의 말단부를 절단한 후 절개를 통해 안자 내용물을 제거하는 단계(17). 눈썹 X 기관은 갑각류 고혈당 호르몬 (CHH), 털갈이 억제 호르몬 (MIH) 및 vitellogenes-inhibiting hormones (VIH)를 조절하기 때문에 갑각류의 중요한 내분비 기관입니다 6,18,19,20,21,22. 눈줄기 X-기관(또는 부비동 샘 복합체)은 신경펩티드 호르몬 계열에 속하는 성선 형성 억제 호르몬(VIH)이라고도 하는 생식선 억제 호르몬(GIH)을 합성하고 방출한다6. 편측성 또는 양측성 안켠 절제술은 GIH 합성을 감소시켜 자극 호르몬(즉, 생식선 자극 호르몬, GSH)의 우세와 갑각류의 난소 성숙 과정을 가속화한다23,24,25,26. 눈 줄기 절제 후 GIH의 영향이 없는 암컷 갑각류는 난소 발달에 에너지를 쏟는다27. 일방적인 안대 절제술은 갑각류의 난소 성숙을 유도하기에 충분하며11 새우와 게의 절제된 안자즙은 여러 번의 탈피 후에 재생될 수 있음이 밝혀졌다28. Scylla spp.에는 4개의 난소 발달 단계가 기록되어 있습니다: i) 미성숙(1기), ii) 조기 성숙(2기), iii) 미성숙(3단계), iv) 완전 성숙(4단계)29,30. 미성숙 난소 단계는 미성숙 여성에서 발견됩니다. 사춘기 털갈이와 짝짓기 후, 미성숙 난소는 발달을 시작하고 산란하기 전에 마침내 성숙 (4 단계)31.
눈썹 절제 프로토콜은 머드 크랩 어미의 발달과 종자 생산에 필수적입니다. 세계 식품 시장에서는 근육 함량이 높은 게보다는 완전히 성숙한 난소 (4 단계)를 가진 성숙한 머드 크랩이 소비자에 의해 선호되므로 큰 수컷보다 상업적 가치가 높습니다. 진흙 게의 눈썹 절제에 대한 완전한 프로토콜은 없습니다. 이 작업의 안자 절제 프로토콜은 완전히 마취된 게를 사용하여 스트레스를 최소화하고 게에 물린 사람의 신체적 부상을 최소화합니다. 이 프로토콜은 쉽고 비용 효율적입니다. 여기에서 우리는 생식선의 성숙을 유도할 수 있는 Scylla spp.의 안자 절제에 대한 프로토콜을 제시합니다. 두 가지 안자 절제 기술(소작 및 수술)을 테스트하고 암컷 진흙 게의 생식선 발달 속도를 기반으로 효율성을 비교했습니다.
이 프로토콜은 말레이시아 실험동물과학협회(Laboratory Animal Science Association of Malaysia)에서 규정한 과학적 목적을 위한 동물 관리 및 사용에 대한 말레이시아 실행 강령을 따릅니다. 실험 샘플의 희생은 National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NIH Publications No. 8023, revised 1978)에 따라 수행되었다. 성적으로 미성숙한 암컷 머드 크랩(오렌지 머드 크랩 S. olivacea)은 말레이시아 세티우 습지의 현지 시장(5°66′62′′N, 102°72′33′′E)에서 수집되었습니다. 머드 크랩 종은 형태학적 특성에 기초하여 확인되었다1.
1. 시료 채취 및 소독
그림 1: 성적 성숙 단계를 식별하는 데 사용되는 암컷 머드 크랩의 복부 형태. 이 그림의 더 큰 버전을 보려면 여기를 클릭하십시오.
2. 순응
3. 성적 성숙을 위한 유도 탈피
4. 마취
5. 눈썹 절제
6. 마취 후 관리
7. 난소 성숙 관찰
생식선 성숙
크림색의 흰색 난소 조직(미성숙 난소, 1기)은 안자 절제술을 수행하기 전에 해부된 암컷(n = 6)의 100%에서 발견되었습니다(그림 2). 눈썹 절제술을 받은 암컷 게(n=63; 소작 기법을 적용한 암컷 31마리, 수술 기법을 사용한 암컷 32마리)의 생식선 성숙률은 개별 사육 30일 후 안대 절제술을 받지 않은 암컷 게(n=31)에 비해 더 높았다(그림 3<...
이 프로토콜은 머드 크랩 Scylla spp.의 안구 절제를 위해 개발되었으며 생식선 성숙을 유도하는 효율적인 방법으로 적용할 수 있습니다. 이 프로토콜은 머드 크랩의 상업적 난소 성숙을 위해 쉽게 복제할 수 있으며 머드 크랩 종자 생산에서 잠복기(산란에서 다른 산란까지의 시간)를 줄이기 위해 구현할 수 있습니다.
갑각류(즉, 민물 새우, 해양 새우)의 눈썹 절제는 일반?...
저자 중 누구도 이해 상충이 없습니다.
이 연구는 말레이시아 테렝가누 대학교(Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)의 열대 양식 및 수산 연구소(Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries)의 인증을 받은 말레이시아 HICoE(Higher Institution Centre of Excellence) 프로그램에 따라 말레이시아 교육부의 지원을 받았습니다(투표 번호 63933 및 투표 번호 56048). 우리는 Universiti Malaysia Terengganu 및 Sayap Jaya Sdn. Bhd. 민간 파트너십 연구 보조금 (Vot. No. 55377)을 통해 . Universiti Sains Malaysia에서 Khor Waiho 및 Hanafiah Fazhan에 이르는 겸임 학술 펠로우 직책도 인정됩니다.
Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
Aeration tube | Ming Yu Three | N/A | aquarium and pet shop |
Airstone | Ming Yu Three | N/A | aquarium and pet shop |
Autoclave machine | HIRAYAMA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION | N/A | MADE IN JAPAN |
Bleaching powder (Hi-Chlon 70%) | Nippon Soda Co.Ltd,Japan | N/A | N/A |
Blow torch | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | N/A |
Circular tank (32L) | BEST PLASTIC INDUSTRY SDN. BHD. | N/A | N/A |
Cotton hand gloves (thick) | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | N/A |
Cotton towel | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | N/A |
Digital thermometer | Hanna Instrument | HI9814 | Hanna Instruments GroLine Hydroponics Waterproof pH / EC / TDS / Temp. Portable Meter HI9814 |
Digital Vernier Caliper | INSIZE Co., Ltd. | N/A | |
Dissecting tray | Hatcheri AKUATROP | N/A | Research Center of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu |
Dropper bottle/Plastic Pipettes Dropper | Shopee Malaysia | N/A | N/A |
Ethanol 70% | Thermo Scientific Chemicals | 033361.M1 | Diluted to 70% using double distilled water |
Fiberglass tank (1 ton) | Hatcheri AKUATROP | N/A | Research Center of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu |
Fine sand | N/A | N/A | collected from Sea beach of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu |
First Aid Kits | Watsons Malaysia | N/A | N/A |
Flat head nickel steel metal rod (Screw driver) | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | N/A |
Formaldehyde | Thermo Scientific Chemicals | 119690010 | |
Gas cylinder (butane gas) for blow torch | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | N/A |
Gas lighter gun (long head) | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | N/A |
Glass beaker (100 mL)) | Corning Life Sciences | 1000-100 | |
Ice bag | Watsons Malaysia | N/A | N/A |
Perforated plastic baskets | Eco-Shop Marketing Sdn. Bhd. | N/A | N/A |
PVC pipe 15mm | Bina Plastic Industries Sdn Bhd (HQ) | N/A | N/A |
Refractometer | ATAGO CO.,LTD. | ||
Refrigerator | Sharp Corporation Japan | N/A | Chest Freezer SHARP 110L - SJC 118 |
Scoop net | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | |
Seawater | Hatcheri AKUATROP | N/A | Research Center of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu |
Siphoning pipe | MR D.I.Y. Group Berhad | N/A | N/A |
Spray bottle | Mr. DIY Sdn Bhd | N/A | N/A |
Stainless surgical forceps | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Stainless surgical scissors | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Submersible water pump | AS | N/A | model: Astro 4000 |
Tincture of iodine solution (Povidone Iodine) | Farmasi Fajr Sdn Bhd | N/A | N/A |
Tissue paper | N/A | N/A | |
Transparent plastic aquarium | Ming Yu Three | N/A | aquarium and pet shop |
Waterproof table | Hatcheri AKUATROP | N/A | Research Center of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu |
An erratum was issued for: Eyestalk Ablation to Increase Ovarian Maturation in Mud Crabs. The Introduction, Protocol, Discussion and References were updated.
The forth sentence in the third paragraph of the Introduction has been updated from:
The eyestalk ablation protocol in this work minimizes stress by using fully sedated crabs and minimizes physical injury to personnel from crab bites.
to:
The eyestalk ablation protocol in this work minimizes stress by using fully anesthetized crabs and minimizes physical injury to personnel from crab bites.
The start of the Protocol has been updated from:
This protocol follows the Malaysian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes outlined by the Laboratory Animal Science Association of Malaysia. The sacrifice of the experimental samples was done according to the National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NIH Publications No. 8023, revised 1978). Sexually pre-mature female mud crabs (orange mud crab S. olivacea) were collected from the local market (5°66′62′′N, 102°72′33′′E) at the Setiu Wetlands in Malaysia. The mud crab species was identified based on morphological characteristics1.
to:
This protocol follows the Malaysian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes outlined by the Laboratory Animal Science Association of Malaysia and was approved by the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's Research Ethics Committee (Animal ethics approval number: UMT/JKEPHMK/2023/96). The sacrifice of the experimental samples was done according to the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition. Sexually pre-mature female mud crabs (orange mud crab Scylla olivacea) were collected from the local market (5°66′62′′N, 102°72′33′′E) at the Setiu Wetlands in Malaysia. The mud crab species was identified based on morphological characteristics1.
Section 4 of the Protocol has been updated from:
4. Cold-shock anesthesia
to:
4. Anesthesia
Section 5 of the Protocol has been updated from:
5. Eyestalk ablation
to:
5. Eyestalk ablation
Step 7.2.2 of the Protocol has been updated from:
Sedate the females individually with the cold shock anesthesia method.
to:
Anesthetize the females individually with the 2-PE immersion anesthesia method.
The Discussion has been updated from:
This protocol was developed for the eyestalk ablation of the mud crab, Scylla spp., and can be applied as an efficient method to induce gonad maturation. This protocol can be easily replicated for the commercial ovary maturation of mud crabs and can be implemented to reduce the latent period (time from one spawning to another) in mud crab seed production.
The eyestalk ablation of crustaceans (i.e., freshwater prawn, marine shrimp) is typically done to induce gonad maturation and out-of-season spawning11,12,13. Eyestalk ablation in brachyuran crabs has also been done to study molting25,32,33, hormonal regulation18, gonad maturation34, and induced breeding and reproductive performance35,36,37,38,39. Unilateral or bilateral eyestalk ablation influences the physiology of the crustacean. Eyestalk ablation following the protocol stated in this study also influences the ovarian maturation rate of mud crabs. In the control treatment (without eyestalk ablation), 43.33% ± 5.77% of female crabs had an immature ovary (stage-1). However, in the same rearing period (30 days), eyestalk-ablated female crabs had pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3; 56.67% ± 11.55% and 53.33% ± 15.28% with the cauterization and surgery techniques, respectively), which shows that eyestalk ablation can increase the gonad maturation of mud crabs. Previous studies have also reported that the ovarian development of intact crabs (without eyestalk ablation) is slower than that of eyestalk-ablated crabs25,31. Due to the slower gonadal development in intact crustaceans, eyestalk ablation is widely done in commercial prawn and shrimp hatcheries. In this protocol, the eyestalk-ablated female crabs achieved higher percentages of ovarian maturation compared to the female crabs without the eyestalk ablation treatment (Figure 3).
The gonad maturation of the mud crab is regulated by hormones21,40,41. The eyestalk contains important endocrine glands (i.e., the X-organ-sinus gland complex) that play vital roles in the gonadal maturation process of mud crabs18,21. Unilateral eyestalk ablation, either by cauterization or surgery, damages one of the major endocrine glands that is involved in the synthesis and release of inhibiting hormones (e.g., VIH), thereby resulting in a higher level of gonad-stimulating hormones (i.e., VSH).
The ovarian maturation stages of Scylla spp. can be differentiated by observing the ovarian tissue coloration with the naked eye29,30,42. Translucent or creamy white ovarian tissues are indications of immature ovaries29,30,42,43. In this study, immature ovaries (stage-1) were still found in the group of female crabs without eyestalk ablation due to the slower ovarian maturation process. However, the crabs in the eyestalk-ablated groups (both by the cauterization and surgery techniques) mostly showed pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3), with some individuals exhibiting fully matured ovaries (stage-4). Therefore, the protocol of eyestalk ablation described here can be used to increase ovarian maturation in female mud crabs. This protocol can also be applied directly to wild-collected mature female mud crabs to hasten their seed production. To evaluate the effectiveness of cauterization and surgery methods on mud crab gonad maturation and to ensure the accurate estimation of molting duration, sexually pre-mature crabs were used. After the (induced) molting of sexually pre-mature female crabs, we noticed that their ovaries were still in the immature or early developing stages29,44. After 30 days of rearing the newly mature female crabs (either eyestalk-ablated or without eyestalk ablation), the ovarian development stages (stage-1 to stage-4) were determined by the color of the ovarian tissues. This protocol encourages the use of the cauterization technique to perform eyestalk ablation in mud crabs to avoid any hemolymph loss and prevent infection at the ablated sites. Cauterization immediately seals the wound, whereas the surgery technique requires an additional step of disinfection using iodine. For commercial purposes, larger mature crabs, preferably at a later stage of ovarian maturation, should be selected for eyestalk ablation to shorten the time to reach the fully matured ovary stage for subsequent commerce or brood stock culture. In addition to eyestalk ablation, individual rearing with sand substrate and sufficient feeding, preferably with live feed, can increase the gonad maturation rate of mud crabs in captivity30,35,45,46.
Crustacean blood is called hemolymph and can be lost during eyestalk ablation. An excessive loss of hemolymph may lead to the death of eyestalk-ablated crabs, especially when performing surgery to remove the eyestalk. The hemolymph can coagulate in the wounded part to prevent loss. The application of a tincture of iodine can prevent infection of the wounded part. However, in comparison to the surgery technique, the cauterization technique seals the wounded part immediately, thereby preventing the loss of hemolymph and possible infection.
Mud crab mortality after unilateral eyestalk ablation with either cauterization or surgery was not found within the first 7 days. Thus, eyestalk ablation can be done with a higher survival rate. Unilateral eyestalk ablation does not hamper the survival rate of the crab33.
Stress during crab handling and eyestalk ablation may contribute to crab mortality. Proper anesthesia is needed to minimize handling stress during eyestalk ablation. In crustacean eyestalk ablation, chemical anesthetics (i.e., xylocaine, lidocaine) are used at the base of the eyestalk before eyestalk ablation14,15,17,47. However, due to the aggressive nature and large size of mud crabs, the use of anesthesia only at the base of the eyestalk is not sufficient and might result in additional stress to the animals during the injection. On the other hand, anesthesia by subjecting them to a lower water temperature is more economical and safer. The use of cold water for anesthesia in mud crabs is common and has been used in other studies due to its efficiency, simplicity, and minimal impact on recovery and survival37,48,49.
Although eyestalk ablation using both cauterization and surgery methods has a minimal effect on crab survival and enhances ovarian maturation, performing eyestalk ablation requires professional mastery of the techniques. The timing between the steps is critical as any delay between protocols adds additional stress for the crabs. Unlike the surgery technique, the cauterization technique is dangerous because it involves the use of flammable equipment (i.e., a blow torch and butane gas). Thus, extra caution is needed when performing the cauterization technique.
Crabs are cannibalistic in nature, and they are known to prey on others that have just completed their molt and are still in their soft-shell conditions7,50,51. Thus, rearing the crabs individually can avoid unnecessary mortality due to cannibalism. The use of individual rearing in mud crab culture is commonly practiced, both in high-density culture and pond culture, for fattening and soft-shell crab farming purposes8,52. This protocol also utilized individual rearing and maintenance. During the transportation of the crabs for rearing or commerce, the crab chelipeds are tied up securely (or even autotomized) to prevent fighting, unnecessary injury, and limb loss34.
The described protocol for eyestalk ablation should be performed with multiple persons. After completing the eyestalk ablation, non-disposable equipment (e.g., the aquarium, tray, towel, etc.) should be disinfected with 30 ppm chlorine. The crabs must be monitored at least twice per day. Any dead crabs, uneaten feed, ablated limbs, or molted crab shells should be swiftly disposed of (i.e., buried in soil with bleaching powder) to prevent any potential for disease spread.
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This protocol was developed for the eyestalk ablation of the mud crab, Scylla spp., and can be applied as an efficient method to induce gonad maturation. This protocol can be easily replicated for the commercial ovary maturation of mud crabs and can be implemented to reduce the latent period (time from one spawning to another) in mud crab seed production.
The eyestalk ablation of crustaceans (i.e., freshwater prawn, marine shrimp) is typically done to induce gonad maturation and out-of-season spawning11,12,13. Eyestalk ablation in brachyuran crabs has also been done to study molting25,32,33, hormonal regulation18, gonad maturation34, and induced breeding and reproductive performance35,36,37,38,39. Anesthesia via immersion in 2-phenoxyethanol was used as it is comparable to the use of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) in arthopods but cheaper and does not require the use of additional buffer40. Unilateral or bilateral eyestalk ablation influences the physiology of the crustacean. Eyestalk ablation following the protocol stated in this study also influences the ovarian maturation rate of mud crabs. In the control treatment (without eyestalk ablation), 43.33% ± 5.77% of female crabs had an immature ovary (stage-1). However, in the same rearing period (30 days), eyestalk-ablated female crabs had pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3; 56.67% ± 11.55% and 53.33% ± 15.28% with the cauterization and surgery techniques, respectively), which shows that eyestalk ablation can increase the gonad maturation of mud crabs. Previous studies have also reported that the ovarian development of intact crabs (without eyestalk ablation) is slower than that of eyestalk-ablated crabs25,31. Due to the slower gonadal development in intact crustaceans, eyestalk ablation is widely done in commercial prawn and shrimp hatcheries. In this protocol, the eyestalk-ablated female crabs achieved higher percentages of ovarian maturation compared to the female crabs without the eyestalk ablation treatment (Figure 3).
The gonad maturation of the mud crab is regulated by hormones21,41,42. The eyestalk contains important endocrine glands (i.e., the X-organ-sinus gland complex) that play vital roles in the gonadal maturation process of mud crabs18,21. Unilateral eyestalk ablation, either by cauterization or surgery, damages one of the major endocrine glands that is involved in the synthesis and release of inhibiting hormones (e.g., VIH), thereby resulting in a higher level of gonad-stimulating hormones (i.e., VSH).
The ovarian maturation stages of Scylla spp. can be differentiated by observing the ovarian tissue coloration with the naked eye29,30,43. Translucent or creamy white ovarian tissues are indications of immature ovaries29,30,43,44. In this study, immature ovaries (stage-1) were still found in the group of female crabs without eyestalk ablation due to the slower ovarian maturation process. However, the crabs in the eyestalk-ablated groups (both by the cauterization and surgery techniques) mostly showed pre-maturing ovaries (stage-3), with some individuals exhibiting fully matured ovaries (stage-4). Therefore, the protocol of eyestalk ablation described here can be used to increase ovarian maturation in female mud crabs. This protocol can also be applied directly to wild-collected mature female mud crabs to hasten their seed production. To evaluate the effectiveness of cauterization and surgery methods on mud crab gonad maturation and to ensure the accurate estimation of molting duration, sexually pre-mature crabs were used. After the (induced) molting of sexually pre-mature female crabs, we noticed that their ovaries were still in the immature or early developing stages29,45. After 30 days of rearing the newly mature female crabs (either eyestalk-ablated or without eyestalk ablation), the ovarian development stages (stage-1 to stage-4) were determined by the color of the ovarian tissues. This protocol encourages the use of the cauterization technique to perform eyestalk ablation in mud crabs to avoid any hemolymph loss and prevent infection at the ablated sites. Cauterization immediately seals the wound, whereas the surgery technique takes time for the wound to heal and this would allow for chance of infection. For commercial purposes, larger mature crabs, preferably at a later stage of ovarian maturation, should be selected for eyestalk ablation to shorten the time to reach the fully matured ovary stage for subsequent commerce or brood stock culture. In addition to eyestalk ablation, individual rearing with sand substrate and sufficient feeding, preferably with live feed, can increase the gonad maturation rate of mud crabs in captivity30,35,46,47.
Crustacean blood is called hemolymph and can be lost during eyestalk ablation. An excessive loss of hemolymph may lead to the death of eyestalk-ablated crabs, especially when performing surgery to remove the eyestalk. The hemolymph can coagulate in the wounded part to prevent loss. However, in comparison to the surgery technique, the cauterization technique seals the wounded part immediately, thereby preventing the loss of hemolymph and possible infection.
Mud crab mortality after unilateral eyestalk ablation with either cauterization or surgery was not found within the first 7 days. Thus, eyestalk ablation can be done with a higher survival rate. Unilateral eyestalk ablation does not hamper the survival rate of the crab33.
Stress during crab handling and eyestalk ablation may contribute to crab mortality. Proper anesthesia is needed to minimize handling stress during eyestalk ablation. In crustacean eyestalk ablation, chemical anesthetics (i.e., xylocaine, lidocaine) are used at the base of the eyestalk before eyestalk ablation14,15,17,48. However, due to the aggressive nature and large size of mud crabs, the use of anesthesia only at the base of the eyestalk is not sufficient and might result in additional stress to the animals during the injection. On the other hand, anesthesia by subjecting them to a lower water temperature is more economical and safer. The use of cold water for anesthesia in mud crabs is common and has been used in other studies due to its efficiency, simplicity, and minimal impact on recovery and survival37,49,50. In addition, future research on pain assessment following eyestalk ablation on mud crabs is recommended to highlight the change in behaviours associated with pain and stress, as evident in freshwater prawn Macrobrachium americanum51.
Although eyestalk ablation using both cauterization and surgery methods has a minimal effect on crab survival and enhances ovarian maturation, performing eyestalk ablation requires professional mastery of the techniques. The timing between the steps is critical as any delay between protocols adds additional stress for the crabs. Unlike the surgery technique, the cauterization technique is dangerous because it involves the use of flammable equipment (i.e., a blow torch and butane gas). Thus, extra caution is needed when performing the cauterization technique.
Crabs are cannibalistic in nature, and they are known to prey on others that have just completed their molt and are still in their soft-shell conditions7,52,53. Thus, rearing the crabs individually can avoid unnecessary mortality due to cannibalism. The use of individual rearing in mud crab culture is commonly practiced, both in high-density culture and pond culture, for fattening and soft-shell crab farming purposes8,53. This protocol also utilized individual rearing and maintenance. During the transportation of the crabs for rearing or commerce, the crab chelipeds are tied up securely (or even autotomized) to prevent fighting, unnecessary injury, and limb loss34.
The described protocol for eyestalk ablation should be performed with multiple persons. After completing the eyestalk ablation, non-disposable equipment (e.g., the aquarium, tray, towel, etc.) should be disinfected with 30 ppm chlorine. The crabs must be monitored at least twice per day. Any dead crabs, uneaten feed, ablated limbs, or molted crab shells should be swiftly disposed of (i.e., buried in soil with bleaching powder) to prevent any potential for disease spread.
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