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Method Article
Dois protocolos de ablação de pedúnculo ocular (isto é, cauterização e abordagens cirúrgicas) foram realizados em caranguejos fêmeas anestesiados. A ablação ocular de caranguejos de lama acelerou o amadurecimento dos ovários sem diminuir a taxa de sobrevivência.
Caranguejos da lama (Scylla spp.) são espécies de crustáceos comercialmente importantes que podem ser encontrados em toda a região do Pacífico Indo-Ocidental. Durante o cultivo, a indução da maturação ovariana é importante para atender à demanda dos consumidores por caranguejos maduros e acelerar a produção de sementes. A ablação do pedúnculo ocular é uma ferramenta eficaz para melhorar a maturação ovariana em caranguejos da lama. No entanto, não existe um protocolo padrão para a ablação do pedúnculo ocular de caranguejos da lama. Neste estudo, duas técnicas de ablação do pedúnculo ocular são descritas: cauterização (uso de metal quente para abater o pedúnculo ocular de um caranguejo anestesiado) e cirurgia (remoção do pedúnculo ocular com tesoura cirúrgica). Antes da ablação do pedúnculo ocular, fêmeas sexualmente maduras (LC > 86 mm) foram anestesiadas com uma bolsa de gelo (−20 °C) com água do mar. Quando a temperatura da água atingiu 4 °C, a bolsa de gelo foi removida da água. Água do mar corrente (temperatura ambiente: 28 °C) foi usada para recuperação da anestesia imediatamente após a ablação do pedúnculo ocular. A mortalidade não ocorreu durante ou após o processo de ablação do pedúnculo ocular. O protocolo de ablação do pedúnculo ocular aqui apresentado acelerou a maturação ovariana dos caranguejos da lama.
Todas as quatro espécies de caranguejos pertencentes ao gênero Scylla são espécies de crustáceos comercialmente importantes na aquicultura 1,2. O crescimento de crustáceos, incluindo caranguejos da lama, e sua transformação da fase pré-madura (sub-adulta ou púbere) para a fase sexualmente madura (adulta) ocorrem através de um processo de muda que envolve a eliminação periódica de exoesqueletos mais velhos e menores. A largura da carapaça (LC), as morfologias dos quelípodos e dos retalhos abdominais são amplamente utilizadas para determinar a maturidade sexual de Scylla spp. 3,4,5. O processo de muda é regulado pela ação de vários hormônios e requer uma enorme quantidade de energia6. Além do processo normal de muda, a perda de membros, voluntária ou induzida por fatores externos, agiliza a muda dos caranguejos sem afetar sua taxa de sobrevivência 7,8,9. Portanto, a autotomia de membros é comumente utilizada para indução de muda na indústria de criação de caranguejos de casca mole 7,9.
A ablação unilateral ou bilateral do pedúnculo ocular é mais popular em camarões de água doce e camarões marinhos para maturação de gônadas e produção de sementes10,11,12,13. Técnicas comuns de ablação de pedúnculo ocular em crustáceos incluem: (i) ligadura na base do pedúnculo ocular com corda14,15; (ii) cauterização do pedúnculo ocular com pinça quente ou eletrocautério16; (iii) remoção ou pinçamento direto do pedúnculo ocular para deixar a ferida aberta12; e (iv) remoção do conteúdo do pedúnculo ocular por incisão após corte da porção distal do olho com navalha17. Os órgãos X do pedúnculo ocular são importantes órgãos endócrinos em crustáceos, pois regulam os hormônios hiperglicêmicos (CHH) dos crustáceos, os hormônios inibidores da muda (MIH) e os hormônios inibidores da vitelogênese (VIH)6,18,19,20,21,22. Os órgãos X do pedúnculo ocular (ou complexo da glândula sinusal) sintetizam e liberam hormônios inibidores das gônadas (GIH), também conhecidos como hormônios inibidores da vitelogênese (VIH), pertencentes à família dos hormônios neuropeptídeos6. A ablação unilateral ou bilateral do pedúnculo ocular reduz a síntese de GIH, resultando na dominância de hormônios estimulantes (i.e., hormônios estimulantes das gônadas, GSH) e na aceleração do processo de maturação ovariana em crustáceos23,24,25,26. Sem a influência do GIH após a ablação do pedúnculo ocular, crustáceos fêmeas dedicam sua energia ao desenvolvimento ovariano27. Verificou-se que a ablação unilateral do pedúnculo ocular é suficiente para a indução da maturação ovariana em crustáceos11 e que o pedúnculo ocular ablado de camarões e caranguejos pode se regenerar após várias mudas28. Há quatro estágios de desenvolvimento ovariano registrados em Scylla spp.: i) imaturo (estágio-1), ii) maturação precoce (estágio-2), iii) pré-maturação (estágio-3) e iv) totalmente maduro (estágio-4)29,30. O estágio ovariano imaturo é encontrado em fêmeas imaturas. Após a muda puberal e o acasalamento, o ovário imaturo começa a se desenvolver e finalmente amadurece (estágio 4) antes da desova31.
Um protocolo de ablação ocular é essencial para o desenvolvimento de matrizes de caranguejo e produção de sementes. No mercado global de alimentos, caranguejos maduros com ovários totalmente maduros (estágio 4) em vez de caranguejos com maior teor muscular são preferidos pelos consumidores e, portanto, têm um valor comercial mais alto, até mesmo maior do que os machos grandes. Não há um protocolo completo para a ablação ocular de caranguejos da lama. O protocolo de ablação do pedúnculo ocular neste trabalho minimiza o estresse com o uso de caranguejos totalmente anestesiados e minimiza os danos físicos causados às mordidas de caranguejos. Este protocolo é fácil e econômico. Apresentamos um protocolo para a ablação do pedúnculo ocular de Scylla spp., que pode induzir a maturação da gônada. Duas técnicas de ablação do pedúnculo ocular (cauterização e cirurgia) foram testadas e suas eficiências comparadas com base na taxa de desenvolvimento gonadal de fêmeas de caranguejos da lama.
Este protocolo segue o Código de Prática da Malásia para o Cuidado e Uso de Animais para Fins Científicos delineado pela Associação de Ciência Animal de Laboratório da Malásia. O sacrifício das amostras experimentais foi feito de acordo com o National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NIH Publications No. 8023, revisado em 1978). Caranguejos de lama fêmeas sexualmente pré-maduros ( S. olivacea) foram coletados no mercado local (5°66′62′′N, 102°72′33′′E) nas Zonas Húmidas de Setiu, na Malásia. As espécies de caranguejos lamacentos foram identificadas com base em característicasmorfológicas1.
1. Coleta e desinfecção de amostras
Figura 1: Morfologia abdominal de fêmeas de caranguejos de lama utilizados para identificar os estágios de maturação sexual. Clique aqui para ver uma versão maior desta figura.
2. Aclimatação
3. Muda induzida para a maturidade sexual
4. Anestesia
5. Ablação do pedúnculo ocular
6. Cuidados pós-anestésicos
7. Observação da maturação ovariana
Maturação gonadal
Tecidos ovarianos brancos cremosos (ovários imaturos, estágio 1) foram encontrados em 100% das fêmeas dissecadas (n = 6) antes da realização da ablação do pedúnculo ocular (Figura 2). A taxa de maturação gonadal das fêmeas de caranguejos com haste ocular (n = 63; 31 fêmeas com a técnica de cauterização e 32 fêmeas com a técnica cirúrgica) foi maior em comparação com as fêmeas que não foram submetidas à ablação do pedúnculo ocu...
Este protocolo foi desenvolvido para a ablação do pedúnculo ocular do caranguejo-da-lama, Scylla spp., e pode ser aplicado como um método eficiente para induzir a maturação gonadal. Este protocolo pode ser facilmente replicado para a maturação comercial dos ovários de caranguejos lama e pode ser implementado para reduzir o período latente (tempo de uma desova para outra) na produção de sementes de caranguejo lama.
A ablação do pedúnculo ocular de crustáceos (i.e., cama...
Nenhum dos autores tem conflitos de interesse.
Este estudo foi apoiado pelo Ministério da Educação, Malásia, no âmbito do programa Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Malásia, acreditado no Instituto de Aquicultura Tropical e Pesca, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (Vot No. 63933 & Vot No. 56048). Agradecemos o apoio da Universiti Malaysia Terengganu e Sayap Jaya Sdn. Bhd. através da Bolsa de Pesquisa de Parceria Privada (Vot. No. 55377). Uma posição de bolsista acadêmico adjunto da Universiti Sains Malaysia para Khor Waiho e Hanafiah Fazhan também é reconhecida.
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.
to:
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.
The References have been updated from:
to:
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