Evaluation of the Fertility Indices of Female Mice Exposed to Dimethoate and Beetroot Extract (Beta vulgaris)

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate of the fertility indices of female mice exposed to Dimethoate and Beetroot Extract (Beta vulgaris).

Experimental Design: A completely randomized experimental design using standard methods for analysis.

Location and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Animal house, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt, Nigeria. GPS 4o47'50''N 6o58'49''E. This study lasted for 21days.

Methodology: Thirty (30) sexually matured female mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (A-F) with 5 mice each. They were exposed for a period of 21 days to Dimethoate and 100% extract of Beta vulgaris. Group A was orally administered distilled water and rodent pellet only and acted as control. Group B was administered 20mg/kg/day of Dimethoate only. Group C was administered 5mg/kg/day of Dimethoate + 250mg/kg/day of 100% fresh extract of Beta vulgaris. Group D was administered 10mg/kg/day of Dimethoate + 250mg/kg/day of 100% fresh extract of Beta vulgaris. Group E was administered 15mg/kg/day of Dimethoate + 250mg/kg/day of 100% fresh extract of Beta vulgaris. Group F was administered 20mg/kg/day of Dimethoate + 250mg/kg/day of 100% fresh extract of Beta vulgaris. At the end of the 21 days exposure the final weight of the mice in each group was taken and blood collected by ocular puncture for hormonal profiling. Hormones such as Prolactin, Progesterone, estradiol, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were analyzed based on the manufacturer’s instruction using Randox Monza assay kit. The females were then allowed to mate with fifteen unexposed males in ratio 2:1. At the end of 24 days and following successful parturition essential data were collected from the F1 animals.

Results: Results showed significant increase in body weight for groups that were co-administered Beta vulgaris as compared to Group B that was administered Dimethoate only. Litter size gradually decrease significantly from seven in the control to two in group B which received Dimethoate only. Reproductive hormones significantly increased in groups coadministered Beta vulgaris and Dimethoate compared with group B administered Dimethoate only.

It is thus deduced that B. vulgaris might increase fertility in experimental animals, while Dimethoate showed significant impact on the reproduction in female experimental animals by reducing the fertility indices, such as reproduction hormones, reduction in fetal implantation leading to low number of offspring (Litter size).