Reproductive behaviour and fertilized spawns in cultured Solea senegalensis broodstock co-housed with wild breeders during their juvenile stages.

The reproductive failure of Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) cultured males (reared entirely in captivity from egg through to adult) that do not participate in reproductive behaviours to fertilise spawns, results in a problem to achieve reproductive control in captivity. However, cohabitation with wild males has led to an increase in the involvement of cultured males in reproductive behaviour, although their contribution to fertilised spawning is still lower than that of wild breeders. This study aimed to examine the effect of different social conditions, on the reproductive behaviour and spawning success of cultured breeders over three reproductive seasons. Before starting this study, different social learning opportunities were provided to the breeders from the juvenile to the pubertal stages of the individuals. Behaviour and spawning were evaluated in four experimental groups of cultured breeders: two groups (W1 and W2) that prior to this study were reared during the juvenile stage with wild breeders that fertilized spawns, a Culture breeder group (CB) that was previously reared with cultured breeders that spawned unfertile eggs, and a negative control group (CN) that was reared in isolation from adult fish. During the three reproductive seasons, spawning was obtained from all groups. Generally, the first year had the highest egg production and the third year the lowest. However, fertilised eggs were only obtained from W1 in the first year. A total of eight fertilised spawns were collected with a fertilisation rate of 28.02 ± 13.80 % and a hatching rate of 15.04 ± 10.40 %. The mean number of larvae obtained per spawn was 7,683 ± 5,947 and the total number of larvae from all eight spawns was 61,468. The paternity analysis assigned 64.3 % of larvae to a single couple of breeders, while 34.3 % of larvae were not assigned to any single family, but inconclusively to more than three parents. The highest locomotor activity was observed in W1, while no significant differences were observed in the number of movements within W2, CB and CN. In all groups, during the peak of locomotor activity (19h00-20h00), the main reproductive behaviours observed were Rest the Head and Follow, while the Guardian behaviour was low and Coupled behaviour was only observed in W1. Over time, the reproductive behaviours decreased, except for Follow. The social learning opportunities provided by cohabitation with wild fish during juvenile stages prior to spawning in W1, increased activity and fertilised spawning. However, the number of successful spawns was low and over time stopped in association with a decrease in reproductive behaviour. This suggests that other mechanisms of behavioural learning could be involved in reproductive success, such as reproductive dominance, environmental conditions or hormonal interactions that could affect physiological processes in the reproduction of captive breeders.

Tidal gradients, fine-scale homing and a potential cryptic ecotype of wild spawning pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha).

The homing behaviour of salmon is a remarkable natural phenomenon, critical for shaping the ecology and evolution of populations yet the spatial scale at which it occurs is poorly understood. This study investigated the spatial scale and mechanisms driving homing as depicted by spawning site-choice behaviour in pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Molecular pedigree analyses of over 30,000 adult spawners in four streams revealed that pink salmon exhibit fine-scale site fidelity within a stream, returning to within <100 m of their parents. Homing behaviours were driven in part by a salinity gradient between intertidal and freshwater environments, with individuals incubated in freshwater environments more than twice as likely to spawn upstream of tidal influence than those incubated in the intertidal. Our findings challenge the traditional view that pink salmon populations are genetically and phenotypically homogenous due to their short freshwater residency as juveniles and high rates of dispersal as returning adults (i.e. straying). This study has important implications for rates of inbreeding, local adaptation and gene flow within populations, and is particularly relevant to the management of salmon hatcheries, given the high incidence of hatchery-origin pink salmon, reared in freshwater hatchery environments, that stray into wild populations of Prince William Sound.

How aggressive interactions with biomimetic agents optimize reproductive performances in mass-reared males of the Mediterranean fruit fly.

Mass-rearing procedures of insect species, often used in biological control and Sterile Insect Technique, can reduce the insects competitiveness in foraging, dispersal, and mating. The evocation of certain behaviours responsible to induce specific neuroendocrine products may restore or improve the competitiveness of mass-reared individuals. Herein, we used a mass-reared strain of Ceratitis capitata as model organism. C. capitata is a polyphagous pest exhibiting territorial displays that are closely related to its reproductive performance. We tested if the behaviour of C. capitata males could be altered by hybrid aggressive interactions with a conspecific-mimicking robotic fly, leading to more competitive individuals in subsequent mating events. Aggressive interactions with the robotic fly had a notable effect on subsequent courtship and mating sequences of males that performed longer courtship displays compared to naïve individuals. Furthermore, previous interactions with the robotic fly produced a higher mating success of males. Reproductive performances of C. capitata males may be improved by specific octopaminergic neurones activated during previous aggressive interactions with the robotic fly. This study adds fundamental knowledge on the potential role of specific neuro-behavioural processes in the ecology of tephritid species and paves the way to innovative biotechnological control methods based on robotics and bionics.

Patients' and providers' perspectives on non-urgent egg freezing decision-making: a thematic analysis.

BACKGROUND: The decision to undergo non-urgent egg freezing (EF) is complex for patients and providers supporting them. Though prior studies have explored patient perspectives, no study has also included the separate perspectives of providers. METHODS: This qualitative study involved semi-structured individual interviews exploring the decision to undergo EF. Participants included patients considering EF at one academic fertility clinic and providers who counsel patients about EF from across Canada. Data analysis was accomplished using thematic analysis. Data saturation was met after interviewing 13 providers and 12 patients. FINDINGS: Four themes were identified and explored, illuminating ways in which patients and providers navigate decision-making around EF: (1) patients viewed EF as a 'back-up plan' for delaying the decision about whether to have children, while providers were hesitant to present EF in this way given the uncertainty of success; (2) providers viewed ovarian reserve testing as essential while patients believed it unnecessarily complicated the decision; (3) patients and providers cited a need for change in broader societal attitudes regarding EF since social stigma was a significant barrier to decision-making; and (4) commonality and peer support were desired by patients to assist in their decision, although some providers were hesitant to recommend this to patients. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the decision to undergo EF is complex and individual patient values play a significant role. In some areas, there is disconnect between providers and patients in their views on how to navigate EF decision-making, and these should be addressed in discussions between providers and patients to improve shared decision-making.

Fertility patterns and sex composition preferences in immigrant-native unions in Sweden.

Intermarriage between immigrants and native individuals highlights the need to study childbearing as a joint decision of couples, because fertility preferences are likely to differ for the two partners involved. This study focuses on Sweden, where the majority population holds a relative preference for daughters but many immigrants come from countries with son preferences. Using longitudinal registers for the period 1990-2009, I analyse third-birth risks according to the sex composition of previous children and type of union. Doing so allows the study of preferences from behavioural data: couples with a daughter preference, for example, are more likely to have another child if their two previous children were boys. Results show that third-birth risks tend to be higher in unions between Swedish women and immigrant men, whereas unions between Swedish men and immigrant women tend to exhibit lower third-birth risks. Son preferences are rarely realized in intermarriages.

From sneaker to bourgeois male: Long-term observations on recognized tompot blenny Parablennius gattorugine individuals reveal new information on their biology.

The behaviour of the tompot blenny Parablennius gattorugine was studied by underwater observation and photography on the south-west coast of the UK over an 11 year period, with >50 individuals identified at two locations by their distinctive skin markings. Observations showed males engaging in rapid swimming behaviour when approached by a female, and younger males using alternative 'sneaker' tactics before becoming 'bourgeois' territory-holders. The noninvasive recognition technique also facilitated detailed observations on territory retention (up to 7 years) and agonistic behaviours among both males and females.

Spawning ecology of the Saint Paul's Gregory Stegastes sanctipauli, a damselfish endemic to the remote St Peter and St Paul's Archipelago.

We studied the spawning ecology of Stegastes sanctipauli, a damselfish endemic to the small and remote St Peter and St Paul's Archipelago (Brazil), aiming to determine the main correlates of reproductive success, as inferred from rates of egg losses along a spawning season. New clutches appeared mostly in the last quarter moon, when egg predation intensified. Predation by heterospecifics, particularly Halichoeres radiatus (Linnaeus, 1758), accounted for most egg losses, while filial cannibalism showed negligible influence. Predation pressure was highest for larger nests with higher initial density of eggs. Hatching of eggs occurred close to the new moon (i.e., ~5 days after spawning). Most nests occur in shallow reefs (<16 m depth), where main food resources for adults (turf algae) are concentrated, but abundance of egg predators, particularly H. radiatus, is also highest. This latter result suggests that the spawning activity of S. sanctipauli is influenced by the trade-offs between food accessibility by adults and egg predation risk. The patterns recorded here are similar to those known for other tropical damselfish species and may reflect strategies for attenuating predation pressure over new fry and eggs.

Underwater analysis of the reproductive behaviour and egg development of the jawfish Opistognathus iyonis.

Fishes of the jawfish family Opistognathidae are cryptobenthic and distributed in subtropical seas, and new species are still being reported. Opistognathus spp. live alone in burrows and males orally brood their egg clutches. The life cycle of jawfish, including their reproductive behaviour, is poorly understood. Here we describe the natural reproduction and embryonic development of Opistognathus iyonis in Yamaguchi, Japan, based on underwater surveys for 3 years. Spawning was observed as female jawfish came into the male's burrow ~30 min before sunrise. The jawfish had a mean number of 4.4 egg clutches in the burrow through 48.2 days, and the egg took 12 days to hatching. The mean temperature for developmental days was 20.8°C. The mean and cumulative water temperature during development significantly correlated with the number of developmental days. During egg development, male jawfish took care of eggs by holding them for part of the time in their mouths. Hatching was observed ~20 min after sunset. When hatching occurred orally, eggs were pushed out and back repeatedly using the lower jaw; consequently, the egg clutches were let out in an upward direction. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of the reproductive behaviour of O. iyonis in the natural environment in the same area for several years.

A Smaller Habenula is Associated with Increasing Intensity of Sexual Selection.

The habenula is a small structure in the brain that acts as a relay station for neural information, helping to modulate behaviour in response to variable and unpredictable stimuli. Broadly, it is evolutionarily conserved in structure and connectivity across vertebrates and is the most prominent bilaterally asymmetric structure in the brain. Nonetheless, comparative evolutionary studies of the habenula are virtually non-existent. Here, we examine the volumes of the medial and lateral habenular subregions, in both hemispheres, across a group of Australian agamid lizards in the genus Ctenophorus. In males, we found bilaterally asymmetrical selection on the lateral habenula to become smaller with increasing intensity of sexual selection, possibly as a mechanism to increase aggressive responses. In females, we found bilaterally symmetrical selection on both the medial and lateral subregions to become smaller with increasing sexual selection. This is consistent with sexual selection increasing motivation to reproduce and the habenula's well-characterized role in controlling and modifying responses to rewarding stimuli. However, as there are currently no studies addressing habenular function in reptiles, it is difficult to draw more precise conclusions. As has happened recently in biomedical neuroscience, it is time for the habenula to receive greater attention in evolutionary neuroscience.

First observation of the mating, egg-laying and hatching behaviour of a captive female Kong skate, Okamejei kenojei (Müller & Henle, 1841).

This study provides a novel record of the reproductive behaviour of the Kong skate (Okamejei kenojei) in captivity. These skates were found to mate and deposit eggs at a temperature of 16.5 ± 0.5°C. The results showed that 76.13% of the eggs possessed one yolk, 0.77% of the eggs possessed two yolks and 23.11% of the eggs had no yolk (N = 1043). The deposition of non-yolk and double-yolk eggs was random. A total of 100 eggs were collected. After nearly 92 ± 5 days of incubation, 28 eggs failed to hatch, and 72 skates were successfully hatched with a female-to-male ratio of 1:1 (P > 0.05). The results enrich our knowledge of the reproduction in cartilaginous fishes and can inform management and conservation strategies for this species.

Regional variation in multiple paternity in the brown smooth-hound shark Mustelus henlei from the northeastern Pacific.

Multiple paternity (MP) in the brown smooth-hound shark (Mustelus henlei) was assessed in 15 litters (15 mothers and 97 embryos) collected in the northern Gulf of California of which 86.7% were sired by more than one male (i.e., from 2 to 4 sires). When taken together with results from previous studies, this record indicates that there is regional variation in MP in M. henlei in the northeastern Pacific. This pattern is associated with variations in the reproductive traits of each population (e.g., female size and litter size). In the Gulf of California, the results of a generalized linear model (GLZ) indicated that the litters of larger females had a higher probability of MP compared to those of smaller females.

Disentangling the effects of reproductive behaviours and fertility preferences on child growth in India.

We analysed population data from the 2015-16 National Family Health Survey to disentangle the intricate underlying effects of reproductive behaviours and fertility preferences on child growth. We expected birth interval length to be more strongly associated with stunting than sibsize and these effects to be moderated by whether the child was wanted or unintended (mistimed/unwanted). Regression analyses showed strong and equal effects of short birth interval and sibsize on stunting, when adjusted for potential confounders and unobserved between-mother heterogeneity. There were no statistical associations between stunting and mistiming/unwantedness of index children, suggesting the absence of discrimination against such children. We conclude that while fertility preferences have no effect, reproductive behaviours exert significant influence on child growth. Sibsize has been falling for many years in India but birth interval lengths have remained largely unchanged. The results underscore the need for strengthening uptake of reversible contraceptives to enable longer birth intervals.

The influence of physiological status on the reproductive behaviour of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).

For most cetacean species, there is little known about how an individual's physiology influences its behaviour. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are a good candidate to examine such links as they have a well-described distribution and behaviour, can be consistently sampled using remote biopsy systems, and have been the subject of several previous endocrine studies. The objective here was to examine whether a female humpback whale's social state (i.e. escorted by a male or not) is related to her endocrine condition, and whether male dominance ranking is related to testosterone levels. Skin and blubber biopsies were collected from the east and west Australian humpback whale populations in 2010-2016 (n = 252) at multiple times throughout the winter-spring breeding season. Steroid hormones were extracted from blubber and concentrations of progesterone (a marker for pregnancy), testosterone (a marker of male testicular activity) and oestradiol (a potential marker of ovarian activity) measured using enzyme-immunoassays. Principal escorts-the dominant males in mixed sex groups-had significantly higher blubber testosterone levels (mean ±â€¯SE; 1.43 ±â€¯0.20 ng/g wet weight) than subordinate, secondary escorts (0.69 ±â€¯0.06 ng/g wet weight). Females that were escorted by males typically possessed elevated blubber oestradiol levels (1.96 ±â€¯0.25 ng/g wet weight; p = 0.014); few were considered to be pregnant (p = 0.083). 'Unescorted' females displayed characteristically lower blubber oestradiol levels (0.56 ±â€¯0.06 ng/g wet weight). Together, these results are consistent with 'challenge hypothesis' theory and suggest the existence of associated reproductive patterns in humpback whales.

Low birthweight prevalence among Spanish women during the economic crisis: differences by parity.

Previous studies have demonstrated a negative, significant impact on birthweight associated with the current economic crisis in Spain, which has also been reported for other European countries. Effects by parity are not known. Our aim is to compare the trends in low birthweight (LBW) by parity in Spain from 1996 to 2016. Using the National Vital Statistics data, joinpoint regression analysis was used to identify the time periods of significant changes in the prevalence of LBW by parity. Adjusted relative risk (RR) of LBW by year of birth was calculated in order to confirm that the time trend differences in LBW by parity were independent of possible confounders. The prevalence of LBW among live births to primiparous increased from 5.12% to 6.87% in 2008 and then stabilised at maximum values, while among live births to multiparous LBW increased from 3.96% to a maximum of 5.20% and then significantly reduced. Trends in adjusted RR of LBW by parity confirm that primiparous and multiparous were affected differently by the economic crisis. Older, nulliparous women may have felt more biosocial pressure to reproduce during the economic crisis, compared to women who were already mothers. This biosocial pressure may have increased the risks for LBW.

Ecology of fear: environment-dependent parasite avoidance among ovipositing Drosophila.

Habitat avoidance is an anti-parasite behaviour exhibited by at-risk hosts that can minimize exposure to parasites. Because environments are often heterogeneous, host decision-making with regards to habitat use may be affected by the presence of parasites and habitat quality simultaneously. In this study we examine how the ovipositing behaviour of a cactiphilic fruit fly, Drosophila nigrospiracula, is affected by the presence of an ectoparasitic mite, Macrocheles subbadius, in conjunction with other environmental factors - specifically the presence or absence of conspecific eggs and host plant tissue. We hypothesized that the trade-off between site quality and parasite avoidance should favour ovipositing at mite-free sites even if it is of inferior quality. We found that although flies avoided mites in homogeneous environments (86% of eggs at mite-free sites), site quality overwhelmed mite avoidance. Both conspecific eggs (65% of eggs at infested sites with other Drosophila eggs) and host plant tissue (78% of eggs at infested sites with cactus) overpowered mite avoidance. Our results elucidate the context-dependent decision-making of hosts in response to the presence of parasites in variable environments, and suggest how the ecology of fear and associated trade-offs may influence the relative investment in anti-parasite behaviour in susceptible hosts.

Contact networks structured by sex underpin sex-specific epidemiology of infection.

Contact networks are fundamental to the transmission of infection and host sex often affects the acquisition and progression of infection. However, the epidemiological impacts of sex-related variation in animal contact networks have rarely been investigated. We test the hypothesis that sex-biases in infection are related to variation in multilayer contact networks structured by sex in a population of European badgers Meles meles naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis. Our key results are that male-male and between-sex networks are structured at broader spatial scales than female-female networks and that in male-male and between-sex contact networks, but not female-female networks, there is a significant relationship between infection and contacts with individuals in other groups. These sex differences in social behaviour may underpin male-biased acquisition of infection and may result in males being responsible for more between-group transmission. This highlights the importance of sex-related variation in host behaviour when managing animal diseases.

The unexpected genetic mating system of the red-backed toadlet (Pseudophryne coriacea): A species with prolonged terrestrial breeding and cryptic reproductive behaviour.

Molecular technologies have revolutionized our classification of animal mating systems, yet we still know very little about the genetic mating systems of many vertebrate groups. It is widely believed that anuran amphibians have the highest reproductive diversity of all vertebrates, yet genetic mating systems have been studied in <1% of all described species. Here, we use single nucleotide polymorphisms to quantify the genetic mating system of the terrestrial breeding red-backed toadlet Pseudophryne coriacea. In this species, breeding is prolonged (approximately 5 months), and males construct subterranean nests in which females deposit eggs. We predicted that females would display extreme sequential polyandry because this mating system has been reported in a closely related species (P. bibronii). Parentage analysis revealed that mating success was heavily skewed towards a subset of males (30.6% of potential sires) and that nearly all females (92.6%) mated with one male. In a high percentage of occupied nests (37.1%), the resident male was not the genetic sire, and very few nests (4.3%) contained clutches with multiple paternity. Unexpectedly, these results show that sequential polyandry is rare. They also show that there is a high frequency of nest takeover and extreme competition between males for nest sites, but that males rarely sneak matings. Genetic analysis also revealed introgressive hybridization between P. coriacea and the red-crowned toadlet (Pseudophryne australis). Our study demonstrates a high level of mating system complexity, and it shows that closely related anurans can vary dramatically in their genetic mating system.

Emerging Roles of Kisspeptin in Sexual and Emotional Brain Processing.

The emergence of kisspeptin as a crucial regulator of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis over the last 14 years has answered many questions as to the control of reproductive hormone secretion from the hypothalamus. More recently, the role of kisspeptin outside the HPG axis has received increasing attention in the hope of delineating the pathways linking various sensory and social behaviours to reproduction. These studies, in a range of species from zebrafish to humans, have identified a role for kisspeptin in behavioural networks related to reproduction including olfaction, audition, fear, anxiety, mood, and sexual arousal. The available evidence suggests that extrahypothalamic kisspeptin signalling encourages positive aspects of emotional and sexual brain processing in a presumed drive towards reproduction and ultimately maintenance of the species at a population level. In this review, we examine these studies, which collectively propose that kisspeptin may integrate sexual and emotional brain processing with the control of the HPG axis.

The impact of negative childbirth experience on future reproductive decisions: A quantitative systematic review.

AIM: The aim of this study was to systematically retrieve, critique and synthesize available evidence regarding the association between negative childbirth experiences and future reproductive decisions. BACKGROUND: A child's birth is often a joyous event; however, there is a proportion of women who undergo negative childbirth experiences that have long-term implications on their reproductive decisions. DESIGN: A systematic review of quantitative studies was undertaken using Joanna Briggs Institute's methods. REVIEW METHODS: A search was carried out in CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from January 1996 - July 2016. Studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were assessed by two independent reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Tools. Data were extracted under subheadings adapted from the institute's data extraction forms. RESULTS: Twelve studies, which examined either one or more influences of negative childbirth experiences, were identified. The included studies were either cohort or cross-sectional designs. Five studies observed positive associations between prior negative childbirth experiences and decisions to not have another child, three studies found positive associations between negative childbirth experiences and decisions to delay a subsequent birth and six studies concluded positive associations between negative childbirth experiences and maternal requests for caesarean section in subsequent pregnancies. CONCLUSION: To receive a holistic understanding on negative childbirth experiences, a suitable definition and validated measuring tools should be used to understand this phenomenon. Future studies or reviews should include a qualitative component and/or the exploration of specific factors such as cultural and regional differences that influence childbirth experiences.

Courtship and mating behaviour of manta rays Mobula alfredi and M. birostris in the Maldives.

The aim of this 14 year study was to elucidate the entire courtship and mating behaviour of manta rays Mobula alfredi and M. birostris using behavioural observations, video and photographic records. From 2003 to 2016, over 11,000 surveys were undertaken at known manta ray aggregation sites in the Maldives to record any observed manta rays reproductive activity. From 47,591 photo-ID sightings, 4,247 individual M. alfredi were identified and 226 individual M. birostris from 229 photo-ID sightings, all recorded at 22 atolls across 265 different sites. Courtship activity was observed on 206 surveys at 30 different sites. A total of 229 courtship events were recorded, with 90% (n = 205) of them occurring at cleaning sites. The observed courtship activity was categorised into seven distinct stages which are described in detail: initiation, endurance, evasion, pre-copulatory positioning, copulation, post-copulatory holding and separation. Photographs provide the first scientific record of the entirety of manta rays courtship and mating. Both M. alfredi and M. birostris appear to engage in the same elaborate courtship rituals, exhibiting the same behaviours during all stages of the courtship and mating process.