| dc.description.abstract | Mineral nutrition has a major effect upon animal productivity. Recently, the use
different sources of phosphorus in supplements have been discussed, these have
higher fluoride (F) content than traditional sources. Although F is considered an
essential element, most biological interest is turned to its toxic effects. Therefore, the
objective of the present study was to evaluate F metabolism, its effects upon liver
function, seminal quality, including oxidative profile, and, histomorphometric variables
of the reproductive system of ram lambs chronically exposed to sodium fluoride
(NaF). Twelve 5 month old ram lambs, maintained on alfalfa hay (3% BW) and nonfluorinated
water ad libitum were divided in 2 groups: Control, which received 5g
NaCl/animal + 0.2 mg I/Kg DM daily; and treated that received the same as control
plus NaF (4.7 mg F/Kg BW). Treatments were given by gavage, daily, for 150 days.
Blood, urine, fecal and ejaculate samples were collected. After 150 days of treatment
animals were euthanized and the pineal gland, testicle, tail of the epididymus, vas
deferens, and samples of bone and liver were collected. Serum, urine, and bone
values of F were higher in treated animals. No differences were observed in whole
pineal F content. Serum protein, albumin, and cholesterol concentrations were not
different between groups, also, no differences were detected in the plasma AST and
GGT activity. No histological changes observed in the liver, testicle, tail of the
epididymus, and vas deferens. In seminal samples, no differences were observed in
motility, viability, and spermatic morphology, concentration of reduced glutathione,
and zinc. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and
copper were lower in F treated animals than in controls. In conclusion, chronic F
treatment leads to F deposition in bones. The capacity of lambs to deal with F excess
is different than what is reported in other species. Chronic fluorine intake in lambs
does not lead to structural alterations of the reproductive system, nor affects seminal
quality. However, sub clinical alterations in the seminal oxidative profile can occur
and lead to impairment of fertility. | |
