Abstract

This work was designed to access reproductive status of Cypermethrin treated rams by measuring the scrotal circumference, live weight, live testicular width and length as well as some physiological parameters to determine its reproductive and general toxicity in Yankasa rams. Sixteen rams aged 18 to 30 months and weighing between 21.5 and 46.5 kg were used for this study. The 16 rams were divided equally into two groups: A (treatment) and B (control). Group A were given Cypermethrin (3%) at the dose rate of 3 mg/kg (0.1 ml/kg) body weight, topically. While group (B) were given distilled water at the same dose rate and route. These treatments were repeated fortnightly for a period of 12 weeks. The animals were weighed weekly using a measuring scale early in the morning before feeding. Their rectal temperature and respiratory rates were taken concurrently. Scrotal circumference, testicular width and length were measured weekly with the use of flexible measuring tape. Results showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups in all the parameters measured (P>0.05). It was concluded that Cypermethrin at the dose rate of 3 mg/kg body weight for twelve weeks increased body weight and scrotal circumference of treated rams, although there was no significant difference between the treated and control rams P>0.05. The treatment did not have any effect on the live testicular width and length, body temperature as well as respiratory rate of Yankasa rams studied. It was recommended that similar studies should be conducted in other domestic ruminants because species differences may play key roles in reproductive and general toxicity of Cypermethrin.

Key words: Scrotal circumference, Cypermethrin, measurements, rams, toxicity.