Ethics and Welfare in invertebrates: a stepping-stone to research and animal production / Ética y bienestar en invertebrados: una piedra fundamental en investigación y producción animal

Abstract Introduction: Even though only a few species are considered to be dangerous, pests or vectors, the majority of invertebrates produce a feeling of aversion in humans. This has contributed to the delay in the development of ethical considerations as regards this group in contrast with vertebrates, with the exception of cephalopods. Objective: In the present study, we provide an overview of the current situation on animal ethics and welfare in order to contribute to the development of a framework for ensuring invertebrate welfare. Methods: Today, animal welfare is multidisciplinary in nature to a very high degree as it includes ethology, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, nutrition, cognitive-neural, veterinary medicine, and ethics. Animal welfare is a complex concept, difficult to achieve successfully from one perspective. Results: As a consequence, we propose to include the five domains (nutrition, environment, health, behaviour and mental state) along with the three conceptions (basic health and functioning, affective state and natural living), as well as the 5R Principle (Replace, Reduction, Refinement, Respect and Responsibility) in seeking to achieve a comprehensive welfare state. Conclusions: We consider that in both research and animal production, the individual and collective ethical concerns coexist and, in fact, the main moral concern to account for is the collective one and that, within that collective view, the individual moral concern should be applied with responsibility and respect for the individual. Finally, we propose a practical example of invertebrate welfare production in sea urchin aquaculture with the aim of including animal production of invertebrates in this important discussion.

Resumen Introducción: Aunque sólo unas pocas especies son consideradas peligrosas, plagas o vectores, la mayoría de los invertebrados producen un sentimiento de aversión en el ser humano. Esto ha contribuido al retraso en el desarrollo de consideraciones éticas respecto a este grupo en comparación con los vertebrados, a excepción de los cefalópodos. Objetivo: En el presente trabajo, proporcionamos una visión general de la situación actual en materia de ética y bienestar animal con el fin de contribuir al desarrollo de un marco para garantizar el bienestar de los invertebrados. Métodos: Hoy en día, el bienestar animal es de naturaleza multidisciplinaria en un grado muy alto, ya que incluye etología, fisiología, patología, bioquímica, genética, inmunología, nutrición, cognitivo-neural, medicina veterinaria y ética. El bienestar animal es un concepto complejo, difícil de lograr con éxito desde una sola perspectiva. Resultados: Como consecuencia, proponemos incluir los cinco dominios (nutrición, ambiente, salud, comportamiento y estado mental) junto con las tres concepciones (Salud básica y funcionamiento, estado afectivo y vida natural), así como el Principio 5R (Reemplazar, Reducir, Refinar, Respetar y Responsabilidad) en la búsqueda de alcanzar un estado de bienestar integral. Conclusiones: Consideramos que tanto en la investigación como en la producción animal coexisten las preocupaciones éticas individuales y colectivas y, de hecho, la principal preocupación moral a dar cuenta es la colectiva y que, dentro de esa visión colectiva, se debe aplicar la preocupación moral individual. con responsabilidad y respeto por la persona. Finalmente, proponemos un ejemplo práctico de producción de bienestar de invertebrados en la acuicultura de erizos de mar con el objetivo de incluir la producción animal de invertebrados en esta importante discusión.

Richness and density of aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates after exposure to fungicides and insecticides in rice paddy fields

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to verify the richness and density of aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates after exposure to fungicides and insecticides of the rice paddy fields. In the crop seasons of 2012/13 and 2013/14, field experiments were performed, which consisted of single-dose applications of the fungicides trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole and tricyclazole, and the insecticides lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam and diflubenzuron, in 10 m2 experimental plots, over rice plants in the R3 stage. Control plots with and without rice plants were maintained in order to simulate a natural environment. Soil samples were collected during rice cultivation for assessment of the macroinvertebrate fauna. Chemical-physical parameters assessed in the experiments included temperature, pH and oxygen dissolved in the water and pesticide persistence in the water and in the soil. The application of a single dose of the pesticides and fungicides in the recommended period does not cause significant negative effects over the richness and density of the macroinvertebrates. Tebuconazole, tricyclazole and thiamethoxam showed high persistence in the irrigation water of rice paddy fields. Thus, the doses and number of applications of these products in crops should be carefully handled in order to avoid contamination of the environment.

Benthic macroinvertebrate community in the Sinos river drainage basin, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / A comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos da bacia hidrográfica do rio dos Sinos, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Abstract Aquatic macroinvertebrate fauna is a relevant component of limnic continental aquatic ecosystems, playing an important role in several processes with relevant biocomplexity. The present study characterized the benthic macroinvertebrate fauna found in three hydric bodies in the Sinos river drainage basin regarding community structure. Sample was collected from January to December 2013 in three locations in the basin: the city of Caraá (29 °45’45.5”S/50°19’37.3”W), the city of Rolante (29°38’34.4”S/50°32’33.2”W) and the city of Igrejinha (29°36’10.84”S/50°48’49.3”W). Abiotic components (pH, dissolved oxygen and temperature) were registered and collected samples were identified up to family type. Average annual pH, dissolved oxygen and temperature were similar in all locations. A total of 26,170 samples were collected. Class Insecta (Arthropods) represented 85.5% of total sample. Platyhelmintes, Mollusca and Annelida samples were also registered. A total of 57 families were identified for the drainage basin and estimators (Chao-1, Chao-2 and jackknife 2) estimated richness varying from 60 to 72 families.

Resumo A fauna de macroinvertebrados aquáticos é um relevante componente dos ecossistemas aquáticos límnicos continentais, atuando em vários processos de importante biocomplexidade. O presente estudo caracterizou a fauna de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em três corpos hídricos da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio dos Sinos, em relação a estrutura da comunidade. Amostragens foram realizadas de janeiro a dezembro de 2013 em três locais na bacia: Município de Caraá (29°45’45,5”S/50°19’37,3”W), Município de Rolante(29°38’34,4”S/50°32’33,2”W) e Município de Igrejinha(29°36’10,84”S/50°48’49,3”W). Variáveis abióticas (pH, oxigênio dissolvido e temperatura) foram registradas e os exemplares coletados identificados até família. As médias anuais de pH, oxigênio dissolvido e temperatura foram similares em todos os pontos. Um total de 26.170 exemplares foi amostrado. A Classe Insecta (Arthropoda) representou 85,5% do total. Platyhelmintes, Mollusca e Annelida também foram registrados. Foram determinadas 57 famílias para a bacia hidrográfica e os estimadores (Chao-1, Chao-2 e jackknife 2) projetaram uma riqueza variando de 60 a 72.

Macroinvertebrate colonization and breakdown of leaves in an astatic pond in south India.

Macroinvertebrate colonization and breakdown of Pongamia pinnata and Morinda tinctoria leaves were studied in an astatic pond in Madura College, Madurai. Morinda tinctoria leaves broke down fasterthan the leaves of P. pinnata. Breakdown capacities of astatic pond cannot be attributed to colonization of macroinvertebrates. Instead, microbial processing, and abiotic fragmentation are suggested as factors controlling breakdown rates. Tanypus sp (midgelarva) was abundant in leaf bags during the experimental period. This midge-larva appeared to use litter accumulations as a microhabitat that provided shelter and a rich supply of food in the form of organic matter Their abundance and regular occurrence of two leaves suggest that midge larvae enhance leaf fragmentation and possibly mediate the incorporation of organic matter in pond sediments once the plant tissue is sufficiently macerated.