Abstract
In 2014, Brazil produced 474.33 thousand tons of captive-bred fish. In addition, regulatory agencies of animal ethics and welfare have recently encouraged experiments to be done using simpler vertebrates, such as fish. The aim of this article was to perform a scientometric analysis of scientific production that deals with fish welfare, in an attempt to find trends and gaps in this line of research. Our analyses showed a growing concern about fish welfare, although several questions remained inadequately covered. The most studied species was the Atlantic salmon, with Norway having the most publications on this theme. There are controversies among scientists about fish capacity for suffering and enjoyment (sentience). As regards slaughter or euthanasia, some studies showed that some methods are more endorsed than others, because they effectively reduce suffering and improve the appearance of the meat. In respect of animals used for experimentation, the most recommended substances were benzocaine and MS222. Thus, despite the importance of this subject, few studies are decisive and there is still no consensus on how to improve fish welfare or even on how to reduce suffering at the moment of slaughter.
Highlights
A fish is any member of a group of paraphyletic organisms that include non-tetrapod, aquatic animals, which present a cranium and most of the time, breathe through gills and which do not have members with digits
The production of fish and other water organisms in captivity is increasing in Brazil
The aim of this article is to perform a scientometric analysis of scientific production that deals with fish welfare, in an attempt to find trends and gaps in this line of research
Summary
A fish is any member of a group of paraphyletic organisms that include non-tetrapod, aquatic animals, which present a cranium and most of the time, breathe through gills and which do not have members with digits. The total number of species can add up to or even surpass 32,500 (Pough, Jani, & Heiser, 2008). For this reason it is hard to identify only one fish species used in animal production. Instead of terrestrial animal farming, of which the total global production is based on a limited number of mammals and poultry, aquaculture includes more than 240 animal and plant species used directly in human consumption (Crepaldi et al, 2006). Studies that use fish species, with many goals, have increased as well
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