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

This study assessed the effects of endocrine disruptors administered in feed on reproductive and physiologic performance of female Philippine Mallard after sexual maturity. Laying ducks at 33 to 47 weeks of age (n=140) were randomly alloted into seven treatments composed of combinations of cadmium (Cd) and organochlorene pesticide (OCP) in 3 x 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 vitelloginen profiles and histological structures were analyzed. The results of this study showed that OCP significantly increased WBC, monocyte and HSI (P0.05), while RBC and lymphocyte was significantly decreased (P0.05). Cadmium significantly increased HSI (P0.05), while WBC was significantly decreased (P0.05). Combination of Cd and OCP significantly increased heterophil and OVI (P0.05) but this combination significantly decreased PCV and monocyte (P0.05). Prolonged exposure to Cd and OCP significanlty increased PCV, RBC and heterophil (Pl0.05), but Hb, eosinophil and lymphocyte were significantly decreased (P0.05). Histological structures of the liver showed swelling of hepatocytes, focal mononuclear infilration, necrosis, hemorrhage and vacoular 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. Vitelloginen 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 hematogic and pathological changes in the liver, ovary and oviduct of ducks resulting in the reduction of egg production.