Pulicaria odora Protects Domestic Male Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) Exposed to a Long Photoperiod from Cypermethrin-induced Seasonal Reproductive Impairment
Pulicaria odora Protects Domestic Male Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) Exposed to a Long Photoperiod from Cypermethrin-induced Seasonal Reproductive Impairment
Omar Berkani1*, Souheila Slimani2, Nora Sakhraoui3 and Cherif Abdennour1
ABSTRACT
The present study was conducted to assess whether Pulicaria odora (PO) aqueous extract could serve as a protective agent against the toxic impacts of two doses of cypermethrin (CYP) on the seasonal reproduction of domestic males pigeons (Columba livia domestica) subjected to a long photoperiod (19L: 05D). Therefore, thirty pigeons were divided equally into six groups; group C used as a control, group PO used as a positive control that treated by PO (300 mg/k b.w/day), CYP1 and CYP2 groups were respectively treated by 10 and 20 mg/Kg b.w/day, in addition to CYP1+PO and CYP2+PO groups. All treatments were realized by gavage for 10 consecutive weeks starting in mid-February. Their testes volumes and moult plumage progression were measured every 15 days. Whereas, testicular weights, testicular histological examination, vas different semen analysis and plasma FT4 level were measured at week 10. Results showed that under long photoperiod, the sexual activity of the control group lasted for 06 weeks, characterized by a significant growth in the testicular volume, followed by spontaneous gonadal regression up to week 10. Azoospermia in control birds was noticed, with a significant increase in FT4 level and a fall of flying feathers in the 8th and 10th weeks, which assert the testicular regression. Compared to the control, CYP1 and CYP2 increased the testicular weights significantly during the last weeks by delaying the refractory phase until the end of the experimental period, while most of spermatozoa were malformed or dead. Various histopathological alterations including a decrease in interstitial space, an enlarged lumen, a remarkable atrophy of Leydig cells and malformed spermatozoa were observed in the gonads of birds exposed to CYP. The FT4 concentration decreased significantly and none of the CYP groups was molting. Treatment with PO aqueous extract seems counteracted the toxic effects of CYP, which was confirmed histopathologically by the noticeable amelioration in the testicular tissues. It was concluded that PO aqueous extract co-administration may be promising as a natural protective herb against CYP-induced reproductive toxicity in the male pigeons.
To share on other social networks, click on any share button. What are these?
