Toxic Impact of Chlorpyrifos Insecticide on the Ovary of Pigeon (Columba Livia Domestica)

Abstract

Modern agriculture and vector-borne diseases are responsible for the rapid increase in pesticide usage, which is harmful to animals, particularly birds. The declining in the diversity of bird’s species is a major concern Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is the commonly used insecticide in agriculture sector. Unfortunately, CPF is still being applied across the world. Objective: To evaluate the toxic impact of chlorpyrifos on the ovaries of the pigeon in relation to the reproductive toxicity. Methods: For this purpose, N=80 healthy (Columba Livia domestica) pigeons were used. Pigeons had been acclimated for fifteen (15) days and divided into four equal groups (A-D) Oral dosages 1.3 mg, 1.6 mg, and 2.1 mg per kg body weight per day of chlorpyrifos (CPF) were administered respectively to group B, C and D for 84 consecutive days and pigeons from group (A) assigned as control. Daily observations were made on stress-related signs and behavioral changes.  (H & E) staining method was applied to examine histological change in the ovary of pigeons after exposure to CPF, likewise for the control. Results: Birds from groups B-D displayed notable clinical signs such as: tremors, salivation, open-mouth breathing, ruffled feathers, lethargy and watery diarrhea and reduced food intake. The Histological examinations revealed that the ovary of pigeons from the B, C, and D showed notable variations such as follicular degeneration, vacuolation, hypertrophy, and fibrosis after exposure to CPF. The intensity was on high doses as compared to control which were with normal ovarian articulation small containing big follicles of all diameters. Oocytes, thecal layers, granulosa layers (g), stromal Tissue, and nucleus contained yolk-like secondary oocytes, mature follicles. Conclusions: In current study it was concluded that, the CPF produced drastic impact on the ovary of pigeon that may be associated with alterations in reproduction.