PhD Thesis

Aspects of Fish Welfare in Aquaculture Practices, PhD Thesis

Department of Animal Physiology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (2009-2013)

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The overall aim of my PhD thesis was to increase knowledge on welfare of farmed fish through study of the effects of relevant and well-defined external stimuli on physiology and behavior. My PhD thesis can be subdivided into two sub-projects detailed below: impact of acute (noxious) and chronic (nitrogenous waste) stimuli on fish welfare.

Aspects of fish welfare in aquaculture practices

Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Gert Flik  –  Dr. Hans van de Vis  –  Dr. Wout Abbink

Defended on the 20th of December 2013

 Pain in fish
(2009-2013)

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The question of the capability of fish to feel pain is a hot topic. In this part of my thesis, I discovered the presence of pain receptor (nociceptor) in the tailfin of several fish species (Nile and Mozambique tilapia’s, ; Common carp and zebrafish) and I further observed that fish react to noxious stimuli by mucus secretion, changed plasma composition and altered swimming activity (2 publications).

Effect of nitrogenous waste on growth performance and fish welfare in RAS
(2009-2013)

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Nitrogenous-waste compounds (ammonia, nitrite and nitrate) are limiting factors in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). In this part of my thesis, I have determined the safe levels of nitrogenous waste concentrations at which African catfish and juvenile pike perch can be cultured without negative effect on growth, plasma and gill physiology, therefore contributing to the improvement of their husbandry protocols (4 publications).