Effects of Dietary Exposure of Rabbit Does to Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate on Growth Performance, Blood Profile, Ovarian Follicles and Metric Parameters of Kittens

This study examined the systemic and cross-generational toxicological impacts of exposure to Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in female rabbits. Forty-five rabbit does were randomly distributed to five different groups with the following varied dietary inclusion levels of DEHP: 0 ppm (control), 100 ppm, 200 ppm, 300 ppm and 400 ppm, representing T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The daily feed intake remained similar (p>0.05), however, final live weight significantly (p<0.05) reduced at higher inclusion levels. Haematological analysis revealed a non-significant decrease in packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin. Serum biochemical results showed an acute hepatotoxicity, typified by an almost three-fold rise in Aspartate animotranferase (AST) (from 33.65 in T1 to 99.47 IU/L in T5) and a statistically significant increase in Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the treatment groups. Endocrine disrupting property of DEHP was noticed by a significant drop of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Estradiol (p < 0.05), which shows a correlation with ovarian atrophy and a significant erosion of Graafianfollicles. Furthermore, neonatal indices indicated serious developmental retardation as evidenced by the decreased anogenital distance and crown-rump length at T1 and T2, alongside absolute reproductive failure at 300 and 400 ppm inclusion levels. It can be concluded from this study that dietary DEHP is an endocrine disruptor in rabbits, with a potential to compromise metabolic health of rabbits, leading to total infertility at high doses.