Effect of Cadmium in Fertility of The Native Rabbits

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of oral exposure of cadmium chloride(CdCl2) on adult male rabbit fertility. Three oral doses of CdCl2 (3,6,and9 pmm) with drinking water were used for three months for each dose. Seminal fluid analysis were performed for rabbit semen samples. The sperm parameters ( sperm concentration, sperm motility percent, grade activity and abnormal sperm morphology percent) were studied . Cadmium level in seminal plasma was estimated by using atomic absorption . The results showed significant decrease(p<0.05) in sperm concentration in the group treated with 6 and 9 pmm of CdCl2 compared to control, while all doses caused significant differences(p<0.05) in sperm motility percent, grade activity and abnormal sperm morphology percent compared to the control. Also a significant decease (p<0.05) in sperm motility percent in treated group with 6 pmm compared to the group treated with 3 pmm of CdCl2. The orally treatment with 6 and 9 pmm of CdCl2 caused significant increase (p<0.05) of cadmium level in seminal plasma compared to those level in seminal plasma of control group.