A new British study suggests that a sharp decline in the fertility of male dogs in Britain in the past three decades could be due to chemical pollution.
Though controversial, the findings may shed some light on reports of perceived declines in the fertility of men in a number of countries, including United States, the United Kingdom and France.
According to background information in the new study, several reviews of human male fertility have reported a decline in sperm quality over the last 70 years, and an years, and a increase in reproductive problems, such as undescended testicles. But since different labs used different methods over the years, there's still debate over these findings.
However, the authors of the dog study said the previous studies on men suggest that an adverse environment is having an impact on men's reproductive systems. And the adverse exposure is thought to happen early in a man's life.
Since dogs and men share similar environments and similar reproductive systems, the researchers thought studying dogs might help provide some answers.
The study was conducted by Richard Lea along with the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.
The researchers looked at 26 years of samples taken from five breeds of dogs at a dog breeding center in the United Kingdom. These breeds included Labrador retriever, golden retriever, curly coat retriever, border collie and German shepherd. Sperm samples were taken annually from between 42 and 97 dogs.
According to the researchers, they found a significant decrease in the dogs' sperm quality during the study period.
The result also shows that the dogs' sperm and testes had levels of chemical pollutants that can harm sperm. These chemicals were also found in some pet foods, including brands marketed for puppies.
Though the new research found a connection between dog infertility and chemical exposure, it didn't prove cause and effect.
The study was published online August 9 in the journal Scientific Reports.
Source: U.S. News
Share It To Your Friends!
Loading...
