Author: Dr. Rayan Das & Dr. Koomkoom Khawas
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03060035
Abstract: The present study had been conducted to investigate the influence of cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide, on the food habits of female mice during the estrus cycle. Maize powder had been employed as the dietary vehicle for administering the pesticide in order to evaluate its impact on feeding patterns and reproductive physiology. Female Musmusculus had been divided into control and treatment groups, with cypermethrin incorporated into maize powder at varying dosages. Observations had been made on alterations in food consumption, body weight, and estrus cycle phases over a three-week period. It had been found that cypermethrin exposure had significantly altered feeding behaviour, resulting in decreased food intake during proestrus and estrus stages and a delay in the progression of the cycle. Mice had shown reduced preference for maize powder-mixed feed compared to controls, indicating a dietary aversion possibly linked to pesticide-induced neuroendocrine disruption. Histological examination of reproductive tissues had been carried out to support physiological interpretations, and hormonal fluctuations had been recorded to establish associations with estrus disruptions. Comparative analysis had been undertaken with national and international studies, which had highlighted similar disruptions in reproductive physiology by pesticide exposure. The findings had suggested that cypermethrin, even when administered in maize powder, had affected both food habits and reproductive outcomes, thereby posing significant ecological and toxicological concerns. Recommendations had been proposed to minimize dietary pesticide exposure and encourage safer agricultural practices.
Keywords: Cypermethrin; Estrus Cycle; Food Habits; Maize Powder Diet; Pesticide Toxicity; Reproductive Physiology; Musmusculus; Endocrine Disruption.
Page No: 301-311