Arianna Manciocco - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Arianna Manciocco

Folia Primatologica, 2012

Behavioral Biology of Laboratory Animals, 2021

Invertebrate Neuroscience, 2014

The feeding behaviour of larval European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L.) was analysed in rela... more The feeding behaviour of larval European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L.) was analysed in relation to temperature and prey density under controlled laboratory conditions with the aim to assess the ability of larval fish to change the feeding tactic as a response to environmental changes. Larvae were acclimated for 20 days at three different temperatures (19, 22 and 26°C), and their feeding behaviour was then video-recorded in experimental trials, at two prey densities, consisting of swarms of 400/l and 1440/l Artemia nauplii. Results showed that there was a significant effect of the interaction between temperature and prey density on the proportion of swimming activity that was reduced at the high temperature-high prey density combination. This suggested a switching in the larval feeding behaviour from an active to an ambush tactic, when the temperature reached 26°C and the prey density was 1440 /l Artemia nauplii. These results are consistent with the current literature on fish ...

Feeding Behaviour of Larval European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) in Relation to Temperatur... more Feeding Behaviour of Larval European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) in Relation to Temperature and Prey Density Stefano Malavasi 1, Giacomo Cipolato 1, Carla Cioni 2, Patrizia Torricelli 1, Arianna Manciocco 3, Enrico Alleva 4, Mattia Toni 2* 1CEMAS, Center for Estuarine, Coastal, Marine Sciences; Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Universita Ca’ Foscari Venezia, Castello 2737/b 30122, Venice, Italy 2Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘‘Charles Darwin,’’ Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy 3Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Italy 4Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Reparto di Neuroscienze comportamentali, Dipartimento di Biologia cellulare e Neuroscienze, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma, Italy *Corresponding author: Dr. Mattia Toni, Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘‘Charles Darwin,’’ Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy, Tel: +390412347744; Fax: +390415281494; E-mail: mattia.toni@uniro...

The Course has been addressed to medical doctors, veterinarians and animal care personnel. The br... more The Course has been addressed to medical doctors, veterinarians and animal care personnel. The broad aims of the meeting have been to investigate and discuss the different kinds of human-animal relationship and to provide knowledge and an updating of the rules on the protection of animals. These kinds of courses adhere to the goals the National Health Program, due to the widespread presence of animals in the modern community which forces to deal with the aspects and problems linked to this interaction. The main issues considered include relationship with pets, animal experimentation, pet therapy and breeding of farm animals. In particular, the present Italian legislation on the use of animals for scientific research, the European Directive 86/609 and Regional Agreement for the Pet therapy 6/2/2003 are discussed as well.

Behavioural Processes, 2019

Primates; journal of primatology, Jan 8, 2016

Genetic polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the dopamine transporter (... more Genetic polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the dopamine transporter (DAT) gene has been reported in both human and nonhuman primates, and the variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism has been related to several neurological and psychiatric disorders. As New World primates have been employed as models in biomedical research in these fields, in the present study we assessed genetic variation in the DAT gene in 25 robust capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) and 39 common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Using enzymatic amplification followed by sequencing of amplified fragments, a VNTR polymorphism in the 3'-UTR region of the DAT gene was identified in both robust capuchins and common marmosets. The polymorphic tandem repeat of 40-bp basic units is similar to the human VNTR consensus sequence, with size variants composed of 9, 10, and 11 units in marmosets and 8, 9, 13, and 17 basic units in capuchins. We found behavioral evidence that carrying th...

Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dec 1, 2011

American journal of primatology, 2015

In this study, we investigated the reciprocal exchanges of grooming, tolerance and reduced aggres... more In this study, we investigated the reciprocal exchanges of grooming, tolerance and reduced aggression in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), a cooperatively breeding primate whose groups are typically characterized by uniformly high genetic relatedness and high interdependency between group members. Both partner control and partner choice processes played a role in the reciprocal exchanges of grooming. In contrast, we did not find any evidence of reciprocity between grooming and tolerance over a preferred food source or between grooming and reduced aggression. Thus, reciprocity seems to play a variable role in the exchange of cooperative behaviors in marmosets.

Explaining the evolution of altruistic behaviours is key to understand the complex social organis... more Explaining the evolution of altruistic behaviours is key to understand the complex social organisation of animals in general, and especially of primates. Several hypotheses have been proposed but much confusion still exists in the literature. In particular, a gap can be found between theoretical approaches to the study of the evolution of altruism and empirical studies and observations of actual altruistic behaviours. Our study focuses on altruistic behaviours of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), such as grooming and feeding tolerance, adopting a cross-methodological approach: first, we collect observational data on the behaviour of marmosets living in captivity; second, we use agent-based modelling (ABM) to study evolutionary mechanisms and inter-individuals dynamics of reciprocal exchanges. Finally, we compare the results obtained by ABMs with those resulting from the observations with the aim of trying to understand the extent to which the assumptions underlying our theoretical models match with the actual behaviour of primates

BioMed Research International, 2014

Interest is rising for animal modeling of pathological gambling. Using the operant probabilistic-... more Interest is rising for animal modeling of pathological gambling. Using the operant probabilistic-delivery task (PDT), gambling proneness can be evaluated in laboratory animals. Drawing a comparison with rats, this study evaluated the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) using a PDT. By nose- or hand-poking, subjects learnt to prefer a large (LLL, 5-6 pellets) over a small (SS, 1-2 pellets) reward and, subsequently, the probability of occurrence of large-reward delivery was decreased progressively to very low levels (from 100% to 17% and 14%). As probability decreased, subjects showed a great versus little shift in preference from LLL to SS reinforcer. Hence, two distinct subpopulations (“non-gambler” versus “gambler”) were differentiated within each species. A proof of the model validity comes from marmosets’ reaction to reward-delivery omission. Namely, depending on individual temperament (“gambler” versus “non-gambler”), they showed either persistence (i.e., inadequate pokes towar...

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 2009

Currently, the accepted ethical standards for the regulation of animal experimentation are provid... more Currently, the accepted ethical standards for the regulation of animal experimentation are provided by the 3R principle (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement). The development of alternative methods to the use of animals (Replacement), the design of adequate experimental protocols to reduce the number of animals (Reduction), the application of refinement practices (Refinement) are all aspects to be considered to ensure ethical and scientific validity to animal experimentation. This review intends to address these issues, using experimental research on Parkinson's disease (PD) as a paradigmatic example of the use of animal models to improve knowledge on a devastating human pathology. In particular, current rodent models of PD and their validity are reviewed and discussed, and methodologies that may ultimately reduce animal's suffering emphasized. Although procedures referring to with 3R principle can be traced in the literature reviewed, they are not considered yet an important part of the methodological information. The formal inclusion in scientific papers of a section devoted to 3Rs may increase knowledge and eventually adherence to this principle by scientists.

Ethology Ecology & Evolution, 2012

Parrots housed in inadequate environments can show behavioural patterns that they do not show in ... more Parrots housed in inadequate environments can show behavioural patterns that they do not show in their biologically natural context, such as repetitive and nonfunctional activities, potentially indicators of poor welfare. In intensive breeding facilities, birds such as budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) are often pair-housed in cages of limited size for the reproductive period. In this study, the effects of spatial and social restrictions on the behaviour of 18 budgerigars housed in different conditions (pair-housed condition vs social-housed condition) were investigated. Our aim was to compare the presence of species-specific stereotyped behaviours (Oral, Locomotor and Object-Directed) and the time-budget of normal activities between the two experimental conditions. Data were recorded by using video-cameras and, subsequently, a focal sampling technique to score the behavioural repertoire of experimental subjects was adopted. Frequency and duration of stereotyped patterns were significantly higher in pair- than in social-housed condition individuals. A sex-related profile was also found, with “pacing” and “spot pecking” shown more often by males, whereas “wire chewing” and “incessant screaming” were performed at higher levels by females. Moreover, with regard to the time-budget of normal activities, pair-housed conditions showed significantly higher frequencies of locomotion and allo-grooming than social-housed conditions. These findings suggest that limited social and spatial opportunities influence the presence of stereotyped behaviours, as well as the normal activity of Melopsittacus undulatus, and cause a potential decrease of their life quality. Refinement of housing seems to have a direct role in improving the well-being of this species in intensive breeding facilities. Therefore, the dissemination of guidelines and recommendations on accommodation of this species is recommended to make it easier for traders and breeders to provide appropriate housing conditions for birds.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2009

Animal, 2018

The number of farmed fish in the world has increased considerably. Aquaculture is a growing indus... more The number of farmed fish in the world has increased considerably. Aquaculture is a growing industry that will in the future provide a large portion of fishery products. Moreover, in recent years, the number of teleost fish used as animal models for scientific research in both biomedical and ecological fields has increased. Therefore, it is increasingly important to implement measures designed to enhance the welfare of these animals. Currently, a number of European rules exist as requirements for the establishment, care and accommodation of fish maintained for human purposes. As far as (teleost) fish are concerned, the fact that the number of extant species is much greater than that of all other vertebrates must be considered. Of further importance is that each species has its own specific physical and chemical requirements. These factors make it difficult to provide generalized recommendations or requirements for all fish species. An adequate knowledge is required of the physiology...

Folia Primatologica, 2012

Behavioral Biology of Laboratory Animals, 2021

Invertebrate Neuroscience, 2014

The feeding behaviour of larval European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L.) was analysed in rela... more The feeding behaviour of larval European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L.) was analysed in relation to temperature and prey density under controlled laboratory conditions with the aim to assess the ability of larval fish to change the feeding tactic as a response to environmental changes. Larvae were acclimated for 20 days at three different temperatures (19, 22 and 26°C), and their feeding behaviour was then video-recorded in experimental trials, at two prey densities, consisting of swarms of 400/l and 1440/l Artemia nauplii. Results showed that there was a significant effect of the interaction between temperature and prey density on the proportion of swimming activity that was reduced at the high temperature-high prey density combination. This suggested a switching in the larval feeding behaviour from an active to an ambush tactic, when the temperature reached 26°C and the prey density was 1440 /l Artemia nauplii. These results are consistent with the current literature on fish ...

Feeding Behaviour of Larval European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) in Relation to Temperatur... more Feeding Behaviour of Larval European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) in Relation to Temperature and Prey Density Stefano Malavasi 1, Giacomo Cipolato 1, Carla Cioni 2, Patrizia Torricelli 1, Arianna Manciocco 3, Enrico Alleva 4, Mattia Toni 2* 1CEMAS, Center for Estuarine, Coastal, Marine Sciences; Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Universita Ca’ Foscari Venezia, Castello 2737/b 30122, Venice, Italy 2Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘‘Charles Darwin,’’ Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy 3Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Italy 4Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Reparto di Neuroscienze comportamentali, Dipartimento di Biologia cellulare e Neuroscienze, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma, Italy *Corresponding author: Dr. Mattia Toni, Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘‘Charles Darwin,’’ Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy, Tel: +390412347744; Fax: +390415281494; E-mail: mattia.toni@uniro...

The Course has been addressed to medical doctors, veterinarians and animal care personnel. The br... more The Course has been addressed to medical doctors, veterinarians and animal care personnel. The broad aims of the meeting have been to investigate and discuss the different kinds of human-animal relationship and to provide knowledge and an updating of the rules on the protection of animals. These kinds of courses adhere to the goals the National Health Program, due to the widespread presence of animals in the modern community which forces to deal with the aspects and problems linked to this interaction. The main issues considered include relationship with pets, animal experimentation, pet therapy and breeding of farm animals. In particular, the present Italian legislation on the use of animals for scientific research, the European Directive 86/609 and Regional Agreement for the Pet therapy 6/2/2003 are discussed as well.

Behavioural Processes, 2019

Primates; journal of primatology, Jan 8, 2016

Genetic polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the dopamine transporter (... more Genetic polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the dopamine transporter (DAT) gene has been reported in both human and nonhuman primates, and the variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism has been related to several neurological and psychiatric disorders. As New World primates have been employed as models in biomedical research in these fields, in the present study we assessed genetic variation in the DAT gene in 25 robust capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) and 39 common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Using enzymatic amplification followed by sequencing of amplified fragments, a VNTR polymorphism in the 3'-UTR region of the DAT gene was identified in both robust capuchins and common marmosets. The polymorphic tandem repeat of 40-bp basic units is similar to the human VNTR consensus sequence, with size variants composed of 9, 10, and 11 units in marmosets and 8, 9, 13, and 17 basic units in capuchins. We found behavioral evidence that carrying th...

Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Dec 1, 2011

American journal of primatology, 2015

In this study, we investigated the reciprocal exchanges of grooming, tolerance and reduced aggres... more In this study, we investigated the reciprocal exchanges of grooming, tolerance and reduced aggression in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), a cooperatively breeding primate whose groups are typically characterized by uniformly high genetic relatedness and high interdependency between group members. Both partner control and partner choice processes played a role in the reciprocal exchanges of grooming. In contrast, we did not find any evidence of reciprocity between grooming and tolerance over a preferred food source or between grooming and reduced aggression. Thus, reciprocity seems to play a variable role in the exchange of cooperative behaviors in marmosets.

Explaining the evolution of altruistic behaviours is key to understand the complex social organis... more Explaining the evolution of altruistic behaviours is key to understand the complex social organisation of animals in general, and especially of primates. Several hypotheses have been proposed but much confusion still exists in the literature. In particular, a gap can be found between theoretical approaches to the study of the evolution of altruism and empirical studies and observations of actual altruistic behaviours. Our study focuses on altruistic behaviours of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), such as grooming and feeding tolerance, adopting a cross-methodological approach: first, we collect observational data on the behaviour of marmosets living in captivity; second, we use agent-based modelling (ABM) to study evolutionary mechanisms and inter-individuals dynamics of reciprocal exchanges. Finally, we compare the results obtained by ABMs with those resulting from the observations with the aim of trying to understand the extent to which the assumptions underlying our theoretical models match with the actual behaviour of primates

BioMed Research International, 2014

Interest is rising for animal modeling of pathological gambling. Using the operant probabilistic-... more Interest is rising for animal modeling of pathological gambling. Using the operant probabilistic-delivery task (PDT), gambling proneness can be evaluated in laboratory animals. Drawing a comparison with rats, this study evaluated the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) using a PDT. By nose- or hand-poking, subjects learnt to prefer a large (LLL, 5-6 pellets) over a small (SS, 1-2 pellets) reward and, subsequently, the probability of occurrence of large-reward delivery was decreased progressively to very low levels (from 100% to 17% and 14%). As probability decreased, subjects showed a great versus little shift in preference from LLL to SS reinforcer. Hence, two distinct subpopulations (“non-gambler” versus “gambler”) were differentiated within each species. A proof of the model validity comes from marmosets’ reaction to reward-delivery omission. Namely, depending on individual temperament (“gambler” versus “non-gambler”), they showed either persistence (i.e., inadequate pokes towar...

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 2009

Currently, the accepted ethical standards for the regulation of animal experimentation are provid... more Currently, the accepted ethical standards for the regulation of animal experimentation are provided by the 3R principle (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement). The development of alternative methods to the use of animals (Replacement), the design of adequate experimental protocols to reduce the number of animals (Reduction), the application of refinement practices (Refinement) are all aspects to be considered to ensure ethical and scientific validity to animal experimentation. This review intends to address these issues, using experimental research on Parkinson's disease (PD) as a paradigmatic example of the use of animal models to improve knowledge on a devastating human pathology. In particular, current rodent models of PD and their validity are reviewed and discussed, and methodologies that may ultimately reduce animal's suffering emphasized. Although procedures referring to with 3R principle can be traced in the literature reviewed, they are not considered yet an important part of the methodological information. The formal inclusion in scientific papers of a section devoted to 3Rs may increase knowledge and eventually adherence to this principle by scientists.

Ethology Ecology & Evolution, 2012

Parrots housed in inadequate environments can show behavioural patterns that they do not show in ... more Parrots housed in inadequate environments can show behavioural patterns that they do not show in their biologically natural context, such as repetitive and nonfunctional activities, potentially indicators of poor welfare. In intensive breeding facilities, birds such as budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) are often pair-housed in cages of limited size for the reproductive period. In this study, the effects of spatial and social restrictions on the behaviour of 18 budgerigars housed in different conditions (pair-housed condition vs social-housed condition) were investigated. Our aim was to compare the presence of species-specific stereotyped behaviours (Oral, Locomotor and Object-Directed) and the time-budget of normal activities between the two experimental conditions. Data were recorded by using video-cameras and, subsequently, a focal sampling technique to score the behavioural repertoire of experimental subjects was adopted. Frequency and duration of stereotyped patterns were significantly higher in pair- than in social-housed condition individuals. A sex-related profile was also found, with “pacing” and “spot pecking” shown more often by males, whereas “wire chewing” and “incessant screaming” were performed at higher levels by females. Moreover, with regard to the time-budget of normal activities, pair-housed conditions showed significantly higher frequencies of locomotion and allo-grooming than social-housed conditions. These findings suggest that limited social and spatial opportunities influence the presence of stereotyped behaviours, as well as the normal activity of Melopsittacus undulatus, and cause a potential decrease of their life quality. Refinement of housing seems to have a direct role in improving the well-being of this species in intensive breeding facilities. Therefore, the dissemination of guidelines and recommendations on accommodation of this species is recommended to make it easier for traders and breeders to provide appropriate housing conditions for birds.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2009

Animal, 2018

The number of farmed fish in the world has increased considerably. Aquaculture is a growing indus... more The number of farmed fish in the world has increased considerably. Aquaculture is a growing industry that will in the future provide a large portion of fishery products. Moreover, in recent years, the number of teleost fish used as animal models for scientific research in both biomedical and ecological fields has increased. Therefore, it is increasingly important to implement measures designed to enhance the welfare of these animals. Currently, a number of European rules exist as requirements for the establishment, care and accommodation of fish maintained for human purposes. As far as (teleost) fish are concerned, the fact that the number of extant species is much greater than that of all other vertebrates must be considered. Of further importance is that each species has its own specific physical and chemical requirements. These factors make it difficult to provide generalized recommendations or requirements for all fish species. An adequate knowledge is required of the physiology...