Growth performance and reproductive function impairment of glyphosate-based herbicide in male guinea pig (Cavia porcellus).

Glyphosate formulations, widely applied non-selective systemic herbicides, are progressively becoming the most controversial pesticides on the market due the adverse effects they pose to humans and environment. The information on these potential hazardous effects to the handlers of the pesticide remains obscure. This study investigated effects of glyphosate-based herbicide on growth performance, seminal parameters and hemato-biochemical profiles in male guinea pig. Forty sexually mature male guinea pigs weighing between 393.3 and 418.4 g were divided into four groups of 10 animals each and orally administered 0, 186, 280 and 560 mg/kg body weight of WILLOSATE daily for 60 days. Daily feed intake and body weight gain were recorded. At the end of experimental period all animals were humanely sacrificed, and blood samples and vital organs were collected for appropriate analysis. Results showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in body weight gain (-102.2%), final body weight (-9.8%) and feed intake (-13.1%) of animals following sub-chronic exposure of WILLOSATE. The weights of the liver and kidney increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 25.4% and 28.8%, respectively, while testicular weights decreased (p < 0.05) by 24% with increasing doses of WILLOSATE. A decrease in sperm motility (-67.9%), viability (-52.7%) and concentration per vas deferens (-40.7%), and an increase in sperm major (28.1%) and minor (45.3%) morphological aberrations were recorded in WILLOSATE - exposed guinea pigs when compared to controls. There was a dose-dependent increase (p < 0.05) in MCV and WBC and a decrease in Hb content and RBC, as well as serum content in total protein (-11.8%). The serum content of cholesterol (37.8%), urea (87.1%), creatinine (22.4%), ALAT (74.2%) and ASAT (88.7%) were significantly higher in treated groups compared to controls. These results point toward the toxic effects of WILLOSATE on vital organs and reproductive function of the body at high doses and long-term exposure.

Prevalence and economic losses of calf fetal wastage in ELAKAT public slaughterhouse of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.

AIM: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of calf fetal wastage and its economic implications at ELAKAT slaughterhouse, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to fill the research gap in relationship with this thematic. The study investigations took place from May to September 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried at the slaughterhouse. For each visit, the number of cattle slaughtered, the number of pregnant cows slaughtered, and gestational ages (stage of pregnancy of the dam, and estimated by crown-rump length) of the fetuses were recorded. RESULTS: Out of the 1035 cattle slaughtered during the study period, 970 were females. A total of 255 fetuses were recovered, representing a fetal recovery rate of 26.28%. The study established that one fetus was lost out of 4.5 cows slaughtered, and most of fetuses recovered (58.1%) were in the first trimester of gestation while 29.1% and 12.8% were, respectively, in the second and third trimester. Their age varied from 1.2 to 8.6 months, with body length ranging from 14 cm to 92 cm while their weight varied from 1.0 kg to 23.0 kg. The economic loss associated with the total cattle fetal wastages was estimated at Congo Democratic Francs (CDF) 29,906,400 ($15,787.5) with a monthly average of CDF 5,981,280 ($3,157.5). CONCLUSION: These results attested that slaughtering pregnant cows constitute a strong constraint on cattle industry development in DR Congo. Urgent measures, such as adequate enforcement of legislations on routine veterinary examinations at slaughterhouses as well as livestock owner's sensitization, are required to avoid selling pregnant cows during calving season.