Skip to main content

Search Filter

Keywords:

 

Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD) - Call for papers!

Influence of pesticide and cadmium in feed on reproductive and physiologic responses of female Philippine mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L.) from 16 to 47 weeks of age

(Indonesia), Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science (University of the Philippines Los Baños)

Dissertation Abstract:

This study assessed the effects of endocrine disruptors administered in feed on reproductive and physiologic performance of female Philippines mallard after sexual maturity. Laying ducks at 33–47 weeks of age (n = 140) were randomly allotted into seven treatments composed of combinations of cadmium (Cd) and organ chlorine pesticide (OCP) in 3 × 2 factorial design and of estradiol in a single factor experiment in complete randomized design (CRD) in different concentrations and stages of laying period. Hematological values, hepatosomatic index (HSI), gonadosomatic index (GSI), and oviductosomatic index (OVI) were measured, while vitellogenin profiles and histological structures were analyzed.
 
The results of this study showed that OCP significantly increased WBC, monocyte, and HSI (p < .05), while RBC and lymphocyte were significantly decreased (p < .05). Cadmium significantly increased HSI (p < .05), while WBC was significantly decreased (p < .05). Combination of Cd and OCP significantly increased heterophil and OVI (p < .05) but this combination significantly decreased PCV and monocyte (p < .05). Prolonged exposure to Cd and OCP significantly increased PCV, RBC, and heterophil (p < .05) but Hb, eosinophil, and lymphocyte were significantly decreased (p < .05). Histological structures of liver showed swelling of hepatocytes, focal mononuclear infiltration, necrosis, hemorrhage, and vacuolar degeneration. There were some abnormalities observed in the ovary such as atretic follicles, mononuclear cells infiltration, deformed follicles, hemorrhage, and fibrosis. While in the oviduct, hemorrhage was also observed. Vitellogenin profiles analysis using electrophoresis showed that vitellogenin was present in the liver and plasma of sexually mature female mallard duck with varying intensities.
 
Based on the overall results, Cd and OCP acted as endocrine disruptors as shown by hematologic and pathological changes in the liver, ovary, and oviduct of ducks resulting in the reduction in egg production.