Female Swimming Research Articles

“The giants’ feast”: predation of the large introduced European catfish on spawning migrating allis shads

European catfish Silurus glanis is a large non-native opportunistic predator able to develop hunting strategy in response to newly available prey where it has been introduced. Migrating spawning anadromous prey such as allis shad Alosa alosa could represent this available and energy-rich food resource. Here, we report an impressive catfish hunting behavior on shad spawning act in one of the main spawning grounds in Europe (Garonne River, Southwest France). Shad spawning act consists of at least one male and one female swimming side by side, trashing the water surface with their tail which, therefore, produces a splashing noise audible from the river bank. The catfish hunting behavior on shad spawning act was studied, at night, during spring months, using both auditory and video survey. Simultaneously, catfish individuals were fishing to analyze their stomach content. Catfish disturbed 12% of the 1024 nocturnal spawning acts we heard, and this proportion increased to 37% among the 129 spawning acts when estimated with low-light camera recording. Stomach content analyses on 251 large catfish individuals (body length > 128 cm) caught in the same river stretch revealed shad represented 88.5% of identified prey items in catfish diet. This work demonstrates that European catfish predation must be considered as a significant factor of mortality of allis shad. In a context of the extension of the European catfish range area in western and southern European freshwaters, this new trophic impact, with other ones previously described for salmon or lamprey, has to be considered in European conservation plans of anadromous species.

“She is the Best Female Coach”: Female Swimming Coaches’ Experiences of Sexism

Sport participation for women and girls is at an all-time high in the United States, but women are still widely underrepresented in leadership positions and coaching (Acosta & Carpenter, 2014). Women hold approximately 50% of head coaching positions of women’s teams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and only 18% of the head coaching positions of women’s swimming and diving teams (LaVoi & Silva-Breen, 2018). Numerous barriers have been identified through previous research on the factors that inhibit upward career mobility for female coaches. Semi-structured interviews were used to examine the career experiences of 21 current or former female swimming coaches at the NCAA Division I level. The theme of sexism in coaching was pervasive and identified in five different categories: (a) misidentification, (b) differential treatment, (c) isolation, (d) tokenism, and (e) motherhood. The sexism that female coaches experience hinders upward career mobility which can lead to career dissatisfaction and early exits from the field, contributing to the underrepresentation of women in the profession.

Sex Specific Differences Recorded in the Behavior of an Amphipod: Implications for Behavioral Toxicology

Behaviour is a useful endpoint in ecotoxicological research; it links the biochemical effects of contamination with physiology of individuals, which can be applied to higher levels of organisation with relevance to ecology. Animals exhibit species-specific and sex specific behaviours. Previous experiments within ecotoxicology using amphipods as models have either not separated by sex or have on the assumption that they may create more variability in the results. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of time (which controlled light conditions), sex, and the interaction of time and sex on the swimming velocity in males and females of the marine amphipod Echinogammarus marinus. E. marinus exhibited a phototactic response to light, as is consistent with previous findings. It was determined that females swimming significantly faster than males and that this response was enhanced during periods when the lights were switched lights off. This suggests that a greater understanding of the baseline unconditioned behaviours of experimental organisms is needed to avoid impacts of unknown variables on results. The results of this study reveal significant sexual differences in the baseline behaviour of E. marinus which has implications for future research in ecotoxicology. It is recommended that in future research specimens be separated by sex prior to experimentation, in order to account for possible behavioural differences such as those observed in the present studies. This study also highlights the need for thorough observation of behaviour over shorter time intervals as larger intervals may miss short-term variations.

SWIMMING AND BONE MINERAL DENSITY: A SPORT WITHOUT OSTEOGENIC STIMULATION?

ABSTRACT Introduction: The osteogenic effects generated by different sports are the subject of a growing number of research projects. Regular physical activity is one of the main recommendations for the stimulation of bone mineral density (BMD). However, evidence has shown that not all physical activities promote similar effects. In this context, the osteogenic effects of swimming need to be clarified. Objective: To verify and compare total and regional BMD levels between male and female swimming athletes and university non-athletes. Methods: The sample, composed of 60 participants of both sexes, was divided into two groups: 30 swimming athletes (GA): 15 men (22.2 ± 3.92 years; 73.61 ± 16.55 kg; 1.76 ± 0.08 m) and 15 women (21.91 ± 2.21 years; 53.15 ± 8.36 kg; 1.64 ± 0.06 m) and a control group (CG): 30 university non-athletes: 15 men (20.73 ± 1.27 years; 74.4 ± 5.54 kg, 1.74 ± 0.04 m) and 15 women (19.93 ± 2.05 years; 59.72 ± 1.33 kg; 1.63 ± 0.004 m). BMD (total, arms, legs, pelvis and spine) was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The results were compared with one-way ANOVA using Scheffé's post hoc test, when necessary. Results: When compared with the women, the men of both groups presented superior results for all BMD values analyzed. In addition, GA had higher BMD of arms and spine when compared to the CG, both for males (p = 0.016 and p = 0.001, respectively) and females (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.011, respectively). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that young male adults, athletes and non-athletes, present higher levels of BMD than their peers of the opposite sex. In addition, the results suggest that when undertaken for competitive purposes and with a weekly training volume of 12 hours or more, swimming may be beneficial for the bone development of young athletes when compared to non-athlete controls. Level of evidence III; Retrospective comparative study.

North American River Otters Followed by Piscivorous Birds, and a River Otter Parental Distraction Display

We observed 2 Lontra canadensis (North American River Otter), likely an adult female and her nearly-grown pup, on a fall 2018 afternoon at a remote lake in Piscataquis County, ME. We witnessed 2 notable animal behaviors, a possible bird-otter foraging association and a River Otter parental display, serendipitously while canoeing. An Ardea herodias (Great Blue Heron) and a Megaceryle alcyon (Belted Kingfisher) watched and followed the River Otters as they fished along the shore of a small cove of the lake. Although neither bird was seen to strike directly at or eat a fish during this episode, the behavior of the piscivorous birds was suggestive of a foraging association with the River Otters, a novel observation in North America. After fishing, the River Otters began traveling along the lake shore and noticed the canoeing human observers. Upon becoming aware of the canoe, the pup apparently hid as the adult female swam toward the canoe while noisily blowing. She then dove and resurfaced farther away from her pup's last-seen position. This routine was repeated several times until the observers paddled away from the female. Despite the large behavioral repertoire known for otters generally, this parental distraction display has not been previously reported.

Regulation of dietary phospholipids on growth performance, antioxidant activities, phospholipid metabolism and vitellogenesis in prereproductive phase of female swimming crabs, Portunus trituberculatus

Sixteen weeks feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary phospholipid (PL) supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant activities, phospholipid metabolism key enzyme activities, and vitellogenesis in prereproductive phase of female P. trituberculatus. Six diets were formulated to contain 0.99%, 1.65%, 2.51%, 3.63%, 4.95% or 6.12% phospholipid, respectively. Crabs with an initial body weight of 25.48 ± 0.12 g were divided into six treatments, each diet was randomly assigned to feed sixty female swimming crabs. The results indicated that final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly influenced by dietary PL levels, and the highest WG and SGR were observed at crab fed the 3.63% PL diet. Crabs fed the 6.12% PL diet had lower n-6 PUFA contents in hepatopancreas than those fed the other diets, however, crabs fed the 4.95% and 6.12% PL diets had the highest DHA, n-3 PUFA in hepatopancreas among all treatments. Moreover, dietary PL levels significantly affected catalase, reductive glutathione, superoxide dismutase activities, phospholipid transporter, phosphocholine cytidine transferase, phospholipase A2, and fatty acid synthase activities in hepatopancreas. Crabs fed the 4.95% PL diet had the highest total antioxidant capacity in hepatopancreas. The hepatopancreatic malondialdehyde concentration significantly increased with the dietary PL levels increasing from 0.99% to 6.12%. Vitellogenin mRNA expression were up-regulated in hepatopancreas and ovaries as the dietary PL levels increased, and 17 β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PROG) contents in hepatopancreas, serum and ovaries were similar trend. The results of present study demonstrated that optimum dietary PL could enhance growth performance, improve the activities of antioxidant and lipid metabolic enzymes in hepatopancreas, and regulate vitellogenesis in prereproductive phase of female P. trituberculatus by regulating the synthesis of E2 and PROG.

Studies on Biological Test of Formulated Diets Supplementation of Vitamin E for the Broodstock of Females Blue Swimming Crab, Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758).

Background: Currently, great progress in the artificial propagation of commercially important portunid crabs of the genus Portunus has been achieved, and various methods have been adopted in mass-scale hatchery activities. This study analyzed the biological testing of formulated diets with different dose supplementations of vitamin E for the broodstock of female blue swimming crabs, P. pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) Methods: Female crab samples were collected from the coastal region of Padang, West Sumatra. The method used in this study was completely randomized design, with four treatment regimens (n=5 crabs each) of dietary vitamin E (0, 300, 600, and 900 IU/kg formulated diets). Results: The results show that the supplementation of vitamin E in the formulated diet had a significant effect (P <0.05) on the absolute weight growth, carapace length and carapace width. Conclusions: Supplementation of vitamin E on in formulated diet causes broodstock blue swimming crab molting, with a percentage value of 40-80% on day 20 and 20% on day 30, with a 100% survival rate.

PO-120 Research on the fluctuation of Reticulocyte during different altitude training patterns in swimming athletes

Objective To explore the fluctuation of reticulocyte during different altitude training in swimming athletes and their difference between altitude training focused on special aerobic capacity and altitude training focused on high load and sprint, to provide the theory basis for further analyze the altitude training improve the physiological function and athletic performance.&#x0D; Methods Twenty female swimming athletes participated in altitude training for four weeks, which could be divided into two patterns, special aerobic capacity group(G1, n=9) and intensity and sprint group(G2, n=11). Fasting venous blood samples were drawn for each week were determined using Beckman Coulter LH780 automated hematology analyzer, including Reticulocyte related parameters such as Reticulocyte percentage (Ret%), Reticulocyte count (Ret#) and immature Reticulocyte fraction (IRF) and also erythrocyte related parameters.&#x0D; Results (1) In G1, Ret%, Ret# and MRV showed continuous decline and represented minimum level in 4th week. While IRF increased during 2nd and 3rd, and then decreased in 4th week. (2) In G2, Ret%, Ret# and MRV were relatively steady during 1st and 2nd week. Ret% and Ret# gave an increased in 3rd week, and then decreased in 4th week, while MRV decreased in 3rd week and increased in 4th week. IRF significantly decreased in latter period compared to earlier period. (3) There were no significant changes for RBC, HCT and HGB in both G1 and G2. MCV, MCH, MCHC and RDW showed improved in later stages compared to their in earlier stages for all in G1, while MCV increased and then decreased, MCH and MCHC continued decline, and RDW kept at sustaining higher levels in G2.&#x0D; Conclusions (1) Reticulocytes were not in accordance with the trend of erythrocyte during different altitude training. Compared to erythrocyte, the behavior of Reticulocyte could reflect erythropoiesis, and IRF could more sensitively detect the change of bone marrow stimulation in particular.&#x0D; (2) The variability of Reticulocytes during altitude training was influenced by hypoxia, training and especially their interactive effects. In aspect of training type, it was crucial for considering the fluctuation of training load and athletes’ adaptation during different patterns. &#x0D;

Optimal Body Masses for Different Olympic Sports

Background. The weight of the best athletes at different distances and in different sports can be very different. It is known that rowers, as a rule, are very massive. In order to give a chance to athletes with a small mass, the rowing federation was introduced a special category with the weight restrictions. These facts are connected with the peculiarities of the aerobic and un-aerobic activities, drag and propulsion characteristics. Objective. In this paper, we don’t try to explain the body mass differences. We will only fix them for different sports: running, swimming (free style), skiing, skating, cycling, and rowing and for different Olympic distances. Methods. A significant amount of data on the velocity and body mass of the best athletes professionals (both female and male) in Olympic sports (running, swimming, skiing, skating, cycling and rowing) was collected and analyzed. Since the weights of the best athletes only are taken into consideration, the expected results can be treated as the most suitable (optimal) body masses for different sports and distances. In order to check, how the values of body mass and average speed on the distance fit the linear dependence, the equation of the linear regression was used. The regression coefficient and two parameters of the straight line were calculated. In order to check that the velocity of skating doesn’t depend on the athlete mass, the Fisher test was used. Results. The optimal masses of athletes for different distances and sports were calculated. In general, for the short distances, the large masses of athletes are optimal and they decrease for long distances. Exception is the results for female swimming and running, where the largest masses of athletes correspond to the medium distances. For longer distances, results show that the most performing athletes are characterized by a lower body mass, except for skating. For a fixed distance, the optimal weights of female athletes are 79.5 ± 3.1% of the weight of male athletes, at the same time they develop 89.4 ± 1.8% of the speed of men. Conclusions. The presented statistical analysis indicates that within one distance there is no significant dependence of speed on the mass (the exception is only rowing). For each distance there are their optimal masses of athletes, which are different for different sports. The revealed facts can be used in athlete selection and training. They need also further investigations with the use of the metabolic and propulsion peculiarities.

Ovarian development and nutritional quality changes of the wild-caughtPortunus trituberculatusduring the artificial fattening period

A female swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) with fully developed ovaries is considered one of the most nutritious types of seafood. The fishing yield of P. trituberculatus in China has always been high; however, its economic value has been low and unreliable due to poor ovarian development and low nutritional value. Artificial fattening is an effective way to improve the value of wild-caught crabs, and this study focused on analysing the ovarian development and nutritional quality of the female P. trituberculatus during an artificial fattening period. Therefore, this study provides scientific evidence on the effects of artificial fattening on female P. trituberculatus and can guide the development of nutritional quality regulations for wild-caught female crabs during the fattening process. The results showed that the ovaries of the wild female P. trituberculatus developed gradually. The ovarian morphology became bulkier, while the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and total edible yield (TEY) were significantly improved after artificial fattening. Significant changes in the nutritional components of the edible tissues were observed, and the moisture content in the ovaries and hepatopancreas decreased continually, while both the protein and fat content in the ovaries significantly increased. Moreover, the fat content in the hepatopancreas significantly increased. The saturated fatty acids(ΣSFA) in the ovaries and hepatopancreas had an increasing trend after fattening, while ΣPUFA and Σn-3PUFA first decreased and then increased. In contrast, the ratio of Σn-3PUFA to Σn-6PUFA decreased steadily. However, the fatty acid composition of the muscles did not change significantly. The levels of all the amino acids increased continuously during the fattening process, and EAA increased significantly in the early stages of the fattening period. Consequently, all amino acids became nonlimiting amino acids after fattening. Furthermore, the ratio of EAA/NEAA in the ovaries increased continually until the end of the fattening period. On the other hand, the fatness and TEY increased significantly after artificial fattening. In addition, the nutritional value significantly improved with the exception of the high-quality fatty acids in the ovaries and hepatopancreas, which were slightly lower in both.

Effect of exogenous estrogen on the ovarian development and gene expression in the female swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus (Miers, 1876) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae)

Effect of exogenous estrogen on the ovarian development and gene expression in the female swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus (Miers, 1876) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae)

De novo transcriptome sequencing and analysis of male and female swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) reproductive systems during mating embrace (stage II)

BackgroundThe swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus is one of the most commonly farmed crustaceans in China. As one of the most widely known and high-value edible crabs, it crab supports large crab fishery and aquaculture in China. Only large and sexually mature crabs can provide the greatest economic benefits, suggesting the considerable effect of reproductive system development on fishery. Studies are rarely conducted on the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying the development of the reproductive system during the mating embrace stage in this species. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing to sequence all transcriptomes of the P. trituberculatus reproductive system.ResultsTranscriptome sequencing of the reproductive system produced 81,688,878 raw reads (38,801,152 and 42,887,726 reads from female and male crabs, respectively). Low-quality (quality <20) reads were trimmed and removed, leaving only high-quality reads (37,020,664 and 41,021,030 from female and male crabs, respectively). A total of 126,188 (female) and 164,616 (male) transcripts were then generated by de novo transcriptome assembly using Trinity. Functional annotation of the obtained unigenes revealed that a large number of key genes and some important pathways may participate in cell proliferation and signal transduction. On the basis of our transcriptome analyses and as confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR, a number of genes potentially involved in the regulation of gonadal development and reproduction of P. trituberculatus were identified: ADRA1B, BAP1, ARL3, and TRPA1.ConclusionThis study is the first to report on the whole reproductive system transcriptome information in stage II of P. trituberculatus gonadal development and provides rich resources for further studies to elucidate the molecular basis of the development of reproductive systems and reproduction in crabs. The current study can be used to further investigate functional genomics in this species.

The effects of concurrent visual feedback on the control of swimming intensities above the onset of blood lactate accumulation

PurposeEffective control of swimming speed can increase training effectiveness and therefore enhance training adaptations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of concurrent visual feedback on swimming speed at an exercise intensity above the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA).MethodsThe study involved 12 healthy male and female swim team members. The participants executed two 200-m freestyle trials within an individually predetermined swim time matching an exercise intensity above OBLA (exercise zone 4). In one trial, no additional information was provided, whereas concurrent visual feedback was given on swimming speed in the other.ResultsConcurrent visual feedback narrowed the discrepancy between the predetermined and obtained swimming times (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001). This improvement in swimming time (accuracy) showed a negative correlation with the increase in post-trial lactate concentration. The correlation between the difference in the predetermined and obtained times and the increase in lactate was &lt;i&gt;R&lt;/i&gt; = –0.46 when no visual feedback was provided but &lt;i&gt;R&lt;/i&gt; = –0.64 with visual feedback, with the latter result statistically significant (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.024).ConclusionsConcurrent visual feedback allows swimmers to consistently maintain a predetermined swimming speed and therefore keep the specified exercise intensity as evidenced by the increase in lactate concentration. This can result in more effective execution of training goals and thereby enhance training outcomes.

Taste evaluations of ovigerous and soft-shelled female swimming crab &lt;i&gt;Portunus trituberculatus&lt;/i&gt; meat extracts

Taste evaluations of ovigerous and soft-shelled female swimming crab &lt;i&gt;Portunus trituberculatus&lt;/i&gt; meat extracts

Effect of estradiol on vitellogenesis and oocyte development of female swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus

The vitellogenesis process of crustacean includes endogenous vitellogenic stage and exogenous vitellogeneic stage because the major vitellogenesis sites of two stages are localized in ovary and hepatopancreas, respectively. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations (0, 10−10, 10−9, 10−8, 10−7and 10−6mol/L) of exogenous estradiol (E2) on Vitellogenin (Vg)-mRNA expressions and Vg/Vitellin (Vn) levels in the ovaries and hepatopancreas for both endogenous and exogenous vitellogenic stage via in vitro experiment, and the oocyte diameters were further measured for the female swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus). During endogenous vitellogenic stage, the Vg-mRNA expression level, Vn contents and the oocyte diameters of endogenous vitellogenic ovaries were significantly promoted in low concentration of E2 treatment (10−9mol/L and 10−8mol/L). However, the Vg-mRNA level in hepatopancreas was not enhanced by increasing concentrations of exogenous E2 and the hepatopancreatic Vg/Vn level was not detectable in this stage. During exogenous vitellogenic stage, only high-concentration of E2 treatment (10−6mol/L) could significantly improve the Vg-mRNA expression levels in ovary, while exogenous E2 had no significant effect on Vn contents and oocyte diameters. Moreover, the higher Vg-mRNA expression and Vg/Vn level in the hepatopancreas were detected in the high-concentration E2 treatment (10−7mol/ L-10−6mol/L). In conclusion, all results together indicated that exogenous E2 had a significant effect on vitellogenesis in ovaries at endogenous vitellogenic stage and in hepatopancreas at exogenous vitellogenic stage, but the effects of E2 were dose dependent and stage-specific.

Proprioception and Flexibility Profiles of Elite Synchronized Swimmers.

This study compared the full-body flexibility and joint proprioception (on land and underwater) of (a) 20 elite female synchronized swimmers (mean age ± standard deviation = 18.5 ± 1.9 years) and (b) 20 college female swim team members with no training in synchronized swimming (control participants; mean age ± standard deviation = 20.6 ± 1.3 years). Flexibility of the trunk and upper and lower limbs was measured using plastic tape and a goniometer, respectively. Joint proprioception (joint position sense) of the upper and lower limbs on land and underwater was measured by an active joint angle repositioning test. Principle outcome measures were passive joint range of motion (flexibility) and active joint repositioning error (proprioception). Multivariate analysis of covariance revealed that, compared with control swimmers, synchronized swimmers had greater passive joint ranges of motion in the spinal and upper and lower limb joints ( p < .05) and fewer active joint repositioning errors in the shoulder, wrist, and ankle on land ( p < .05) and in the hip and ankle underwater ( p < .05). These results help characterize peak synchronized swimmer capabilities, provide valuable reference details for coaches, and may be useful for talent identification and skill development in this sport.

Psychological stress has a higher rate of developing addictive behaviors compared to physical stress in rat offspring.

Prenatal stress could have great influence on development of offspring and might alter cognitive function and other physiological processes of children. The current study was conducted to study the effect of physical or psychological prenatal stress on addictive and anxiety-like behavior of male and female offspring during their adolescence period (postnatal day (PND) 40). Adult female rats were exposed to physical (swimming) or psychological (observing another female rat swimming) stress from day six of gestation for 10 days. Male and female offspring were assayed for anxiety-like behavior, motor and balance function and morphine conditioned place preference using the open field, elevated plus maze (EPM), rotarod and wire grip assay and conditioned place preference. Offspring in both physical and psychological prenatal stress groups demonstrated significant increase in anxiety-like behavior in EPM paradigm, but no alterations were observed in motor and balance function of animals. Offspring in the psychological prenatal stress group had an increased preference for morphine in comparison to control and physical prenatal stress groups. Results of the current study demonstrated that animals exposed to psychological stress during fetal development are at a higher risk of developing addictive behaviors. Further research might elucidate the exact mechanisms involved to provide better preventive and therapeutic interventions.

&lt;b&gt;The impact of the quality of life perception on the self-esteem of physically active adults

This study aimed at investigating the impact of the quality of life perception on the self-esteem of physically active adults. A total of 63 male and female swimming practitioners (38.13 ± 11.72) were evaluated. A socio-demographic questionnaire, WHOQOL-Bref Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used as tools. For data analysis the descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test, Mann-Whitney U Test, Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient, and the Univariate Multiple Regression were used. No significant differences were found either for the quality of life or the self-esteem between sexes; there was a significant positive correlation (p &lt; 0.05) among the physical (r = 0.37), psychological (r = 0.36) and environmental (r = 0.30) domains with self-esteem. The regression model explained 20% of the self-esteem variability, with moderate and significant pathways of the physical (β = 0.23) and psychological (β = 0.23) domains, whereas the environmental domain did not show a significant predictive relation (p = 0.988) with self-esteem. It is concluded that a higher quality of life perception may result in a higher self-esteem for physically active adults.

Cloning, tissue expression of the fatty acid-binding protein (Pt-FABP1) gene, and effects of dietary phospholipid levels on fabp and vitellogenin gene expression in the female swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus

In the present study, the cDNA of fatty acid-binding protein (Pt-FABP1) from the hepatopancreas of swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) was cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) approaches. The full-length cDNA of Pt-fabp1 was 730bp and encoded a 130 amino acids polypeptide that was highly homologous to related genes from other crustacean. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that Pt-fabp1 expression was detected in various tissues, and the highest expression levels was occurred in the hepatopancreas. The Pt-fabp1 expression levels in the ovary would depend on the stages of ovarian development, and the expression of Pt-fabp1 reached the maximum at the stage IV. The effects of dietary soybean lecithin (SL) on the Pt-fabp1 and vitellogenin (VTG) expression, and steroid hormones levels were investigated. After 16weeks of feeding, the results showed that the expression level of Pt-fabp1 in hepatopancreas and the content of progesterone (PG) in hemolymph did significantly increase with dietary SL supplementation up to 2% (P<0.05). Swimming crab fed the diet containing 4% SL had higher hepatopancreas vtg gene expression and the content of 17 β-estradiol (E2) in hemolymph than those fed the control diet (P<0.05). This study suggested that Pt-FABP may have a positive function in ovary maturation of female swimming crab. Meanwhile, these results not only demonstrated that the gene expression of Pt-fabp1 and vtg in hepatopancreas can be modulated by dietary SL levels, but also clearly supported the hypothesis that the positive effects of dietary SL on the ovarian development of female swimming crab.

Effects of starvation and feeding on blood chemistry, fatty acid composition and expression of vitellogenin and fatty acid-binding protein genes in female swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus broodstock

Portunus trituberculatus broodstock were stocked in plastic tanks to evaluate the effects of starvation and feeding on gonadal development, blood chemistry, fatty acid composition, and expression of vitellogenin (Vtg) and fatty acid-binding protein genes (FABP) in females. Two treatments (starved and fed) were randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 90 swimming crab broodstock (approximately 230 ± 45 g). In the starved treatment, crabs were starved for 30 days, whereas in the fed treatment crabs were fed once a day with clams. The gonadosomatic index decreased significantly in starved crabs (P 0.05). Starvation suppressed gonadal development in female swimming crab broodstock.