# Phthalate plasticizer affects blood electrolytes, hormones, and reproductive parameters of black Bengal goats

## TL;DR

Exposure to phthalate plasticizers during pregnancy in black Bengal goats disrupts electrolyte balance, hormone levels, and reproductive outcomes.

## Contribution

This study demonstrates the adverse effects of phthalate exposure on reproductive and physiological parameters in pregnant goats.

## Key findings

- PHA-exposed goats had reduced sodium, chloride, and calcium levels compared to controls.
- PHA exposure significantly decreased estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and thyroxin levels.
- PHA-exposed goats showed prolonged gestation and postpartum reproductive issues.

## Abstract

The present study looked at how electrolytes, hormones, and postpartum reproductive physiology were affected in black Bengal goats (BBGs) when they were fed a phthalate mixture (PHA).

Twenty clinically healthy BBGs, 1–2 months pregnant, aged 6–8 months with a body weight of 10–12 kg, were chosen and randomly allocated to two experimental groups (n = 10 each). The BBGs of the treatment group (n = 10) were administered a standard ration containing a mixture of Diethyl Phthalate, Dibutyl Phthalate, Di-isobutyl Phthalate, and Dipropyl Phthalate phthalate. The non-treated control group (n = 10) received the goat ration without any phthalates up to parturition. Blood samples were taken from experimental pregnant goats just before parturition to analyze serum hormone and electrolyte levels.

The levels of sodium, chloride, and calcium were reduced (p < 0.05) in PHA-exposed goats than in the non-exposed control group. No significant difference was observed in potassium and phosphorus levels between the two groups. PHA-exposed goats showed significantly decreased levels of estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and thyroxin compared to control goats (p < 0.05). Postpartum reproductive traits, such as gestation length, postpartum heat period, abortion rate, and retained placenta, were significantly (p < 0.05) prolonged in BBG that had been exposed to PHA.

PHA plasticizer exposure during pregnancy affects the electrolytes, hormones, and postpartum reproductive physiology of BBGs.