Impact of pesticide residues on fertility of dairy animals: A review

Abstract

Dairy animals are exposed to a number of pesticides during lifetime. Although, the level of exposure of individual pesticide is usually too low to induce any acute impact on reproductive system, but the combinations of pesticide residues can act additively or synergistically to cause chronic disturbances in hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal system at all ages and especially in the developing fetus/neonates. The concern is increasing regarding the ability of some pesticide residues, known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, to disrupt the synthesis, function and metabolism of reproductive hormones. At present, many potential sites of action of pesticide residues have been identified but the knowledge regarding long-term synergistic impact of pesticide residues on reproductive systems is poor especially in dairy animals. The pesticide residues can impair semen quality, as well as female fertility. The present paper identifies the risks to fertility of dairy animals posed by wide spread contamination of our environment with pesticide residues.